Each time someone declares, “I don’t like junipers.”, I can’t help but wonder which unfortunate juniper they met. Somewhere along the way, there was probably one sad, skeletal, over-pruned shrub crouched beside a gas station or abandoned foundation planting, and suddenly an entire genus was sentenced for life. It’s a bit like saying you don’t like dogs because you once met a badly behaved Chihuahua. Junipers are one of the most versatile, resilient, and visually diverse group

After a slow, cool, and very wet spring across our region, it’s natural to feel behind in the garden. You’re not. In fact, this kind of spring often sets the stage for a strong, resilient summer garden—if you work with the conditions rather than against them. A few gentle reminders for right now: Soil needs time to warm and dry before planting Tender crops (beans, corn, annuals) are best left until late May or early June Seedlings benefit from gradual exposure outdoors (harde