Judy Ratta-Harrington shares seasonal tips on a variety of topics including vegetable gardening, lawn care, backyard chickens and wild bird happenings. Questions about what to do now in the garden? Contact Us!
As Judy reflects on some of the tough aspects of the early spring and summer, she celebrates the newest harvests! Garlic here we come!…And maybe sneak an early potato or two? Why not!?
As the Solstice passes solemnly, join Judy as she keeps constant vigilance for pests and disease, and enjoys the show-stopping wave of color from the daylilies (did you know she bred some of her own?). And what would Judy’s musings be without some wildlife antics? Read on, dear reader!
Read MoreOh boy, is there a lot to catch up on for the month of June!
Join Judy as she deals with the fallout of cold weather at the end of May, all the way to HOT, humid weather, and now severe drought conditions! But, there are successes and still lots of hope for the newly (replanted) seedlings, and the tenacious perennials. Not to mention…what the heck is going on with the wildlife at the Knoll! Read on, dear reader!
Read MoreIt’s May, and Judy’s spring gardens have been in full swing!
Join Judy as she navigates the drastic swings in temperature and weather in the garden—and some frustration that her seedlings can’t quite go outside with these nebulous conditions. However, even with the hot weather (and freeze in April), the joyful blooms in the garden and newly arrived feathered friends are heartily welcomed.
Read MoreWhat the heck is April doing?!
Join Judy as she navigates the moody weather conditions of this spring month. Between snuggling in pea plants to shelter them from cold, to prepping garden beds with amendments, to—wait… is it suddenly too hot to work outside?
Indeed! Time to enjoy the April blooms and wildlife antics! Read on, braveheart!
Read MoreThere is so much going on that Judy’s new blog post couldn’t wait until April!
Join Judy as she tackles her early spring to-do list in the yard & garden—with some advice too! With the snow gone, spring is truly upon the Knoll. New birds, new weeds, new flowers!
Read MoreJudy contends with the final grips of winter (and trying to catch up on the last of winter chores!). Though these last dregs of pesky winter are an annoyance, they bring the jovial arrival of spring birds!
Judy also tackles the BIG changes coming to our natural lawn program. She provides an update on Kent Nutrition/Blue Seal’s regrettable decision to discontinue beloved products. But take heart! We are working on solutions. Read on!
Read MoreThe first calls & tweets of springtime are beginning to ring out! Bird activity and antics are ramping up—and giving Judy & Gene a laugh!
Judy has spring on the brain too! Join her as she gives her tips & tricks for successfully starting veggie seeds.
Read MoreBeing cooped up after knee surgery is giving Judy some cabin fever! But, she is still plotting and gently working away…
Join Judy on her latest blog post as she surveys deer damage, plans her next pruning session, and starts dreaming of springtime gardening!
Read MoreJudy gets her last-minute gardening chores (keeping pests away from treasured plants & strawing in garlic) in just before the snow and her knee surgery!
Now it’s time for quiet winter, watching wildlife, and enjoying each other’s traditions.
Read MoreThe diminishing light of November isn’t diminishing Judy’s tenacity in the yard! Though, maybe it’s slowing things down.
Join Judy as she finishes up some lingering fall chores, enjoys a new brew, and spies the changes in the Knoll.
Read MoreAlas, Autumn is upon us, and the growing season is at an end. A time of rest for Judy? Not yet!
Join Judy as she takes stock of this year’s harvest, puts the gardens to bed, and gets her fall garlic planted.
Read MoreSummer’s ends means autumnal beginnings…join Judy as she relishes the final days of summer (even with the tough, drought conditions). Between processing this year’s harvest, unusual wildlife, and the migrating hummingbirds—there’s a lot to do and a lot to enjoy!
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