Heartland Gardening bloggers
(left to right: Michael Leach, Debra Knapke and Teresa Woodard)
Michael Leach, Teresa Woodard, and I were in Indianapolis in 2011 attending a GWA – The Association of Garden Communicators – conference. After a garden writers workshop we went out to dinner. Not an easy thing to do in a city where three other conferences were also in session. Over the second bottle of wine, while waiting for our table, we decided to create a blog together. We not only launched the blog, Heartland Gardening, but developed deep friendships.
In June, 2021, Michael passed, Teresa became more involved with her writing – please look for her book American Roots and her next book, Garden to the Max which will be published in March 2025. And I became involved with projects that focus on care for the Earth and and all who live on it. Teresa and I felt that it was time to let our blog settle into an archive as a beautiful testament to three gardeners who shared their passion for plants, people, and collaboration.
Enjoy.
Snapshots: Michael’s Daffodils
Hello, Yellow! Golden Daffodils and Trim Add Plenty of Curb Appeal By Teresa Woodard Our fellow blogger Michael Leach definitely has a green thumb, and his gardening efforts this month are showing some golden results! At his home southwest of Columbus, Michael...
Favorite Edibles: Carrots
By Debra Knapke Bugs Bunny did for carrots what Popeye the Sailor did for Spinach. How many lip-locked, head-swelling children were coerced into eating their carrots by mothers cooing, "...but Bugs Bunny eats HIS carrots." Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny of Looney...
Wanted: More Beekeepers to Sustain Local Stock
By Teresa Woodard I really don’t need another hobby. Yes, my teenage kids are growing more independent, but I already have a full plate with gardening, chickens and pets. So, do I really need to take on...
Bragging Rights Prompt Efforts for Year-round Harvest
Simple Techniques to Reap Early Rewards In my part of the Midwest, planting potatoes, peas and other cold-tolerant vegetables on St. Patrick’s Day is a garden tradition best kept in the breaking. Usually,...
Favorite Edibles: Tomatoes
Let Them Eat Tomatoes! By Debra Knapke I’ve seen reports that we are losing selections of our heirloom vegetables, but I can’t imagine trying to sort through more tomato options than we have right now. With...
Favorite Flora: Witchhazel
By Debra Knapke Depending on the weather, the hybrid witchhazels may be flowering right now. This plant blooms in winter after a brief warming period which means they can bloom anytime from mid-January to March. Watch for signs of swelling buds. And, make sure you...
Going Giddy for Spring Gardening Ideas
Ten ways to brighten your 2015 garden By Teresa Woodard Blame it on cabin fever, but I’m giddy over the jackpot of spring gardening ideas showcased at the recent Columbus Home & Garden Show. White kale and golden...
Plants, Gardens Becoming Trendy — Again
Science helps industry tout plant benefits to boost sales By Michael Leach Brace yourselves. Instead of being merely muddy and vaguely nerdy, we gardeners will soon appear cool and with-it to our family, friends and perhaps the rest of the world. In order to sell more...
Book Notes: Plants with Benefits
Amp Up Your Valentine’s Day with Some Sexy Plants By Teresa Woodard Planning a romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day? Well, seek out garden writer Helen Yoest’s intriguing book, Plants with Benefits for some helpful advice and titillating recipes. From arugula to...