Sorbus–commonly called mountain ash–is often grown for its showy spring flowers and shower autumn fruit. Creamy white blossoms appear in broad, flat clusters scattered over the canopy. The flowers turn to hanging clusters of small, red or orange-red berry-like fruit that color in late summer and early fall. Sorbus are deciduous trees or shrubs. There […] 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
December brings to a close the garden year, but there are still things to do in the garden. In warm climates, gardeners are still busy planting perennials and cool-weather annuals. In cold climates, winter plant protection can be put in place and the soil can be prepared for next spring–even frozen ground can be sheet […] More
Many trees, shrubs, and perennials are grown especially for their autumn foliage color. Autumn is a time when many deciduous plants and a few evergreens make their presence known. Many people find the colors of autumn the loveliest of the year. Autumn plant color is part of the natural processes which begin with the shortening […] More
Songbirds are attracted to the garden by plants that provide food–seeds, fruit, and nectar. Fruit-bearing shrubs attract songbirds. Seed and nectar-bearing flowers attract songbirds. Drifts of flowers are attractive to almost all birds because they are home to insects and spiders as well as nectar and seed. Shrubs, hedgerows, and trees are attractive to birds […] More
Drought-tolerant trees can withstand dry conditions once established. No native or commonly used landscape plant is drought-resistant until it becomes established in the site. All plants require a steady supply of moisture when first planted. Trees can tolerate drought if they are deep-rooted. Deep roots can harvest soil moisture from past rainfalls. Trees planted in […] 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
Flowering trees are among the most popular ornamental plants. Spring flowering trees are especially valued for the bold way they signal the start of the warm time of the year. Flowering crab apples, dogwoods, hawthorns, redbuds, and cherries are harbingers of spring. Flowering trees make a tremendous impact in bloom even if many bloom only […] More
Trees with colorful autumn foliage are at their best from mid-to-late autumn. Make the most of trees with colorful autumn foliage by planting them where they can be seen from windows in your house or along well-traveled paths or drives. Autumn leaves will be especially brilliant after a hot summer, but after a mild summer, […] More
Some trees are adapted to clay soil. Planting clay-tolerant trees is a start to growing a garden where the soil dense and dry or waterlogged. You can improve less-than-ideal soil by adding organic matter—aged compost, manure, and commercial organic planting mix. Organic matter lightens heavy clay soil by separating dense clay particles. Organic matter improves […] More
Ample water is not a requirement for a beautiful garden. Water-conservation in the garden is very doable. Water-smart gardening can save time and money. A drought-tolerant garden makes the most of the water it gets. “Xeriscaping” is a term used for growing naturally drought-adapted plants using water-saving methods. A xeriscape does not need to look […] More
Stephen Albert