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Michael Mills gardens in Northwest Philadelphia, concentrating on ornamentals and shade planting. He is a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, is involved with exhibits at the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, and regularly contributes plants to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's plant dividend program for members.

His column appears Fridays in Home & Design, alternating between questions-and-answers and "It's time to . . . ," a compendium of what garden tasks are appropriate for the season.

  Email Michael at gardenqanda@earthlink.net
Time to ... head for the hammock
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Posted 07/29/2011
Enjoy the lower-key nature of high-summer garden maintenance. It's too hot to be planting or transplanting.
Time too ... get some choice plants from plant society sales
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Posted 07/15/2011
Take advantage of the experts and get some choice plants from plant society sales. These events are the best source for superb varieties rarely found in commerce.
Time to ... - 07/01/2011
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Consider this weekend as a deadline and turning point in the garden. Several tasks should be completed as soon as possible, because putting them off will have disappointing results.
Time to ... stake or cage anything prone to flopping - 06/17/2011
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Stake or cage anything prone to flopping when taller, even if the plants are little now. Old shoelaces are excellent ties - soft and thicker than twine, usually made of a non-decaying synthetic fiber. Or repurpose the giant twist-ties that come with lettuce and other produce. With both, be a little loose with your bindings - plant stalks should be able to sway a little in the breeze.
Time to ... get the last of the nursery stock into the ground - 06/03/2011
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Get the last of the nursery stock acquired in April and May into the ground - now. Wait until direct sun has left the site and be generous with water for the rest of summer.
Time to ... get newly purchased plants into the ground - 05/20/2011
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Complete your acquisitions for flower and vegetable beds and get newly purchased plants into the ground promptly - the solstice is barely four weeks away, when nights start getting longer, shortening veggie growing time. Wait until direct sun has passed the planting area. If hot sun is forecast for the following days, shade small plants for a couple of days (newspaper tent, upside-down clay pot, bushel basket). Water well.
Time to. . . Plant, plant, hallelujah, plant! - 05/06/2011
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon when shade has returned to the site. Water well and if a heat wave arrives, consider rigging some shade for midday.
Garden Q&A - 01/26/2007
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Question: What can I expect from my daffodils come spring? With the recent warm spell we have had here in the Philadelphia area, some of the daffodils were up about four to five inches, and some even started to show buds.
Garden Q&A - 01/12/2007
By Michael Martin Mills, Inquirer Columnist
Question: I have two clematis growing on trellises, each about five years old. I have never trimmed them back, and each year I'm rewarded with more and more beautiful blooms in the spring. This year, their size became a problem, pulling the arbors over from the weight of the plants. Underneath the new growth were dried vines with no leaves or blooms. Now that all the leaves have fallen off, I'm wondering if I should trim it back.


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