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Using native shrubs with red berries has quite a few advantages. Berries are ornamental in the landscape, attracting birds and wildlife. As natives, they are often drought-tolerant or ready to withstand other local ecological problems. They cut down on mandatory maintenance once established. Choose evergreen shrubs to offer constant cover and a year-long presence in…
Ponds present the gardener with a number of growing conditions in a small area. Like many water features, shrubs located near the pond are exposed to lots of water and damp growing conditions. Plants adapted to drier states suffer from root rot and lack of soil air when planted near water features. The best shrubs…
The crabapple tree belongs to the Rosaceae family and also the Malus genus. This hardy tree thrives at the moderate winters of a Mediterranean climate, in addition to climates with ulcerative colitis, like U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4. Many people add crabapples for their garden landscape for their showy, four-season displays. Understanding…
Root vegetables are especially popular in winter because of their maintaining ability and that their flavor improves over time. A root vegetable is one in which the taproot is the creamy vegetable part of the plant, even though the tops of some root vegetables can also be eaten. Brightly coloured root vegetables are filled with…
Unless you live in a tropical climate, then you will probably be growing the “Bearss” — also known as “Persian”– lime (Citrus latifolia), which rises in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Limes trees, such as all citrus, can create shoots at the bottom of this tree. Recognizing these and correctly…
Oxalis triangularis is also called love plant or purple shamrock. It is a low growing, bulbous perennial characterized by scores of dark purple, triangular leaflets and fragile, tiny white blooms. The leaves, roots, and flowers of this plant are edible, with the spring-blooming flowers making especially beautiful salad garnishes. The plant has a clump-forming habit…
Normally the landscaping around a house has a few shrubs and other vegetation with woody divisions, and over the years these limbs may develop long and look unkempt. To ensure a neat appearance around your lawn and keep shrubbery healthy, it’s a good idea to prune back branches and gently cut some stems to provide…
Olives trees (Olea europaea L.), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, are drought-tolerant trees after established. An established tree can withstand a lack of supplemental watering even in arid inland areas. Young olive trees should be watered frequently as they become established. If you wish to boost olive growth,…
A subtropical native of China, the loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) works well as an ornamental tree in the home landscape. This evergreen tree produces white flowers in the autumn against a backdrop of oval, dark-green leaves. Although the flowers are not much to check at, their sweet fragrance creates an inviting atmosphere. Hardy at U.S.…
A pond adds new dimension to the backyard and new challenges for many inexperienced with aquatic plants. A pond creates a ecosystem that requires more than topping it off with a hose and plunking in a couple of goldfish to avoid an algae-covered litter that needs constant maintenance. Pond plants create your water feature look…