Garden Watering Systems
Karen One of the basic facts of gardening is that plants need water. Without the right amount of water a plant wilts and dies leaving a hole in the landscape. Water…
Plant Profile: Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
A native of dry prairies and savannas, yellow coneflower has a folksy look with its droopy soft yellow petals. The center cone is green at first but changes to dark…
Book Review: The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible: A Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers
Living in an apartment or townhouse doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own vegetables. Many vegetables can be grown in pots including all time favorites like tomatoes and peppers. If…
Identification and Control of Five Common Grass and Grass-like Weeds in Lawns
Weedy grasses and grass-look alikes are the most insidious kind of lawn pest because they can invade quickly without you noticing. Just when you think you have a lush lawn…
Plant Profile: ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)
The most popular of the H. arborescens is “Annabelle’, and for good reason. First, it can be cut back in late winter because it produces flowers on new growth. There…
Garden Hedges: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs 1
A broadleaf evergreen hedge keeps it leaves most of the winter and therefore affords a visual barrier all year. This is particularly important if the purpose of the hedge is…
Plant Profile: Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
This native of prairies and meadows is one of the odd looking plants that make gardening such fun. It’s yucca-like leaves are spiky, its stems are stout and unbranched except…
Book Review: Green Gardener’s Guide: Simple, Significant Actions to Protect & Preserve Our Planet
Gardeners can make a significant difference in protecting the environment and this book by Joe Lamp’l, host of the PBS series GardenSmart, tells them how. Actually, any home owner can…
How to Choose Sod for Your Lawn
Installing sod is the quickest way to establish a new lawn or repair and old one. Sod is professionally grown turf grass consisting of densely growing grass that can be…
Plant Profile: Festival Grass Cordyline (Cordyline ‘Jurred’)
Most cordylines are large and tend to be stiff but this one is different. At 2-3’ feet tall Festival Grass cordyline has 2-3’ long strappy leaves that emerge upright buy…