Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning Which are the bushes that don’t need pruning? There are more than a few, including evergreens, roses, and small shrubs perfect for borders. Here are five of my favorites. 1. Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) I have loved my pyracantha for a decade. They are a big part of my border hedge, and their thorns work better than barbed wire at keeping out the wild boars that run the Pyrenees in France....
How Do Plants Mimic Animals? Among plants that look like things, the most endearing are those that resemble animals. From monkeys to bees to birds, plants that mimic animals are truly fascinating. But how do they do it? Plants are not the only living things that mimic others, but unlike animals, they can’t see. The answer has to do with the nature of evolution. All living things evolve over time. When a random mutation in the genetics of an individual gives it an advantage over others, it reproduces and passes that mutation on to the next generation....
Every gardener has their own ideas of the perfect way to care for their roses, but deadheading is one of the things rose experts always do to grow the best flowers. Deadheading roses is the practice of removing spent flowers, stems, and foliage. It keeps plants happy and attractive and ensures they aren’t expending energy trying to form fruit and seed. Instead, energy is redirected to forming more foliage, developing a healthy root mass, and producing more flowers....
Vegetable gardening is a true delight. There is pure joy in watching things grow while providing our tables with delicious and healthy food. Few things are more disheartening to the veggie gardener than vegetable pests and diseases. Getting to the root of the problem is the first step. First consider cultural aspects like sun levels, soil type, and water. If the plant is properly sited and cared for, turn your attention to vegetable garden pests and diseases....
Hostas are beautiful foliage plants with small flower spires. They come in a wide range of sizes, providing displays for any size of garden. Due to their cultural needs, hostas grown in the Southwest should be selected for drought and sun tolerance. Open areas of the landscape with little shade will produce poorly growing plants and will likely burn the gorgeous leaves. While the Southwest is characterized by hot temperatures, areas like Colorado get extremely cold in winter....
Benefits of a DIY Hoop House A DIY hoop greenhouse offers many positive solutions to common gardening problems. First, it is inexpensive and easy to assemble and is a budget-friendly option. Second, it has the capacity to warm the soil earlier by harnessing solar energy. This means gardening even when there might be a freeze; a DIY hoop house holds in heat and keeps frost off of plants, preserving them from harm....
And many community gardens are established in low-income neighborhoods on vacant land spaces where food deserts exist. The benefits of community gardens in low-income neighborhoods can be economic, as well as bringing much-needed fresh food to local residents. Read on to learn more about economic community garden benefits and why you may want to become involved. About Community Gardens Nearly 13% of U.S. residents are food insecure. Often food security affects people who are low-income, which means they not only do not have enough resources to purchase food, but places that sell fresh food may be miles away and difficult to get to (food deserts)....
With climate change having an ever-increasing impact on gardens – resulting in a recent update to the USDA hardiness zone map – it’s more vital than ever to plant native species that support pollinating insects and encourage a healthy, balanced biodiversity. Yet, the latest garden design trends are also about being bolder with plant trends – from statement blooms to zesty neon petals, and plants that embrace the dark side....
There are thousands of different types of orchids, which vary in their lifespan. Most speceis are epiphytes, which grow nestled in the trees and use aerial roots to get moisture and nutrients from the air. A smaller number are terrestrial orchids, which grow in the ground and are the most common type seen in gardens. How Long Do Orchids Live? On average, orchids can live for 15 to 20 years....
Beavers were once heavily trapped for their fur, leading to a large decrease in the population. Combined with human habitat destruction, the mammals were once in danger. But they have made a recovery and pose an important factor in healthy waterway management and encouragement of wild species. Beaver habitat hosts a variety of aquatic invertebrates, fish, mammals, and flora. Beaver management can help secure the positive influences gained by these animals’ dams....
These types of trees are termed inosculation trees. Keep your eyes open for them when you’re hiking. And read on to learn their secrets. The Wood Wide Web Most forests are filled with “single” trees, each one standing alone. But the fact is, that the tree roots beneath the forest floor have a network of soil fungi. This network is called the “wood wide web” and connects the trees together....
Beatrix Potter’s Mycological Beginnings Many of us are familiar with Peter Rabbit, a story about an unruly and strong headed young rabbit who gets himself into trouble. But the author of this book is also a researcher, artist, and mycological enthusiast. Beatrix Potter mycology illustrations are crisp, realistic representations of the field specimens she observed. She had a lifelong passion for nature and the small fungal organisms it houses. As a young woman, Beatrix was fascinated by the fairy-like appearance and infinite differences in various fungi....
Highly regarded as a garden stalwart, juniper is drought tolerant and weather-resilient. Of the many ground cover plants you can grow, these coniferous plants are among the most dependable and adaptable, often working equally well on flat surfaces and on slopes. Here, we round up some of the varieties that will flourish as attractive ground cover and effective erosion controls. Best Juniper Ground Cover For Every Garden Size Juniper ground covers range from only a few inches to three feet tall (1m) with a variable spread....
Why Switch to Lawn Alternatives Instead of growing a monoculture lawn of bluegrass or fescue, many homeowners are switching to more sustainable native plants to populate their yards. These can include low growing grasses or groundcovers, which don’t need mowed. It can also mean maintaining a prairie type garden with taller species that ripple in the wind. Here are the primary reasons why a southern or Texas native lawn is more beneficial to the environment than a monoculture of bluegrass:...
This book is a long time in the making, and we’re beyond thrilled to be able to share it with you. It’s compiled and edited by Nancy J. Hajeski, and published by our friends at Thunder Bay Press. Clocking in at exactly 400 pages, it’s a collection of our very best gardening advice, laid out clearly and plainly for easy reference, and interspersed with gorgeous hi-res photos. Inside you’ll find info for indoor and outdoor gardeners alike, divided into twelve essential chapters:...
The Best Vegetables to Grow in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota There is some variation by USDA zone, but in general, you can successfully grow all these vegetables in the upper Midwest states: AsparagusBeansBeetsBroccoliBrussels SproutsCabbageCauliflowerCarrotsCeleryCornCucumbersEggplantGarlicGreensLettuceOnionsPeasPeppersPotatoesPumpkinsRadishesSpinachSquash, Summer and WinterSwiss chardTomatoes The Best Vegetables to Grow in Minnesota’s North Northern Minnesota vegetable gardening can be a little tricker than in other areas. This is the coldest part of the upper Midwest states. Most of the state is in zone 4, but the northern reaches are in zone 3....
Swamp marigolds are best known for their glossy, heart-like foliage and bright flowers. Under ideal conditions, short-statured plants will multiply to form expansive colonies. As their name indicates, marsh flowers are most likely to be found growing where soils remain consistently moist. This includes swamps, along ditches, near rivers, and in other low-lying areas. As with many of their most common lookalikes, marsh marigold plants are considered toxic. Below, we will explore several species that are frequently mistaken for the plant, and examine how to identify each in greater detail....
It’s not always the tree’s fault – some of America’s most iconic trees are just not suitable for planting close to a house. An oak tree, for example, may be prized when planted in a large open space. But if close enough for its roots to wreak havoc with foundations and hardscaping, it will prove a turn-off for buyers. Which Trees Devalue A House? The culprits most likely to take a chunk out of your house’s value are trees with aggressive roots that can damage paving and sidewalks, and disrupt the stability of building foundations....
So what are the most common ornamental flowers around the world? Well, here are some of the most popular flowers according to Gardening Know How visitors. Click the image below to learn more about growing any of these popular petals: Find even more flowers you can grow by visiting our full collection of flower articles. Full Sun vs. Shade: Understanding Your Flower Options Just like people, some flowers live for the sunshine....
6 Low-Cost Backyard Upgrades Here are our 6 favorite ideas for improving your backyard living space without breaking the bank. 1. Add an Affordable Fence Good fences make good neighbors, as the old adage goes, and they also are important features in garden landscaping. Fences can play many roles on your property, from delineating the borders of your land to keeping pets in and wildlife out. When you’re looking for cheap backyard landscaping ideas for fencing, consider updating existing fencing, opting for lower-cost fencing designs, or using repurposed materials for construction....
