By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener Several years ago good friend, former teacher and motivational speaker, Vernon Zurcher, 1929-1997, prepared and presented a slide presentation “Plants are like People.” I have remembered many of his illustrations and think of them often when I am in my garden. After I became an Indiana Naturalist Master, I …read more.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener When it’s your garden, you have a personal attachment. Someone may do the planting, but you will not be far away, not missing a moment of all that is involved. It’s time to get busy, too, if you want to have fruit and flowers for summer. Finally we have …read more.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener SYRACUSE — Herbs are grown for their flavor, aroma and in some cases they are known to keep us healthy. All parts of the herb plant are used in some way for culinary arts or home amenities depending on the species. Most often it is the leaves, and to …read more.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener SYRACUSE — “The Herbalist,” a book I have had for many years gave me insight to start herb gardening. With the basic folklore that herbs need full sun and well drained, but not necessarily improved, soil I preceded to plant herbs in a prescribed location with this recipe. As …read more.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener Soil, site, sun and surroundings are situations to consider for an herb garden. Other factors to consider would be available water, prevailing wind direction and the choice of herb plants the family desires for their culinary menu. Plants mentioned here and beyond are family favorites. Zone 5 inhibits seed …read more.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener SYRACUSE — The spirit of the winter season to me is my indoor garden. Short days are enhanced with indoor space created by a professional design or an off season project built from reusable materials. It can be used this time of year to care for tropical plants or …read more.