John Zvirovski

6 days ago | jamestownsun.com | John Zvirovski

The green shoots of spring are not always the perennials, grasses, trees and bushes — sometimes they are vegetables. There are only two perennial vegetables that we grow, and they are rhubarb and asparagus. We are all familiar with rhubarb, but more on asparagus. Asparagus has been cultivated since as early as the third century. It lost its popularity during the Middle Ages and returned after the 17th century.

1 week ago | jamestownsun.com | John Zvirovski

The colors of late spring are upon us and soon the gardens will be filled with constant color until the autumn frosts arrive. This is the time to make sure you have the greatest impact in your garden that you can create in whatever way you see fit. We all love bright colors to catch our eye, but all colors have their purpose in the right setting with equal impacts. There are always a few key principles to remember to achieve the design details in which you seek.

2 weeks ago | jamestownsun.com | John Zvirovski

Adding blooming shrubs into the garden and landscape are a terrific accent to the many green plants, perennials and colorful annuals that fill your yard. Some of these shrubs bloom very early, such as the yellow-blooming Forsythia. These are followed by the fragrant lilacs. Once they are done blooming, the magnificent Spireas begin to bloom. In fact, some of these shrubs are in full bloom at this very moment.

3 weeks ago | jamestownsun.com | John Zvirovski

So often we discuss the design elements of common bushes, trees, annuals, and perennials. Usually these are items we find in the local nurseries for purchase to plant into our landscapes. Most of these items I to refer to as domestic plants; items that are propagated for the mainstream landscapes. Sometimes it is exciting to add some wild plant life into the landscape also to add a little naturalization. Some common ones are violets, columbine, goldenrod, and the prairie pasque flowers.

1 month ago | jamestownsun.com | John Zvirovski

While people in the southern regions have Crepe Myrtle and Magnolias that bloom in spring, we have lilacs and crabapple trees that bloom, among many others. Crabapples are one of the earlier trees to bloom, along with many other fruiting trees during our spring season. Many of the varieties are beginning to bloom through quickly this past week due to an unseasonably warm week. One bad thing about hot weather this time of year is that the spring blooms do not last long.