Author - The Journal

Gail Vanik: Don’t zone out on zones

When you walk into any garden center to shop this spring, more than likely the first question you will be asked is, “What zone are you in?” If you are going to be a successful gar...

DATE: Apr 30, 2021 | CATEGORY: Living

Gail Vanik: Don’t let snow hang too low

The arrival of the heavy, wet snow recently has been a very welcome sight not only for the water reserves for next summer, but also for the ski areas and recreationists as well. E...

DATE: Feb 19, 2021 | CATEGORY: Local News

Gail’s Garden: Treat your valentine to a garden plant

Next weekend brings one of the most celebrated holidays for the entire year. If you’re scrambling to figure out what to give your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day this year, the sol...

DATE: Feb 5, 2021 | CATEGORY: Local News

The scoop on poinsettias: poisonous or not?

Vic likes to do it at the garden center for shock value. Pop a poinsettia bract into his mouth and eat it, because we often hear at this time of year, “Oh, your poinsettias are lovely, but I...

DATE: Dec 18, 2020 | CATEGORY: Living

Plant food can prevent blossom end rot

Many people are growing their own vegetables for the first time this summer, and while that’s exciting and fun, it can also be frustrating when things don’t go exactly right. Mayb...

DATE: Jul 3, 2020 | CATEGORY: Living

Backyard farming brings peace of mind

When I was growing up outside of Baltimore, we had a neighbor named Bob Gettier. Bob was the original backyard farmer who planted a huge vegetable garden each summer. A commercial artist by ...

DATE: May 22, 2020 | CATEGORY: Living

Gail’s Garden: The large-tool hall of fame

Although your small tools may be the ones you turn to everyday, the larger ones can be even more important in your garden for a variety of reasons. There are a few that are essential and thi...

DATE: Feb 2, 2020 | CATEGORY: Living

For bugs, it’s a most wonderful time of the year

Happy Gardening New Year! As I was in the midst of my un-decorating flurry this week, I moved my displaced houseplants back to their permanent spots and noticed that we had uninvited guests ...

DATE: Jan 6, 2020 | CATEGORY: Living

A potted Christmas tree needs a special touch

Choosing the perfect tree is a time-honored family Christmas tradition, but going out into the forest to cut one isn’t the only option. Cut trees provide a wonderful aroma in your...

DATE: Dec 9, 2019 | CATEGORY: Living

How to deal with problem of suckers

If you are like many of us and have aspens planted in your Colorado yard, you know that eventually you have to deal with the annoying problem of suckers. While aspens and poplars ...

DATE: Sep 2, 2019 | CATEGORY: Living

Prune tomato plants for better fruit

Mention the word Tomato pruning or topping isn’t talked about much, but it’s something we’ve been playing with in the greenhouses on our winter crop, and we’re convinced it is the thing to...

DATE: Aug 8, 2019 | CATEGORY: Living

When your maple turns red before its time

One of the maple trees in my yard is looking like fall has arrived because it is already turning red. Since I know it’s way too early for that to happen naturally, that appearance is usually...

DATE: Jul 11, 2019 | CATEGORY: Living