Shrubs add shape and structure to a garden. Most are also decorative—colorful or evergreen foliage, colorful and often fragrant flowers, fruits, and shapely stems. Shrubs stay a long time in the garden so it’s important to choose shrubs that have the form and size needed when mature. Know the eventual height and spread of a […] More
Planting a tree is not difficult. More difficult is the time it takes to decide where to plant a tree and which tree to plant. Trees more than any other plants lend a sense of permanence to a garden or landscape. A tree will be where you plant it for decades and some for centuries. […] More
Woodland gardens are gardens or landscapes dominated by native or non-native trees and large shrubs. Woodland gardens often feature small shade-loving shrubs, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, and annuals below the tree canopy. As well, small clearings or glades can be created in woodland gardens. Shade-loving native plants are an excellent choice for a woodland garden. Non-natives […] More
Wildflower and meadow gardens are very nearly the same. A wildflower garden is wholly planted with wildflowers. A meadow garden is planted with wildflowers and meadow grasses. Wildflower and meadow gardens continue to gain popularity because they are relatively easy to establish and require very little maintenance. Both are mostly comprised of native plants that […] More
Native plants are plants that are native to your region; that means they naturally thrive in your climate. Gardening with native plants is an easy solution to growing a garden; the plants in the garden want to grow where you live. Native plants are adapted to year-round high and low temperatures; they are adapted to […] More
Rock gardens commonly emulate naturally rocky sites and formations. They replicate the natural habitat or alpine plants and recreate the conditions in which they thrive. Rock gardens are usually situated on naturally sloping sites with good drainage. They often feature a series of rocky outcrops with wet but usually dry gullies running in between. Sunny […] More
Nearly all flowers, twigs, berries, and leaves can be brought indoors and put in a vase for display. Some flowers, however, are easier to grow, cut, and display than others. You can plant flowers for cutting. You can even dedicate a bed or even a garden for cutting flowers. Flowers that are well suited for […] More
Songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies are easily attracted to your garden by flowering annuals, perennials, and shrubs. A variety of flowering plants will attract a variety of wildlife. Easy ways to attract birds and butterflies Here are simple ways to attract butterflies and birds to your garden: Flowering plants that attract butterflies and birds Here are […] More
Many annual and perennial flowers are well suited for growing in containers. Even some smaller shrubs and trees can be grown in containers. Bloom, foliage color, and form should be top considerations when choosing plants for growing in pots, window boxes, or other containers. Length of bloom and ability to withstand periodic and sometimes erratic […] More
Ample water is not a requirement for a beautiful garden. Water-conservation in the garden is very doable. Water-smart gardening can save time and money. A drought-tolerant garden makes the most of the water it gets. “Xeriscaping” is a term used for growing naturally drought-adapted plants using water-saving methods. A xeriscape does not need to look […] More
Some plants thrive in shade. You can still have a garden even if all you have is shade. Just know, plants that thrive in shade are not the same plants that thrive in sunlight. A shade garden is defined by the outlines of shadows cast by buildings, walls and fences, trees, and shrubs. Types of […] More
Groundcovers are low growing trailing or clumping plants, usually evergreen, that quickly join together to form a dense layer of leaves. Flowering groundcovers can be grouped together to form a sea of color. In design groundcover plants are often used to fill the foreground of a design. Planted as a mass groundcover plants cause a […] More
Stephen Albert