UNDERSTANDING ZONES

With a tough winter and a seemingly unending Polar Vortex cold snap, it’s pretty hard to imagine what it must be like for some of our poor perennial plants, shivering their way through the winter under a layer of snow. While we are endlessly thankful for inventions like furnaces and space heaters, we don’t envy the lives of our tough perennials these days!

FEEDING THE BIRDS

Is there anything more picturesque than an afternoon at the park, or tea on the patio while feeding the wild birds? It’s easy, fun, kids love it, and our feathered friends certainly appreciate the gesture. But one thing’s for certain: birds have a very selective diet, and while they may be quick to snatch up scraps of “people food” when it gets tossed out into the yard, that doesn’t mean it’s good for them. Here are few more friendly breadcrumb alternatives to consider.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN SPRING

When the temperatures plummet, and we take shelter in the warm atmospheres of our homes, our garden beds aren’t quite as lucky. Our plants are left to face the most frigid temperatures our Indiana winters can throw at them, and we often worry about what we’ll be left with when spring returns. With what they face - from snow to ice and more - will there even be a garden to return to in spring?

PLANT PARENTING 101

Having a houseplant around is the most zen way to bring nature indoors. We reap many benefits by having these wonderful, leafy companions with us through every season - from better air quality to a more beautified space.

Bringing plants into our homes from their native outdoors does come with a little bit of parenting. After all, you are taking care of a living thing that doesn’t speak your language when trying to ask for what it wants! Getting used to life on the inside takes a bit of transitioning, but for most plant parents it’s pretty straightforward:

S.A.D. AND PLANT THERAPY

Winter conditions have been shown to cause depression symptoms in up to 20% of Americans, so you aren’t alone if the season has you feeling down. Seasonal Affective Disorder (also aptly known as SAD) is common and makes this season feel impossibly long, so while we still have a long wait before spring, some solutions are needed until then.

EDIBLE GARDENING AND EATING HEALTHY

Any kind of gardening is rewarding, but there’s a special kind of pride to be harvested from an edible garden. Being able to feed our bodies, and our families, with fresh and wholesome home-grown produce pays dividends for our health and happiness. If you’re new to edible gardening, or just looking for ways to eat a little healthier to fulfill a new resolution, here are a few delicious, versatile, and easy-to-grow options to get started with.

HOLIDAY PROOFING YOUR HOUSEPLANTS

We work hard all year to provide for ourselves and our families, so when a holiday rolls around, we embrace the well-deserved break. For many of us, sitting at home just isn’t enough, and a vacation away is necessary. As if planning and packing for a trip isn’t enough work, it’s hard to focus on anything once our brains settle into that “vacation mode”. But if we remember to set up our houseplants to survive our absence, we’ll have lively plants to greet us upon our return.

HOLIDAY DESIGN TRENDS

While winter is not heavily associated with plants, the holidays are the one major exception! Traditionally, holiday greenery has been limited to evergreen boughs, poinsettias, and Christmas cactus. This year, however, there have been exciting trends in holiday greenery, incorporating fresh-looking herbs and foliage in muted, neutral colors. We’re also seeing a shift into understated holiday decor. The freshest looks for the 2018 holiday season are inspired by minimalism and simplicity.

Matthew DammannDecember 4, 2018winter, Indiana, Dammann's Garden Company, winter porch pots

CHRISTMAS TREES

It doesn’t truly feel like Christmas until we’ve brought home the tree! Decorating the tree as a family is as much of a tradition as the Christmas morning gift exchange. However, while you might have anywhere from five to fifty gifts under the tree at once, most families only get one tree! That’s why it’s essential to make sure we’re choosing the right tree and giving it the care it needs to last all season long.

OVERWINTERING TENDER ANNUALS

While some of our perennials are lucky enough to just be going into their beauty sleep for the winter, we’re saying goodbye to some of our favorite summer annuals. The approaching winter weather doesn’t have to mean the end for all of your annuals, though! Despite their name, many of these plants can thrive for years of summer weather if you save them from the cold.