Mary Williams Engisch

After announcing that she won't seek reelection, longtime Caledonia County Sen. Jane Kitchel reflects on her career. Plus, Gov. Phil Scott vetoes the biggest energy bill of the session, cannabis retail sales projections are higher than expected, a Rutland County public defender will serve as the newest federal District Court judge in Vermont, and a housing development project for UVM undergrads is scrapped.

Wetter weather suits some garden critters, like slugs and snails. Slugs, especially, will eat your basil, lettuce, marigolds and more. Certain pesticide-free techniques can save your garden from becoming a slugfest this summer.

"Glads" are tall, showy perennials and are part of the iris family. Their tall stems flower with multiple blooms along the stalk and come in many colors and heights.

Home gardeners have been placing certain flowers and vegetable plants together for decades. (I see you, marigolds near tomatoes!) Now, scientific research shows companion planting can be beneficial.

Late spring's warmer temperatures, frequent sun and soaking rains provide the perfect growing conditions for home gardens. Charlie Nardozzi answers lots of gardeners' questions about their plants, trees, weeds and no-dig methods.

By now most gardeners have planted their bush and pole snap beans. These beans come in green, yellow or purple colors and are probably some of the easiest veggies to grow. With the hot weather returning, there are other beans that will not only enjoy the heat, but need it. Let's talk about sowing edamame, yard long beans and lima beans now to take advantage of the heat and long days. I'll talk about varieties, planting techniques and where to grow them.

Japanese maples are beloved for their interesting leaves, beautiful shape and vibrant color. They grow easily further south, but warming temperatures are allowing hardier varieties to thrive in New England.

Cucumber beetles love to eat your cuke, squash and melon plants, leaving you with a smaller garden haul! Learn some methods to mitigate them from your home garden.

Home gardeners in our region have plenty of questions when it comes to plants, trees and soil. Charlie Nardozzi answers some of them.

Hardy ornamental grasses that grow in Midwestern prairies and meadows can also do well in Vermont.