Ladybugs are arguably one of the most beneficial insects in a garden. They help plants stay healthy by controlling detrimental pests like aphids and mites without having to resort to chemical pesticides. Food is what attracts ladybugs and keeps them in the garden. Insects and pollen are their preferred cuisine….
Does your gardening passion include taking photos of your plants and progress? Capturing the beauty of a garden through photography is a gratifying experience that allows one to freeze moments of natural splendor in time. With cell phones, it couldn’t be easier. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of blooming flowers,…
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”~ Georgia O’Keeffe Do you ever think about color? Why should you? Artists express themselves with color, however, most of us rarely consider color and how it…
Many gardeners think of the fourth season as a time for rest, but winter can be interesting and fun to plan for a bold, appealing landscape. While most of us plan our landscapes for bloom times in spring and summer, there are many plants offering color and texture appeal for…
Native to the Americas, dramatic Agave is the perfect companion for the California landscape. Along with its striking leaves and architectural form, Agave is astonishingly drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, important qualities for west coast landscape plants. About Agave Although leaf shape and color may vary, Agave leaves always radiate from a…
Deadheading should be a regular garden task to maintain beautiful blooms, but why? What is the purpose of deadheading, how does it affect flowering plants, and how can you do it more effectively to make the most of every bloom? About Deadheading Deadheading is simply the process of removing faded,…
Flowers are more than just the beautiful beds, colorful borders, or attractive containers that make up your garden and landscape. Edible flowers can also be surprising and delicious accents to a wide variety of tasty dishes. But which flowers are safe to eat, and how can you add blooms to…
With the right plant picks, you can grow a bountiful feast of fruit in your urban garden. From your favorite fruit trees to succulent vines to bushes bursting with berry goodness, your urban garden can be highly productive, supplying delicious fruit for your nourishment and enjoyment. What Fruits Need Fruit-bearing…
Cooking outdoors has many benefits, and a properly designed outdoor kitchen is much more than just a grill. No matter what your budget or cooking style, you can have an amazing outdoor kitchen for the ultimate in culinary satisfaction. Why Have an Outdoor Kitchen? An outdoor kitchen is more than…
No matter what the size or style of your yard, adding a pergola or other structure can help define the space, increase its usefulness, and make your yard more welcoming. Which structure is best for your needs? Top 10 Most Popular Yard Structures Backyard structures come in all shapes and…