Choosing The Right Container
There are many different containers available, but which kind is best for your plants? Read on to find out! 
An important part of growing happy and healthy houseplants is choosing the right container for them. There are several different kinds of pots available and different types of plants need different types of pots. Here is a look at what’s available and what they are best for:
Plastic- Most houseplants are sold in plastic pots and for the most part, it’s fine to keep them in them. Plastic pots are durable, shatter proof and keep the soil from drying out too quickly. They come in a wide array of sizes and colors-some even look like terra cotta or stone. Try to find the type that comes with a saucer that snaps on the bottom to protect your furniture. Just make sure to remove it when you water to insure proper drainage. Discard any pots that have cracks or chips in them as the edges can be sharp and they may leak when you water. Read more about Choosing The Right Container
Houseplant Diseases
Like people, houseplants can contract diseases. Some are caused by bacteria, others by viruses or fungi. There are several diseases that affect houseplants. Here's a look at the most common and how to treat them.
Read more about Houseplant DiseasesMaking Your Holiday Flowers Last
If you were lucky enough to receive a floral arrangement for Christmas, here are some tips to keep it looking it’s best for as long as possible!
Read more about Making Your Holiday Flowers LastThe Houseplant Even the Blackest Thumbs Can't Kill
Think you can’t grow houseplants? Convinced you’ve got a black thumb? Not so fast.
Let me tell you about Oxalis, a 
tough little houseplant that’s nearly impossible to kill. You’re probably familiar with it already. Pots of it are sold every St. Patrick’s Day and it grows wild across the country. Yes, Oxalis is the botanical name for what many like to call shamrocks or 4 leaf clover (most of them have three leaves per stem though) and aren’t actually either. You can find this plant in the traditional green and also in attractive purple and maroon varieties.. In the summer months profuse flowers appear in pretty shades of pink, yellow, white and purple. Read more about The Houseplant Even the Blackest Thumbs Can't Kill
Holiday Flowers: Mistletoe and Christmas Cactus
Tis the season for holiday flowers! Don’t limit yourself to P 
oinsettias and baby pine trees, instead look at more interesting options such as Mistletoe and Christmas Cactus. These plants can add color and interest to your holiday décor.
Caring For Your Holiday Poinsettias
Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas and the number one holiday plant sales. However, with a little effort and care, Poinsettias can be enjoyed all year long.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico. A member of the Euphorbia family, they first arrived in the U.S. in the early 1800’s. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the Ambassador to Mexico in the 1800’s and credited with “discovering” the plants on a visit there. He’s better known as the founder of the Smithsonian Institution.
Read more about Caring For Your Holiday PoinsettiasOrdering Plants Online
It used to be that if you wanted to buy a houseplant, you had to go the store, but now all you have to do is surf the web. Before you do however, keep a few things in mind.
There are several options when it comes to buying plants online: Ebay, online florists and nursery websites. Each has 
their pros and cons:
Online Florists-these sites, such as Teleflora and 1-800-Flowers, do offer a selection of plants but the prices are generally quite high. This is due in part to both the fancy planters they come in and the shipping or delivery fee they tack on. Another thing to keep in mind is that many times they offer houseplants in a mixed arrangement or dish garden. They may look pretty, but looks can be deceiving. Many florists are concerned with presentation rather than longevity so they’ll group plants together because they look good even though they could have very different lighting or watering needs.
Read more about Ordering Plants OnlineInfamous Plastic Flower House in Queens Is No More
Some people think fake and/or plastic flowers can make attractive arrangements. Others think they’re ugly. The 
neighbors of the Sheridans in Queens definitely agree with the latter. For years Michael Sheridan and his mother lived an eccentric life in the house, covering the outside grounds with fake Christmas trees and thousands of fake flowers. The neighbors complained and one even sued to no avail. Finally, after his mother died, Michael Sheridan abandoned the house and moved to Long Island. He left behind all the flowers, the house itself rotting on the outside and filled to the ceilings with garbage. It appears he and his mother were hoarders. Recently however, a local couple bought the house for around $700,000, a fraction of what it would have been worth had the Sheridans properly taken care of it, and plans to gut and rebuild everything-and get rid of all the plastic flowers.
The couple said they hauled away 17 dumpsters filled with garbage before the house was finally emptied, and their new neighbors are relieved. How would you feel if your neighbor decided to cover their yard with fake flowers? I’ve had neighbors that filled their flower beds with fake flowers and yard ornaments and while it wasn’t the most attractive look, it never really bothered me. I think I’d be more concerned that my neighbor was a hoarder than I would be about the fact they have a thing for fake flora. I used to live above a hoarder and it wasn’t pretty. When she moved out it took nearly a year to get the apartment back to normal!
Read more about Infamous Plastic Flower House in Queens Is No MoreExtending the Growing Season
Winter has arrived in many areas of the country, but even here up north it’s possible to squeeze in another few crops if you have 
the right equipment. First, you’ll need a greenhouse or cold frame. You can easily build a cold frame yourself using an old window. They are also great for starting seeds in the spring. If you add a heat source you can have a frost free area all winter.
Have You Put Your Garden to Sleep?
I know it’s hard to believe, but there is snow in the forecast this weekend! The last sunny dog days of summer are long 
gone and it’s time to put your garden down for its long winter nap. If you haven’t done this yet, there’s still time! It’s important to get it done before our first hard freeze, and chances are it won’t be long before it arrives. Here’s how to get started!