Summer's Finally Here!

Isn't it great! 

The air is warm, we've taken off our long john's and the snowbirds are back. Now we can enjoy this beautiful area: the flowers, trees, our gardens and the long summer nights. 

(lilac bush in front and cherry tree behind.  pictures from May 2006)

Pansies planted for Rochester LilacFest

I started this web site to help other Northern gardeners to quickly find the plants that work well and will thrive in these harsh climates. Between the 6 months of winter, the deer, groundhogs, rabbits, the wind, seasons of drought and sometimes an overabundance of rain, it is very frustrating to try to garden in the area.  Trying to find help can be even more frustrating! There are very few gardening books on these zones and most nurseries are run by teenagers who don't know clematis from poison ivy.  So I am putting together this site to help others who are just as frustrated as I am.  Please keep in mind I'm an amateur gardener and this site is far from being scientific.   I've tried to do the best I can but I'm sure there will be mistakes. If you find something that needs correcting, please let me know.

I am looking for your suggestions, ideas, what works, pictures of your gardens and anything else that would help others. Please email me with these.  Please feel free to help others, send in your own suggestions or questions. I know all of it will be good.  Thanks!