Gardens and Yards
Articles
Summer Heathers
Heathers are low-growing, shrub-like perennials that blossom into a sea of color. They
look great planted with dwarf conifers, especially when a variety
of shapes, colors and textures are used. Interplant late flowering
varieties with deciduous plants that have colorful foliage in
the fall for a striking display, and use them in camellia and rhododendron
beds to add summer color. They are also used in rock gardens and as groundcovers.
Heathers enjoy an
sunny site with good air circulation and an acid soil that doesn't
dry out or become waterlogged. Acid soil is a must for summer
heathers, and if your ...more
Miniature Roses
 Don't
let the delicate appearance fool you! These little gems are hardy
enough to grow outdoors in zones 6-10 without winter protection,
and with a good cover of mulch they will survive winters as far
north as zone 4. Miniature roses are surprisingly easy to grow,
and they look great as edgings for your beds or borders, accent
plants for rock gardens, and as houseplants.
Miniature roses range
in size from the micro-minis which grow to about five inches,
up to a height four feet or more. The flowers are from 1/2 inch
to two inches in diameter, and the range of colors is similar
to that of full-sized roses. Most types will bloom from spring
until frost. Unfortunately, miniature roses have ...more
The Magic of Annual Vines
 For
the cost of a packet of seeds, you can quickly create a show
stopping garden accent or a living hideaway for children, hide
a rusty chain link fence or an unsightly garage wall, and turn
an ordinary balcony into a private garden. Started from seeds,
annual vines will scramble to heights of 20 feet or more, highlighting
features you want to show off and covering eyesores.
Here are just a few of the many uses for annual vines: ...more
Shape Up Your Garden: Pruning 101
 Why Prune?
Pruning your outdoor and indoor plants is one of the best things you can do for them.
Pruning removes death and disease, increases air circulation and ensures sunlight
reaches every branch and stem.
It is the oldest and easiest way to control the size, growth, beauty and health of
your plants and to renew or increase their production. This is because plants try
to maintain a certain ratio of root to shoot -- so pruning encourages growth because
it causes the plant to enthusiastically work towards reinstating its size ratio ...more
From a Tiny Seed Grows . . .
 (ARA) - With spring fast approaching,
it's time to decide what you would like to do with your garden.
Seed
 catalogs conjure visions of luxurious bouquets adorning your home, with sweet
fragrances permeating every room. Your appetite is whetted for meals prepared with homegrown
vegetables. But how can you best prepare that plot of soil behind your house to help
make your garden grow? ...more
Container Water Gardens Add Tranquility to Outdoor Spaces
Spring is an excellent time to consider simple, outdoor living enhancements like container water gardens. They add serenity and a unique, new look to home landscapes as reflections of water add another dimension of interest and movement to the surrounding space.
Container gardens are an excellent way to sample the joys of water gardening before committing to a larger, permanent pond. When planned and constructed properly, these elegant structures provide calming ...more
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