Topics
Special Series
Plant Choices
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Cardinal Flower—Spectacular Scarlet Blossoms That Hummingbirds Adore
In the early fall, as you approach the edge of a woodland stream or the banks of a secluded pond, you may glimpse a flash of red. This spark of scarlet is from what may be the most brilliant of our native blossoms, the cardinal flower.
By Dr. Cathy Donaldson -
Using Vines in the Garden
It's often said that vines are the best friends of a passionate gardener with a small urban lot. And it's true: There's no better way to splash color and texture around a postage-stamp property than by collecting plants that grow skyward rather than sideways. But this doesn't begin to give vines their due, for there are no more versatile creatures in plantdom.
By Karen Davis Cutler -
Flowering Vines 101
North America is the home of horizontal gardeners. A few trees and shrubs may creep into our landscapes, but our sight usually is directed down and straight ahead, making it easy for us to forget plants that grow up rather than hug the ground. Making it easy to forget flowering vines.
By Karen Davis Cutler -
Growing Vines Successfully
Vines are a diverse group of plants. Most are easy to grow and require little care; however, a basic knowledge of their cultural needs is important for success in your garden.
By Andrew Bunting -
Lemon Grass: A Very Versatile Herb
Lemon grass is a tropical perennial, native to southern India, but cultivated outdoors in practically all tropical regions. In the United States, it is root-hardy to about USDA Zone 9 (California, central Florida) where it goes dormant during the mild winter.
By Robert Newgarden -
Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac
This native shrub is known for its gorgeous foliage. It's easy to grow and produces distinctive flowers and pretty winter berries.
By Robert Newgarden -
Growing Conifers
One of the real bonuses of growing conifers is that they are so easy to maintain. These guidelines will help even novice gardeners grow conifers successfully.
By Susan F. Martin -
How to Grow Hardy Bulbs Indoors
With a little planning in the fall, you can enjoy a whole spring garden of colorful tulips, fragrant hyacinths and of course crocus—all indoors in February.
By Mark Fisher -
False Indigo—A Spectacular Native Hybrid
With the growing interest in and study of native plants, some forgotten ones are being reexamined for garden worthiness and occasionally a new selection of a native species is introduced. Such is the case with Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' or 'Purple Smoke' false indigo.
By Kim Hawkes
