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Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

September 29, 2011 by Jeanne

You’d think that learning the science behind the mystery and beauty of why leaves change color in the fall would taint my appreciation of this annual display, but not so. In fact, I’m more in awe than ever of the wondrous world around me here on the farm as I learn the intricate dance between genetics and environment that transforms the trees at Seven Oaks into fireworks of color.  Please read my latest essay for Main Line Gardening here, where I summarize the science behind why leaves change color.

Filed Under: How to Garden

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chive plants in bloom with lettuce

Growing vs. Wild Foraging Medicinal Herbs: My Perspective

Growing vs. wild foraging medicinal herbs is a real concern among newbie herbalists. The other day, I shared pictures of my herb seedlings (mallow, parsley, and savory) on Facebook. A nervous nellie immediately wrote, “I would be so AFRAID to do that! How can you know they are safe?” Well, first of all, parsley and…

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Sunfinity sunflowers in pots

Sunfinity Sunflowers: A Long-Lasting Burst of Summer Color

I love sunflowers, so when the National Gardening Bureau reached out with the news of Sunfinity® Sunflowers, I had to check them out. This new sunflower variety keeps blooming long after traditional sunflowers call it quits. While many common varieties offer only a few weeks of color and stop producing flowers once cut, this series…

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bamboo fountain

Buy vs. Build Your Own Garden Fountain

Are you trying to decide whether to buy or build your own garden fountain? I’ve done both, and each approach has pros and cons. I’ll unpack them for you, below, plus include links to some of my favorite products. Home Garden Joy participates in the Amazon affiliate program. We earn a small commission on product…

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a wheelbarrow with bag of soil, trowel, pots and plants

Understanding Fertilizer: A Complete Guide for Home Gardeners

Understanding fertilizer is an important skill for beginning gardeners. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics. By the end of this article, you’ll understand fertilizer, what it is and what it does, and how to use it appropriately in the garden. Introduction: Why We Use Fertilizer in the Garden . Plants absorb nutrients…

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