Dear ##firstname[Friend]##,

Crystal Rennicke

Spring marks the beginning of many things. For us at Birds & Blooms, it means the launch of our new Birds & Blooms blog! We’ve hand selected 6 regional reporters to blog about what’s going on in their area and answer any questions you might have. There is also an Editor’s Blog where you can get updates from the staff at Birds & Blooms.

To celebrate this new venture, we’re having a giveaway! Gardener’s Supply Company is giving away fifty $50 gift certificates just for reading. All you need to do is sign up to receive the Garden Club newsletter. (If you received this in your inbox, you’re already entered!) Tell your friends!

Want to see Melinda Myers? She’ll be sharing tips at the Macy’s Flower Show in Minneapolis today. For those not in the area, the Macy’s Flower show is also being held in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Chicago and San Francisco. For more information, click here.

Happy Gardening!
–Crystal

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READ ON TO DISCOVER...

• Regional Report
• Plant of the Month
• Yard Smarts
• Question of the Month
• Frugal Backyard Tip
• Submit Your Story

Regional Report

Spring has officially started, but that means different things depending on where you live. Click on your region below to read more from your regional blogger on our Birds & Blooms blog.

• Southwest
• Midwest
• Northeast
• Northwest
• South Central
• Southeast

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Herbert Olson

Plant of the Month

Passionflower
Early Christian missionaries discovered passionflowers in South America in the 1500s. They named the bloom for the way its intricate parts can symbolize elements of the passion of Christ. The lacy fringe of petals represents a halo or crown of thorns, the five stamens are the five wounds, the three stigmas are the nails from the cross and the 10 petals are the 10 most faithful of Christ’s apostles.

Botanical name: Passiflora
Bloom time: Summer to fall.
Hardiness: Zones 7 to 9, varies with species. 
Size: 15 to 50 feet long. 
Flowers: Purple, lavender, blue, pink, red, yellow and white. Fragrant.
Light needs: Full sun or partial shade. 
Growing Advice: Grow from seed or nursery plants. Provide support for its tendrils to grab and twine. In colder areas, the plants should receive southern or eastern exposure and be protected by a building or wall.
Prize picks: Blue passionflower is popular for its blue-to-white flowers and evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage. Incense sports 5-inch wide violet flowers.

Learn more about 9 other favorite vines.

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Shari McDermott

Yard Smarts

Oh Deer!
To discourage deer from munching on young trees, tie white plastic bags to some of the branches. Perhaps the bags look like white tails—the deers’ “warning system”. They’re also visible on moonlit nights and rustle in the breeze. Whatever the reasons, the bags work for me. –Jean Jungst, Garfield, Minnesota

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Question of the Month

Jacob’s Ladder, RDA-GID

Woodland Wildflowers
What kinds of wildflowers and plants will grow in woodlands—especially evergreen woods—where there is little or no sunshine? I’m especially interested in perennials. –Everett Lastine, Jasper, Minnesota

Melinda: Look to nature for your answer. Trillium, Jacob’s ladder, wild geranium, trout lily and Virginia bluebell are just a few spring-blooming wildflowers that will add subtle bursts of color.

Add black cohosh (Cimicifuga) for summer  color. Cultivated plants, such as ferns and astilbe, can add texture and color to your shade garden. Check with your county Extension service or a local nature center to obtain the names of local wildflowers and retail sources that sell them.

For answers to your gardening questions, click here.

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Frugal Backyard Tip

Plant Hangers for Pennies

I have chain-link fence around my backyard and wanted to brighten it up with plants. Ordinary shelf brackets from the hardware store work perfectly for hanging plants.

Tap one leg into the fence so it’s snug, with the other leg parallel to the ground. Loop an “S” hook through the hole at the top of the bracket to hold your basket. If the planter is very heavy, you may need to tie the bracket to the fence rail for extra support.   —Elwin Trump, Wymore, Nebraska

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Submit Your Story

Do you have a question for Plant Doctor, Melinda Myers? Send your inquiries to our Glad You Asked-Blooms department using our Submit Your Story form.

Submit your story»

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