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Let’s Dig Deep into Gardening
Quick links to some great gardening information
Meet Sharon!
Hi! I am Sharon Wallish Murphy. I grew up in my family’s greenhouse at the heels of my father, Charlie, who mentored and helped me to develop my passion – sharing the love of growing. After 20 years of having my own greenhouse, I can say that my mission is to empower others to find joy in their gardening journey and together we can make a more beautiful and life giving world.
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How to Choose a Healthy Poinsettia
I love Poinsettias, they signal Christmastime to me! So as you’re getting ready to bring poinsettias into your home, here are a few tips on choosing the right poinsettia! With all the choices out there, how does one pick a healthy Poinsettia that will last the whole season? I use 5 inspection points to assess whether a Poinsettia is healthy, and, to do that, I’ve created an acronym with the word ‘POINT’ to make sure I don’t miss anything. Poinsettias are called ‘Points’ for short in the horticulture industry, making this a quick and easy way to remember how to choose a healthy poinsettia. Here’s a quick look at my 5 POINT inspection: P = Photosynthesis – think ‘leaves’ O = Does the Poinsettia have Outstanding Flowers? I = IS the Poinsettia well hydrated? N = Does the Poinsettia have a Nice Shape? T = Is the Poinsettia Tiny Bug-Free? 5 Poinsettia Inspection Elements Using the Acronym P-O-I-N-T 1. P = Photosynthesis – think ‘Leaves’ 🍃 Leaves are the first indicator I inspect whenever assessing any plant. Leaves can give a lot of information about plant health, just as human faces can reveal how people are feeling. Leaves are the center of photosynthesis, and healthy green leaves are one of the barometers of plant health. I look for rich, dark green leaves. Leaves with burned edges or ones that are pale, yellowed, curled, dried up, spotted, or limp indicate some level of past or current metabolic stress. Torn or leaves
How to Choose a Healthy Poinsettia
I love Poinsettias, they signal Christmastime to me! So as you’re getting ready to bring poinsettias into your home, here are a few tips on choosing the right poinsettia! With all the choices out there, how does one pick a healthy Poinsettia that will last the whole season? I use 5 inspection points to assess whether a Poinsettia is healthy, and, to do that, I’ve created an acronym with the word ‘POINT’ to make sure I don’t miss anything. Poinsettias are called ‘Points’ for short in the horticulture industry, making this a quick and easy way to remember how to choose a healthy poinsettia. Here’s a quick look at my 5 POINT inspection: P = Photosynthesis – think ‘leaves’ O = Does the Poinsettia have Outstanding Flowers? I = IS the Poinsettia well hydrated? N = Does the Poinsettia have a Nice Shape? T = Is the Poinsettia Tiny Bug-Free? 5 Poinsettia Inspection Elements Using the Acronym P-O-I-N-T 1. P = Photosynthesis – think ‘Leaves’ 🍃 Leaves are the first indicator I inspect whenever assessing any plant. Leaves can give a lot of information about plant health, just as human faces can reveal how people are feeling. Leaves are the center of photosynthesis, and healthy green leaves are one of the barometers of plant health. I look for rich, dark green leaves. Leaves with burned edges or ones that are pale, yellowed, curled, dried up, spotted, or limp indicate some level of past or current metabolic stress. Torn or leaves
Growing Food
How to Store Seeds
Are you a seed collector? I am. I have a way of amassing an impressive collection of seeds that I purchase each spring, plus I
How to Put Away for Hoses and Rain Barrels in the Fall
Ice is a Threat to Watering Systems Gardens in plant growing zones 5 and under face annual winter freezing temperatures that can damage watering systems.
How to Freeze or Dehydrate Herbs
As the weather cools and we harvest what’s left of our gardens, you may be wondering what to do with any surplus of herbs you
Growing Annuals
How to Store Seeds
Are you a seed collector? I am. I have a way of amassing an impressive collection of seeds that I purchase each spring, plus I
How to Put Away for Hoses and Rain Barrels in the Fall
Ice is a Threat to Watering Systems Gardens in plant growing zones 5 and under face annual winter freezing temperatures that can damage watering systems.
How to Prepare a Great Planting Hole
Most people look at Fall as the last gardening season of the year, but I think of Fall as the first, because really, everything you
Container Gardening
How to Safeguard Your Perennials from Unpredictable Winter Temperature Swings
Avoiding Winter Thaw Worries Gardening is a four-season endeavour. For us in the north, it’s usually a quiet time, but we still need to watch
How to Store Seeds
Are you a seed collector? I am. I have a way of amassing an impressive collection of seeds that I purchase each spring, plus I
How to Put Away for Hoses and Rain Barrels in the Fall
Ice is a Threat to Watering Systems Gardens in plant growing zones 5 and under face annual winter freezing temperatures that can damage watering systems.
How to Put Away for Hoses and Rain Barrels in the Fall
Ice is a Threat to Watering Systems Gardens in plant growing zones 5 and under face annual winter freezing temperatures that can damage watering systems.
6+ Front Door Planter Ideas to Make Your Entrance Shine [+ Downloadable Charts]
Here are the best front door planter ideas to help brighten up your entrance this spring and summer.
Marigolds: A Simple and Easy Plant for Any Sunny Garden
If you’re passionate about gardening, want a stunning addition to your garden, or are looking for simple flowers to grow, Marigolds could be a perfect
Meet Sharon
Sharon Wallish Murphy grew up in her family’s greenhouse at the heels of her father, Charlie, who mentored and helped her develop her passion – to share the love of growing. After 20 years of having her own greenhouse, her desire is to empower others to find joy in their gardening journey and together we can make a more beautiful and life giving world.
The Perfect Place For Plants
Children's Book
In 2019, Sharon pulled out her pen and wrote The Perfect Place for Plants.
