Posted on by Maryland Grows
Q: Our place is almost entirely lawn and we want to convert the yard into a biodiverse, native habitat for birds and butterflies. Since it is almost fall, do we cover the grass areas with newspaper and then mulch on…
Read MoreCategory: Lawn & Garden Tags: Author:Ellen, garden for wildlife, landscape design, landscaping, lawn alternatives, Native Plants
Posted on by Maryland Grows
Q: Our backyard has very low spots where the water ends up after heavy rains. How do I deal with this? I would like to plant a garden of shrubs and perennials but don’t think many can take that much…
Read MoreCategory: Lawn & Garden Tags: Author:Ellen, rain gardens, stormwater management, trees and shrubs, wet soil
Posted on by Maryland Grows
Q: I would like to plant a more natural garden but am worried about irritating the neighbors who might think it is sloppy or not a garden at all! Any advice? A: Make a natural garden look intentional. Here are…
Read MoreCategory: Lawn & Garden Tags: Author:Ellen, landscaping, Native Plants, sustainable landscaping
Posted on by Maryland Grows
Q: These things like spaghetti pasta were sticking out of our tree that suddenly died. They crumbled when I touched them. Did they attack the tree and kill it? A: These are sawdust tubes pushed out by ambrosia beetles as they bore…
Read MoreCategory: Lawn & Garden Tags: ambrosia beetles, Author:Ellen, Insects, Trees
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Q: What groundcovers can you recommend for shade? I’ve removed all the English ivy and need something before erosion starts. I like evergreen ones, and I also have deer problems. A: Many of the following are deer resistant, if not…
Read MoreCategory: Lawn & Garden Tags: Author:Ellen, deer resistant, groundcovers, Wildlife
Posted on by Maryland Grows
I teach several Grow It Eat It classes throughout the year. This year, I wanted to create a portable “lettuce box” that I could take with me to my GIEI classes. I wanted my box to be easy to…
Read MoreCategory: Food Gardening Tags: Author:Ellen, Lettuce