Despite our recent run of foggy, cool weather, it is indeed Spring, and that means orioles and hummingbirds are back for their annual Cape vacation! These little birds come here all the way from Central and South America to enjoy our gardens and backyards for their breeding season.

Now that you've got your hanging baskets on the porch, some veggies in the ground, new perennials, and maybe a freshly reseeded lawn – it's time to think fertilizer! Keeping in mind the following facts about fertilizer can help you decide which is best for you and your garden.

You can't go wrong when planting Catmint (Nepeta) in your Cape Cod perennial garden! As yellow and pink bloom season begins to taper off, the purples are next in line; lavender, Russian sage, salvia, hyssop, and catmint (just to name a few). Now is the time to plant these, before they bloom, so you can enjoy them from start to finish. 

Why did we create Bug Week? Well, as gardeners and stewards of the land, insects make a significant impact on how we manage our landscapes. It is important to be able to recognize insect damage, identify the bug in question, know when to act, and which products to use - without damaging insect populations that may actually be helping you. 

The first 30 days of spring are the most critical period in pond health. This is where most pond keepers make their biggest mistakes. As water temperatures begin to rise, people assume their pond is “coming back to life” and shift into feeding, cleaning, and normal operation.  In reality, this is the most unstable time your pond will experience all year; fish are weak, bacteria are accelerating, and parasite populations are exploding. Timing is everything!

Did you know that only 12% of family businesses survive into the 3rd generation? Hyannis Country Garden is celebrating its 61st birthday this year! The garden center has gone through several significant changes over the years, and maybe some of you remember the store looking different than it does today. Let's reflect back together on where we came from as we look forward to continued growth! 

As Hyannis Country Garden approaches it's 61st birthday, we thought that we'd share one of our most important developments that makes us who we are today. In 2007, five employees, including President and General Manager Jocelyn Duffley, attended the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) conference for certification in organic land care. 

With unlimited varieties (cross-pollination creates new ones all the time!), in so many colors and intriguing flower patterns, it's no wonder why the dahlia has become so popular. From pom-pom blooms to spider-like petals, dahlias make the best bouquets and ensure a vibrant garden in the summer and fall months.  

We're finally seeing some green again, just in time for Saint Patrick's Day! After this winter, you may have feelings of worry about your gardens mixed in with the usual excitement for growth. You may be pleasantly surprised this Spring, as the recent weather has provided our gardens with a vital "reset".  

There is a lot of information out there on what to feed and what not to feed your pets. How do you choose from so many brands in order to provide the healthiest diet for your dog or cat, while keeping it convenient and budget-friendly for you? 

Gardening can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you're navigating limited mobility, chronic pain, injury recovery, or simply want to make gardening less taxing on your body, Adaptive Gardening will help you achieve your gardening goals in a comfortable way. 

"Winter Sowing" is the process of planting seeds in recycled containers, famously milk jugs, to leave outdoors in the winter for cold stratification and spring germination. You may consider this method if you want a "set it and forget it" style of seed starting, lack space indoors to start in trays, or if you forgot to scatter your spring blooming flower seeds in the fall.