Few pests annoy me more than voles. They suck down seedlings overnight, leaving no evidence that a plant had stood there unless you count the two-inch hole in the soil. Or they just devour the roots, so that I pull up a carrot top to find nothing attached, or walk through the garden to see…
It’s bad enough when they show up in your house, but the real damage occurs when stink bugs begin munching away at the plants in your garden. If you think you have a stink bug infestation, read on to learn how to confirm their presence and how to get rid of stink bugs in the…
Have you ever thought of the area above a septic tank and drain field as an opportunity for creativity and beauty? Probably not. Yet, with the right plants and design, you can transform what’s often considered an eyesore into a thriving, attractive part of your landscape. Thoughtful landscaping around your septic tank and drain field…
Cilantro, also called coriander (especially in reference to its seeds), is an annual herb commonly used in Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisine. Most people find the leaves of this polarizing herb to have a citrusy, parsley-like flavor, while others think it soapy and entirely unpalatable. Either way, cilantro makes an excellent companion plant, as…
A patio is like an extra room of your house, serving as an outdoor living room, dining room, kitchen, and playroom. If you live in a townhouse, it may even serve as your “yard”! And just like any other part of your home, you’ll want to make the patio comfortable, beautiful, and functional. I’ve compiled…
Invasive plants are one of the most significant threats to biodiversity in parts of the country. These species proliferate and spread aggressively, competing against native plants for space, sunlight, water, and nutrients. In addition to degrading ecosystems, invasive plants can negatively affect the economy as they impact agriculture, outdoor recreation, and other sectors. The good…
It’s thin and tall and almost never comes out by the root. Instead, it breaks off just below the soil surface and releases a pungent oniony odor that lingers on your hand. It’s onion grass. Tufts of onion grass grow taller than the rest of the lawn, and strands of it poke up through the…
Ground covers are infinitely useful plants when it comes to landscaping and gardening. They can fill in any empty spaces, provide a low-maintenance solution for hard-to-reach places, and even replace grass as a sustainable lawn alternative. For example, evergreen ground covers provide winter color, while flowering types offer a pop of springtime excitement to your…
Here we are at the end of the alphabet! There are so many fun and unique flowers for every letter in the alphabet. Many of the zesty flowers that start with Z come from tropical areas, yet nearly all of them can find a home in your garden with the proper care. Let’s dive in…