True to its name, the dwarf Hinoki cypress may be one of the more diminutive evergreens you can grow, but it makes an oversized contribution when it’s included in landscaping or container gardens. With its fan-shaped foliage ranging in color from golden yellow to deep green, this compact shrub is an excellent winter interest plant that also looks great all year long. Dwarf Hinoki cypress shrubs add extra texture and dimension when included in rock gardens, entryways, and many other planting sites. They work particularly well for gardeners with small spaces. What’s more, this dwarf evergreen is a good candidate for topiary displays and even bonsai.
READ MORE » about Dwarf Hinoki cypress: A compact evergreen for year-round beauty
When to cut back asparagus for healthy, productive plants
When to cut back asparagus is a common question among vegetable gardeners. While growing asparagus isn’t difficult, knowing when and how to prune these perennial plants can mean the difference between a prolific harvest of healthy spears and poor production from pest-ridden plants. In this article, I’ll share important insight into how asparagus grows and then offer information on the best time to cut back asparagus plants for optimum plant health and production.
READ MORE » about When to cut back asparagus for healthy, productive plants
New plants for your 2023 garden: Interesting annuals, perennials, fruit, and veggies
My introductions to new plants come from an array of sources—trial garden visits, emails from growers and colleagues, gardening presentations, garden catalogs, etc. Sometimes, the plants themselves (or seeds) arrive on my doorstep to trial. The seeds will be started under grow lights in spring or direct-sown in the garden. The annuals and perennial plants I dig into gardens or arrange in pots. Then, I watch them closely to see how they perform in my growing zone and take a lot of pictures to share with fellow green thumbs. I love to share my experiences with new favorites, as well as plants that are on my ever-expanding “must-grow” list.
Climate change gardening: 12 strategies for a resilient garden
Climate change gardening is a set of tactics that make our yards and gardens more resilient to extreme weather as well as reduce our personal impacts on the climate. There are several ways to approach climate change gardening. You can use sustainable and organic gardening practices that put soil, biodiversity, and pollinators first. You can also plan to reduce plastic waste, up-cycle materials, and collect rainwater. Keep reading to discover 12 strategies for climate change gardening.
READ MORE » about Climate change gardening: 12 strategies for a resilient garden
Fittonia: How to grow and care for the nerve plant
The colorful leaves of fittonia make it among the most interesting houseplant varieties you can grow. Also known by the common names of the nerve plant, the net plant, and the mosaic plant, it’s easy to see why this native of tropical rainforests has become a favorite of so many houseplant growers. This article shares care information for the many varieties of fittonia available today.
READ MORE » about Fittonia: How to grow and care for the nerve plant
Garden catalogs: Options for ordering seeds, plants, garden gear, and more
One of my favorite times of the year is when gardening companies ship their garden catalogs and make them available online. It’s a time when I can start dreaming about what I can grow for the upcoming season, and make a list of supplies I might need. And then I scale that list back to make it more realistic! Personally, I like to spread the love around when it comes to seed companies. I have my local go-tos, I often order from other companies, as well.
READ MORE » about Garden catalogs: Options for ordering seeds, plants, garden gear, and more