Dry Gardens

In the southwestern U.S., where dry conditions prevail, successful gardens are designed to require little if any water. Native plants which have adapted to these conditions are often utilized to deal with a dry environment. Generally, native species of plants require less maintenance and need no water other than what is provided by nature. This […]

Spring Flowering Shrubs

In spring, after a long winter, nothing is more welcome than colorful flowers. With a wide range of sizes, colors, textures and shapes to choose from, no garden should be without at least one spring blooming shrub. Pinkshell Azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi) is a native deciduous azalea ideal for a woodland garden, shrub border or for […]

Formal Gardens

Formal gardens are the result of our desire to tame and give order to the natural landscape. Formal garden designs generally incorporate symmetry, well balanced geometric forms, straight lines and uniform textures and colors. All very seldom found in nature. Symmetrical gardens are often divided by a path through their center and have the same […]

Selecting Healthy Plants

When it comes to getting started with your garden, you have two choices; planting seeds or buying established plants. Both have their own benefits. If you plant seeds and care for them every day, you will find it is a much more rewarding experience when you have a full, healthy plant. However, this method is […]

Selecting Annuals and Garden Preparation

Getting Started Annuals, those flowers which live for only one year, are easy to grow and, with proper maintenance, flower all season long. Selection and garden preparation are crucial to a healthy flower garden.  Before planting any flowers, take note of the environmental conditions, including the micro-climate, of your garden. Base your decision on which […]

Herb Gardens

Herbs are easy to grow, attractive and can be used in a wide variety of ways. Many gardeners grow herbs to use in the kitchen or for their fragrance. Other gardeners treasure herbs for their easy care and, in some cases, colorful flowers. After you’ve chosen the type and style of your garden, it is […]

Dry Shade Gardens

Perhaps the most challenging environment in which to garden successfully is dry shade. Beneath the canopy of mature trees, dense tangled surface roots and exceedingly dry soil make it a difficult to maintain adequate soil moisture and nutrients. Though its easy to give up and simply edge out an area to mulch, there are techniques […]

Colorful Fall Gardens

When most gardeners plan for a colorful fall garden the first plants which come to mind are chrysanthemums and asters. While an essential ingredient, they are hardly the only options available. There are a number of fall blooming perennials which can color to the garden late in the season. The following are only a few. […]

Fall Blooming Perennials

Perennials are those flowers which live for more than two seasons. They flower early, mid, or late season, die back to the ground in the winter and reemerge each spring. Perennials are treasured for their ability to grow larger and flower year after year. They’re also noted for their form, texture and vibrant color. The […]

10 Summer Blooming Shrubs

A misconception among gardeners is that once the spring has ended there are only a few flowering shrubs to chose from. While there are fewer shrubs in bloom during summer the ones which do flower provide stunning (hydrangea), fragrant (mockorange) flowers. The following are some popular, easy to grow choices. Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is […]