Tri-CityHerald.com

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Garden Tips: Avoid herbicide injury to plants

When weeds appear in the lawn and landscape, many homeowners turn to chemical weedkillers to take care of the problem. Herbicides (weedkillers) kill plants. That is what they are supposed to do. When used correctly, they can be an effective tool. When used improperly, they can damage desirable plants...

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Garden Tips: Peonies need room to grow

One of my first gardening memories is helping my grandmother cut peonies. When I close my eyes I can see those pretty rosy pink, blowsy flowers and smell their sweet fragrance.

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Marianne Ophardt: Too much love kills orchids

Mother’s Day is approaching. Some lucky moms will be the recipient of a beautiful blooming orchid plant on their special day, but then comes the challenge of knowing what to do after the blooms fade. Don’t worry. Most orchids are easy to grow.

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Marianne C. Ophardt: Topping trees never a good idea

I have restrained myself for a while, but after a visit this past week to one of our local shopping centers, I can’t stop myself from saying something. Have you seen the awful way that trees are pruned in many local shopping centers and commercial landscapes?

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Build tower to grow potatoes in small space

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Marianne Ophardt: Healthier grass comes to those who wait

It’s difficult to wait to fertilize your grass in the spring when everything in the yard is turning green, but you should wait. Greening your lawn early in the spring may make you feel good, but it’s not recommended.

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Marianne Ophardt: New smaller shrubs to try in your garden

MARIANNE OPHARDT

Marianne Ophardt: Check soil temperature before applying herbicides to crabgass

At this time of year, I’m often asked about when to apply crabgrass preventers or pre-emergent herbicides. These herbicides are applied to a lawn before the majority of crabgrass seeds germinate.