Garden Gate

To help decide which plants go where when designing a garden bed, Margaret draws out the shape of the bed to scale on graph paper. She marks the spaces of preexisting plants, then covers the paper with self-sealing laminating sheets. Then she can use

Edible and ornamental plants don’t need to be segregated. In fact, many edible crops have striking, architectural foliage that can look great in ornamental plantings. The concept of foodscaping—incorporating vegetables in with showier plants to creat

These critters dig complex underground tunnels and feast on plant roots. They primarily stay underground; have four protruding yellow front teeth, white whiskers and a hairless tail, and are smaller than a rat. Various species of pocket gophers range

The simple joy of planting a patch of flowers to cut and fashion into a posy is undeniable. For Jennifer and Adam O’Neal, growing cut flowers is a way of life. They grow all of their botanical ingredients themselves, from early blooming anemones to l

Like a lot of people, you may be glad to put 2020 in the rearview mirror and get a fresh start. There’s no better way to do that than with a new year and a batch of fresh plants introductions! MEET SOME NEW PLANTS Color seems to be the name of the g

Of all the ways to paint clay pots, creating this marble effect with spray paint ranks at the top for us. The finish is classy and a cinch to pull off. But the end result resembles high-end marble. Check out the materials list below and you’ll see th

Anyone can boost their curb appeal and add the “wow!” factor to borders big or small by using a garden design method called “layering.” You can use it to pack in maximum color and texture and get a look that’s as vibrant as the border top right. Find

Have you ever frozen in the middle of a routine task and wondered, “Wait, should I be doing this differently?” Unlike commercial organic growers who have to follow specific regulations, home gardeners are free to grow according to their own standards

Are you tired of struggling with lawn under a large shade tree? Me, too. With dramatic fall color, this 18-year-old red maple is a striking asset in my front yard. But there are large and extensive surface roots that make it difficult to grow grass.

Can such beautiful flowers also be easy to grow? The answer is a definite yes! Peonies are not only easy-care, but they make great cut flowers, are often fragrant and can live for generations. Even though some gardeners grow huge, colorful peonies wi

One of the most challenging aspects of vegetable gardening is trying to figure out when to plant each type of crop. Some vegetables are cold tolerant and can be planted as soon as the soil thaws in early spring. Others are frost-sensitive and can’t b

Gardening can be an activity we enjoy throughout our lives—especially if we adapt our gardens to suit our changing abilities. Just ask Kathleen LaLiberte. She moved to Richmond, Vermont, in the 1970s with the dream of having a garden where she could

In spring cut back and rake up dead foliage and replenish mulch if you need to. When summer arrives, just deadhead faded flowers to encourage new growth. Once the hosta foliage has browned in fall, cut down all the foliage to prevent the large leaves

Q How do I overwinter strawberries growing in a container? I live in an apartment without access to a shed or garage. Donna Schwankl, MN A Strawberry plants in pots and baskets can be challenging to overwinter outside in cold climates. That being

INOSCULATION The natural phenomenon in which trunks, branches or roots of two trees grow together. It is biologically similar to grafting and occurs when two branches rub together in the wind, removing the thin outer layer of bark and exposing the ca

Not only do nasturtiums produce months of bold blooms, but they’re easy to grow, not fussy about soil, and have edible flowers, leaves and seeds. ‘Alaska’ nasturtiums (sometimes sold as ‘Alaska Mix’) form brilliant flowers in fiery shades of orange,

Any extra warmth can make a difference. If you don’t have a germination mat, here are a few hacks that will give your seed-starting tray bottom heat: A warm appliance Many household appliances, such as refrigerators, water heaters or freezers, give

A Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus ‘Alaska Mix’ See information above left. B Zinnia Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Lime Orange’ Annual; big double apricot blooms with lime-green and rose-colored centers summer through fall; full sun; 30 to 40 in. tall, 12 to 15

Digging and cultivating soil can be hard work. Keep these tools on hand to make the job easier. 1 Garden fork A garden fork is used for loosening hard ground. It’s an essential tool for lifting and turning soil and digging and dividing perennials.

A New Leaf | Broken Arrow, OK anewleaf.org or 918-451-1491 What does A New Leaf do? A New Leaf was founded in 1979 as a program for training people with disabilities for the workforce, particularly the horticultural industry, through horticulture t

What it looks like Leaves emerge from a rosette and are covered with white woolly hairs. Leaves are stalkless, alternate with one another along the stem and are egg- to spoon-shaped with rounded to broadly pointed tips. Lower leaves are ½ to 5 inches

It’s easy to take soil for granted… until you decide to grow something! Even though we are often trying to cover up the ground with plants, a lush garden really does rely on soil quality. Plants don’t need a lot of extra care when they’re grown in am

Fall leaves Straw Dead flowers Shredded newspaper Sawdust Dead brush and twigs Pine needles Grass clippings Plant-based kitchen waste Barnyard animal manure Coffee grounds/filters/tea bags Fresh garden trimmings Dog or cat feces Disease- or insect

Every year starts with such good intentions. This is the year I’ll tame my borders: Get rid of the spindly perennials, those that are elbowing others out of place and those that just don’t seem to fit. I’ll stop acquiring single plants and tucking th