About 1,100 nonnative plants (1) have naturalized in California, and nearly 200 of those have been designated as noxious weeds by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. These invasive plants not only damage the environment but the economy of the state as well. Take action against invasive plants in California by learning how to identify …
Landscaping
Landscape rocks are an attractive and cost-effective option for a broad range of projects, including stone and gravel roads, patios and walks, and retaining walls. But what is the cheapest rock for landscaping? The most inexpensive rock you will find for landscaping is decomposed granite. Decomposed granite is an excellent resource for giving your landscape …
In Arkansas, invasive plants degrade ecosystems, reduce crop field productivity, and even cause harm to livestock. These aggressive nonnative plants outcompete native species for water, nutrients, and growing space, changing landscapes and reducing wildlife habitat. The good news is, as a gardener, you can make a difference! Learn how to identify and control invasive plants …
Broccoli just might be one of my favorite vegetables. But it spends a long time in the garden before its tightly budded heads are ready to harvest, giving pests plenty of time to interfere. Cabbage worms and other hungry bugs have done some significant damage to my broccoli patch! Thankfully, growing companion plants for broccoli …
Invasive species, from pathogens to mammals, can wreak havoc on local ecosystems. In the case of plants, invasives spread aggressively, out-competing native plants and thus reducing food and habitat for native wildlife. One or more of these noxious weeds might even be masquerading as innocent garden plants in your flower beds. Learn more about some …
Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska is home to beautiful and important ecosystems that have been labeled as conservation areas, national forests, and state and national parks. These vast wild areas host remarkable biological diversity and provide important sources of income for the people who live in this state. Unfortunately, invasive plants in Alaska pose a …
Bright and cheerful, attractive to butterflies and bees, geraniums are favorite garden flowers that will provide color from spring to fall. If you are trying to grow your garden without the use of hazardous poisons and harsh chemicals, you may want to try companion planting. When you learn about the companion plants for geraniums, you …
About 380 invasive plants have been identified in the state of Alabama. These aggressive plants wreak havoc on native ecosystems, competing with native plants and thus reducing food and habitat available for native wildlife. Invasive plants contribute to the decline of endangered species and also negatively impact human industries, such as forestry. Some of the …
A richly textured grouping of colorful azaleas (Rhododendron) in the spring always draws my eye. I often find myself wandering in my local arboretum during springtime, shaking off the winter doldrums, and becoming immersed in early blooming azaleas. The azaleas are surrounded by companion plants and shrubs that help them grow lush and healthy. I …
Covered with large, cheerful blooms, very few flowering plants can match dahlias for the sheer joy that they bring to the garden. With an enormous variety of shapes, colors, and growth habits, chances are that you will be able to find a dahlia that fits into your garden plan. If you practice companion planting, you …