Updated Articles and Resources
- Dwarf Trees | Small Yard Design With Dwarf Trees…Created: 2009-12-16 @ 13:01:53 EST
Dwarf trees, whether evergreen or deciduous, are quite popular in small yard design. Why? Because when you install dwarf trees in a small yard design, they don't quickly spike out of control, neces… - Grouping Plants - Tips for Grouping Plants in a Garden Video…Created: 2009-12-15 @ 14:07:10 EST
Do you want your garden to impress? Embrace the design principal of grouping as you plan and compose your garden. Here's are our tips for grouping plants for the greatest visual effect… - 4 Seasons of the Year in My YardCreated: 2009-12-11 @ 21:56:23 EST Updated: 2009-12-11 @ 21:56:23 EST
I'm happiest with 2 of the 4 seasons of the year in my yard. The yard lacks some Umph! the other 2 seasons of the year: summer and winter… - Share Your Story: Best Plants for the 4 Seasons of the YearCreated: 2009-12-11 @ 20:49:22 EST Updated: 2009-12-11 @ 22:32:57 EST
Each of the four seasons of the year, there should be at least one plant in the yard to gladden the heart. Learn from these stories related by others about how to achieve a colorful yard for each o… - Holiday Plants | Opinions | Favorite Holiday Plants…Created: 2009-12-11 @ 10:17:29 EST
"Holiday plants" are species that are strongly associated with a particular celebration. The favorite holiday plants of readers of David Beaulieu, About.com's Landscaping Guide, have been… - Aluminum Fences | Advantages | Uses for Aluminum Fences…Created: 2009-12-09 @ 15:02:29 EST Updated: 2009-12-09 @ 15:11:49 EST
Aluminum fences provide a low-maintenance alternative to wrought-iron. This brief intro discusses the advantages of and uses for aluminum fences… - Beneficial Weeds - Identifying Beneficial Weeds in Your Yard Video…Created: 2009-12-09 @ 11:11:44 EST
There are many noxious weeds you will want to quickly remove from your lawn or garden. But many common weeds come with surprising benefits! See how to identify beneficial weeds that will add beauty… - Identifying Wildflowers - Tips on Identifying Wildflowers and Weeds …Created: 2009-12-07 @ 15:41:32 EST
The great thing about wildflowers is that they receive what they need to grow from Mother Earth. The attention they do require is to stop them from spreading unchecked. See how to identify wildflow… - Holiday Yard Decorations | Outside Christmas Holiday Yard Decoration…Created: 2009-11-29 @ 23:26:03 EST
Holiday yard decorations take many forms. Some people like outside Christmas lights, while others dislike contrived holiday yard decorations altogether and consider evergreen shrubs enough… - Walkways or Pathways Design | Building Walkways or Pathways…Created: 2009-11-29 @ 12:19:04 EST Updated: 2009-11-29 @ 12:34:57 EST
Building walkways or pathways is an ideal option to connect point A to point B. Building a walkway or pathway addresses foot traffic wearing an unsightly path in grass… - Trends in Plant Usage | Trends in Using Plants…Created: 2009-11-23 @ 21:17:20 EST
What trends in plant usage (or other trends in the yard) have you seen develop recently? For example, are you seeing people using certain types of plants more than they used to? … - Landscaping Trends of the 21st Century | Landscaping Trends…Created: 2009-11-23 @ 20:24:42 EST Updated: 2009-11-24 @ 11:42:42 EST
The top 10 landscaping trends in the first decade of the 21st Century can be divided into 2 groups, the eco-friendly landscaping trends and those pertaining to outdoor living… - Thompson's Water Seal as Deck Sealer | Thompsons Water Seal…Created: 2009-11-18 @ 14:34:54 EST Updated: 2009-11-18 @ 18:26:59 EST
Thompson's Water Seal (sometimes misspelled "Thomson's") is one of the deck sealers commonly used for protection against water damage. But whether you choose Thompson's Water Seal or anot… - Route 66 Landscape Start to Finish | Route 66 Landscaping…Created: 2009-11-11 @ 15:00:08 EST Updated: 2009-11-11 @ 20:58:30 EST
I photographed landscaping along historic Route 66 from start to finish to try to record something of the diversity of landscaping styles practiced by Americans. Historic Route 66 is the "Main… - Moon Gardens With White Flowers | Moon Gardens…Created: 2009-11-04 @ 16:11:17 EST
Moon gardens are designed to be enjoyed at night, even without much artificial light. Moon gardens can be comprised of white flowers, night bloomers, and plants with fragrant blooms… - Miscanthus Sinensis | Maiden Grass Miscanthus Sinensis…Created: 2009-11-02 @ 13:50:56 EST Updated: 2009-11-02 @ 13:55:03 EST
Maiden grass miscanthus is a clumping ornamental that bears plumes in fall. Like m. sinensis zebrinus (zebra), maiden grass miscanthus is an outstanding foliage plant… - Fast Growing Shrubs for Privacy Hedges | Fast Growing Shrubs…Created: 2009-10-06 @ 10:24:23 EDT Updated: 2009-10-06 @ 13:58:36 EDT
Fast growing shrubs are a great choice for homeowners seeking quick privacy hedges. This article lists several fast-growing shrubs for privacy hedges, linking to further information on them… - Magnolia Seeds | Star Magnolia Seed PodsCreated: 2009-10-01 @ 19:54:17 EDT
Star magnolia seed pods might look like mere bumps or weird growths, but don't worry. Their identity as star magnolia pods is revealed when the orange seeds burst out… - Brown Leaves on Japanese Maple Trees | Leaves Turning Brown…Created: 2009-10-01 @ 16:30:53 EDT
Japanese maple trees are often understory trees in their native habitats. A hot summer can result in brown leaves on even established Japanese maple trees… - Brown Leaves on Trees | Magnolia Leaves Turning Brown…Created: 2009-09-30 @ 20:28:50 EDT Updated: 2009-10-01 @ 19:10:03 EDT
Brown leaves on magnolia trees could be the result of drying winds. But deciduous types of magnolia trees will naturally develop brown leaves in fall and drop them… - Dead Limbs on Magnolia Trees | Pruning Dead Limbs…Created: 2009-09-30 @ 19:23:43 EDT Updated: 2009-10-01 @ 18:24:14 EDT
You have dead limbs on your magnolia trees. So is it safe to prune the dead limbs off the magnolia trees, and where do you stop the pruning?… - Pumpkin Faces | Pictures | Halloween Pumpkin Faces…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:24:47 EDT Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 20:14:07 EDT
Pumpkin faces can range from the realistic to the stylized. View my pictures of Halloween pumpkin faces for carving ideas… - Decorate Pumpkins Without CarvingCreated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:23:26 EDT
Picture showing example of how you can decorate pumpkins without carving… - Goofy Pumpkin Face | Goofy Ogre Halloween Jack O Lantern Face…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:23:12 EDT
This jack o lantern was given a goofy pumpkin face… - Painted Pumpkin Picture | Goofy Face PumpkinCreated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:23:00 EDT
A goofy-faced pumpkin painted in the purple-green color scheme often used for Halloween witch figures… - Scary Pumpkin Faces | Scary Alien PictureCreated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:22:47 EDT
Picture of pumpkin with scary alien face carved on it… - Pumpkin Carving With Cat Ears | Halloween Cat-Pumpkin…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:22:35 EDT
This pumpkin face has Halloween-cat ears… - Cat Mask on Jackolantern | Pumpkin With Cat Mask…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:22:24 EDT Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:51:18 EDT
This jackolantern is going to the Halloween party wearing a cat mask… - Wizard of Oz Halloween Theme | Wizard of Oz Lion Pumpkin Face…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:22:10 EDT
Need a Wizard of Oz theme for Halloween? How about a cowardly lion pumpkin face? … - Ideas for Pumpkin Carving | Unconventional Pumpkin Decorating…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:21:56 EDT
Idea for pumpkin carving, unconventional pumpkin decorating: an upside down jackolantern… - Laughing Jack-O-Lantern FaceCreated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:21:43 EDT
This laughing jack-o-lantern face seems to be saying, "Hardy hah hah!"… - Gory Mask Pumpkin Face | Gory Halloween Jack O Lanterns…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:21:30 EDT
This Halloween jack o lantern wears a gory mask, incorporating gourds… - Baggy-Eyed Pumpkin Face | Jack-O-Lantern With Baggy Eyes…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:21:17 EDT
Up all night? This pumpkin face sports baggy eyes… - All Ears Pumpkin Face | Pumpkin With Big Ears…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:20:51 EDT
This pumpkin face is "all ears."… - Apple Jack Pumpkin | Jackolantern FaceCreated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:20:39 EDT
The "apple jack" pumpkin face greets the harvest season with apple ears, grape eyes… - John McCain Pumpkin Face | John McCain Jackolantern …Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:20:08 EDT
A John McCain pumpkin face… - Barack Obama Pumpkin Face | Barack Obama Jackolantern…Created: 2009-09-29 @ 19:19:20 EDT
A Barack Obama pumpkin… - Leaf-Wilt | Transplant Shock | Leaf-Wilt on Shrubs…Created: 2009-09-23 @ 14:06:03 EDT Updated: 2009-09-23 @ 14:13:19 EDT
It's common for newly transplanted shrubs to develop leaf-wilt, due to transplant shock. Transplant shock means disturbed roots, exacerbated by high winds causing leaf-wilt… - Red Spruce Beetle Infestation | Beetle-Infested Red Spruce…Created: 2009-09-23 @ 13:34:02 EDT
You had 3 healthy red spruce trees, but one died from a beetle infestation. How to keep the beetle-infested red spruce tree from infecting the healthy ones… - Garden Trellis Design | Adjustable Garden Trellis…Created: 2009-09-14 @ 20:09:00 EDT Updated: 2009-09-14 @ 20:18:16 EDT
The Cascade Gardens adjustable height garden trellis could offer the right design for you, if you are growing vines in a tight space. This adjustable height garden trellis is uniform in color (blac… - Fall Foliage - How to Identify Fall Foliage Video…Created: 2009-09-14 @ 15:30:41 EDT
If you love leaf peeping in the colorful fall, then this video is for you. Learn how to identify different fall foliage, from trees to shrubs to vines… - Crocus Bulbs | Flowers | Sativus Crocus Bulbs…Created: 2009-09-11 @ 19:09:17 EDT
Crocus bulbs, generally, are planted in the fall in the U.S. and yield flowers in early spring. Plant crocus bulbs in full to partial sun… - Fragrant Plants With Aromatic Foliage | Fragrant Plants…Created: 2009-09-10 @ 10:01:41 EDT
Not all fragrant plants derive their heady aromas from flowers. These fragrant plants are examples of herbs with aromatic foliage… - Fall Color Plants | Best Plants for Fall Color …Created: 2009-08-27 @ 16:14:15 EDT Updated: 2009-08-27 @ 16:16:40 EDT
What are the best fall color plants? While trees like maples come to mind, shrubs and vines are also some of the best plants for fall color… - Seeds for Rose of Sharon | Getting Rid of Althea SeedlingsCreated: 2009-08-24 @ 18:07:13 EDT Updated: 2009-08-24 @ 18:45:21 EDT
Rose of sharon is very easy to start from seeds. This is a problem for some, as young rose of sharon seedlings readily sprout up all over the lawn… - Leaf Blowing versus Raking | Leaf BlowingCreated: 2009-08-23 @ 14:36:47 EDT
Comparison of leaf blowing and leaf raking as methods for cleaning up fall yards. Both blowing and raking enthusiasts weigh in… - Joe-Pye Weed | Eupatorium Plants | Spotted Joe Pye WeedCreated: 2009-08-17 @ 12:40:12 EDT
Joe-Pye weed (sometimes misspelled "joe pie") is a wildflower of eastern North America. A tall plant, spotted Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) is effective in the back border of a cott… - Japanese Gardens Book | Designing Japanese GardensCreated: 2009-08-15 @ 12:30:12 EDT Updated: 2009-08-15 @ 12:42:38 EDT
Japanese gardens are popular in the West, and Yoko Kawaguchi's book attempts to instruct us in designing them. However, this book on Japanese gardens is meant for folks with an intermediate level o… - Best Bushes to Grow | List of Best BushesCreated: 2009-08-01 @ 08:53:05 EDT
Bushes are often the best choice for meeting a landscaping need, where trees or perennials may fail. Readers submit their choices here to form a list of the best bushes to grow… - Goldenrod Plants | Wildflowers | GoldenrodCreated: 2009-07-19 @ 14:00:54 EDT
Goldenrod is a wildflower native to North America. An aster, goldenrod comes in many types… - Common Weeds in Yards | Beneficial Common WeedsCreated: 2009-07-19 @ 10:14:09 EDT
Common weeds include beneficial plants like milkweed and Solidago spp. Beneficial common weeds fall into a number of categories, based, e.g., on how pretty or how useful they are… - Ways to Save Money Landscaping Yards | Ways to Save MoneyCreated: 2009-07-15 @ 18:48:41 EDT
There are all kinds of ways to save money landscaping your yard. Here homeowners like you relate ways to save money landscaping yards that they've discovered through experience… - Euonymus Fortunei Shrubs | Emerald 'N' Gold Euonymus Shrubs…Updated: 2009-12-16 @ 21:05:18 EST
Emerald 'N' Gold euonymus is a low-mounding evergreen shrub. Emerald 'N' Gold euonymus has variegated leaves on stems that stick straight up… - Pictures of Azaleas | Rhododendrons | Azalea | Rhododendron Picture…Updated: 2009-12-16 @ 20:01:49 EST
Description of varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons (sometimes misspelled "rhododendrums"), photos included. Pictures, growth information and requirements for popular varieties of rhodo… - English Lavender PlantsUpdated: 2009-12-16 @ 13:56:00 EST
Profile of English lavender plants (Lavandula angustifolia). English lavender plants (sometimes misspelled "lavendar") are commonly spoken of as perennial herbs and have aromatic flowers… - Outdoor Holiday DecorationsUpdated: 2009-12-13 @ 12:17:36 EST
Outdoor holiday decorations can complement the landscaping in your yard. This resource takes a look at some of the most popular outdoor holiday decorations… - Outdoor Christmas Decorations | Online Guide to Outdoor Christmas De…Updated: 2009-12-13 @ 12:15:34 EST
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… - Leaf Hog Lawn Vacuums | Leaf BlowersUpdated: 2009-12-13 @ 09:19:39 EST
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… - Christmas Traditions | Plants in Christmas Traditions…Updated: 2009-12-13 @ 09:03:20 EST
It's not surprising that Christmas traditions have sprung up around certain plants. When everything else is dead, the plants of our Christmas traditions serve as symbols for spring's return… - Shasta Daisy Flowers | Becky Shasta DaisiesUpdated: 2009-12-12 @ 20:17:08 EST
Shasta daisy flowers are excellent plants for dry, sunny areas, as they are relatively drought-tolerant. 'Becky' shasta daisies bear flowers over a longer stretch of the summer than other varieties… - Kissing Under the MistletoeUpdated: 2009-12-11 @ 23:30:58 EST
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… - Year-Round Color | Four Seasons of the YearUpdated: 2009-12-11 @ 22:32:57 EST
Each of the four seasons of the year, there should be at least one plant in the yard to gladden the heart. Learn from these stories related by others about how to achieve a colorful yard for each o… - Landscaping Back Yards for 4 Seasons | Four-Season Landscaping…Updated: 2009-12-11 @ 18:10:21 EST
Landscaping back yards for the four seasons begins with a plant selection plan that will provide something to catch the eye in each of the four seasons. Landscaping back yards so as to have floweri… - SmartDraw Software Review | SmartDraw 7Updated: 2009-12-11 @ 11:43:58 EST
SmartDraw 7 is acceptable landscape-design software for those averse to drawing. The SmartDraw software offers a plenitude of pretty symbols that can be dragged-and-dropped into templates, as I not… - Butterfly Bushes | Buddleia Davidii | Butterfly Bush Plants…Updated: 2009-12-10 @ 20:15:24 EST
The scientific name for butterfly bushes is Buddleia davidii. As the plant name suggests, butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) can attract swallowtails, etc., but these perennials are also good for … - Landscaping Videos | How-To Landscaping Videos…Updated: 2009-12-10 @ 12:46:53 EST
How-to landscaping videos can facilitate landscaping chores, if you view them with a problem-solving eye. Consult these how-to landscaping videos for tips on everything from lawn mowing to creating… - Building Fences | FAQ on Fence DesignsUpdated: 2009-12-09 @ 15:07:59 EST
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)… - Fence Posts | Setting Fence PostsUpdated: 2009-12-08 @ 18:36:44 EST
Setting fence posts is one of the most challenging aspects of your project. Setting fence posts properly means taking into account the effects of frost heaves in Northern climates… - Split Rail Fences for Ranch-Style | Split Rail Fences…Updated: 2009-12-08 @ 18:31:26 EST
Split rail fences have long been a favorite fence design with ranch-style houses. This is because the split rail has a design marked by rugged wooden posts, highly suggestive of the West and the co… - Lenten Rose Hellebore | Lenten Rose Plants | Hellebores…Updated: 2009-12-08 @ 13:47:42 EST
Lenten rose flowers are perennials with long-lasting sepals. The leaves of lenten (sometimes misspelled "lentin") rose plants are a dark, shiny green color that help set off its Hellebore… - Christmas Inflatables | Pictures of Christmas Inflatables…Updated: 2009-12-08 @ 08:50:52 EST
Have your kids been clamoring for you to display Christmas inflatables on your December lawn? View my pictures of Christmas inflatables to gain some idea of the selection available… - Christmas Poinsettias | Flowers Plants | Christmas Poinsettias…Updated: 2009-12-07 @ 14:59:46 EST
Christmas poinsettias are a holiday favorite. It is from their holiday popularity and the name of the man (Poinsett) who introduced them to Americans that 'Christmas poinsettias' derive their name… - Vinyl Fences | FAQ | PVC Vinyl FencesUpdated: 2009-12-04 @ 14:56:54 EST
While many privacy screens are made of wood, vinyl fences (or "PVC") are garnering an increasingly large share of the market. FAQ on the pros and cons of PVC vinyl fences… - Morning Glories | Flowers | Vines | Morning Glories…Updated: 2009-12-02 @ 15:04:02 EST
Morning glories are annual vines. 'Heavenly Blue' is the type of morning glory flower with which you are probably most familiar… - Nellie R. Stevens Holly | Nellie Stevens Holly Plants…Updated: 2009-12-01 @ 12:26:59 EST
'Nellie R. Stevens' holly can be used as specimens or for privacy screening. Nellie Stevens holly plants come in tree form and bush form… - Outdoor Christmas Decorations | Ideas | Natural Outdoor Christmas De…Updated: 2009-11-30 @ 14:27:42 EST
Outdoor Christmas decorations enliven yards during a season when we're desperate for color. Learn about some alternatives to store-bought ornaments -- natural outdoor Christmas decorations -- both … - Christmas Scene Pictures | Lawn Decorations | Christmas Scene Pictur…Updated: 2009-11-30 @ 12:26:33 EST
Let these Christmas scene pictures inspire you in decorating your own yard. My Christmas scene pictures include photos of inflatables and banners… - Apple Trees | Varieties of Apple TreesUpdated: 2009-11-30 @ 12:15:08 EST
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 … - Rubber Mulch for Playgrounds | Safety | Playground Rubber Mulch…Updated: 2009-11-30 @ 09:22:34 EST
Is playground rubber mulch safe to use around plants? A brief look at the pros and cons of playground rubber mulch for landscape use… - Outdoor Living SpacesUpdated: 2009-11-22 @ 21:08:14 EST
Building outdoor living spaces extends your home, effectively adding on new 'rooms.' By thinking in terms of equivalents to floor, walls and ceiling, you can create outdoor living spaces that are a… - Catnip Plants | Nepeta Cataria | Catnip or Catmint…Updated: 2009-11-20 @ 21:29:08 EST
Growing catnip plants (Nepeta cataria; see picture) is a must in landscaping for cats (cat-friendly yards), although Nepeta mussinii is the preferred catmint in landscaping for humans. "Catmin… - Driveway MaterialsUpdated: 2009-11-18 @ 19:10:46 EST
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 drivew… - Asphalt Driveway Sealers | Sealing Asphalt Driveways…Updated: 2009-11-18 @ 19:08:34 EST
Much of the work in sealing asphalt driveways (sometimes misspelled 'ashphalt') is preparation. After sealing asphalt driveways (sometimes referred to as 'hot top' or 'blacktop'), don't allow vehic… - Sealing Concrete DrivewaysUpdated: 2009-11-18 @ 19:06:02 EST
Consider sealing concrete driveways every 3-5 years. Preparation is the biggest part of the job of sealing concrete driveways… - Building Garden Arbors | Design | How to Build Garden Arbors Cheap…Updated: 2009-11-18 @ 18:39:10 EST
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… - Deck Pictures | Design Ideas and Deck Pictures…Updated: 2009-11-18 @ 18:31:07 EST
Browse these deck pictures for design ideas. The deck pictures are supplemented with a link to information discussing their designs… - Thanksgiving Decorations | Fall | Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations…Updated: 2009-11-16 @ 21:22:52 EST
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 decor… - Kissing Balls | How to Make a Kissing BallUpdated: 2009-11-15 @ 21:23:04 EST
This tutorial shows you how to make a kissing ball. Specifically, I focus on how to make a kissing ball with natural materials… - Privacy Fences - Shrub Hedges as Privacy Fences…Updated: 2009-11-14 @ 11:28:28 EST
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… - Fall Lawn Care | Gardens | Landscaping | Lawn Care | Fall Leaves…Updated: 2009-11-13 @ 17:39:47 EST
Landscaping chores to winterize the lawn and garden in the fall. Tips on improving soil, use of compost and mulch, rototilling, cover crops, liming and more… - Spring Lawn CareUpdated: 2009-11-13 @ 17:31:02 EST
If you neglect spring lawn care, you'll pay for it the rest of the year. But while you shouldn't neglect it, spring lawn care doesn't require nearly as much time as mowing does in summer… - Fall Lawn Care Tips | Mowing | Fall Lawn Maintenance…Updated: 2009-11-13 @ 16:49:19 EST
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… - Wind Damage | Tree Wrap | Plant DamageUpdated: 2009-11-13 @ 16:43:11 EST
How do you guard against wind damage to your shrubs, as evidenced in winterburn? In this article I discuss the use of shelters, tree wrap and other measures for protecting plants against snow, ice … - Tips for Growing Green Lawns | Why the Grass is Greener…Updated: 2009-11-13 @ 15:37:53 EST
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… - Vines - landscaping glossary definition of VINES…Updated: 2009-11-13 @ 12:00:00 EST
Definition of vine. There are two categories of vines, namely, creepers and climbers… - Tips for Low-Maintenance LandscapingUpdated: 2009-11-11 @ 13:30:20 EST
Ten tips to take to heart if you're serious about low-maintenance landscaping. Since watering plants can be time-consuming, a big part of low-maintenance landscaping is properly managing your plant… - Deer Resistant Plants | Rock Gardens | Deer-Resistant Plants…Updated: 2009-11-10 @ 18:43:01 EST
Ideas for deer-resistant rock gardens. These plants are both deer-resistant and drought-tolerant… - Must Reads: Essential Articles and Resources about LandscapingUpdated: 2009-11-10 @ 13:47:06 EST
- Rose Color Meanings | Valentine Roses | Meaning of Rose Colors…Updated: 2009-11-10 @ 11:00:59 EST
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 conventio… - Winterberry Holly Shrubs | Songbirds | Winter Landscape Berry…Updated: 2009-11-10 @ 10:50:10 EST
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… - Gravel DrivewaysUpdated: 2009-11-10 @ 09:41:01 EST
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 … - Fall Foliage Pictures | Best Fall Foliage Pictures…Updated: 2009-11-09 @ 19:59:47 EST
Fall foliage pictures can help you decide which trees to plant in your own landscape. See my best fall foliage pictures of maple trees to aid you in selecting the optimal specimens for autumn color… - Diablo Ninebark Plants | Diabolo NinebarkUpdated: 2009-11-05 @ 15:16:17 EST
Diablo ninebark plants are deciduous flowering shrubs. Native to North America, Diablo (or 'Diabolo') ninebark plants may be hardy as far north as zone 2 but is commonly listed for zone 3-7… - Kwanzan Cherry Trees | Japanese Flowering Kwanzan Cherry Trees…Updated: 2009-11-05 @ 07:41:25 EST
Kwanzan cherry trees are deciduous flowering specimens. Japanese Kwanzan cherry trees flower in spring… - Ornamental Grass PicturesUpdated: 2009-11-04 @ 16:44:39 EST
Rick Darke's work is a collection of ornamental grass pictures and information on the families they fall into. Ornamental grass pictures of sedges, rushes, restios, cat-tails and selected bamboos a… - Ornamental Grass PicturesUpdated: 2009-11-04 @ 16:41:05 EST
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… - Candytuft Flowers | Plants | Candy TuftUpdated: 2009-11-04 @ 16:15:41 EST
Candytuft plants are late-spring bloomers. Candytuft flowers (sometimes misspelled 'candy tuft') are a blinding white color… - White Flowers | Pictures of White FlowersUpdated: 2009-11-01 @ 17:02:10 EST
White flowers provide a neutral color in mixed plantings. Use my pictures of white flowers to learn some of the types available. … - Sweet Autumn Clematis Vine | Plants | Sweet Autumn Clematis…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 17:00:03 EST
Sweet autumn clematis makes a strong statement when it blooms in the autumn landscape. Sweet autumn clematis puts out white, numerous, fragrant flowers in fall… - Cornus Florida Trees | Japanese Dogwood Trees | Pictures of Kousa Do…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:55:17 EST
Information and pictures for dogwood trees (Cornus florida, Cornus kousa). In addition to spring blooms, the Japanese dogwoods and others offer fine fall foliage… - Climbing Hydrangea Vines | Shade Plants | Climbing Hydrangeas…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:51:30 EST
Climbing hydrangeas solve a problem for homeowners with shady areas to plant, being shade-tolerant vines. Climbing hydrangea vines do, however, flower more profusely if they receive some sunlight… - Mountain Laurel Shrubs | Pictures | Bay Laurel Trees…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:47:43 EST
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… - Foxglove Plants | Foxglove FlowersUpdated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:45:23 EST
Foxglove flowers (Digitalis purpurea) will thrive in shade and tolerate dry soil, although they prefer moderate moisture. Foxglove plants are poisonous, although they are also used medicinally… - Perennial Flowers | Snow-In-Summer Plants | Cerastium Tomentosum…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:38:50 EST
Snow-in-summer plants (Cerastium tomentosum) are perennial flowers that can thrive in dry, sunny areas. Snow-in-summer plants are often used in rock gardens for this reason… - Sweet Alyssum Flowers | White Sweet Alyssum Plants…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:36:31 EST
Sweet alyssum flowers are one of the hardier "annuals." White sweet alyssum flowers are often used with salvia and ageratum in the U.S. for "patriotic" landscaping… - Yarrow Plants | Achillea Millefolium | Yarrow Flowers…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:29:50 EST
Yarrow plants (Achillea millefolium) have a feathery foliage and flattened flower heads. Grow yarrow plants in border plantings with flowers or in rock gardens… - Magnolia Trees | Pictures | Saucer MagnoliasUpdated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:28:45 EST
Description of "saucer" magnolia trees. Pictures of saucer magnolia trees furnished… - Fothergilla Gardenii | Major | Mt Airy Dwarf Fothergilla…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:25:06 EST
Grow Mt. Airy dwarf fothergilla plants in zones 5-8. Bearing bottle-brush flowers in spring, Mt. Airy dwarf fothergilla shrubs are also striking fall foliage specimens… - Bleeding Hearts | Flowers | Plants | Bleeding Hearts…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:22:13 EST
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 fol… - Creeping Phlox Plants | Creeping | Phlox subulata…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:19:51 EST
Creeping phlox plants (P. subulata) do best in full sun. A slope with well-drained soil, rich in humus, can be covered with creeping phlox plants as a groundcover to prevent erosion… - Daffodil Bulbs | Flowers | Growing Daffodil Bulbs…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 16:14:56 EST
Daffodil bulbs spread and eventually become crowded, after which flowering declines. Divide daffodil bulbs to remedy this problem… - Snowdrops | Galanthus Nivalis | Snowdrop Flowers…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 15:56:34 EST
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7. You can plant snowdrops under deciduous trees without worrying about low light levels, since the delightful Galanthus n… - Four-Cycle Engine Lawnmower Maintenance | Changing Lawnmower Oil…Updated: 2009-10-09 @ 18:24:11 EDT
A key element of lawnmower maintenance for four-cycle (also called "4-stroke") engines is changing lawnmower oil properly. You're checking for two things: the oil's level (using the dipst… - Lawnmower Maintenance | Cleaning LawnmowersUpdated: 2009-10-09 @ 18:21:46 EDT
Answer to the frequently asked question (in the area of lawnmower maintenance), 'Why do I need to clean the lawnmower?'. Mower cleaning improves performance and minimizes the spread of lawn disease… - Spring Lawnmower Care | Nuts and Bolts of Lawnmowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:38:40 EDT
Part of spring lawnmower care is checking to see that your nuts and bolts are tightened properly. Lawnmower vibration loosesn nuts and bolts, so periodic tightening is required… - Spring Lawn mower Care | Cleaning or Replacing Spark Plugs…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:34:03 EDT
Lawn mower care in spring. Tips for the care of lawn mowers at the beginning of the mowing season -- especially cleaning or replacing spark plugs… - Riding Lawn Mowers | Lawn Tractors | Riding Mowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:22:03 EDT
Distinction drawn between riding mowers and lawn tractors. Riding lawn mowers are more maneuverable than tractors… - Self-Propelled Rotary Lawn Mowers | Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:20:22 EDT
Self-propelled rotary lawn mowers require the operator to squeeze a bar to engage the machine. Self-propelled rotary lawn mowers simply need to be steered, not pushed… - Rotary Lawn Mowers | Types of Rotary MowersUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:18:52 EDT
The types of rotary lawn mowers outlined. Gas-powered rotary lawn mowers are either walk-behind or riding models. The walk-behind category can further be broken down according to whether they&#… - Mulching Lawn Mowers | Lawn Grass Clippings | Mulching Mowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:17:21 EDT
Mulching lawn mowers are another enviro-friendly option. Lawn grass clippings can be left on the grass when mulching lawn mowers are used… - Electric Lawn Mowers | Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:15:40 EDT
Cordless electric lawn mowers are enviro-friendly. Cordless electric lawn mowers run on rechareable batteries and are quieter than gas-powered machines… - Reel Lawn Mowers | How Rotary Mowers Differ From Reel Lawn Mowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:13:51 EDT
How rotary mowers differ from reel lawn mowers. Human-powered rather than fuel-powered, the blades of reel lawn mowers spin perpendicular to the lawn… - Shopping for Lawn Mowers | Selections for the Best Lawn Mower…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 20:08:14 EDT
Shopping for lawn mowers can be confusing, because so many types exist today -- which is best? Selecting the best lawn mower entails first determining what would fit your physical needs, landscape … - Lawn Mowing FAQs -- Tips on Lawn MowingUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:58:45 EDT
Proper method for lawn mowing discussed. When it's wet, lawn mowing isn't advisable. … - Lawnmowing FAQs - LawnmowingUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:44:31 EDT
Proper time for lawnmowing grass. Lawnmowing shouldn't be done when grass is wet. … - Lawn Care FAQ | Lawns | Care FAQUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:42:22 EDT
Lawn care faq for beginners. For instance, one lawn care faq deals with mowing -- how often to mow. … - Alternatives to Lawns | Xeriscaping FAQ | Alternatives to LAWNS…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:40:09 EDT
Alternatives to traditional lawns, including xeriscaping. The xeriscaping alternative to lawns focuses on saving water… - Mosquito Magnet Liberty Insect Traps Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:31:08 EDT
Product review of "Mosquito Magnet" Liberty insect traps. Both cordless and corded Mosquito Magnet Liberty insect traps are available. … - Natural Mosquito Control | Bug Sprays and Natural Mosquito Control…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:29:33 EDT
An example of natural mosquito control is using citronella candles in lieu of bug sprays. With talk of West Nile virus in the air, and health concerns over the use of chemical bug sprays, many peop… - Sample Contract for Tree Removal | Sample Contract for Tree Services…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:26:49 EDT
Insurance, performance of work and payment in a free sample contract in hiring tree services to remove a hazard specimen. This free sample contract is for removal work by reputable tree services… - Hiring Tree Services | How to Hire Tree Services…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:23:41 EDT
Safety and aesthetic considerations presented in an article on how to hire tree services for limbing trees. Hiring tree services properly entails verifying insurance coverage, free estimates, writt… - Stump Grinding | Hiring Arborists | Tree Pruning by Arborists…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:21:31 EDT
Hiring arborists (certified) for tree pruning or other service professionals, including for stump grinding. This article defines care needs such as for tree pruning or stump grinding and advises hi… - Pruning Evergreen Trees | When to Prune Evergreen Trees…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:17:02 EDT
You can usually get away with pruning evergreen trees sparingly. However, in general, when there is a need for pruning evergreen trees, do so in late winter… - Tree Pruning | When to Prune Flowering TreesUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:15:30 EDT
Tree pruning to take off dead or diseased branches can be done at any time of the year. But tree pruning that is meant to thin out flowering trees is best done in late winter or early spring… - Pruning TreesUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:12:28 EDT
Pruning trees is a bit like doctoring, in the sense that your first concern is to 'do no harm.' Much harm can result from pruning trees improperly… - Planting Trees | How To | Planting New TreesUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 19:07:57 EDT
Planting new trees is not as easy as digging a hole in the ground and inserting the plants. If you take some care in planting trees properly, your work will usually be rewarded with healthier speci… - Types of Trees | Best Types of TreesUpdated: 2009-10-08 @ 18:50:08 EDT
What are the best types of trees to grow on the landscape? I answer that question in my resource on Types of Trees… - Cordless Electric Mowers | Battery Powered Cordless Electric Mowers…Updated: 2009-10-08 @ 18:37:19 EDT
This battery-powered cordless electric mower is said to be the first to offer 60 volts of power with a runtime of 60 minutes. Remington also says it's the first battery-powered model that allows yo… - Landscaping | Stones | Hardscapes | Stones | Patios…Updated: 2009-10-05 @ 16:21:55 EDT
The myriad of uses for stone to enhance a landscape through hardscape. Explore the aesthetic and functional use of stone and concrete for patios and other hardscape projects… - Wilted Leaves | Bradford Pear Trees | Wilt From Wind Damage…Updated: 2009-10-01 @ 18:45:20 EDT
A reader wrote in about newly planted Bradford pear trees, saying the leaves of his Bradford pear trees were wilted and look dead, due to high winds. Besides patience, I suggested what NOT to do… - Scary Halloween Pictures for Fall Decorating | Scary Halloween Pictu…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 20:12:05 EDT
Scary Halloween pictures to inspire ideas for fall decorating. Browse these scary Halloween pictures to see what other homeowners are displaying outdoors this fall… - White Ash Trees | Fall Foliage of Mountain Ash Trees…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 19:02:04 EDT
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… - Tulip Trees Not Poplars | Tulip TreesUpdated: 2009-09-29 @ 18:10:37 EDT
Tulip trees are sometimes referred to as 'yellow poplars,' although they are related to magnolias, not poplars. Tulip trees provide yellow fall foliage… - Ginkgo Biloba Trees | Pictures | Gingko Biloba Trees…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 18:09:35 EDT
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 ext… - Red Oak Trees | Fall Foliage | White Oak Trees | Pin Oaks…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 18:07:56 EDT
Descriptions of oak trees as part of a Fall Foliage landscaping series. Information on red, white and pin oak trees… - River Birch Trees | Fall Foliage | White Birches…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 16:59:34 EDT
Description of 4 types of birch trees effective as fall foliage trees. The fall foliage of birch trees is yellow… - Beechnut Trees | Fall Foliage | Tricolor Beech Trees | Beechnuts…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 16:56:16 EDT
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… - Fall Foliage of Quaking Aspen Trees | Poplar Trees…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 16:52:21 EDT
Description of quaking aspen trees as fall foliage plants. Quaking aspen trees, close relatives of poplar trees, display a shimmering golden foliage in a fall breeze… - Sugar Maple Trees | Types | Red Maple TreesUpdated: 2009-09-29 @ 16:50:56 EDT
Introduction, with pictures, to maple trees as fall foliage specimens. Red maples' fall foliage described, as well as sugar maples, Norways and Amurs… - Cabling | Landscaping Definition | Cabling Trees…Updated: 2009-09-28 @ 12:27:58 EDT
Definition of cabling. The term, cabling refers to a technique for stablilizing leaning trees… - Shrub Problems | Flower Buds | Yellow Leaves | Shrub Problems…Updated: 2009-09-23 @ 14:19:32 EDT
Readers communicate about their shrub problems through my Web site. Some of the more common shrub problems concern flower buds and the presence of yellow leaves in summer… - Harry Lauder's Walking StickUpdated: 2009-09-23 @ 12:38:10 EDT
Harry Lauder's walking stick is a case in which a shrub truly shines only after its leaves have fallen. Plant Harry Lauder's walking stick to promote winter interest… - Dwarf Pine Trees | Japanese Dwarf White Pine Trees…Updated: 2009-09-23 @ 12:25:30 EDT
The dwarf trees discussed in this article are slow-growing white pines suitable for use in small spaces. While many white pines are towering giants, these dwarf trees are suited for planting in are… - Dwarf Alberta Spruce TreesUpdated: 2009-09-23 @ 12:21:51 EDT
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… - Mugo Pine Trees | Dwarf Mugo PinesUpdated: 2009-09-23 @ 12:14:26 EDT
When buying mugo pine trees to fill a hole crying out for a dwarf, be careful about the cultivar you select. Mugo pines are classified as evergreen conifers, but not all are dwarf trees… - Oakleaf Hydrangeas | Quercifolia Flowers | Oakleaf Hydrangea Flowers…Updated: 2009-09-18 @ 13:50:49 EDT
Oakleaf hydrangeas are native to the southeastern U.S. Grown especially for their fall foliage, oakleaf hydrangeas do, nonetheless, produce flowers worthy in their own right… - Leyland Cypress Trees | Planting Leyland Cypress…Updated: 2009-09-12 @ 12:59:25 EDT
Leyland cypress trees are slender and fast-growing. Leyland cypress trees are generally grown by those seeking a mass of evergreen foliage for a quick privacy screen… - Creeping Charlie | Ground IvyUpdated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:59:54 EDT
Description of creeping charlie (AKA, gill-over-the-ground, ground ivy), formerly valued as a medicinal herb but now considered a lawn weed. Creeping charlie can be used as a wild groundcover, but … - Tansy Plants | Flowers | Common TansyUpdated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:54:56 EDT
Tansy flowers grow in clusters and look like golden buttons. Common tansy plants are classified as Tanacetum vulgare… - Canadian Hemlock Trees | Eastern Hemlock Trees…Updated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:51:45 EDT
Eastern or 'Canadian' hemlock trees are long-lived evergreens. Many cultivars of Canadian hemlock trees have been developed for landscape usage… - Lantana Plants | Florida Landscaping | Lantana Camara…Updated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:49:20 EDT
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 … - Sage Plants | Herbs | Tricolor SageUpdated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:44:19 EDT
Tricolor sage plants are herbaceous perennials in the colder part of their range. Tricolor sage is an evergreen herb in warmer regions… - Sweet Woodruff Herb Plants | Sweet WoodruffUpdated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:31:20 EDT
Sweet woodruff herb plants have a wonderful aromatic quality. In times gone by, sweet woodruff herbs had culinary and medicinal uses, as well… - Woolly Creeping Thyme Herb Plants | Wooly Thyme…Updated: 2009-09-10 @ 13:17:56 EDT
Wooly creeping thyme herb plants (and similar varieties) are useful in the landscape, serving as ground covers between stepping stones. Besides woolly creeping thyme herb plants, examples include '… - Fall Yard Decorations | Gourd Craft | Ohio Gourd Show…Updated: 2009-08-31 @ 13:04:01 EDT
Learn about gourd craft at the Ohio Gourd Show to pick up some ideas for fall yard decorations. Crafted calabashes and tips for designing them for novel fall yard decorations can be found at the Oh… - Make Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns and Gourd Birdhouses…Updated: 2009-08-31 @ 12:59:40 EDT
How to grow and carve hardshell gourds to make Halloween jackolanterns or birdhouses. Hardshell gourds, unlike pumpkins, will not rot. A delight for birdwatchers and arts and crafts enthusiasts!… - Shrub Bush and Vine for Fall Colors | Pictures…Updated: 2009-08-27 @ 17:02:47 EDT
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 … - Flowering Trumpet Vines | Flowering Vines | Trumpet CreeperUpdated: 2009-08-18 @ 12:15:43 EDT
Information on the many landscape design functions filled by popular flowering vines, such as trumpet vines. Pros and cons of trumpet creeper, other flowering vines, and their uses… - Lavender Flowers | Violet Colored | Pictures of Lavender Flowers…Updated: 2009-05-01 @ 16:42:41 EDT
Photo gallery of mauve, violet and lavender-colored flowers. View my pictures of mauve, violet and lavender flowers to aid you in plant selection. … - Halloween Pics | Photos | Free Halloween Pictures…Updated: 2009-01-22 @ 19:06:11 EST
Halloween pics of the New England fall landscape. Fall foliage, outdoor Halloween decorations and a link to free Halloween pictures (clip art)… - Winter Landscapes | Pictures of Winter Landscapes…Updated: 2008-12-07 @ 21:50:48 EST
Not only are pictures of winter landscapes beautiful to behold, but they can also furnish inspiration as you're planning your landscaping. Browse these pictures of winter landscapes for some ideas… - Ideas for Green Living | Eco-Friendly Landscaping | Ideas for Green …Updated: 2008-08-01 @ 12:50:09 EDT
Among the ideas for green living presented in this article on eco-friendly landscaping are tips for energy conservation and water conservation. Other ideas for green living offered include alternat… - Landscaping Pictures | Photo Gallery | Landscape Design Ideas…Updated: 2008-05-30 @ 07:40:40 EDT
A photo gallery of landscaping pictures for front-yard design ideas. Let these landscaping pictures inspire you in your DIY front-yard design projects… - Irish Shamrocks | 4-Leaf Clovers | History of Shamrocks and 4-Leaf C…Updated: 2008-03-12 @ 15:51:59 EDT
Search for the true Irish shamrocks. Various plants (but not 4-leaf clovers) serve as Irish shamrocks, but there's no one authoritative choice. By definition, 4-leaf clovers don't qualify…