Archives by: Donna Hessel
About the author
Donna Hessel is the author of our Gardening Sweet Spots blog and has been working in gardens for as long as she can remember, pulling weeds and planting beans and radishes in her grandfather’s garden. A recent move to a smaller home and very small garden restricted to “containers only” has presented gardening challenges as well as new opportunities. She enjoys the camaraderie and benefits of belonging to the Emerald Necklace Garden Club, which is open to new members and encourages guests to attend its monthly meetings. To learn more, go to emeraldnecklacegardenclub.org.
Donna Hessel Posts
What would Picasso do? Or Van Gogh? Or Mondrian? Look at iconic paintings from these artists and imagine containers planted with flowers in the colors in their paintings. Keep in mind the thriller-filler-spiller design recommendation to keep your containers well balanced when selecting plants. ...
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Every garden needs a focal point – something for the eye to focus upon. A container can be a very effective focal point, whether left empty or planted. Here are some points to consider when choosing garden containers. ...
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The days are getting longer, garden stores are stocked with seed packets and onion sets. We're getting closer to garden season. This year, make plans to share your hobby with a child Their sense of wonder is refreshing and contagious. Working with plants and building a garden can bring all the senses alive, creating fun as well as providing the opportunity for learning life lessons. Blogger Donna Hessel shares creative tips on sharing the joys of gardening with children. ...
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Birth month flowers, like stars and gemstones, have symbolic and sentimental meanings. There's the January carnation, the April daisy and the October marigold, for starters. Find your birth month flower and see if its symbolism characterizes you. ...
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January is a great time to think about possibilities for gardening in 2021, even if they're not quite “resolutions.” Here are some suggestions you might consider. Your garden will thank you. ...
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Your family and friends — especially those who garden or enjoy watching birds — will appreciate gifts from your garden that you can make yourself. Read on for some suggestions from our gardening blogger, Donna Hessel. ...
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We can’t ignore it any longer. It’s Fall! Time to put the garden to bed for the winter and do some spring prep in those last few temperate days of an Indian Summer. Here are a few tips to help you get the job done. ...
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If you have a room or basement with a window that gets bright, indirect light with relatively cool temperatures (60-70 degrees is ideal), you can take cuttings from plants you’ve grown in containers or in your garden to root over winter. There are many plants that provide options for cuttings. Geraniums and coleus are two that are often recommended. Gryphon begonia and Wandering Jew root reliably. Taking cuttings is easy. Read on. ...
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