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The Impatient Gardener blog was started in 2009 and its library of posts includes practical how-tos, plant guides, favorite garden gear, successes and failures and much more. If you’re looking for something specific, the search function at the top of the page can help.

chives
GardenPlants

How did tasty and pretty chives get such a bad rap?

If social media has taught us anything, it’s that you never know what is going to cause controversy. It’s hard to imagine gardening ever being controversial, but there are plenty of strong opinions. I’m good with healthy discussion on any topic, but sometimes I just don’t see the controversy coming. And I certainly didn’t think an Instagram post showing a …

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snow covered pansies
Garden

The art of perfectly timed procrastination

I have always been a procrastinator. This is not a virtue, and I recently read an article that it’s procrastination is caused by being in a bad mood and living in the present. Personally, I think it has much more to do with living my entire young adult and adult life on a deadline; at some point you realize whatever …

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'Sapphire Indigo' clematis
GardenPlants

The complete clematis growing guide

My first clematis was ‘Mrs. N. Thompson’, a spindly specimen from a local garden center, but I thought it was something spectacular because it was a clematis that wasn’t ‘Nelly Moser’. Up until that point, I was under the impression that the only two clematis that existed were ‘Nelly’ and ‘Jackmanii’.  ‘Mrs. N. Thompson’ never grew that well for me, …

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daffodils pushing out of soil
Garden

Garden check-in: Slowly getting on with spring

It’s been awhile since I’ve shared an update of what’s happening in the garden here, roundabout six months or so. I’m quite happy to report there’s something to report. Mind you, none of this is earth-shattering, but sometimes when I’m busy writing about fake plants or gate colors, the little things happening in the garden get forgotten.  Frankly, there’s very …

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Gates in all colors
Garden

Asking the world what color a special garden gate should be

Crowdsourcing aspects of a garden is an enlightening experience.  Last weekend I picked up the gate for the vegetable garden. This is a big deal in this very lengthy project. I am an admirer of garden gates. The best ones ooze charm, teasing you to just dare to walk through them.  But in my garden, which is, for better or …

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Echinacea pallida
Garden

We’re overthinking this gardening thing

In the 1960s and 1970s double digging was the proper way to garden. That opinion persisted for many years, and the method also known as “bastard trenching” still has its fans. (You can read more about the process, and just how unpleasant it is, here.)  As arduous as it was, gardeners persisted in doing it because their gardens grew well. …

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raised bed vegetable garden
Garden

The ultimate guide to raised beds

I love gardening in raised beds. In fact I’d argue that everything about gardening in raised beds is easier than growing in the ground. Well, everything except for the part where you make them. But other than that there are so many advantages to growing in raised beds and they are worth considering for anyone who is growing for their …

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houseplants
OtherPlants

Can we just talk about faux plants?

Before I launch into what is probably the closest I’ve ever gotten to a rant on this blog I want to just say that I firmly believe in the idea of doing what you like in your own house and garden. These spaces should please you, and if they please someone else in the process, I consider that a bonus. …

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