Tender perennials—plants that grow year after year in warm climates but can’t survive freezing temperatures—require extra care to make it through winter. After gardening in both mild Sonoma Valley winters and harsh Iowa Zone 5 winters, I’ve learned that overwintering these plants is completely manageable with the right approach. Whether you dig and store them…
Dividing perennials in fall is one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate overcrowded plants, improve flowering, and maintain a healthy, productive garden. After decades of gardening in Sonoma Valley and cold-climate zones like Iowa Zone 5, I’ve found that fall is often ideal for dividing many perennials because the soil is still workable, plants…
Songbirds look to many annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees as a natural source of food throughout the year. Nearly all plants that attract songbirds are equally attractive to humans for their colorful flowers, fruits, and leaves. A steady supply of seeds, nuts, and berries will bring a variety of birds to your yard. Set aside…
Many trees, shrubs, and perennials are grown especially for their autumn foliage color. Autumn is a time when many deciduous plants and a few evergreens make their presence known. Many people find the colors of autumn the loveliest of the year. Autumn plant color is part of the natural processes which begin with the shortening…
Rabbit-resistant plants are one solution to preventing rabbits from consuming the garden. Rabbits can be destructive garden pests, consuming flower, foliage, and tender shoots. When it comes to the garden, rabbits have nothing in their favor except their attractive appearance and engaging manner, and the fact that they seem to be nobody’s enemy. That said,…
Deer-resistant plants are plants deer tend to not eat. If deer are hungry enough they will eat practically any kind of plant. This list includes annuals, perennials, and bulbs that deer have turned away from in many gardens; there is no guarantee they will not eat them in your garden. As a general rule, deer…
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