Why PerennialsHow have your views of gardening changed over the years? I had always had an appreciation for gardens and gardening, but my interest was in trees and shrubs, evergreens in particular because of our long drab winters.
Recycle Your Bamboo RakeDon't throw away your old bamboo rake. The tines can be re-purposed as plant supports or cut up with a wire cutter as bulb markers or plant labels.
Moisture Crystals and Water-Loving Plants in GroundI don't have any boggy areas in my garden for water hogs like Canna and Colocasia. To reduce watering frequency, work in 2-3 times the recommended dose (5 gal. container) of dry moisture crystals.
Uses for PineconesIf you have lots of conifer trees in your yard and have been wondering what to do with all those cones after the crafts projects are done, try using them as a decorative mulch. I use cones from the Eastern White Pines (P. strobus). Lay down felted landscaping fabric and include an 8-12" mow strip of your favorite mulch at the perimeter. New additions every year keep it looking fresh. The only downside I've seen to date is that the squirrels sometimes raid it.
