With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to find advice. However, this also makes it easy for myths to spread. A wide range of gardening myths have been around for a long time. And while these myths are common, the horticulture industry continues finding answers to these claims. Let’s dig in! Myth: You can add pebbles or rocks to the bottom of a container to help with drainage. Truth: At first glance, this idea sounds good. During the last 100 years, studies have shown the extra material makes it harder for water to move through the soil. There […]
Category: Shrubs
Groundcover Plants for Sun & Shade
Do you have problem areas in your garden? It could be that spot under a tree where the soil is dry or a slope with erosion. Groundcovers are a living mulch that can fill these tricky spots with colorful blooms and unique texture. They also control weeds and help your garden stand out. Like any planting, the right groundcover depends on your site conditions. How To Use Groundcover Plants Years ago, my family put in stepping stones in our backyard. Between the stones, we had wood mulch that kept the weeds in check. After a couple of years, the wood […]
Spring Garden Planning: Landscaping & Vegetable Garden Tips
What are your garden plans for spring? Perhaps you’re filling the landscape of a new home or starting your first veggie garden. Today, we’ll look at some tips to make those plantings successful! Tips For A New Home Garden If you’re a new home owner, you might be starting with a clean slate or updating the existing landscape. This allows you to be creative and make the landscape your own. Before you dive in, think about your goals for the property. Almost 20 years ago, my family moved from a wooded lot to a home on the prairie. We missed […]
Create A Cottage Garden
Imagine yourself sitting outside and enjoying the warm air on a summer evening. Now picture yourself sitting outside surrounded by an oasis of flowering and edible plants. Perhaps there’s a meandering path weaving through the flower beds, allowing you to enjoy the different colors and fragrances. The sight of pollinators gathering nectar from native flowers adds even more life to the space. Whether your property is large or small, cottage gardens bring a sense of tranquility and beauty to any space. They also allow you to break the rules and run wild with creativity. Historically, these spaces are filled with […]
Easy Ways To Create A Mindful Garden From Scratch
Gardening is a wonderful way to enhance your well-being while connecting with nature. Not only is it a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but it can help you to relax since caring for live plants can relieve fatigue and stress. Moreover, it can be an excellent mindful activity since gardening requires focus, and you need to be physically present for it. In an interview with The New York Times, English psychiatrist Sue Stuart-Smith explains how gardening, which enables people to work with nature’s energy, can be a form of meditation. “People often describe losing themselves in the […]
8 Easy Fall Garden Cleanup Tasks
The days are turning shorter and cooler as the growing season ends. As gardeners, it’s hard to let go of the plants we’ve been nurturing for the last six months, but there are many tasks we can accomplish to prepare for next year’s garden. Garden Notes Now is an excellent time to make final notes and take photos for planning for next spring. Having garden notes allows us to dream of warmer days as winter progresses. If you haven’t already, request a copy of the latest Jung Seed catalog to inspire you for next year. Mulching & Composting If you’re […]
The Science of Fall Foliage
Why do leaves change color and fall off the trees? I never asked this question when I was young since, I was preoccupied with jumping in leaf piles. But as I got older, I became interested in learning why the fall colors exist. The Colors Of Nature Summer During summer, the leaves of most trees are green because of a pigment called Chlorophyll. This pigment is produced throughout summer to maintain the green foliage color. Fall However, other pigments exist in the leaves that we can only see in fall. These pigments include: The long summer days are ideal for […]
Fall Gardening: September Garden Checklist Zones 3-6
For many of us, September is a transition month from summer to fall. We can get a head start on the cooler weather by accomplishing a few tasks in the landscape. Here are a few tips to get you started. Veggies and Herbs Trees and Shrubs Annuals and Houseplants Perennials and Bulbs Special Notes Also, less visible soil in the garden means less sunlight for weeds to germinate. However, there’s a difference between full and overgrown. A full garden bed will have plants that fill in the extra space without crowding out each other. Remember, there’s still time to enjoy […]
Selecting Shrubs for Colorful Foliage
As I look through my old garden photos, I’m reminded of the impact of foliage plants on the landscape. Shrubs, in particular, can provide you with color that continues to draw interest. The color of these shrubs is often amplified by their unique leaf texture or plant structure. Today, we’ll look at shrubs that offer exceptional color on the leaves. In addition to striking foliage, many of these shrubs have attractive flowers. These shrubs range from small and compact to large and more spreading. Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla) A spreading shrub that fills in large sites and is often used to […]
An Easy Guide For Planting Trees & Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can bring structure and beauty throughout the year if you’re starting a new landscape or adding to your existing property. These plants also provide ecological benefits for your landscape and the planet. Before planting, it’s crucial to understand planting techniques to ensure long-term success for your landscape. Why Proper Planting Is Essential Before we examine the specifics, let’s focus on why proper planting is essential for trees and shrubs. A common problem in landscapes is trees that are planted too deep. As a result, these trees often deteriorate from excess moisture around the stem or develop circling […]