Euonymus is a genus of 175 species that include evergreen and deciduous shrubs and evergreen vines. Deciduous types are valued for their brilliant fall leaf color and prominent fruit; evergreen types are used often as landscape foundation and structure plants. Most Euonymus tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to fairly deep shade. Deciduous […] More
Many shrubs that have been a backdrop to summer flowers take center stage in autumn. Brilliant and bold leaves (and berries) take over the garden in fall just as the last bright blooms of summer fade. Autumn shrub colors are the result of plants winding down their growing season. As plants cease the production of […] More
Songbirds look to many annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees as a natural source of food throughout the year. Nearly all plants that attract songbirds are equally attractive to humans for their colorful flowers, fruits, and leaves. A steady supply of seeds, nuts, and berries will bring a variety of birds to your yard. Set aside […] More
Many shrubs are grown for their attractive colored berries or fruit that commonly appear in autumn or winter. Some varieties produce more abundant crops than others. The right growing conditions are important for berry and fruit production. Some shrubs produce male and female flowers on separate plants (these are referred to as dioecious). Cross-pollination must […] More
Skimmia — Japanese skimmia–are evergreen shrubs and trees grown for their aromatic foliage and often fragrant flower clusters. Some Skimmia species also bear ornamental fruits. Skimmia tend to be dense rounded shrubs with glossy elliptic leaves. It prefers partial to full shade. In spring, tiny white flowers open from clusters of pinkish buds held above the foliage. When […] More
Kalmia — commonly called mountain laurel –is a beautiful flowering shrub related to the rhododendron. Kalmia flower stalks bear a small bud that looks like a fluted turban; the buds open to chalice-shaped blooms with five star-like points. Flowers have anther sacs with dark dots–thus a second common name “calico bush.” Kalmia is an evergreen shrub. Like rhododendrons, […] More
Vines can be used to clothe porches, trellises, arbors, pergolas, and post. Vines can be used to clamber up old tree-trunks or cover the bare ground beneath. Vines are used for both their floral and foliage effect. Most vines are vigorous growers and are expected to remain in place for many years. Determine how high […] More
November brings the end of the growing season to most gardens in the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight grows shorter and temperatures steadily cool. But the soil is still warm from summer and planting of shrubs and trees can be done this month. Most perennials and annuals are fading; that means garden cleanup should follow and initial […] More
Growing trees and shrubs in shade can be a challenge if you choose plants that prefer sunny conditions. If you choose plants that are adapted to shady conditions, shade gardening is quite enjoyable and barely any work at all. There are many shrubs and trees that prefer shade. They are understory plants that like the […] More
There are climbing plants that can tolerate and grow in clay soil. Growing plants in clay soil is a challenge. Clay soil is slow to drain and dense. That makes it hard for plant roots to grow. Choosing plants that can tolerate clay soil is one way to work around the clay soil challenge. Some […] More
Groundcover plants are used to cover the ground and to conceal all signs of soil beneath. Groundcovers can be used to smother weeds, act as a living mulch to conserve soil moisture and to hold in place, and stem soil erosion. Low-growing shrubs can be used as groundcovers. Most are deep-rooted and longer lived than […] More
Vines include a large and varied group of plants. Vines include all kinds of climbing plants and also certain shrubs with long flexible shoots that may be trained to serve as vines. Outdoors vines are used to clothe porches, trellises, arbors, pergolas, and posts, to clamber up old tree trunks or cover the bare ground […] More
Stephen Albert