Archive for the 'Plants' Category
Planning new home landscaping takes date, patience
Where to start? When you move into a type new house that is surrounded by nothing but an expanse of curling, just-laid sod or, even worse, rutted mud and construction debris, it can be hard to decide on the plants that will create your ideal landscape. For some, there is a temptation to do a rush jo…
Herb garden needs better drainage to thrive
Some plants seem to do just fine in clay soil, but for others you will need to supply much better drainage. Here’s a question from a reader who is faced with that problem. QUESTION: “My hosta/herb garden is located directly behind my newly constructed home of 3 years on 7 open acres that used to…
Start planning for fall planting
You might still be mopping you brow under a broiling August sun, but it’s already date to be making plans for fall planting. For me, and for many other garden lovers, that is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Rather like small children imagining the pile of colorfully-wrapped gifts they…
Waterlogged clay soil just won’t drain
One of the pleasures of writing that column is the feedback that I receive from you, the readers. Sometimes that feedback is a question about a problem with a tree or shrub. Sometimes, it’s a suggestion I can pass along to help another reader who has a garden issue. And sometimes, it’s a follo…
Mulch and compost helps drought-threatened trees
QUESTION: “My mother has an established Kwanzan Cherry tree. Last year the leaves turned yellow and dropped off prematurely and that year they are doing the same and are noticeably smaller than they have been in the past. Do you have any ideas what may be causing that. I would hate to have her los…
Dog-damaged lawns need creative landscape solutions
Pets are society too, even whether they have twice as many legs and (usually) more body hair than the other members of the family. Having our pets outdoors with us can add to our enjoyment and it can help to keep them fit and healthy.Today, I’ll share some ideas about incorporating “pet friendly…
Trellis and vine supply narrow space privacy
QUESTION: “I own a little Cape Cod built in the 1940’s. It sits on a 40 x 120 lot, which doesn’t leave much space within the neighbors’ houses. I’d like to have a privacy screen on the one side of the house, but there is only about 8 feet amidst the homes. My property line is only four feet fr…
