- Page Views
- 19,644
- Content
- 39
- Fans
- 9
- Contributor since
- 10/20/2009
Education/Experience
3 years of Horticulture at South Puget Sound Community College, a lifetime of learning from grumpy old farmersFavorites
Fans
Displaying Results 1 - 39 (of 39) for All Content
-
Plants that Light Up a Shady AreaA shaded garden can seem dank, dreary and perfectly tedious. The right plant selections will make low light seem like a preferable thing.
-
Koi in the Water GardenKoi, despite their exotic appearance and heritage are easy to raise as long as their specific needs are met. Water depth, surface area, filtration and nutritious food will give you attractive pets that thrive. -
Propagating Dahlias by DivisionCertain dahlia varieties can be quite expensive. By propagating your own, you can easily expand a flower garden and save money. -
Spring Flowering GroundcoversBulbs are not the only options for spring flowers. Ground cover plants with attractive and long lasting flowers provide color in the early season and protect the soil year around. -
The Magnolia Vine: An Edible Ornamental for ShadeSchisandra chinenesis (Magnolia Vine)is not only an attractive twining vine; it produces edible fruit and will even grow in shade. -
Strange Plants: Unusual Plants for Adventurous GardenersExperienced gardeners often find themselves needing a bit of variety in the garden. There are some very odd plant selections that add a definite shock factor in the landscape. -
Guide to Propagating GrapesEarly spring is a good time to propagate grape vines. Growing grapes from hardwood cuttings is a surprisingly easy and effective method for starting or expanding a home vineyard. -
Hardy Eucalyptus VarietiesEucalyptus is usually regarded as a plant suitable only for hot and dry climate areas. There are a few varieties that will perform well in even marginal climates. -
Increasing the Winter Hardiness of PlantsMost gardeners are familiar with their particular growing zone, but few realize that with a few tricks they can increase it to grow unusual and exotic plants.
-
Timber Bamboo: Growing It, and Keeping it Under ControlA mature grove of timber bamboo can be absolutely awe inspiring. The rampant and aggressive growth habit can cause problems. Some simple site preparations will make this group of bamboos suitable for even smaller yards. -
Growing Brugmansia OutdoorsBrugmansia, also called angel's trumpet, is a spectacular specimen plant for the garden. Growing 6 to 10 feet tall and bearing strikingly large pendant flowers, this perennial plant can even be grown in USDA zone 6 with protection.
-
Blueberries for Warm ClimatesBlueberries can be challenging to grow in the warmer parts of the United States. Successful fruit production depends on a sufficient amount of winter cold, also known as "chill hours." There are new varieties especially for the deep South.
-
Hibiscus Syriacus - Hardy Form of Bush HibiscusWhat could be better than an attractive shrub that blooms prolifically in August, is hardy to USDA zone 5 and is adaptable to most soils and exposures? -
Canna Achira-The Edible CannaMany varieties of ornamental cannas are sold at garden centers, with the exception of Canna achira, the edible canna. Also called Canna edulis this plant is vigorous, easy to grow, attractive, and even has edible roots.
-
Growing QuinceQuince trees are a wonderful and unusual addition to the fruit orchard. Rarely if ever found at the supermarket, they have an amazing tropical flavor. There are varieties for both cooking and fresh eating, and all are usually tough and easy to grow. -
Growing PeachesThere are few things more satisfying than a sun warmed summer peach. Growing them at home is not difficult and will deliver better quality fruit than the grocery store.
-
Buying Bare Root Fruit TreesBare root fruit trees are an economical way to start a home orchard. They are cheaper than potted trees, faster to become established, and the selection is very large.
-
Growing Hardy FuchsiasFuchsias are commonly known as an annual plant for hanging baskets. Fuchsia magellanica however, is hardy to USDA zone 6 and will grow happily in any shaded area. -
Growing GunneraGunnera manicata is one of the largest, most jaw dropping perennial plants for the tropical look garden. With leaves up to four feet wide, and an eventual height and spread of ten feet, this plant is simply impossible to ignore.
-
Magnolia Grandiflora-The Evergreen MagnoliaMagnolia grandiflora is native to the southeastern United States, but it will grow almost anywhere in USDA zones 6-10. This tree is one of the best all season interest specimens for the landscape. -
Gardening with Clay SoilClay soil can be a both a blessing and a curse for gardeners. Although it holds moisture and nutrients, it is often poorly drained and difficult to work with. There are a number of simple remedies and modifications for this soil type.
-
Growing the Chinese Wild YamRoot vegetables are not commonly thought of as ornamental. Dioscorea batatas, the Chinese wild yam, is useful both in the kitchen and the landscape. Dark green and cinnamon scented flowers make this a striking, easy care addition to the garden.
-
Preventing Winter Damage in Evergreen TreesWinter weather can be severely damaging to most evergreen trees. Snow,ice and wind can severely set back even well established plants. Minimizing the damage can be done in a number of ways.
-
Cold Hardy Palm TreesPalm trees, despite their tropical look can be grown almost anywhere. Selections from China and colder parts of the United States have become more widely available.
-
Apricot Trees in the LandscapeNot only is the apricot a great addition to the home orchard, it has ornamental value as well. Most varieties are cold tolerant and widely adapted. -
Hardy Citrus VarietiesIt's no longer necessary to live in California or Florida to grow citrus. Newer varieties have appeared that have increased cold tolerance. Growing them requires a few tricks, but it is well worth the effort.
-
Trees for Winter InterestLandscaping for winter appearance is important. Trees with brightly colored bark, berries or unusual form help to enliven a seemingly drab garden during the coldest months. -
Storable Fruit: Growing Apple Trees with Late SeasonEating homegrown apples in the middle of winter is not as far fetched as it may seem. There are many older apple cultivars bred for long storage. These apple trees are easy to grow and disease resistant. -
Unusual Fruit TreesThere are a number of hardy and productive fruit trees and shrubs that are little known by most standards. These trees often have fruit that is delicate and does not ship well. Some are only locally known, and absent in most supermarkets.
-
Growing JasmineThe jasmine family has always been known for the powerful fragrance of its flowers. Many species of jasmine are not hardy in most of the country, however Jasmine x stephanense will tolerate colder temperatures. It is colorful, fragrant and easy to grow.
-
Tips for Growing FigsDespite originating in the Middle East, figs will also grow in many parts of the U.S. Extensive breeding has led to more cold tolerant varieties. Figs are quite easy to grow with proper soil selection and winter protection in cold areas.
-
Perennials for Heavy Clay SoilCreating lush summer color in a garden with heavy clay soil can be done with the right types of perennial plants.
-
Growing Epimedium RubrumEpimediums are a large family of surprisingly little known shade plants, native to Eurasia. Epimedium x rubrum is an easy to grow hybrid featuring unusual starlike flowers and attractive bi-color foliage.
-
Unusual Ferns for GardensFerns are commonly thought of as a 'filler' plant for the shade and the woodland garden. New and unusual varieties can either stand alone or provide contrast to other plants with frond color and texture. Growing these ferns is not difficult.
-
Bamboo Varieties that Won't Eat Your YardBamboo adds an unmistakable presence to a yard, however many varieties can be invasive. Installing a bamboo barrier system can be extremely labor intensive and expensive. Planting 'clumping' or non-invasive bamboo varieties is the answer.
-
Shrubs for Heavy Clay SoilDespite the difficulties of gardening with clay soil, there are a number of attractive shrubs that will not only grow but thrive in it.
-
Growing TuberoseThe tuberose is the source of an intoxicating fragrance that combines gardenia and jasmine, but it is a surprisingly adaptable plant and easy to grow.
-
Trees for Heavy Clay SoilA wide variety of trees will not only grow but thrive in clay soil.
-
Growing Tropical Plants in Non-Tropical PlacesGiving your garden a tropical or exotic look can be simple with the right plant selection and techniques.