Question: We just cleaned out a large, messy area in the corner of our yard for a vegetable garden. I was distressed to realize that we destroyed the habitats of bees, toads, lizards and others. Are gardens and natural habitats mutually exclusive?
Welcoming a pet into one’s life can be a rewarding experience. Pets promote compassion and discipline in their owners, and their companionship can be incredibly rewarding. They also can be helpful tools for teaching children responsibility.
The buddy system is widely used to help men and women get in shape. Friends can encourage their workout partners to get off the couch on days when their motivation might be waning, and partners can return that favor when the roles are reversed. And the benefits of the buddy system are not ex…
Question: The recent snowstorm that hit Douglas County did an enormous amount of damage to my landscape plants. I have lived in Douglas County for over 20 years and never had this much snow before. How should I prune my trees and shrubs to help them recover once the snow has melted?
Question: Can sweet potatoes and yams grow in our climate? Can you recommend some tips for growing them successfully in my backyard garden?
Accidents and storms can disrupt the electricity that powers everything in homes and businesses. A short-term loss of power can be a nuisance, but extended power outages can cause damage and may even be dangerous.
Kathryn Howard dance recital rescheduled
More than 150 vendors will take over the Douglas County Fairgrounds this weekend for the 2019 Home and Garden Show.
Master Gardener February continuing education program
I remember the second time I wondered if moving to the Roseburg area was a mistake. The first time was when I realized how very, very far away Target seems to be from my house (Why no Target, Roseburg? I will keep it in business single-handedly!) The third time was when I pulled a tick out o…
Question: I need some specific examples of groundcovers that are both fire-resistant and drought tolerant that grow well in our climate zone and would be attractive in my landscape design.
An ability to communicate effectively is a life skill that can serve a person well at any age. Communicating well is considered so essential that the Boy Scouts of America require prospective Eagle Scouts to earn communication merit badges.
I have yet to find a babysitter in the area brave enough to drive out in the boonies and babysit my five “spirited” boys in our tiny house with one bathroom. I know that this magical unicorn babysitter exists somewhere, but we have yet to cross paths.
Question: Now that it is winter and there is less daylight, I am curious as to how this change in light affects plant growth. And specifically, why is my Christmas cactus blooming while other plants are not?
Do you own or manage a small woodlot in Southern Oregon? Are you thinking about acquiring property? Are you a land manager, logger, arborist or simply a natural resource enthusiast? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then this conference is for you! Tree School Umpqua features 3…
Question: The birds that used to come to my garden every year and bring me such joy to watch don’t seem to be visiting as often. What berry bushes can I plant to attract them that are easy to manage and bird-friendly?
If you would like to produce more food from your yard think about planting a few fruit trees. Just a few trees can produce enough fruit to last you for many months if done properly. However, growing tree fruit in your backyard does take some knowledge and time. Without committing to both you…
Question: Can persimmon trees grow successfully in our area?
For one group of fourth- and fifth-graders, the grand opening of the Roseburg Public Library this month offered more than the chance to celebrate with the community.
Question: Could you give some specific examples of fire-resistant shrubs that grow well in our climate zone and would be attractive in my landscape design?
Douglas County has so many amazing things to offer and we are lucky to have so many incredible parks. My husband and I love to take our kids on all kinds of adventures and encourage them to explore.
Question: I love poinsettias and always buy them at Christmas time but then they die and I throw them away. How do I care for them so I can use them again and again?
Christmas is over, folks — We did it. Whether or not you got all those decorations out of the attic, whether or not your mother caused your eye to start twitching, whether or not you were up until 3 a.m. Christmas Eve putting together that train table, Christmas 2018 is in the books.
Question: We have weigela shrub in our front yard that has really pretty flowers and I would like to add a few more of these plants to our backyard. I’ve heard it’s possible to make new plants from a current plant. Can you tell me if this is possible and if so how to do it?
There is a sign near my house that displays different phrases almost every week. Some are comical, others are inspiring. It currently hosts, “Old ways won’t open new doors.” With the new year approaching, this is rather advantageous. Of course, it was probably intentional.
Question: I’ve always thrown out my holiday plants in January but I’ve been told that it is possible to help the beautiful amaryllis bloom again. Any tips on how to do that?
Last Thursday, one of my sons came home from school and asked if we were making gingerbread houses this year. It was an innocent question, but it almost made me cry.
Question: I came across a holiday recipe calling for sunchokes. What can you tell be about this unusual vegetable? What are your recommended techniques for growing them?
Don’t be surprised if your holiday party invite tells you to forgo the cocktail dress and wear your paint-ready attire this year. Local party-and-paint art studio, Create & Sip, is not only bringing the community together for public paint sessions, but it bills itself as the new trend in…
Do you know when I became a believer? I was 35 years old when I met Santa Steve.
Question: The phrase “firescaping” has been in the news recently. I’ve read that firescaping is a form of landscape design and routine maintenance to keep my home protected from potential wildfire risks; however, what specific steps should I take to achieve this goal?
Question: How do I get my orchids to rebloom?
Question: Are plants I can grow indoors that will provide festive color during the holidays?
