Landscaping: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Yard-Man Leaf Shredders / W...
Review of a Yard-Man leaf vacuum. The Yard-Man leaf vacuum model reviewed is also a wood chipper and leaf shredder.
Review of a Yard-Man leaf vacuum. The Yard-Man leaf vacuum model reviewed is also a wood chipper and leaf shredder.
Install French Drains
Installing French drains is one option for providing yard drainage on properties where there is excessive moisture. The wetness from saturated soil on a slope can be re-routed to an area less harmful to the homeowner using French drains as a yard drainage solution.
Installing French drains is one option for providing yard drainage on properties where there is excessive moisture. The wetness from saturated soil on a slope can be re-routed to an area less harmful to the homeowner using French drains as a yard drainage solution.
Japanese Maples as Fall Fol...
Introduction to Japanese maple trees, including 'Bloodgood,' 'Crimson Queen' and red Japanese maples. Fall foliage described.
Introduction to Japanese maple trees, including 'Bloodgood,' 'Crimson Queen' and red Japanese maples. Fall foliage described.
Chrysanthemums
The chrysanthemums discussed here are 'hardy mums,' which are most likely to produce chrysanthemum flowers for Northern gardeners. Care for hardy mums includes dividing, pinching and providing winter protection.
The chrysanthemums discussed here are 'hardy mums,' which are most likely to produce chrysanthemum flowers for Northern gardeners. Care for hardy mums includes dividing, pinching and providing winter protection.
Cat Repellents
I'm often asked how to keep cats away from yards. The answer lies in cat repellents, whether by wire, water, or just plain understanding how feline pests think.
I'm often asked how to keep cats away from yards. The answer lies in cat repellents, whether by wire, water, or just plain understanding how feline pests think.
Landscape Design
Landscape design ideas for the beginner and do-it-yourselfer. The basic landscape design ideas of color, form, line, scale and texture are introduced with pictures to illustrate how they play out in designing a garden.
Landscape design ideas for the beginner and do-it-yourselfer. The basic landscape design ideas of color, form, line, scale and texture are introduced with pictures to illustrate how they play out in designing a garden.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Orange Sugar Maple Trees
Fall foliage photos, including images of orange sugar maple trees. My fall foliage photos show some of New England's favorite specimens, among which are the orange sugar maple trees.
Fall foliage photos, including images of orange sugar maple trees. My fall foliage photos show some of New England's favorite specimens, among which are the orange sugar maple trees.
Types of Maple Trees for Fa...
Introduction, with pictures, to maple trees as fall foliage specimens. Red maples' fall foliage described, as well as sugar maples, Norways and Amurs.
Introduction, with pictures, to maple trees as fall foliage specimens. Red maples' fall foliage described, as well as sugar maples, Norways and Amurs.
Leaf Blowers
Reviews of leaf blowers and vacuums, mulching lawn mowers, wood chippers -- lawn equipment options for removal of leaves. Vacuums and leaf blowers compared to other lawn equipment options.
Reviews of leaf blowers and vacuums, mulching lawn mowers, wood chippers -- lawn equipment options for removal of leaves. Vacuums and leaf blowers compared to other lawn equipment options.
Leaf Mulch, Compost
Don't just rake leaves and dispose of them. Make compost with leaves, or make mulch with them. A look at compost bins and mulch bins, including aesthetic considerations.
Don't just rake leaves and dispose of them. Make compost with leaves, or make mulch with them. A look at compost bins and mulch bins, including aesthetic considerations.
Planting Zones
Definition of planting zones. The USDA puts out a hardiness map to which we refer when discussing whether particular specimens will survive in particular regions -- in other words, their planting zones.
Definition of planting zones. The USDA puts out a hardiness map to which we refer when discussing whether particular specimens will survive in particular regions -- in other words, their planting zones.
Types of Wood Fences
Wood fence designs are often selected to match house styles. Among the types of wood fences are the stockade, post-and-rail and picket styles.
Wood fence designs are often selected to match house styles. Among the types of wood fences are the stockade, post-and-rail and picket styles.
Fall Lawn Care Tips
Tips on fall lawn care. Fall lawn maintenance, including mowing, will depend on whether you're caring for warm season grasses or cool season grasses.
Tips on fall lawn care. Fall lawn maintenance, including mowing, will depend on whether you're caring for warm season grasses or cool season grasses.
Landscape Design Ideas
Need landscape design ideas for your own yard? Study these photos illustrating landscape design ideas and learn about the concepts the pros employ.
Need landscape design ideas for your own yard? Study these photos illustrating landscape design ideas and learn about the concepts the pros employ.
How to Build Rock Gardens
This tutorial illustrates how to build rock gardens. The look of rock gardens is enhanced if attention is paid to color choices (both for the stones and for the plants).
This tutorial illustrates how to build rock gardens. The look of rock gardens is enhanced if attention is paid to color choices (both for the stones and for the plants).
Hedge Plants
Hedge plants may serve the practical function of affording a property some security, or be purely decorative. Examples of hedge plants are discussed and photos provided.
Hedge plants may serve the practical function of affording a property some security, or be purely decorative. Examples of hedge plants are discussed and photos provided.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of sharon bush is a deciduous flowering shrub, sometimes thought of as a small tree. Responsive to pruning, rose of sharon bushes can be used to form a summertime hedge to secure privacy for swimming pool areas.
Rose of sharon bush is a deciduous flowering shrub, sometimes thought of as a small tree. Responsive to pruning, rose of sharon bushes can be used to form a summertime hedge to secure privacy for swimming pool areas.
Building Retaining Walls
Tutorial on building retaining walls out of natural stone, three feet in height or less. Building retaining walls from natural stone without mortar has its limitations but also some benefits.
Tutorial on building retaining walls out of natural stone, three feet in height or less. Building retaining walls from natural stone without mortar has its limitations but also some benefits.
Tree Stump Removal
Alternatives to using grinders for tree stump removal explored. Tree stump removal can be accomplished manually with mattocks or by applying nitrogen and waiting.
Alternatives to using grinders for tree stump removal explored. Tree stump removal can be accomplished manually with mattocks or by applying nitrogen and waiting.
Landscaping Pictures
Home landscaping pictures can provide you with numerous ideas for creating your own beautiful yard. These home landscaping pictures give free examples of some of the basic components found in beautiful yards.
Home landscaping pictures can provide you with numerous ideas for creating your own beautiful yard. These home landscaping pictures give free examples of some of the basic components found in beautiful yards.
Brick Patios
How to build a brick patio. These step-by-step instructions, for designing and building a brick patio, are designed for beginners. Using a basket weave design pattern, you can build a brick patio without cutting a single brick. This is an easy do-it-yourself project.
How to build a brick patio. These step-by-step instructions, for designing and building a brick patio, are designed for beginners. Using a basket weave design pattern, you can build a brick patio without cutting a single brick. This is an easy do-it-yourself project.
Planting Fall Flowers
The importance of planting and growing fall flowers in autumn landscape design. Flower planting supplements autumn leaf color, and growing fall flowers is your garden's last hurrah!
The importance of planting and growing fall flowers in autumn landscape design. Flower planting supplements autumn leaf color, and growing fall flowers is your garden's last hurrah!
Landscaping Ideas, Pics
Consult these landscaping ideas and pictures for free design help (but pics are NOT royalty-free). These landscaping pictures and ideas will help your home improvement projects in the yard.
Consult these landscaping ideas and pictures for free design help (but pics are NOT royalty-free). These landscaping pictures and ideas will help your home improvement projects in the yard.
Top 10 List of Weeping Trees
Descriptions of Japanese cherry trees and other weeping trees. Weeping cherry trees have a drooping habit and lovely blossoms, making them landscaping standouts.
Descriptions of Japanese cherry trees and other weeping trees. Weeping cherry trees have a drooping habit and lovely blossoms, making them landscaping standouts.
Bittersweet Vine Plants
Introduction to American and oriental bittersweet vines. The benign American bittersweet plants are quickly disappearing, while the vines of the oriental variety are an invasive scourge, despite bearing beautiful berries.
Introduction to American and oriental bittersweet vines. The benign American bittersweet plants are quickly disappearing, while the vines of the oriental variety are an invasive scourge, despite bearing beautiful berries.
Elephant Ear Plants
Elephant ear plants are tropical but can be overwintered in cold climates in containers. Keep your elephant ear plants in a cool, but not freezing basement or garage.
Elephant ear plants are tropical but can be overwintered in cold climates in containers. Keep your elephant ear plants in a cool, but not freezing basement or garage.
Privacy Fences
The utility of fences is argued in this article. Options for privacy fences are divided into building hardscape fences and 'living walls'; the pros and cons of each are listed.
The utility of fences is argued in this article. Options for privacy fences are divided into building hardscape fences and 'living walls'; the pros and cons of each are listed.
Ornamental Grasses
Use these ornamental grass pictures and their accompanying descriptions to learn more about one of the best examples of low-maintenance plants -- the ornamental grasses.
Use these ornamental grass pictures and their accompanying descriptions to learn more about one of the best examples of low-maintenance plants -- the ornamental grasses.
'Emerald Green' Arborvitae
'Emerald Green' arborvitae trees (often misspelled 'arbor vitae') are evergreens. 'Emerald Green' arborvitae trees have a foliage similar to Leyland cypress and are sometimes used as privacy screens or in other border plantings.
'Emerald Green' arborvitae trees (often misspelled 'arbor vitae') are evergreens. 'Emerald Green' arborvitae trees have a foliage similar to Leyland cypress and are sometimes used as privacy screens or in other border plantings.
Rose Color Meanings
Rose color meanings detailed, so you can 'get it right' for Valentines Day. Attributing meaning to roses by colors, whether as Valentine gifts or for other occasions, follows longstanding convention.
Rose color meanings detailed, so you can 'get it right' for Valentines Day. Attributing meaning to roses by colors, whether as Valentine gifts or for other occasions, follows longstanding convention.
Getting Rid of Crabgrass
What's the best way of killing crabgrass (also spelled "crab grass")? Using preemergent herbicides is the best way to get rid of crabgrass, but killing the weed begins with proper identification, to which end I provide pictures to help with your weed control.
What's the best way of killing crabgrass (also spelled "crab grass")? Using preemergent herbicides is the best way to get rid of crabgrass, but killing the weed begins with proper identification, to which end I provide pictures to help with your weed control.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Color Combinations of Maple Tree Leaves
You can find fall maple tree leaves displaying 3 colors, red, green and yellow. Such is the diversity of maple tree leaves in the autumn.
You can find fall maple tree leaves displaying 3 colors, red, green and yellow. Such is the diversity of maple tree leaves in the autumn.
Red, White and Pin Oak Trees
Descriptions of oak trees as part of a Fall Foliage landscaping series. Information on red, white and pin oak trees.
Descriptions of oak trees as part of a Fall Foliage landscaping series. Information on red, white and pin oak trees.
Colorado Blue Spruce Trees
Colorado blue spruce trees are deer-resistant and often used as specimens or windbreaks. A classic choice for Christmas, Colorado blue spruce trees can also be impressive landscaping components.
Colorado blue spruce trees are deer-resistant and often used as specimens or windbreaks. A classic choice for Christmas, Colorado blue spruce trees can also be impressive landscaping components.
Build a Backyard Waterfall
To build outdoor waterfalls (see photo), you normally need to exploit an elevated area on your property, or else erect a berm to create such an area. But a simple and cheap way to build outdoor waterfalls is to erect cascading stone spillways that hang right over your pond.
To build outdoor waterfalls (see photo), you normally need to exploit an elevated area on your property, or else erect a berm to create such an area. But a simple and cheap way to build outdoor waterfalls is to erect cascading stone spillways that hang right over your pond.
Types of Palm Trees
Beginners are bewildered by all the different types of palm trees available. To help, I offer a handy list of types of palm trees in this introductory article.
Beginners are bewildered by all the different types of palm trees available. To help, I offer a handy list of types of palm trees in this introductory article.
Gas Leaf Blowers
Gas leaf blower vacuums with 4-cycle engines have lower emissions than 2-cycles, making them less hostile to the environment. These Craftsman gas leaf blower vacuums have the added benefit of easy start-up.
Gas leaf blower vacuums with 4-cycle engines have lower emissions than 2-cycles, making them less hostile to the environment. These Craftsman gas leaf blower vacuums have the added benefit of easy start-up.
Christmas Holly Trees
Description of holly plants as landscaping shrubs and trees. The focus is on the growing requirements and uses of American holly tree (ilex opaca), winterberry shrub (ilex verticillata) and 'Little Red.'
Description of holly plants as landscaping shrubs and trees. The focus is on the growing requirements and uses of American holly tree (ilex opaca), winterberry shrub (ilex verticillata) and 'Little Red.'
Flagstone Patios
Laying flagstone patios in sand is not difficult, although the stone itself can be heavy. Laying a flagstone patio is like building a puzzle.
Laying flagstone patios in sand is not difficult, although the stone itself can be heavy. Laying a flagstone patio is like building a puzzle.
Small Water Fountains
A small, cheap water fountain project for do it yourselfers. Fountains and other water features involving artifical ponds greatly enhance outdoor living spaces.
A small, cheap water fountain project for do it yourselfers. Fountains and other water features involving artifical ponds greatly enhance outdoor living spaces.
Canadian Hemlock Trees
Eastern or 'Canadian' hemlock trees are long-lived evergreens. Many cultivars of Canadian hemlock trees have been developed for landscape usage.
Eastern or 'Canadian' hemlock trees are long-lived evergreens. Many cultivars of Canadian hemlock trees have been developed for landscape usage.
Pictures of Red Flowers: Poppies
Picture of red poppy flower.
Picture of red poppy flower.
English Boxwoods
English boxwood shrubs are true dwarfs, keeping a rounded, compact form. English boxwoods make excellent hedges and topiaries.
English boxwood shrubs are true dwarfs, keeping a rounded, compact form. English boxwoods make excellent hedges and topiaries.
Fall Foliage With Birch Trees
Description of 4 types of birch trees effective as fall foliage trees. The fall foliage of birch trees is yellow.
Description of 4 types of birch trees effective as fall foliage trees. The fall foliage of birch trees is yellow.
Laying Sod
Laying sod to start new lawns begins with soil preparation. Laying sod to start new lawns has the advantage over seeding of being quicker.
Laying sod to start new lawns begins with soil preparation. Laying sod to start new lawns has the advantage over seeding of being quicker.
Burning Bush Shrubs
Information on burning bush plants, those popular but invasive shrubs. Burning bush shrubs display spectacular fall foliage but the plants are starting to be classified as 'illegal aliens.'
Information on burning bush plants, those popular but invasive shrubs. Burning bush shrubs display spectacular fall foliage but the plants are starting to be classified as 'illegal aliens.'
Flower Pictures
Browse this gallery of flower pictures to gain some ideas for your landscape designs. The flower pictures are organized by color.
Browse this gallery of flower pictures to gain some ideas for your landscape designs. The flower pictures are organized by color.
Colorful Shrubs
A Top Ten Shrub Bush & Vine List for fall colors from your About Landscaping guide. These shrubs, bushes and vines display great fall colors, and can set the autumn landscape ablaze with their colorful leaves.
A Top Ten Shrub Bush & Vine List for fall colors from your About Landscaping guide. These shrubs, bushes and vines display great fall colors, and can set the autumn landscape ablaze with their colorful leaves.
Black Decker Leaf Hog
Review of Black & Decker 'Leaf Hog' leaf blowers, by your About.com Guide. These electric leaf blowers are multi-task lawn equipment, also serving as vacuums and mulchers.
Review of Black & Decker 'Leaf Hog' leaf blowers, by your About.com Guide. These electric leaf blowers are multi-task lawn equipment, also serving as vacuums and mulchers.
Varieties of Azaleas and Rh...
Introduction to care for azalea and rhododendron plants. Tips on pruning and planting azaleas and rhododendrons.
Introduction to care for azalea and rhododendron plants. Tips on pruning and planting azaleas and rhododendrons.
Landscaping Pictures: Transition From Front Yard to Backyard
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Water Drains
In answering how to drain water off lawns, you need to know not only about water drains, but also what to do with the runoff (dry wells being one option).
In answering how to drain water off lawns, you need to know not only about water drains, but also what to do with the runoff (dry wells being one option).
Best in Show for Top 10 Sha...
Top 10 List of shade plants, including flowering dogwood trees. Shade plants are described within each of the major categories.
Top 10 List of shade plants, including flowering dogwood trees. Shade plants are described within each of the major categories.
Seeding Lawns
Using seed for starting new lawns is cheaper than using sod. Learn the steps required for properly seeding lawns.
Using seed for starting new lawns is cheaper than using sod. Learn the steps required for properly seeding lawns.
Mountain Laurel Shrubs
Description of mountain laurel shrubs, supplemented by pictures. Distinction drawn between these shrubs and the bay laurel trees made famous by the Greeks and Romans.
Description of mountain laurel shrubs, supplemented by pictures. Distinction drawn between these shrubs and the bay laurel trees made famous by the Greeks and Romans.
Alberta Spruce
Dwarf Alberta spruce trees will eventually reach 6' in height, but only over a long period of time. The green needles have a tight, densely-packed growth habit that gives dwarf Alberta spruce trees a 'fuzzy' look.
Dwarf Alberta spruce trees will eventually reach 6' in height, but only over a long period of time. The green needles have a tight, densely-packed growth habit that gives dwarf Alberta spruce trees a 'fuzzy' look.
Thanksgiving Decorations
Trying to come up with ideas for outdoor Thanksgiving decorations? All the fall corn stalks, squash, etc. left over from Halloween can stay put and serve just as well as outdoor Thanksgiving decorations for your yard, supplemented by wreaths, etc.
Trying to come up with ideas for outdoor Thanksgiving decorations? All the fall corn stalks, squash, etc. left over from Halloween can stay put and serve just as well as outdoor Thanksgiving decorations for your yard, supplemented by wreaths, etc.
Drought Tolerant Plants
Pictures of perennial flowers in a drought-tolerant landscape plan consisting of plants suitable for sunny perennial beds. These drought-tolerant perennial flowers also tolerate poor to average soils.
Pictures of perennial flowers in a drought-tolerant landscape plan consisting of plants suitable for sunny perennial beds. These drought-tolerant perennial flowers also tolerate poor to average soils.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Reddish Orange Sugar Maples
No pictures of autumn foliage are complete without including pics of the sugar maples. My autumn foliage photos show the variations in the sugar maples' fall color.
No pictures of autumn foliage are complete without including pics of the sugar maples. My autumn foliage photos show the variations in the sugar maples' fall color.
Deck Railings
Interview with Lawrence Winterburn, expert on deck railings. Learn about the scope of deck railing styles now available.
Interview with Lawrence Winterburn, expert on deck railings. Learn about the scope of deck railing styles now available.
Apple Trees
Factors that go into selecting varieties of apple trees to grow. In selecting varieties of apple trees, you'll have to consider dwarfs versus standards, climate zone, taste, disease resistance and more.
Factors that go into selecting varieties of apple trees to grow. In selecting varieties of apple trees, you'll have to consider dwarfs versus standards, climate zone, taste, disease resistance and more.
Tombstone Halloween Decoration With Epitaph
This image shows a tombstone Halloween decoration engraved with the RIP epitaph. Tombstones with epitaphs are popular Halloween decorations for yards.
This image shows a tombstone Halloween decoration engraved with the RIP epitaph. Tombstones with epitaphs are popular Halloween decorations for yards.
Pictures of Deck Railings: Custom Deck Railings
Picture of custom wood deck railings.
Picture of custom wood deck railings.
Picture of a "Black" Rose
Picture of a black rose. So-called 'black' roses are really just a very deep red color.
Picture of a black rose. So-called 'black' roses are really just a very deep red color.
Why Rake Leaves?
Why is it necessary to rake leaves off the lawn in fall? The reason behind raking leaves off lawns in fall goes beyond the oft-quoted admonition about 'smothering.'
Why is it necessary to rake leaves off the lawn in fall? The reason behind raking leaves off lawns in fall goes beyond the oft-quoted admonition about 'smothering.'
Tips for Growing Green Lawns
Is the grass always greener on the other side, i.e., your neighbor's yard? These tips for growing green lawns will remedy that, putting a green lawn within your reach.
Is the grass always greener on the other side, i.e., your neighbor's yard? These tips for growing green lawns will remedy that, putting a green lawn within your reach.
Scientific Plant Names
Reason given for why we use scientific names of plants rather than common names of plants. Most common mispronunciations of scientific lingo also supplied.
Reason given for why we use scientific names of plants rather than common names of plants. Most common mispronunciations of scientific lingo also supplied.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Source of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup comes from Acer saccharum trees. Much of the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada produces large quantities of maple syrup.
Maple syrup comes from Acer saccharum trees. Much of the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada produces large quantities of maple syrup.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Maple Leaf Pictures
Maple leaf pictures will reveal fall foliage with significant variation. Reds, yellows, oranges, and multi-colored examples can be found in this collection of maple leaf pictures.
Maple leaf pictures will reveal fall foliage with significant variation. Reds, yellows, oranges, and multi-colored examples can be found in this collection of maple leaf pictures.
Stone Walkways
Learn how to build stone walkways, if you need to create a sturdy, attractive path from Point A to Point B. You can build a stone walkway that is either curved or straight.
Learn how to build stone walkways, if you need to create a sturdy, attractive path from Point A to Point B. You can build a stone walkway that is either curved or straight.
Building Concrete Patios
How to build concrete patios. How to build forms, install drainage for concrete patios, use automatic cement mixers, make use of unwanted garden rock and pour.
How to build concrete patios. How to build forms, install drainage for concrete patios, use automatic cement mixers, make use of unwanted garden rock and pour.
The Essential Steps in Deck...
Free guide to do-it-yourselfers in deck construction and design. This introduction to deck design and building focuses on the basic steps.
Free guide to do-it-yourselfers in deck construction and design. This introduction to deck design and building focuses on the basic steps.
Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding hearts are perennial flowers and favorites in shade gardens. Give bleeding hearts liberal doses of water after flowering to extend the life of the plants' attractive but heat-sensitive foliage.
Bleeding hearts are perennial flowers and favorites in shade gardens. Give bleeding hearts liberal doses of water after flowering to extend the life of the plants' attractive but heat-sensitive foliage.
Home Pest Control - Voles
Garden pest identification as a first step in vole control (they're distinct from moles), followed by tips to get rid of these 'field mice' or 'meadow mice.' Holes of voles are different from holes of moles, realizing which is essential for control measures.
Garden pest identification as a first step in vole control (they're distinct from moles), followed by tips to get rid of these 'field mice' or 'meadow mice.' Holes of voles are different from holes of moles, realizing which is essential for control measures.
Crushed Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways offer a set of pros and cons distinct from surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. E.g., because they don't have a solid surface, gravel driveways are hard to shovel, but immune to frost heaves.
Gravel driveways offer a set of pros and cons distinct from surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. E.g., because they don't have a solid surface, gravel driveways are hard to shovel, but immune to frost heaves.
Identifying Rhus Radicans
Tips for treating poison ivy rash. Treating poison ivy rash focuses on relief rather than a cure (vaccine), and relief remedies include the home remedy of jewelweed.
Tips for treating poison ivy rash. Treating poison ivy rash focuses on relief rather than a cure (vaccine), and relief remedies include the home remedy of jewelweed.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Norway Maple's Canopy
Fall foliage photos of Norways reveal two distinct looks (yellow, burgundy). Norways are tall trees, while Amur maple trees and hedge maple trees are shorter and better suited to small spaces.
Fall foliage photos of Norways reveal two distinct looks (yellow, burgundy). Norways are tall trees, while Amur maple trees and hedge maple trees are shorter and better suited to small spaces.
Sumach Shrubs
Distinguish poison sumac shrubs from their harmless namesakes and consider the latter for great fall foliage, such as typifies New England. There are many varieties that display brilliant fall foliage and that are quite distinct from poison sumac shrubs.
Distinguish poison sumac shrubs from their harmless namesakes and consider the latter for great fall foliage, such as typifies New England. There are many varieties that display brilliant fall foliage and that are quite distinct from poison sumac shrubs.
Ginkgo Biloba Trees
Ginkgo biloba trees (alternate spelling, "Gingko") are the oldest type in the world and commonly granted the moniker, "living fossil." Ginkgo biloba trees are valued for the extract they provide, which has numerous medicinal uses, and they provide fine fall foliage, as my pictures illustrate.
Ginkgo biloba trees (alternate spelling, "Gingko") are the oldest type in the world and commonly granted the moniker, "living fossil." Ginkgo biloba trees are valued for the extract they provide, which has numerous medicinal uses, and they provide fine fall foliage, as my pictures illustrate.
Deck and Pergola Design
Lawrence Winterburn is an expert on deck and pergola design, as shown in these pictures. This picture shows what the landscape looked like before the pergola design.
Lawrence Winterburn is an expert on deck and pergola design, as shown in these pictures. This picture shows what the landscape looked like before the pergola design.
Landscape Trees
What are the best types of landscape trees for your yard, especially for autumn? In this piece I help you choose landscape trees to liven up your yard in autumn and all seasons.
What are the best types of landscape trees for your yard, especially for autumn? In this piece I help you choose landscape trees to liven up your yard in autumn and all seasons.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Maple Leaves
Photos of maple leaves close up reveal the shape so strongly associated with the national flag of Canada.
Photos of maple leaves close up reveal the shape so strongly associated with the national flag of Canada.
Outdoor Halloween Decorations
Introduction to the history behind the eve before All Hallows' Day, emphasizing the pagan origins of Halloween. The pagan origins of Halloween lie in Celtic belief, although a later influence comes from Christianity through All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Introduction to the history behind the eve before All Hallows' Day, emphasizing the pagan origins of Halloween. The pagan origins of Halloween lie in Celtic belief, although a later influence comes from Christianity through All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Privet Hedges
Privet hedges (ligustrum shrubs) are traditional favorites, being amenable to pruning. But ligustrum shrubs are invasive plants in North America, meaning privet hedges may soon belong to a bygone era.
Privet hedges (ligustrum shrubs) are traditional favorites, being amenable to pruning. But ligustrum shrubs are invasive plants in North America, meaning privet hedges may soon belong to a bygone era.
Driveway Materials
This series of frequently asked questions considers the available driveway materials for new installations, as well as sealing, repairing and landscaping existing driveways. The most popular driveway materials are concrete, asphalt and pavers.
This series of frequently asked questions considers the available driveway materials for new installations, as well as sealing, repairing and landscaping existing driveways. The most popular driveway materials are concrete, asphalt and pavers.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Are Red Maple Trees Always Red?
For crimson fall color, 'Red Sunset' maple trees are a good choice. Red Sunset maple trees will consistently provide the fall color you desire.
For crimson fall color, 'Red Sunset' maple trees are a good choice. Red Sunset maple trees will consistently provide the fall color you desire.
Building Dry Creek Beds
Building dry creek beds for landscape drainage is an easy landscaping project, provided that the soil you'll be excavating isn't strewn with roots and rocks. Once the digging is done, you'll build a dry creek bed laying weed-suppressing fabric and covering it with river rock, mortared in place.
Building dry creek beds for landscape drainage is an easy landscaping project, provided that the soil you'll be excavating isn't strewn with roots and rocks. Once the digging is done, you'll build a dry creek bed laying weed-suppressing fabric and covering it with river rock, mortared in place.
Transplanting Shrubs and Trees
Easy steps to follow for shrub and tree transplanting. How to dig the holes and move the plants, plus care after the shrub and tree transplanting.
Easy steps to follow for shrub and tree transplanting. How to dig the holes and move the plants, plus care after the shrub and tree transplanting.
FAQ on Fence Designs
FAQ on all aspects of building fences, including design styles, professional installation versus building it yourself, and the attributes of fencing materials (wooden, vinyl and chain-link fencing).
FAQ on all aspects of building fences, including design styles, professional installation versus building it yourself, and the attributes of fencing materials (wooden, vinyl and chain-link fencing).
Fertilizing Lawns
Tips are provided in this resource for fertilizing lawns. A schedule is provided for fertilizing lawns in spring, summer and fall.
Tips are provided in this resource for fertilizing lawns. A schedule is provided for fertilizing lawns in spring, summer and fall.
Japanese Yews
English yew bushes are widely used for foundation plants or in hedges, while a number of cultivars of Japanese yews exist and also serve as foundation plants or in hedges.
English yew bushes are widely used for foundation plants or in hedges, while a number of cultivars of Japanese yews exist and also serve as foundation plants or in hedges.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Oval Red Maple Trees
Photo of wild red maple tree with a form similar to Autumn Blaze. Your best bet to achieve this oval-shaped canopy in a landscape specimen is with 'Autumn Blaze' red maple trees.
Photo of wild red maple tree with a form similar to Autumn Blaze. Your best bet to achieve this oval-shaped canopy in a landscape specimen is with 'Autumn Blaze' red maple trees.
Loropetalum
Chinese loropetalum plant or 'fringe flower' is an evergreen shrub for planting zones 7-10. It's flowers, which for such types as 'Burgundy' and 'Ruby' are pink, give Chinese loropetalum plant away as a member of the witch-hazel family.
Chinese loropetalum plant or 'fringe flower' is an evergreen shrub for planting zones 7-10. It's flowers, which for such types as 'Burgundy' and 'Ruby' are pink, give Chinese loropetalum plant away as a member of the witch-hazel family.
Pergola Photo
Lawrence Winterburn is an expert on pergola designs, as shown in his pergola pictures. View these pictures for some ideas, including how to create courtyards.
Lawrence Winterburn is an expert on pergola designs, as shown in his pergola pictures. View these pictures for some ideas, including how to create courtyards.
Saucer Magnolia Trees
Description of "saucer" magnolia trees. Pictures of saucer magnolia trees furnished.
Description of "saucer" magnolia trees. Pictures of saucer magnolia trees furnished.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Norway Maple Trees
Fall foliage images showing autumn color of Norway maple trees. The yellow fall foliage of Norway maple trees arrives a bit later than does the autumn color of its cousins.
Fall foliage images showing autumn color of Norway maple trees. The yellow fall foliage of Norway maple trees arrives a bit later than does the autumn color of its cousins.
Landscaping Steps to Climb to Front Door Entrances
Pictures showing examples of landscaping steps for front door entrances. The pillars at the base of these brick steps are topped with pineapple ornaments.
Pictures showing examples of landscaping steps for front door entrances. The pillars at the base of these brick steps are topped with pineapple ornaments.
Troy-Bilt Wood Chippers
Consumer product review of Troy Bilt 10 HP wood chippers. Wood chippers are good supplemental equipment to leaf vacuums, and the Troy-Built models are reliable.
Consumer product review of Troy Bilt 10 HP wood chippers. Wood chippers are good supplemental equipment to leaf vacuums, and the Troy-Built models are reliable.
Deck Pictures
Browse these deck screen pictures for design ideas. The deck screen pictures are supplemented with a link to an information discussing their designs.
Browse these deck screen pictures for design ideas. The deck screen pictures are supplemented with a link to an information discussing their designs.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Crimson King Norway Maple Trees
Crimson King Norway maple trees have a different fall foliage from the 'typical' Acer platanoides. Crimson King Norway maple trees have a fall foliage that's maroon in color.
Crimson King Norway maple trees have a different fall foliage from the 'typical' Acer platanoides. Crimson King Norway maple trees have a fall foliage that's maroon in color.
Landscape Solutions
Problem areas call for landscape solutions, including rock garden design. Rock gardens can be an attractive, practical landscape solution where more common landscaping designs fail.
Problem areas call for landscape solutions, including rock garden design. Rock gardens can be an attractive, practical landscape solution where more common landscaping designs fail.
Hens and Chickens
Hens and chicks plants (Latin name, Sempervivum tectorum) are surprisingly hardy perennials, for succulents. Plant hens and chickens (see picture) in rock gardens to take advantage of their drought-tolerance.
Hens and chicks plants (Latin name, Sempervivum tectorum) are surprisingly hardy perennials, for succulents. Plant hens and chickens (see picture) in rock gardens to take advantage of their drought-tolerance.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly
'Nellie R. Stevens' holly can be used as specimens or for privacy screening. Nellie Stevens holly plants come in tree form and bush form.
'Nellie R. Stevens' holly can be used as specimens or for privacy screening. Nellie Stevens holly plants come in tree form and bush form.
poisonous-plants
Pictures of poisonous plants can help you to identify them -- and, hopefully, avoid them. My list of poisonous plants includes not only pictures of vegetation, berries, etc. that you shouldn't eat, but also photos of weeds that cause rashes on contact, as well as pics of weeds that serve as natural remedies.
Pictures of poisonous plants can help you to identify them -- and, hopefully, avoid them. My list of poisonous plants includes not only pictures of vegetation, berries, etc. that you shouldn't eat, but also photos of weeds that cause rashes on contact, as well as pics of weeds that serve as natural remedies.
Snow-Removal Equipment
Tips on hiring a snowplowing contractors for your snow-removal needs. When signing snowplowing contracts, insist on what you need.
Tips on hiring a snowplowing contractors for your snow-removal needs. When signing snowplowing contracts, insist on what you need.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Sugar Maple Leaves
It's de rigeur in closeup fall foliage pics to have a closeup image of sugar maple leaves. My fall foliage pics will help you when buying to decide if you want sugar maple leaves on your own landscape.
It's de rigeur in closeup fall foliage pics to have a closeup image of sugar maple leaves. My fall foliage pics will help you when buying to decide if you want sugar maple leaves on your own landscape.
3 Different Types of Soils
How to find out your soil type. There are 3 basic different types of soils, and finding out which you have is important for irrigation purposes.
How to find out your soil type. There are 3 basic different types of soils, and finding out which you have is important for irrigation purposes.
Fence Pictures: Wrought Iron Fences
Photo of a wrought iron fence.
Photo of a wrought iron fence.
Ornamental Grasses
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Post and Rail Fences for Borders
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Leaf Hog Leaf Blowers
The assembly of BV4000 Leaf Hog leaf blowers (lawn vacuums) is fairly straightforward, an important point for the 'gadget-challenged.' I also give these leaf blowers (lawn vacuums) a good rating in terms of power.
The assembly of BV4000 Leaf Hog leaf blowers (lawn vacuums) is fairly straightforward, an important point for the 'gadget-challenged.' I also give these leaf blowers (lawn vacuums) a good rating in terms of power.
Leaf Blower/Vacs
This brief article addresses how to use leaf blower/vacs in the sense of developing a plan for employing leaf blower/vacs as one component in yard-cleanup arsenal. Where it makes sense, use them to supplement rakes.
This brief article addresses how to use leaf blower/vacs in the sense of developing a plan for employing leaf blower/vacs as one component in yard-cleanup arsenal. Where it makes sense, use them to supplement rakes.
Dogwood Trees
Flowering dogwood trees win the top ranking in this list of best spring specimens. Specifically, 'Cherokee Chief' and Japanese flowering dogwood trees are the winners, partly because they excel at attracting wild birds.
Flowering dogwood trees win the top ranking in this list of best spring specimens. Specifically, 'Cherokee Chief' and Japanese flowering dogwood trees are the winners, partly because they excel at attracting wild birds.
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
History of how kissing under the mistletoe originated. History tells us that kissing under the mistletoe has its roots in Celtic rituals and Norse mythology.
History of how kissing under the mistletoe originated. History tells us that kissing under the mistletoe has its roots in Celtic rituals and Norse mythology.
English Ivy
Information on English ivy plants, including a picture. English ivy plants are traditional groundcovers, but have fallen out of favor in North America due to their invasiveness.
Information on English ivy plants, including a picture. English ivy plants are traditional groundcovers, but have fallen out of favor in North America due to their invasiveness.
Landscaping Pictures: Stone Wall Borders
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Deck Railing Picture
Browse my deck and deck railing pictures for design ideas. The photo is supplied by Lawrence Winterburn.
Browse my deck and deck railing pictures for design ideas. The photo is supplied by Lawrence Winterburn.
Landscape Plans
You say that you’d like to learn how to draw landscape plans? This article aimed at do-it-yourselfers shows you how to draw landscape plans, and explains their usefulness.
You say that you’d like to learn how to draw landscape plans? This article aimed at do-it-yourselfers shows you how to draw landscape plans, and explains their usefulness.
New England Fall Foliage Pictures
Pictures of fall foliage scenes from New England, representative of the Halloween season. On this page: maple leaves beloved by Canada.
Pictures of fall foliage scenes from New England, representative of the Halloween season. On this page: maple leaves beloved by Canada.
Landscape Design on Hillsides
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Fence Pictures: Lattice Fences
Lattice fence photo.
Lattice fence photo.
Mole Control
Mole control is an one element of lawn care and garden pest control. Distinction made between moles and rodent garden pests.
Mole control is an one element of lawn care and garden pest control. Distinction made between moles and rodent garden pests.
Impatiens Flowers
Impatiens flowers are valued for the variety and vibrancy of their colors and their shade tolerance. The 'Super Elfin' series is one of the more popular groups of impatiens flowers.
Impatiens flowers are valued for the variety and vibrancy of their colors and their shade tolerance. The 'Super Elfin' series is one of the more popular groups of impatiens flowers.
Beech Trees
Description of beech trees, bearer of beechnuts, especially as fall foliage specimens. Fall foliage information on American and European beeches or 'beechnut trees,' plus Tricolor cultivar.
Description of beech trees, bearer of beechnuts, especially as fall foliage specimens. Fall foliage information on American and European beeches or 'beechnut trees,' plus Tricolor cultivar.
Full Sun Plants
Full-sun plants with drought-tolerance that are perennials are often perfect for rock gardens, for instance. Learn what qualifies as full-sun plants before you buy your perennials at the nursery.
Full-sun plants with drought-tolerance that are perennials are often perfect for rock gardens, for instance. Learn what qualifies as full-sun plants before you buy your perennials at the nursery.
Hosta Plants
Hosta plants do have flowers but are usually grown for their foliage. The foliage color of hosta plants, as shown in the pictures provided, can be green, gold, or blue, and variegation is common.
Hosta plants do have flowers but are usually grown for their foliage. The foliage color of hosta plants, as shown in the pictures provided, can be green, gold, or blue, and variegation is common.
Garden Mulch
Garden mulch properly used will promote plant health and the appearance of your landscape. Some garden mulches may lower soil pH slightly, but this tendency can be counteracted by applying lime to the landscape.
Garden mulch properly used will promote plant health and the appearance of your landscape. Some garden mulches may lower soil pH slightly, but this tendency can be counteracted by applying lime to the landscape.
Redtwig Dogwoods
Red twig dogwood shrubs (or "redtwig" dogwoods) are so named for the color of their bark in winter. But red twig dogwood shrubs offer much more than just colorful winter bark....
Red twig dogwood shrubs (or "redtwig" dogwoods) are so named for the color of their bark in winter. But red twig dogwood shrubs offer much more than just colorful winter bark....
Xeriscaping Plants
The threat of drought begs for cheaper, drought-resistant alternatives to lawns, such as the xeriscaping plants used in xeriscape landscaping. Xeriscaping plants are an alternative to the thirsty grass of lawns.
The threat of drought begs for cheaper, drought-resistant alternatives to lawns, such as the xeriscaping plants used in xeriscape landscaping. Xeriscaping plants are an alternative to the thirsty grass of lawns.
Fall Foliage Pictures - - Japanese Maples
Picture of Japanese maples in autumn, showing the fall foliage of Japanese maples.
Picture of Japanese maples in autumn, showing the fall foliage of Japanese maples.
Fence Pictures: Privacy Fences
Picture of a privacy fence.
Picture of a privacy fence.
Pictures of Deck Railings: Tempered Glass Deck Railings
Picture of tempered glass deck railings.
Picture of tempered glass deck railings.
Landscaping Pictures: Brick Columns and Pineapple Decor
Landscaping pictures showing examples of design for front door entrances, including use of brick columns and pineapple decor. A sign of welcome, pineapple decor of this sort goes back to colonial America.
Landscaping pictures showing examples of design for front door entrances, including use of brick columns and pineapple decor. A sign of welcome, pineapple decor of this sort goes back to colonial America.
Herringbone Pattern
Picture of herringbone pattern, used in brick work. I see the herringbone pattern as energetic.
Picture of herringbone pattern, used in brick work. I see the herringbone pattern as energetic.
Swimming Pool Landscaping
Ideas for landscaping around swimming pools. Landscaping around swimming pools has a set of design principles unique to it.
Ideas for landscaping around swimming pools. Landscaping around swimming pools has a set of design principles unique to it.
Blue Rug Juniper Plants
Blue Rug juniper plants and their relatives are sturdy groundcovers for sunny slopes. This article contains information on the use of Blue Rug juniper plants as groundcovers.
Blue Rug juniper plants and their relatives are sturdy groundcovers for sunny slopes. This article contains information on the use of Blue Rug juniper plants as groundcovers.
Planting Hedges
This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the steps in planting hedges. Through pictures I show you how to plant boxwood hedges.
This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the steps in planting hedges. Through pictures I show you how to plant boxwood hedges.
Wood Picket Fences
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Winterberry Holly
The use of winterberry holly shrubs (ilex verticillata) in landscaping to enhance the winter landscape and entice songbirds. Winterberry holly shrubs are an emergency food source for songbirds.
The use of winterberry holly shrubs (ilex verticillata) in landscaping to enhance the winter landscape and entice songbirds. Winterberry holly shrubs are an emergency food source for songbirds.
Cottage Style Front Entrance
Picture showing example of cottage style for front entrance design. This landscaping picture shows a vine-covered picket fence with a gate leading to the front entrance.
Picture showing example of cottage style for front entrance design. This landscaping picture shows a vine-covered picket fence with a gate leading to the front entrance.
Planting Flower Beds
Practice layering when planting flower beds. 'Layering' in the context of planting flower beds means you put the tallest items in the back, the shortest in the front row.
Practice layering when planting flower beds. 'Layering' in the context of planting flower beds means you put the tallest items in the back, the shortest in the front row.
Fall Foliage of Ash Trees
Descriptions of fall foliage specimens, replete with pictures for leaf identification. Fall foliage of American mountain ash trees and white ash trees in this segment.
Descriptions of fall foliage specimens, replete with pictures for leaf identification. Fall foliage of American mountain ash trees and white ash trees in this segment.
Landscaping Pictures: Wooden Wishing Wells
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Landscaping Pictures: White Picket Fences
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects.
Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Isn't dreary winter weather reason enough to decorate with outdoor Christmas decorations? Whether inflatables or more traditional ornaments, outdoor Christmas decorations offer cheer at the time of year we need it most.
Isn't dreary winter weather reason enough to decorate with outdoor Christmas decorations? Whether inflatables or more traditional ornaments, outdoor Christmas decorations offer cheer at the time of year we need it most.
Garden Arbor Design
Overview, with pictures, for do it yourself building of garden arbors. Tips, supplies and tools to build arbors, and shopping for cheap pressure-treated lumber.
Overview, with pictures, for do it yourself building of garden arbors. Tips, supplies and tools to build arbors, and shopping for cheap pressure-treated lumber.
Reason to use leaf shredders
Why you should use leaf shredders to make leaf mulch. Shredders can garner you good choice garden mulch using the autumn leaves you rake.
Why you should use leaf shredders to make leaf mulch. Shredders can garner you good choice garden mulch using the autumn leaves you rake.
Lantana Plants
Lantana plants are a tropical shrub and a symbol of Florida landscaping. The salt-tolerance of lantana plants makes them a favorite of seashore communities, an important factor in their prevalence in Florida landscaping.
Lantana plants are a tropical shrub and a symbol of Florida landscaping. The salt-tolerance of lantana plants makes them a favorite of seashore communities, an important factor in their prevalence in Florida landscaping.
Symmetry for Front Doors
Picture of front entry showing a symmetrical landscape design. Symmetry draws attention to front doors.
Picture of front entry showing a symmetrical landscape design. Symmetry draws attention to front doors.
Storing Canna Bulbs
Wondering how to store canna bulbs? In this article I explain how to store canna bulbs, which can serve as an example for storing tropical plants with rhizomes.
Wondering how to store canna bulbs? In this article I explain how to store canna bulbs, which can serve as an example for storing tropical plants with rhizomes.