The New York Invasive Species Council calls August “Tree Check” month and asks people to keep an eye out for harmful bugs.  WHAT TO LOOK FOREmerald ash borer: a half-inch long, metallic green beetle. Adults emerge from ash trees in June and fly through August. Emerald ash borer. Asian Longhorned beetle: a large, shiny black …

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on people across the globe and locally. People are spending more time at home, and in turn, have developed new home- and yard-based hobbies. This year more than ever, people are working in their gardens and starting backyard birding. The birding trend has really taken off, and in turn, …

A toad can eat massive amounts of insects in a single summer—up to 10,000, according to gardeningknowhow.com. Toads help naturally keep garden pest population under control; this voracious amphibian’s diet includes beetles, snails, slugs, spiders, flies, grubs, crickets, etc. A source of water and shelter will attract toads. A toad house can be as simple …

For about ten years, the author did garden design, installation, and maintenance in greater Rochester. Courtyard gardens were especially fun and rewarding. I have a community garden to thank for getting me into horticulture in the first place. I was twenty and living in an egalitarian community (secular commune) of about 100 people in central Virginia. …

Weather-resilient plants are those that can withstand extremes in weather and thrive long-term under these conditions. Whether you are planning a new garden or want to fortify an existing garden that is suffering from drought, flooding, unpredictable frosts, heat waves, or storm damage, the following guidelines should help improve the survival rate of your plants. …