Lawn, Gardening & Pests
A yard that feels and looks like home. A bountiful harvest. Grow your own and sow something beautiful.
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Recent News
Join the Winter/Spring 2027 Master Gardener Training
Master Gardener training classes for the late winter/spring 2027 term will be held every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., on January 7 through May 13. A total of 54 hours of training will be delivered through 18 sessions.
A few training sessions will still be offered in-person. Sessions, like the introductory class, might be offered in-person to allow those in the class to meet and interact with one another. Other sessions, such as plant propagation, pruning and landscape assessments, and student presentations might also be offered in-person, if possible. Think of it as having a "lab" that goes along with the “classroom curriculum.”
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Cosmos
If you’re looking to add color, charm, and pollinator appeal to your garden, cosmos might be the perfect fit. These bright flowers bloom throughout summer and into fall, thriving in full sun and less-than-perfect soil. Best of all? They’re easy to grow from seed, making them ideal for both beginner and seasoned gardeners.
Cosmos come in a variety of colors, such as pink, white, orange, yellow, and burgundy—and can reach heights of 1 to 6 feet, depending on the variety. Common species include Cosmos bipinnatus, which have tall, feathery foliage, and Cosmos sulphureus, which are more compact and heat-tolerant. Their light, airy texture adds movement and a wildflower aesthetic to garden beds, borders, and pollinator plots.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a colorful garden addition. These vibrant, fast-growing flowers can be food sources for people, wildlife, and pollinators. Sunflowers come in various shapes, sizes, and bloom colors.
Heights vary from 2 to 15 feet. Blooms start from 70 to 120 days after planting.
Zinnias
Zinnias are popular flowers for annual gardens as they are easy and quick to grow both from seeds and transplants. Known for their bold colors and long flowering season, zinnias are a member of the aster family and native to Mexico and Central America and will bring beauty to any garden.
As prolific bloomers all season long, they perform well in garden beds, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. After the first frost, zinnias can be planted in ¼ inch deep soil, and later seedlings should be thinned to 6 to 12 inches apart to promote air flow and prevent mildew. Mulching helps maintain moisture and dead heading spent blooms encourages continued flowering throughout the season. Zinnias tolerate drier soil better than overly wet soil.
Wildflowers
An established wildflower meadow can produce bouquets for the table, all while serving as the perfect haven for insects and wildlife. Adding these plots of wispy flowers transforms a manicured lawn into a magical getaway and can reduce time spent on the lawn mower!
The long-term success of a wildflower plot involves careful site selection and preparation. Most wildflower species need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day Ideally, wildflowers should be close to a water source so the planting can be watered until germination, as well as periodically in dry seasons. If possible, avoid soggy soils and areas with difficult-to-eradicate perennial weeds.