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The Grumpy Gardener

Why Do Plants Have Latin Names?

July 30, 2010 | By Steve Bender | Comments (17)

A nagging question wracked your mind when you woke up this morning. “Why do plants have Latin names?” As always, Grumpy is here to reveal the truth and put you at ease. Some people think plants have Latin names because they were all named by Penelope Cruz. This is not true. They were named by Carlos Santana. Oops, you caught me […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Valentine’s Tulips — Now What? Grumpy Responds

February 26, 2010 | By Steve Bender | Comments (3)

Hey Grumpy! My husband gave me beautiful potted tulips that have bloomed for Valentine’s Day. What should I do with them now to enjoy their blooms in years to come? I know you’re supposed to plant bulbs in the fall, so I am lost. Thanks for your help! Lindsay Grumpy replies: Unfortunately, Lindsay, most of the big-flowered tulips don’t bloom for more […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Winter’s Brightest Hollies — The Sequel (& Other Inspiring Stuff)

January 22, 2010 | By Steve Bender | Comments (5)

You’ve seen the sequels to “Rocky” (all 112 of them), “The Godfather,” “Star Wars,” and “Harry Potter.” Now for the most exciting sequel of all. (Excuse me while I lower my voice two octaves.) “In a world torn by strife, disaster, and chaos, one plant rises above the destruction to bring hope and beauty to mankind — the deciduous holly.” […]

The Grumpy Gardener

When to Prune Encore Azaleas

November 27, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (15)

Question from Jack: My Encore azaleas are now blooming. When and how do I trim them, especially the long branches sticking up? Grumpy’s 100% correct answer: Encores bloom in both fall and spring, so if you prune them now, you won’t get flowers in spring. What you should do is prune them immediately after they finish blooming next spring. You […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Wanna Waste Money? Amend Your Soil

November 1, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (6)

‘Autumn Blaze’ maple at Bernheim Arboretum in Clermont, Kentucky Dear Grumpy Gardener, Why do I find some instructions saying when I plant my tree, I should not amend the soil with any compost, peat, other soil, or fertilizer? It says to backfill with the soil that was removed from the hole. Other times I have read to mix the removed […]

The Grumpy Gardener

All Your Garden Questions Answered in Just One Blog!

August 15, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (30)

Grumpians are well aware of the many over-the-top promises made every day on TV, radio, newspapers, and our beloved spam. That’s why I’m so happy to be continuing that fine tradition right here. I can’t answer ALL of your questions in one blog, obviously. But if a misleading title can trick you into reading further, you just may find out what’s gone wrong with […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Myrtle — Your Questions Answered

July 10, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (312)

Crepe myrtles are hot right now. In fact, no subject is of more interest to Southerners this summer, not even the stirring Presidential campaign of Ron Paul. Thus, the ever-generous, all-caring Grump will answer 10 of the most common questions about crepe myrtles directed his way every week. 1. What does crepe myrtle need to grow well and bloom? […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Coveting Camilla — Take a Load Off

April 24, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (15)

I love my readers! Recently, in a comment on my recent post, “Great Small Tree for Your Yard”, Vikki said she was thinking replacing a “coveted mimosa” with a Chinese fringetree. I replied that coveting mimosa was like coveting Camilla Parker-Bowles. Well, today faithful Grumpian, Jean, called my attention to a fascinating story involving the Duchess of York. Apparently, Camilla was preparing […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Making Forsythia (and Other Shrubs) Bloom

April 8, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (5)

As always, the generous Grump is here to answer your most perplexing garden questions. Here’s one about forsythia from Pam Nichols: Hi! I have three large forsythia that are about 20 years old. They are in full sun and have not been trimmed in a couple of years. The last two years they have had no blooms (well, maybe three […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Grasshopper Control — Get ‘Em Early

February 18, 2009 | By Steve Bender | Comments (2)

We had a terrible infestation of grasshoppers last year. What can we do to stave off these pests? Photo by turtlemom4bacon

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