Whether it is the redbuds around Lake Michigan in late April, the saucer magnolias in Northern California in late April, or the American dogwoods that grace the South in early spring, chances are that there are some spring flowering trees that will do well near you. Treasured trees, the results of hundreds of years of…
With their tall, elegant spires and bell-shaped blooms, foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) bring a touch of fairytale magic to any garden. They are beautiful on their own, plus they create a lovely backdrop for shorter flowers and plants. Native to Europe and now in many parts of the U.S. (zones 5–9), these striking biennials (or short-lived…
It’s that time of the year when poison oak and poison ivy are making their existence known. Here’s the best way to kill poison oak in your yard. Poison oak is a plant that grows wild in many areas, including many homeowners’ backyards and garden areas. If you’re allergic to poison oak, it can generate…
A cozy, relaxing backyard spot can do wonders for you and the family at the end of a workday and on the weekend. There is just something special about putting the workday behind you and taking some time just to enjoy nature and those you love most. If your yard isn’t the relaxing oasis of…
Picking ripe tomatoes straight off the vine is one of my favorite pastimes. Nothing compares to the flavors, whether I pop them straight into my mouth or make them into a yummy salsa or fresh bruschetta. But getting to that point in the season requires getting one thing right first: good soil. Whether you are…
We are building a new home for our family, and I’m dreaming of a garden at our new place. With so much to do when you build, I’m afraid we won’t have time for a garden this year, and I can’t imagine life without a garden. So, I’ve been reading up on no-work gardening and…
The stunning evergreen leaves and intoxicating aroma of its creamy white flowers make the gardenia a favorite in many gardens throughout the country from early spring until early summer. With their pleasing, glossy, dark green foliage and powerful aromatic flowers, gardenia bushes make the perfect choice for beds near windows, patios, and entryways. The gardenia…
Most of us have had great experiences with butterflies. These delicate, mystical insects capture our attention as they flit from flower to flower, especially in the springtime. But have you ever stopped to wonder: what do butterflies eat? Butterflies need nutrients just like every other living thing in order to survive. So, how do they…
One of the most beautiful sights in the world is a lavender field. The purple flowers sway gently in the breeze, and when you walk through them, your clothes are perfumed with their sweet fragrance. For centuries, lavender has been used for its scent as well as its medicinal properties, and today we’re going to…