Author: liathappleton

Colonial America’s Gardens

Earlier this summer I traveled with my daughter and two grandsons (ages 13 and 10) to visit Washington, D.C., Mt. Vernon, Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg as we learned about our founding fathers and early colonial American gardens. Continue Reading →

Thrips

Thrips are very small plant-feeding insects. Adults are elongate and slender with fringed wings. Immatures look similar, but are smaller in size and lack wings. Color can vary from pale yellow to dark brown-black. Continue Reading →

In the Vegetable Garden – August, 2018

  • July 30, 2018
  • Comments Off on In the Vegetable Garden – August, 2018

At this time of year I love my vegetable garden first thing in the morning when plants are fresh and perky, yet I am ready to yank it all out when I see it in the late afternoon — wilted and droopy, begging for mercy. Like a good little gardener, I plant my vegetables in full sun, which takes a toll on summer plantings when our intense, hundred-degree days roll around. Continue Reading →

Robber flies

by Wizzie Brown Robber flies, while often startling to see in the garden, are some of the good guys. These flies feed on a wide variety of other arthropods, helping … Continue Reading →

Easy Composting with Worms!

June 9, 2018, Master Gardener Compost Specialist, Tommie Clayton, gave a talk at the Zilker Park Botanical Gardens on composting with worms. Many have asked for a copy of her presentation, and she has graciously offered up a pdf version. Continue Reading →

Hornworms

by Wizzie Brown Tomato and tobacco hornworms are very large caterpillars that can quickly defoliate plants and/or damage fruits. They feed on solanaceous plants (nightshade family), such as tomatoes, tobacco, … Continue Reading →