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Holly Shimizu's Blog
Explore the blog for gardening tips, information about seasonal considerations, native plants, design recommendations, benefits of gardening, helpful books and tools, and much more! Browse articles below, click on the categories to explore by topic, or use the search button to find what you are looking for.
Tree Canopy in Maryland
Taking care of existing large canopy trees has gained great momentum throughout Montgomery County. Tree Canopy is any area covered by...
Help Save Our Fireflies
My appreciation for fireflies soared when my friend who lives in Tokyo came to stay with me last June. Seiko had never seen fireflies. ...
Bird Plants
Since 1970, 2.9 billion birds have been lost, according to Cornell University. This staggering decline is primarily due to pesticides,...
Have Fun Creating Container Beauties
A container filled with blooming plants will bring you great joy throughout the summer. The plants you select should be tailored to the...
Some Favorite Trees
Trees that have a long-life span, like oaks, tend to grow more slowly than short-lived trees such as cherries. Please don’t plant a crepe...
Sources for interesting Seeds
In order to find the most exciting or specific varieties of seeds that are difficult to locate at local nurseries, it is sometimes...
Mulches – the do’s and don’ts
I love winter mulches for many reasons. However, I dislike some of the current mulch types and practices that are not only ugly, but...
Certify Your Garden as a Wildlife Habitat
Want to make a commitment to healthy gardening practices for people, wildlife, and the environment? You can do so by having your garden...
Summer Gardening Checklist
Even though summers tend to be hot and muggy, it’s important to find time to work in your garden. Your effort will help keep up with...
Herbal Teas from the Garden
Making teas from the garden is an easy, healthy, refreshing way to experience herbs. Herbal teas are often referred to as tisanes or...
Health Benefits of Gardening
Now, more than ever, I am appreciating my garden. Being outside working with plants and harvesting fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers...
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens Homeowners should consider creating “rain gardens” because they can significantly reduce water issues. When rain pours...
Putting the Garden to Bed for Winter
January is the time to put your garden to bed. It is tempting to leave any gardening chores until the first signs of spring but your...
Organic Lawn Care
September is the best time to work on the lawn. In fact, Fall is a better time than in Spring. As the days get shorter and the...
Great Native Perennials
Why am I so devoted to the choice of native plants? Native plants exemplify our distinctive geographical place. Thus, planting them in...
Garden Pathways
Garden pathways should be designed to be more than a utilitarian element in your garden. Pathways provide walking surfaces through your...
Suggestions for Climbing Plants
Vines fulfill specific needs and provide surprising beauty by growing vertically. They will grow up on fences, trellises, along walls or...
Highlights in the Winter Garden
A bright feature for a winter garden is the southern magnolia tree (Magnolia grandiflora) which has large shiny leaves and a sturdy...
Creating A Habitat Garden
A well designed garden provides pleasure for humans and, if done with sensitivity, can simultaneously become a sanctuary for birds. Often...
Growing Plants from Seed
Late winter is a great time to get a head start on spring by setting up a suitable place in the basement to start growing plants from...
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