Garden Profile: Bonnie Helander’s Garden
April 13, 2013 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
Spring is here and Fayette County gardens are bursting into bloom. Since we have so many talented gardeners and stunning gardens in our community, Fayette Woman is initiating a new segment, Garden Profiles. Periodically throughout the year, I am going to highlight a lovely garden in our area so you can enjoy the beauty [...]
Hot Plants for the Spring Garden
April 11, 2013 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
Each spring, gardeners flock to local nurseries to learn what new plants are available to add color, texture, fragrance and the “wow” factor to their landscapes. To get advice on some of the must-have plants to look for this year, I talked to some local experts who are just as excited as the gardeners about [...]
Backyard Chickens in PTC?
April 9, 2013 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
Campaign Underway to Bring Backyard Chickens to Peachtree City It was really just a fluke that got Peachtree City resident Julee Smilley keeping chickens: a friend was moving and could not find a place for her four pullets (young hens). Julee offered to find them a new home, but she soon became charmed by the [...]
Best Fruit Plants for the Southern Garden
February 17, 2013 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
Mid-winter is the perfect time to plant fruit trees and shrubs in anticipation of enjoying your own delicious harvest in the years ahead. Many people are reluctant to grow fruit because they believe the process is too challenging. While growing some fruit, like peaches and apples, can be a daunting task, you’ll be surprised how [...]
Gardening Resolutions for the New Year
January 22, 2013 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
It’s that time of year again when we make those half-hearted resolutions that will be forgotten before January has ended. If you are like me, you probably put “lose ten pounds and exercise more” on your list every year! We’re great at focusing on personal health and fitness goals, but we often neglect to consider [...]
Reap the Health Benefits of Gardening
October 25, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
Do you view gardening as “yard work” and see it as a chore? If so, you need to change your perspective. Numerous scientific studies emphasize the amazing health benefits associated with gardening. Gardening positively affects the body, mind, soul and spirit. Instead of looking for a wonder drug, why not try this wonder activity? Gardeners [...]
Showy Shrubs for the Southern Garden
October 12, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
Shrubs are the “glue” in the garden, providing a connection between towering trees and small perennials and annuals. They form the middle layer of plants in the landscape to give a cohesive look. Once established, most shrubs require less maintenance and will flourish for years to come. Fall is the perfect time to plant new [...]
Registration Opens for Gardening Classes
May 11, 2012 by Fayette Woman
Filed under outdoor
The Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting registrations for the following activities in May. Advance registration is required, and spaces are limited. For more information, call 770-716-4320 or visit online at www.fayettecountyga.gov/parks_and_recreation. The following programs for adults and teens are offered in partnership with the Fayette County Extension and will be taught [...]
Gardening tips to avoid injury and discomfort
April 20, 2012 by Fayette Woman
Filed under outdoor
It’s that time of year again when you can dig your hands into the dirt, spread seeds over the freshly turned earth, and smell the delicious scent of green plants growing. Gardening is very healthy, both physically and mentally. In addition to providing exercise, gardening delivers health benefits in the fresh foods you eat and [...]
10 Tips to Host a Great Garden Party
March 15, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
As warmer days arrive and your garden springs back to life, why not share your outside space with family and friends by hosting a garden party? You can’t beat the beauty of nature and the lift to your spirits when you are outside. Whether you are planning a formal wedding or just having a casual [...]
Tips to Grow a Lush Lawn
March 3, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
As springtime approaches, we yearn for the smell of a freshly-mown lawn. While we are weeks away from getting out the mower, you can begin preparations now to grow a lush lawn this year. To get expert advice, I talked to George Long, a Fayette master gardener extension volunteer with a degree in Agriculture and [...]
Rose Pruning Made Easy
March 1, 2012 by Fayette Woman
Filed under outdoor
by Cindy Dale, Master Rosarian This is the time of year for gardeners to prune their roses. The South Metro Rose Society would like to offer the following information to help with this task: 1. The purpose of rose pruning is to remove dead wood, reduce the size of the bush which concentrates the energy [...]