Michele Christiano
Michele fell in love with gardening while working in the annuals department at a nursery in southeastern Pennsylvania while pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology. She continued her career by completing a Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She has worked in public gardens for most of her career, including Winterthur Museum, Gardens, and Library in Winterthur, Delaware, and Longwood Gardens and is currently an estate gardener maintaining a Piet Oudolf garden. She loves to spend as much time outdoors as possible with her husband and two children.
1. What do you like most about gardening in your region?
I love gardening in all four seasons of the Mid-Atlantic region. The garden looks so different throughout the year. Using the four seasons to design and garden in the Mid-Atlantic allows so much diversity in choosing a plant palette.
2. What’s the biggest challenge to gardening in your region?
By far the biggest problem is our beautiful white-tailed friend, the deer. Unfortunately, overpopulation and decreased habitat make for a very challenging time for gardeners in the Mid-Atlantic region.
3. What plant are you jazzed about in your garden right now?
I am so excited to grow ‘Amazing Grey’ poppy (Papaver rhoeas ‘Amazing Grey’, annual) this year! I plan on trying this annual in my garden in the upcoming season.
4. What was the last plant you killed?
I just killed my poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima, Zones 9–11). It’s a post-Christmas tradition for me to neglect them.
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsLook Out for Iris Leaf Spot in the Mid-Atlantic
As the Mid-Atlantic enters fall after a hot and humid summer, gardeners face many challenges. Among these are controlling pests and battling disease. Pest and disease infestations tend to be…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsPest Control for the Mid-Atlantic: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
One of the prevalent garden pests in the Mid-Atlantic is hemlock woolly adelgid (or HWA, as it is often abbreviated). Native to Asia, hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) can be…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsMid-Atlantic September Garden To-Do List
It may still be hot and dry here in the Mid-Atlantic, but we are getting a little glimpse of hope when there is a cooler day now and then. Those…
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How-ToHarvest Cut Flowers With These Floral Shears
Anyone with a cutting garden needs a good pair of pruners. These 7-inch floral shears are perfect for when you need something a little smaller and less bulky than Felco…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsSmooth and Oakleaf Hydrangeas for the Mid-Atlantic
Summer in the Mid-Atlantic can be hot and somewhat devoid of flowers after spring blooms fade. However, hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) are just showing their bold flowers…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsSupporting Native Bees in the Mid-Atlantic
Recently I spoke with Kim Eierman of EcoBeneficial, an ecological consulting company based in Bronxville, New York, who is the author of The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsDesign a Year-round Shade Container
When thinking of creating container gardens, sun-loving plants usually come to mind. However, the Mid-Atlantic gardener can put together a wonderfully textured container focusing on shade plants. Here are a…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsTips and Tricks from a Mid-Atlantic Master Composter
Compost is a fundamental garden amendment that enriches soil and provides nutrients to plants. But where do you start on making your own? I talked to Gail Hermenau, Master Gardener…
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How-ToTo Weed Your Garden Faster, Try This Simple Tool
Born in the UK, the Speedweeder is a surprisingly handy tool. It doesn’t look like much, but it is surprisingly versatile. The simple shape of the heavy-duty wire hook with…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional ReportsPropagating Natives by Seed in the Mid-Atlantic
As information about growing native plants becomes more available to home gardeners, it’s hard to find a reason not to grow them. I talked to Leslie French about propagating native…
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