Although lavender grows best in dry, well-drained soil, it still benefits from mulch, which has other uses beyond improving water retention. First, adding mulch around lavender plants will help reduce weeds. Weeds, of course, compete with lavender for space and nutrients, and they can also increase humidity and soil moisture and act as disease vectors. …
Ornamental Gardens
Once you learn how to grow borage, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner! Borage Is a robust, quick-growing annual herb whose deep blue, star shaped flowers make it a colorful and refreshing addition to salads. Growing borage is a great way to add beauty and flavor to a garden. Although not as common as …
Are you wondering how to prune drift roses? Roses can be tricky to prune, but it’s important to understand the best techniques for the types of roses you have. Drift roses, sometimes called shrub roses, are beautiful rose bushes that are surprisingly easier to take care of than regular rose bushes. Drift roses were created …
If you’ve ever come across a well-grown wisteria vine, you might remember how breathtaking it was! The lavender-blue flowers cascade from the branches in a spectacular display of beauty combined with a lovely sweet fragrance. Learn how to grow wisteria in your own garden. How to Keep Wisteria Under Control Before learning how to grow …
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 …
Companion planting offers numerous benefits to the home gardener, whether practiced in the vegetable garden, herb garden, or even flower beds. If you are just starting this practice, the numerous possible plant combinations can seem overwhelming. This companion planting guide breaks down the essential details about companion planting and includes a list of individual companion …
Juniper bonsai trees are a beautiful and rewarding plant to grow and care for. Whether you are brand new to bonsai or a seasoned vet, you can benefit from learning more about these trees. With the right amount of light and humidity, a bonsai can do well in nearly any condition; however, Juniper bonsais are …
If you have fallen in love with the unique grouping of plants called succulents, you know that they come in a wide variety of forms, from sharp spikes to elegant rosettes. Most come in shades of green, but quite a few have dusky blue leaves or even pink hues. These pretty pink succulent plants make …
Stained glass garden art gives you a simple way to beautify an outdoor area. Stained glass holds up well outside, and the beautiful outdoor additions I’m about to introduce you to can be used inside as well. Stained glass garden decorations come in a wide variety of colors. This lets you choose a piece of …