Songbirds are attracted to the garden by plants that provide food–seeds, fruit, and nectar. Fruit-bearing shrubs attract songbirds. Seed and nectar-bearing flowers attract songbirds. Drifts of flowers are attractive to almost all birds because they are home to insects and spiders as well as nectar and seed. Shrubs, hedgerows, and trees are attractive to birds […] More
Drought-tolerant shrubs are shrubs that can withstand dry weather once established. No landscape plant is drought-resistant until it becomes established in the site. Once a drought-tolerant shrub is established and has a deep root system, it requires less water. All plants require a steady supply of moisture when first planted. Most shrubs require a year […] More
Growing trees and shrubs in shade can be a challenge if you choose plants that prefer sunny conditions. If you choose plants that are adapted to shady conditions, shade gardening is quite enjoyable and barely any work at all. There are many shrubs and trees that prefer shade. They are understory plants that like the […] More
A hedge is a continuous and close planting of shrubs, and occasionally trees, along a boundary to protect and enclose a garden or property. A hedge can also be a division line within the garden to set one portion apart from another. The term hedge does not necessarily imply a rigidly pruned and restrained growth, […] More
Foundation plantings are well-chosen plants that frame a building and tie it to the site and make it appear an intrinsic part of its environment. Foundation plantings are almost always shrubs that remain in the landscape for years. Most often, shrubs that are evergreen are chosen for foundation plantings. Shrubs that do not lose their […] More
Shrubs that can tolerate clay soil are one solution to growing plants in heavy, less than perfect soil. Clay soils commonly have plenty of nutrients but problems from poor aeration and slow drainage. Clays soil particles are flat and dense, not ideal for plant growth. Such soils are described as heavy. Limited aeration and slow […] More
Osmanthus–commonly called Sweet olive–bears tiny white flowers that are intensely fragrant. Plant sweet olive near a window or patio where its peachy-apricot fragrance can be enjoyed. It is ideal for hedges and screens, or along walks and entryways where its fragrance can be appreciated. Osmanthus is grown for its foliage and flowers. Leaves are lance-shaped […] More
Murraya–commonly called Orange jasmine–is a subtropical small shrub. It can be trained as a houseplant or bonsai. Its waxy, white, bell-shaped blossoms smell like orange blossoms. Murraya has graceful, pendulous branches. Where winters are mild Murraya can be planted in hedges or as foundation plants. It can be grown as a small single- or multitrunked […] More
Bougainvillea is a flamboyant addition to the landscape. It can also be grown as a houseplant. The brilliant colored crepe-paper-like blooms can nearly cover the plant. Bougainvillea has arching, sprawling, thorny stems. The stems can be trained and tied as a climbing vine, forming a thick canopy of foliage and blazing flowers. Bougainvillea can also […] More
Deadheading is a term gardeners use. It means removing or pruning away faded or fading flowers. Gardeners deadhead for two reasons: first, to remove spent blossoms and keeps the planting looking pretty and tidy; second, to keep the plant producing new flowers. Flowering plants flower in order to produce seed and create the next generation; […] More
Once a hedge is established, regular pruning and maintenance must follow to keep the growth dense and healthy. The frequency, timing, and degree of pruning depends on the style of the hedge and hedge plants chosen. Hedges are usually described as formal or informal, depending on how they are pruned Pruning formal hedges Formal hedges […] More
A hedge is a living wall of continuous, close planted shrubs or trees. Hedges are used to protect and enclose a garden or as a division to set one part of the garden from another. Hedge does not necessarily imply rigidly pruned and restrained growth, though it often is. A hedge can be formal and […] More
Stephen Albert