Most homeowners plan the landscaping of their front yard first, and for good reason: front yard landscaping is the first thing visitors see. It is the part of the landscape the family and neighbors see most often. It is enormously important for establishing curb appeal. Fortunately, landscaping the front yard doesn’t have to be expensive …
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Some invasive plants may be pretty, but they can cause a lot of damage! Often called “noxious weeds,” invasive plants outcompete native species for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water, in turn reducing wildlife habitat. They can even have a negative economic impact, especially in industries like agriculture, forestry, and fishing. As a gardener, you can …
If you want to attract more cardinals to your garden or lawn, you may be asking, “What do cardinals eat?” When you know their typical diet, you can do the things that are most likely to attract them. Cardinals are omnivores that eat seeds, berries, buds, and insects. While seeds make up the main part …
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 …
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 …
Hyacinths are beautiful, fragrant spring flowers. However, if you have cats, you may be asking “Are hyacinths poisonous to cats?” There are many plants that are toxic to pets like cats or dogs, so it’s important to do your research. Hyacinths are, unfortunately, poisonous to cats. The bulbs of the hyacinth contain allantoin, an irritant …
Beans are one of my favorite garden vegetables. They are so rewarding and easy to grow, and I appreciate the rhythmic work of picking and snapping them (though by summer’s end I’m tired of the work!). In winter, I can pull out a bag of frozen beans or a jar of dilly beans and enjoy …
The Coneflower (Echinacea) is a perennial wildflower with several varieties. It’s a popular choice for wildflower gardens, along with many of the companion plants for Echinacea below. They are true harbingers of spring. You can’t help but wonder at the beauty of nature if you’re lucky enough to see a field of Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea …
What can you plant under the beautiful fir tree in your backyard? Not much seems to want to grow there, but the carpet of needles that would look natural in a forest appears sadly bare in your garden. To get started beautifying the area around your fir tree, first learn about the tree itself. Then …