Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
USDA plant hardiness zone 6 begins in Massachusetts and Rhode Island on the East Coast, and then extends south and west through various regions of the country to Oregon and Washington. The Japanese…
Bringing delicate delight to home gardens, few insects are more appreciated than butterflies. Butterfly gardening in Western Massachusetts involves growing plants that provide nectar-rich,…
Germinating tomatoes in cubes requires a base tray and a few other key items. Germinate tomatoes in cubes with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, a small space garden design in Los Angeles,…
Starting a butterfly garden will soon have your winged friends flying all over your backyard. Start a butterfly garden with help from an experienced gardener in this free video clip.
Few insects are as welcome in home gardens as butterflies, flitting between blooms on warm summer days, as pretty as flowers. Butterfly gardens in Dallas should include a range of plants that host…
Day lily (Hemerocallis spp.) fans know what rose (Rosa spp.) aficionados have known for years -- there can only be one star of the garden. With their exuberant foliage and clouds of day-long blooms…
Deer will eat nearly any green plants if they are hungry enough and their preferred diet is in short supply. There are many shrubs and perennial plants, however, that they will not eat under normal…
You don't need an expensive pot to cook a fine meal, and the same principle applies to compost. The recipe for compost is simple: Mix dead vegetation, food scraps, water and air. The shady spot where…
Working in an office all day can make a person long to be outdoors. Consider adding a beautiful miniature office garden to liven up a drab work space. Group together carefully selected green plants…
Watch an incredible transformation as caterpillars turn into magnificent butterflies right in front of your eyes, in as little as 18 to 21 days. Butterfly garden kits include everything you need to…
Multiplying succulents is easy, so long as you're following just a few basic steps. Multiply succulents with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in Los Angeles,…
Pruning is one thing - pruning using the right technique is something else altogether. Learn how to prune with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in Los Angeles,…
Landscaping a small garden is a really great design opportunity that shouldn't be taken for granted. Landscape a small garden with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden design in…
Growing succulents for your wedding always requires you to keep a few very important things in mind. Grow succulents for your wedding with help from the owner of Eden Condensed, small space garden…
There are a lot of different varieties of sage that would all make great additions to your garden. Learn about caring for and trimming of purple sage with help from a small space garden designer in…
Attracting hummingbirds to your high country garden is easy, so long as you follow a few basic steps. Attract hummingbirds to your high garden with help from a landscape designer and horticulture…
Home landscapes can be as beautiful in the winter as in summer if you plan ahead. For example, brilliant red stems take center stage after the leaves on red twig dogwoods fall. Several dogwood species…
With their sweet, crunchy fruit and ease of growth, Asian pear trees are an ideal fruit tree for a home orchard. Numerous companion plants have been suggested for Asian pears, including…
Blue Jade corn is an heirloom variety of sweet corn that grows a bit shorter than other corn varieties, but is still a heavy feeder with a quick growth habit. Blue Jade benefits from companion plants…
If you're stuck with a tiny front yard, or you live in an apartment, you may think picking your own freshly grown produce and flowers is just a dream. Think again. You don't need a sprawling yard…
A faux bois planter provides a creative way to display your potted plants and flowers both indoors and out. A faux bois planter features a wood grain texture to its exterior, which gives the planter a…
A privacy wall serves as a barrier between you and your neighborhood when you are in your yard. It also creates a screen that discourages others from crossing and can increase the property value of…
When cities run out of room they begin to build up vertically. You can use the same tactic in your garden by constructing a strawberry high-rise. Traditional strawberry planters are tall clay pots…
Water gardens add beauty, serenity and even monetary value to a home. They range from small, still pools of water to large, elaborate ponds with filters and fountains. Water gardens can even be…
Flame-retardant sprays for plants are available for artificial specimens only. Although natural plants also are combustible, the fire-safety chemicals probably are toxic to real foliage and flowers.…
An offset smoker can turn out perfectly cooked meats of all types with a rich and hearty flavor. The basic smoker consists of a firebox or damper, which provides the heat, and the cooking chamber. You…
Brick and stone townhouse facades require periodic maintenance and renovation, as the stones and bricks may crack and the mortar joints may crumble and deteriorate. Brick and stones are also prone to…
Concrete planter pots are strong, waterproof and ideal for outdoor use but concrete is a fluid until set, so to make concrete planter pots you will need a mold. Fiberglass molds are lightweight,…
When grown in pots, orchids add tropical color to a room. Though many of these versatile plants are available for sale in venues from the local grocery store to specialty nurseries or wholesalers, the…
Vines give your garden height and structure, and hide unsightly features, such as cracked walls or unattractive views. Many perennial vines thrive in full-sun conditions. Some have beautiful flowers…
Plants and flowers grow in a range of environments, from the outdoor garden to hanging baskets or countertop pots. Gardeners who want distinctive looks can grow their plants in enclosed cages and…
Over the years, anecdotal evidence that supports the concept of companion planting has accumulated, and many gardeners practice companion planting as a matter of course. Companion planting is the…
Begonias are grown for their attractive flowers and succulent leaves. More than 1,300 species exist, and — due to the ease with which they may be hybridized — more are being cultivated…
Trilliums are also known as wood lilies and are members of the Melanthiaceae family. Native to the Northern United States, these plants reach heights of up to 2 feet and spreads of 1 to 1 1/2 feet.…
When the leaves of your aquarium plants are dying, they will turn brown. It’s normal for your plant to shed some leaves during its life cycle. If the brown leaves are few and far between, you…
Good landscaping consists of strategic use of softscapes like trees, shrubs, flowers and grass, as well as hardscapes such as walkways, driveways, patios and edging. With the wide range of edging…
Concrete planters can be used anywhere around the home, as an interior decorative element, or a landscaping tool in the yard. Concrete planters are long lasting, sturdy and heavy enough to keep them…
Pot risers, also called pot feet, help lift planters off the ground to allow for adequate drainage after watering or rainfall. Risers limit damage to the surface below your pots, keeps hot stone…
Plants grown primarily for their foliage offer a rich contrast in color and texture for the flower border. They also provide garden interest for a much longer period than flowering plants, which often…
Common landscape plants in southern Florida and the Southwest, the firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is covered with small, red, tubular flowers for most of the year. Growing three to five…
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is both a decorative plant and an herb. It’s native to southern Europe, grows to about 3 feet tall and thrives in all but the coldest of conditions. It has tiny blue-green…
Chia is a variety of fast growing grass that germinates quickly in moist conditions and forms thin, hair-like blades. It is most commonly known for growing in the popular Chia Pets which come in a…
A brick garden wall can be an attractive piece in your yard, but it can become an eyesore if it's not well-maintained. The constant exposure to the elements can cause the mortar to crack. This not…
Create another world within your own backyard by utilizing patio space to construct a Japanese garden. Japanese gardens serve as sanctuaries for spiritual retreat and contemplation, and these gardens…
If deer are hungry enough, as they often are during droughts, late winter or while pregnant or nursing, they will eat almost any ornamental shrub. However, deer find certain species of shrubs less…
Roses combine naturally with herbs, sharing cultural requirements and each enhancing the others' beauty. Roses are effective in the formal herb garden, with climbers providing an attractive backdrop,…
Vegetable gardens bring bright joy and harvests to home gardeners, but require preparation, careful planning and maintenance. They can also require large spaces if they include larger bush plants like…
Dwarf lime trees are ideal for growing on patios or balconies due to their shorter height and compact size. These trees are often grown in pots so they can also be relocated indoors during winter. If…
Sun-loving varieties of coleus sport foliage in brilliant shades of red and burgundy, setting the landscape ablaze with color from late spring until fall. Although some coleuses develop the richest…
Most herb gardeners are familiar with dill as a flavor enhancer for sauces, fish, breads and pickling vegetables, but many are not aware that the plant works to protect its neighbors in the garden.…
Companion planting is a natural way of inhibiting pests and diseases in your garden. Creeping thyme functions as ground cover and its fragrance discourages some harmful insects while attracting others…
Although ferns are much older than flowering plants or even conifers, they are numerous today and thrive in several habitats. In the home, ferns add color to a room and liven up a patio. While many…
Peppers are lush and productive in home gardens and grow best with bright, warm sun, rich soil, adequate moisture and good air circulations. These plants do well in outdoor, in-ground gardens and…
Turning your outdoor balcony into a private, lush city garden is easy to achieve, provided you select plants that grow well in containers and care for them appropriately. Because of the limited…
Because no two pieces of driftwood are alike, no two driftwood planters can be alike either. The friction of rolling around in the sea or in freshwater wears each piece of driftwood down to a…
Novice aquarium hobbyists often assume that live aquarium plants rooted in gravel or sand will be fine, but this is not always the case. While some plants will put out roots in these substrates, most…
Although it may seem difficult or impossible to grow vegetables in an urban setting, most apartment balconies can support a wide variety of container-grown plants, provided they receive enough…
Ammi majus goes by several common names, including bishop’s weed, false Queen Anne’s lace and bishop’s flower. This annual plant grows from 3 to 6 feet tall and blooms in spring with…
Pothos or devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining tropical plant with heart-shaped leaves that is native to the Solomon Islands. Most cultivated plants are variegated with either yellow streaks or…
In "Plants Vs. Zombies," the Zen Garden offers a soothing respite from all the frantic, undead slaying that fills the rest of the game. The garden unlocks upon completion of one of the…
Aquarium owners include living plants in their fish tanks for various reasons. The plants add attractive ambiance to the environment, give the fish places to hide and breed, reduce stress levels of…
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), also known as cape leadwort, is prized for the profusion of light-blue flowers it produces through the summer. This evergreen shrub grows to 10 feet tall with an 8-foot…
Planters are useful to grow plants indoors and within an urban setting. You can make homemade planters out of concrete that iarevery durable, lasting for years even in harsh weather. This planter will…
If you are looking for a simple way to change the look of your cement planters, try applying a faux vintage antique finish. While vintage decorative items tend to be expensive in stores, creating a…
Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) bloom in late spring with cup-shaped orange, red, white, pink or multicolored flowers. These perennials tend to wilt, yellow and die to the ground during…
Gardenias thrive in warm, mild climates. These evergreen shrubs are prized for their fragrant, white flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. They need much space in the landscape and…
The seaberry or sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) grows from 10 to 25 feet tall. This deciduous shrub has silvery foliage and blooms with yellow blossoms in the spring, followed by long-lasting…
Aquatic plants add beauty to an aquarium and supply oxygen to the fish. Living plants also make use of carbon dioxide, which can suffocate fish if allowed to build up in the tank. Most aquarium plants…
Although necessary to any homeowner, trash cans are an unsightly and odorous part of your backyard. Rather than allowing them to ruin your landscaping efforts, look for ways to hide your trash cans at…
The Quikrete company manufactures and sells a variety of dry concrete and cement mixes to use in home construction and building projects. Their bagged cement sets up much quicker than standard mixes,…
An ordinary rock can be made into a planter for shallow-rooted plants with a little effort. Growing plants in rocks adds an interesting planter to your garden. A hole is chiseled out of the rock for…
Saltwater pools give you the illusion of swimming in the ocean with the natural salt you use to chlorinate the pool. When you plan your own island-like oasis, lush landscaping around the pool area…
Decorating a fish tank is important for two reasons. First, it is important for fish to have a habitat with places to hide and second, the decor in a tank can help to make it aesthetically pleasing.…
Planters are a convenient way to grow vegetables or flowers when you don’t have room for a garden. They are also a healthy way to grow plants when maybe some disease has affected your garden…
Submerged aquatic plants for aquariums contribute five times more oxygen than they consume. They often grow fully submerged under water, and are critical to the health of an aquarium, as they store…
Hydro planters are self-watering plant containers that keep the plant's soil moist, but not soggy. A fabric wick absorbs water from the planter's lower chamber and transports it up to the soil as the…
"Ivy" is a colloquial name given to plants with attractive leaves and a climbing growth habit. In the U.S., English ivy (Hedera helix) and Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) are two…
Apartment, townhouse and condominium dwellers may lack a yard for gardening. You can create your own container garden on a balcony using regular plant pots, 5-gallon buckets and even spare tires.…
Birch tube planters add a woodsy element to your home. Make just one to showcase a favorite plant. Make multiples in various sizes to create a rustic centerpiece or plant with flowers to brighten a…
Vegetable, fruit and flower gardens bring beauty to the home garden with their foliage and blooms. They gain important support from the surrounding decor. Decorative walls, boxes and planters add to…
Plants that belong to the genus Bougainvillea produce small, typically white flowers grouped among larger, paper-like bracts that come in shades of red, pink, orange, lavender and gold to make the…
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, irrigation pipes allow you to create a garden watering system without investing a lot of money. While the lines to the garden may be permanent, you can select PVC…
The choice of companion plants for Weigela florida “Red Prince” depends on the function of your landscape. Weigela makes a splashy presence for three weeks in late spring. The vibrancy of…
At some point on the service life of most aquariums, an algal bloom will occur and cause problems with keeping fish and aquatic plants alive. Aquatic plants provide benefits for the fish within the…
The simplest gravity garden water system is comprised of a tank with a garden hose attached to a valve at the bottom. If the bottom of the tank is above the level of the garden, gravity will move the…
Making your own garden pots saves money while reusing materials that otherwise may have wound up in the trash. Newspaper pots cost nothing to make and have the added benefit of decomposing in the soil…
Nectarine trees are pretty ornamentals, but they are best-known for the edible fruits they produce. The tree flowers in spring, producing fruits in the mid- to late summer. Grow nectarines in…
Sidewalk gardens are small plots of landscaping installed next to a sidewalk. They are gaining popularity in big cities as a beautification project, and as a way to increase the environmental…
Hazel wood is durable and has a rustic look. You can make your own planter from hazel sticks or twigs that you find in your yard. The planter will hold small to medium-sized plants and has an open…
The red or oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) grows quickly to 8 feet tall. This spreading, deciduous shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil but tolerates damp soil and drought. It prefers…
By carefully choosing plants, you can create a year-round landscape around your pool that is both attractive and low maintenance. While many plants will thrive near a pool, some can harm or excessive…
The Acidanthera bicolor, also known as peacock orchid, sword lily or Gladiolus murielae, grows 2 to 3 feet tall. These summer-blooming perennials produce aromatic white blossoms with dark purple…
The cumin plant (Cuminum cyminum or C. odorum) is cultivated for its seeds that, when dried and ground, produce a savory spice that forms the base for many curries and chili powders. These tender…
Landscaping a butterfly garden allows you to experiment with masses of colorful flowers of all different types. Landscape a butterfly garden with help from a landscape designer and horticulture writer…
Hummingbird and butterfly gardens require a very specific mix of flowers and plants in order to be successful. Learn about hummingbird and butterfly garden plans with help from a landscape designer…
All types of plants have different tolerance levels for salt in their water. If water salinity increases beyond a plant's tolerance, its ability to absorb water decreases. While a plant's resistance…
Apartment dwellers needn't despair about their lack of space for a garden. With a little planning and some suitable containers, urban farmers can grow a few tomatoes, green beans, peppers, cucumbers,…
Trees of all types bring beauty and structure to a home landscape, with their tall, uniform and long-lived growth. Chinese dogwoods (Cornus kousa var. chinesis) are particularly decorative in home…
Live plants are a great, naturalistic addition to any aquarium even though they may be more difficult to care for than their plastic counterparts. You may wish to provide your aquarium plant with some…
Foundation plants, so-called because they were used to hide the concrete foundation of older homes, now play a different role. Front-yard entryway gardens that welcome visitors to the front door now…
Historically, foundation plantings were used to disguise unattractive foundations, although modern buildings don't necessarily need to be hidden. All forms of euonymus are suitable for planting near a…
In nature, almost all fish live in water that is also inhabited by some form of plant life, whether that water is marine or fresh. Therefore, it seems logical that any type of fish could live in an…
Cabbage comes in many varieties and sizes, from compact red heads to loose green ones. The vegetable stores well when harvested at peak maturity, but it becomes prone to rot and insect depredation if…
Companion planting is used by gardeners to benefit two or more plants. Some companion plants provide pest control, while others may produce support for climbing plants that require structure. Farmers…
Sometimes the difficulties of maintaining a lawn become so severe that you may decide to remove it completely and start over. If your lawn problems stem from a lack of moisture or rain, you may have…
Brambles (Rubus) are fruit-bearing plants formed by arching canes. Noted for their fast growth, unmanaged brambles such as blackberry and raspberry bushes invade rural and urban areas. They form dense…
Solar and LED lights can decorate the garden path with whimsical butterflies or hummingbirds, adding subtle illumination to the nighttime walkway. This type of lighting offers a temporary ambiance,…
Mexican sage bush (Salvia leucantha) is a perennial, upright shrub growing 3 to 5 feet tall and wide with gray-green leaves. This bush produces showy lavender-blue flower spikes on arching stems which…
Magnolia x brooklynensis "Yellow Bird," also known as yellow bird magnolia or bird flowering magnolia, is a deciduous flowering tree that produces goblet-shaped, canary-colored blossoms in the spring.…
One way to recycle old tires is to turn them into decorative garden planters. Tires that are dirty or that have a black wall that do not match your garden can be painted with a ladybug decoration.…
It is difficult, but not impossible to grow tomatoes, peppers and onions in a small area. Peppers and onions do not need much room, but tomatoes do -- to provide good air circulation necessary for…
Rhubarb is an herbaceous perennial vegetable used as a fruit in the United States. This member of the Polygonaceae family has large triangular shaped leaves and a crisp red stalk. Companion planting…
As homeowners seek to emulate professional-grade kitchens, they are upgrading their appliances to achieve the same commercial look and culinary experience as their favorite restaurants. However,…
Perlite is a siliceous rock that is used in potting soil to help contain moisture and help with drainage. This soil amendment has the ability to hold water in its tiny crevices, so it is available to…
The common name Chinese evergreen refers to several plants within the genus Aglaonema, which occurs naturally across parts of Asia. Several species within the genus Aglaonema are widely cultivated as…
Jerusalem artichokes, also commonly called sunchokes, are a type of sunflower. The botanical name for sunchokes is Helianthus tuberosus, and for sunflowers it is Helianthus annuus. Sunchokes are grown…
Soybeans face the same problems whether planted as field crops or garden rows. Uneven stands of soybeans create competition problems as early plants overshadow beans in problem areas. Yields from…
Shallots (Allium cepa) have a mild onion flavor. They grow best in cool weather, like other plants in the onion family. In most regions shallots are planted early in spring, as soon as the ground can…
Okra is in the mallow family and produces a mucilaginous pod which is eaten as a vegetable and used to thicken soups and stews. A similar plant, bush okra, is also in the mallow family but is an…
Most tillers use a Kevlar drive belt to acts as a drive between the clutch and the transmission. If the drive belt requires adjustment, you will notice the clutch "slipping." This means, when you let…
Your Yard-Man tiller utilizes a belt driven clutch system. Since the tines on your tiller dig into very hard ground, it is very important to have proper tension on the clutch belt at all times. If the…
The magnolia trees native to North America, as well as some that hail from Asian nations like Japan, come in both evergreen and deciduous forms. Attractive, large flowers are a feature of these trees,…
As gardening one's own food becomes more and more popular, growers are always looking for new fruits and vegetables to prepare at home. Georgia gardeners might find melons an interesting and fun…
Growing your own vegetable crop is a rewarding and profitable hobby that allows you to bring nutritious, fresh-tasting food to your table while learning about how plants grow. Sunlight, water, soil…
Making your own tomato planter can be accomplished using household items like a milk crate or some old wire fencing. Make your own tomato planter with help from the owner and operator of a small…
In spring, both new and experienced gardeners flock to the garden for annual, perennial, fruit and vegetable plantings. The garden isn't the only place for growing, though, and may not be a choice for…
Okra is a tall, sensitive vegetable that grows only during the frost-free season of summer. In the Pacific Northwest, where summers are sunny and warm but can be short, this means careful planting…
Standard garden denizens such as lawns, flower gardens and vegetable patches add beauty to home gardens, with bright blooms and foliage. Gardeners who want additional interest, though, add water…
Plants require nitrates in order to produce amino acids during photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that uses energy collected from sunlight, nitrates and other chemicals to produce…
Homemade non-stick spray for cooking has plenty of pros. The spray you make at home will rely on a mister or spray bottle, which is better for the environment than an aerosol can. It's also cheaper to…
Deer love fruit trees. That's the simplest way of describing the relationship between fruit growers and deer. Milder winters mean greater fawn survival and growing deer populations and more headaches…
Broccoli. The very word can send children screaming in terror and cause adults to tremble in fear. Despite the bad press broccoli gets, it is quite edible and nutritious. Most parts of the broccoli…
The melon worm moth lives year-round in Central and South America, the Caribbean, south Florida and south Texas. The melon worm travels north during the summer months where it can be found in the…
A cistern is a traditional way of collecting what nature provides in the form of water. Not for cooking or drinking, cistern collected water is used to water landscaping, gardens, or for other outdoor…
Cactus plants are adapted to drought and extreme temperatures. One of the adaptations that allows them to survive their native desert conditions is slow growth. Saguaro cacti, for example, grow only 1…
Sun-resistant grasses are plants resistant to the sun's negative effects. These grasses don't need much water and thrive under the strong rays of the sun, according to Treehugger. Many American lawns…
Soybeans actually are one of the most commonly grown and consumed legumes in the world. Soils used to grow soybean sprouts must be well draining and not waterlogged. The soil must possess important…
Plant boxes are a portable alternative to growing vegetables and flowers in the ground. Lighter and less fragile than ceramic pots, wooden planters are an affordable, attractive solution for container…
Only a handful of the nearly 400 species within the genus Plectranthus are cultivated as ornamentals, but they charm gardeners around the world with their dainty flowers and fragrant, downy foliage.…
From fried and pickled to gumbos and stews, okra is a versatile vegetable found in many cultures. The warm-season annual is related to other heat-loving plants in the mallow family, such as hollyhocks…
Some plants grow better when they have friendly neighbors or companion plants growing nearby. The compatible plants benefit each other by deterring pests, protecting against weather and improving…
In many areas of the country deer have become the scourge of gardeners and small farmers alike, nibbling away at whatever tastes good or what might strike their fancy in passing. Growing plants that…
Plants in an aquarium give you a lush green environment that adds to the charm of your small aquatic environment. Not only do the plants give the fish a quick and healthy snack, but they also help…
Cucumbers thrive during the hot days of summer, growing best when temperatures are above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants also require bright, all-day sunlight, which can cause the soil around the…
The Populus alba tree is found in almost every state of the United States, growing to heights of 60 feet with a spread of 10 feet. Populus alba trees are sold in garden centers, online and in garden…
Leeks (Allium porum; Allium ampeloprasum) are closely related to onions and garlic. They are best planted in early spring by sowing seeds directly, though growing from seedlings is also an option.…
Holly berry bushes offer year-round beauty in the home landscape with their attractive foliage and berries. Clipping branches from the shrub after the berries appear and preserving them with drying…
Considered the gourmet member of the onion family, mature shallot bulbs look at first glance like small, tapered onions. Yet they are actually a distinct relative, one reportedly carried back to…
Papaya, or Carica papaya L., is a tropical plant that originated in the lowlands of Central America. It grows to roughly 33 feet tall and lives on average for 20 years. The tree produces large showy…
Sweet clover (Melilotus spp.) is a leguminous, grassland plant that thrives in temperate regions with mild summers. Though it was considered a weed when first introduced to the United States in the…
