If your backyard’s been so quiet you could hear a tomato ripen, it might be time to invite some tiny, winged drama. If you could choose any bird to visit, I hope that it’s a hummingbird. These little tweeters flap their wings up to 80 times per second, refuel every 10–15 minutes, and can fly…
Designing a small garden comes with unique challenges, but also big opportunities. Unlike sprawling landscapes, compact spaces require creativity, intention, and a bit more discipline. Every plant, path, and decorative touch matters. With the right approach, even the tiniest garden can feel lush, inviting, and full of personality. Here are some inspiring small garden ideas…
Asparagus beetles are a pain in the … asparagus. There are the common asparagus beetle and the spotted asparagus beetle, and they both love eating asparagus. They hunker down anywhere they can to stay warm in the winter. When they awaken in the spring, they are hungry. If you grow asparagus, you are probably going…
Whether you live in southern Florida or get buried in the snow every winter, you may dream of having a tropical oasis in your backyard. Of course, this will be easier to implement if you live further south, but even those of us in areas that experience freezing temperatures can bring a bit of the…
We could all use more peace in our lives, and a beautifully designed garden, however simple, can provide a calm space for rest and meditation. The sound of rustling leaves, the scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle trickle of water can quiet the mind and soothe the soul. Whether you have a sprawling backyard…
Blue shade perennials are a great choice for gardeners who want to add some cool, calming colors to their gardens. If you’re wondering what blue flowering plants grow best in full shade, the list below has some that will make a great addition to your sunless spots. Few blue plants grow in full shade, but…
Lavender plants suffer from very few pests and even fewer diseases. In fact, as an aromatic herb, lavender may even help protect other plants from pests by repelling harmful insects or disguising target plants with its strong fragrance. But all of this brings little comfort and no help when lavender plants do show signs of…
A lifelong dream of having a large landscaped garden was short-lived when I had to abandon my large garden and move into an apartment that had room for only a minimalistic garden. I had to make the best of a bad situation. Determined to find out how to make a small garden look bigger, I…
A healthy garden smells like soil, sunlight, hard work, and a hint of mint. However, some scents wafting through your space are like ringing the dinner bell for every pest within sniffing distance. While you’re admiring your tomato patch, aphids and rodents are tracking smells that lead them straight to the buffet. If you’re wondering…