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Enjoy this hearty recipe that’s sure to please a crowd. The addition of eggs adds a custard-like consistency to the dish, making the mac and cheese fluffy. Experiment with different cheeses and fillings! If you add additional fillings, add a little extra milk so it doesn’t get too dry. Ingredients 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (8 oz. package) 4 tablespoons butter, cut up 2 cups Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese, cubed 1 cup Colby Jack of Cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 3 eggs, beaten 2.5 cups milk 1 cup heavy cream   Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degre ..read more

So, you want to use your fall leaves in your compost pile? Well, that is a great idea, but there are some things you need to know first. It is just a little bit more than simply throwing them in the pile and walking away.  Mulching If you have a mower with a bagger, this is probably the very best way to gather your leaves for composting. The mower will chop them up with some grass clippings and they will begin to decompose faster. However, not everyone has a bagger on their mower. Simply throw the leaves as they are on to your pile. You may even put them on your garden and till them unde ..read more

Watering your fall plants As autumn approaches and you prepare for your fall planting, it’s important to consider the most efficient way to water your plants. Hydro zoning is a method of planting that can help take away some of the guesswork. And, it might make it easier for your plants to grow and thrive. Not only that, but it also helps in conserving water and time. Hydro zoning involves grouping plants with similar water requirements together in the same area. This method helps prevent overwatering or underwatering. Both can be detrimental to plant growth. By planting plants with similar wa ..read more

Rhododendron Rhododendrons have long been a favorite among gardeners for their thick, glossy evergreen leaves and clusters of beautiful trumpet-shaped blooms. Their beauty is hard to beat, but don’t assume that since they are seen all over the place wildly they are a “plant it and forget it” kind of plant. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to grow and care for rhododendrons so that you can enjoy their beauty in your garden for years to come. Growing Rhododendrons First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right location for your rhododendron. Rhododendrons prefer a spot with dappled s ..read more

  Did you know that certain insects have the potential to act as natural pesticides?  Insects with benefits! These beneficial bugs can assist in keeping plant-damaging pests at bay without the need for harmful chemicals. By utilizing these natural predators, you can maintain a healthier growing environment for your crops and reduce your reliance on synthetic pesticides. Not only is this approach more environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money in the long run. So, consider incorporating natural pest control methods into your gardening practices and take advantage of the ..read more

There are a lot of different dogwood varieties on the market. You might be wondering what the real difference is. Just to look at them individually you may not see a lot of difference between any of them. But believe me, there are a lot of differences.  Native Dogwoods Native dogwoods will be labeled as Cornus Florida. These are the ones you will find growing out in the wild, at the edges of tree lines, and in natural gardens. Native dogwoods may have fewer blooms than some of the others or broader spacing between the blooms which makes it look like there are fewer blooms. Kousa Dogwoods ..read more

When you think of planting cover crops, you probably think that only huge farms do that. Well, you would be right in that most farms do plant cover crops after the harvest. However, there is no set rule about how large your planting area has to be. So, should you plant cover crops in your home garden? Why  Cover Crops are Used First, let’s answer the question of why. First, they slow the natural process of soil erosion. Leaving your garden bare after the harvest makes it susceptible to erosion, especially if it is on a slight grade or a dramatic incline. Also, cover crops are used to imp ..read more

 I found this squash casserole recipe on the Southern Living website. You may know that we carry a lot of Southern Living plants so I decided we would share another aspect of Southern Living with you this month. I hope you enjoy this simple recipe with huge flavor. PHOTO CREDIT: AARON KIRK; PROP STYLING: SARAH-ELIZABETH CLEVELAND; FOOD STYLING: JULIA LEVY Ingredients 3 pounds yellow squash, sliced 5 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 2 large eggs ..read more

Good vs. evil, the hummingbird moth. If you have ever seen one of these beautiful, graceful insects you have probably been as fascinated as I am with them or, scared out of your mind because you were not sure what it was. As beautiful as they may be, there is a darker side. Before they turn into the beauties that they are as you see them in flight, their caterpillar form can be quite destructive. If you know what I am talking about when I say “hornworm” then you know the destruction that can ensue in their wake. Tomato hornworms are known for their destruction of tomato plants. However, they ..read more