"Trees" yards, pictures, and ideas...
The Not-So-Subtle Tropical Plant
Tropical plants are prized for their lush foliage, brilliant flowers and bold, exotic appearance. Typically grown outdoors where winters are mild and humidity is high, their ideal climate and growing conditions can be duplicated almost anywhere by moving them inside near a......
Pros and Cons of Trees Near Your Outdoor Kitchen
One of the most pleasant aspects of having an outdoor kitchen is being able to spend time in the fresh air. On cool days, it’s also nice to have the sun shining down on you. But most people want some shade over their cooking area to help beat the heat during the prime BBQ season of summer....
A Pot For All Seasons (and Reasons)
Potted plants make wonderful additions to the yard right through the year—even in winter. With a small army of pots of various sizes tucked away in the garden shed or behind the garage or barn, you can create a moveable garden of potted plants for each season....
Chop or Transplant - How Much are Your Trees Worth?
Trees are a long term landscaping investment. There’s no hardscape feature that can fully replace the natural beauty and shade of a living, “breathing” tree. Unfortunately, the decision about where to plant a tree is often made by the builders or original owners of a home....
Birds, Butterflies and Bats: Welcome Them to Your Garden
With the continued growth in population throughout our country, many wildlife species face increasing pressure from lack of natural habitat—the number one threat to wildlife today. So creating welcoming places for these wonderful creatures in your yard—no matter how small—will help......
Give Your Flowers Some Companions, Part 2
There are just too many flowers that help other plants – companion plants, we call them. Either that, or these columns are too short. In any case, I find myself compelled to write about some more helpful flowers that are wonderful companions to their friends....
Give Your Flowers Some Companions, Part 1
There are some people I just love to work with. No matter what we're doing, I always do better work when I'm with them. I'm sure you know how that works. And then there are some people who make all my ideas shrivel up and die. Plants are the same way....
Grow Up! Ideas For Climbing Plants
When you’re running out of space in your yard, or you need some height to create additional interest, grow up! There are numerous twisting, twining and climbing plants available—both annuals and perennials....
Make Room For Nature On Your Patio
A patio is a transitional space between your home and the great wilderness (AKA: your backyard). Unfortunately, many of these spaces languish as barren concrete deserts. It’s time to think about ways to bring in the green without sacrificing the utility of your patio. ...
How To Grow Exotic Air Plants
All they need is the air they breathe, bright light—but no direct sun—and a bath two to three times a week. Do not add soil; they’ll just hang out wherever you plop them down and in whatever container you plop them in....
