Growing Delphiniums – Larkspur

There’s fully as much difference between the older and the modern delphiniums with their long, gorgeous spires, as there is between old-time roses, gladiolus, peonies, and dahlias, and the newer creations. If you’re a beginner, and close to a supply of the modern hybrids, buy not old plants (one year or over), but strong, young plants. If plants aren’t available […]

Attractive Bark – Winter Landscapes

The short, gray days of winter in the north, coupled with snow, often create landscapes that resemble a black and white photo.  Winter landscapes need not be drab and dreary and can have color, by choosing plants for interesting bark. One of my favorite shrubs for its bright red stems is the Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea).  For even better color than […]

Planting Trees Correctly

Yes, there are right and wrong ways to plant a tree.  By following correct planting practices, you can ensure trees will avoid a slow decline and possible death from several causes. This is especially important for trees, which can be a large, long-lasting, and worthwhile landscape investment. Choose the right tree for the right site, not just a tree you […]

Growing Delphiniums

The modern delphinium is one of the most spectacular and popular garden flowers. There are wide ranges of colors, several flower forms, and varieties of different heights. Hobby growers strive to produce the largest individual flowering spikes possible. PLANT RIGHT: Select a sunny location and a soil as deep which is rich as possible. In early Spring,  set plants into well-prepared […]

Control Deer in Landscapes

Deer have become one of the most serious problems in gardens and landscapes. Knowing how to control deer successfully means knowing something about them and their behavior. Before you start investing in deer deterrents, you should first assess whether they have any chance of working.  Deer feeding is a function of alternative food sources.  If there are woods nearby, perhaps […]

Butterfly Hummingbird – Garden Plan

Garden, Butterfly / Hummingbird – Garden Plan Create your own wildlife habitat. Three each: Mixed Monarda, Keys of Heaven, Red Penstemon, White Dragonflower and Wild Romance Aster; one Black Knight Butterfly Bush. Planting instructions included.     This collection includes: A BlackKnight Butterfly Bush (1), Graceful trusses smothered with dark purple flowers attract flocks of butterflies.           […]

Common Boxwood Shrub Planting and Care

BUXUS — Boxwood (Bux’us). Evergreen trees and shrubs, found wild in the temperate parts of Europe and Asia, which belong to the Box family, Buxaceae. They are of neat habit of growth and have small, leathery leaves. The Box has no value as a flowering shrub because its blooms are small and dingy in color; but turners and engravers make […]

Garden banks as attractive garden feature

A bank of soil, whether natural or built of material taken from excavations, may offer a difficult problem to the gardener, particularly if the soil is poor. Yet such a position can be made truly attractive; it is often possible to transform an ugly bare bank into a charming rock or wall garden at slight expense. Plants for Hot Dry […]