Low Maintenance Landscaping
By Sandra Nelson
As much as I love gardening, I absolutely HATE the mindless, time-consuming and oftentimes expensive routine maintenance chores involved in taking care of a traditionally landscaped yard. Rather than a place to relax and unwind, the idealized suburban landscape of perfectly manicured turf, neatly edged walkways and precisely pruned shrubs can easily …
Phenomenal Lavender: A Must Have For Your Garden
By Sandra Nelson
Lavender
Traditional varieties of lavender are wonderful garden plants, but the variety named “Phenomenal” truly is phenomenal! Lavender has been a vital part of the world’s herb gardens for over 2,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used it as they mummified their dead. Romans used lavender …
A Tropical Paradise -- Outside the Tropics
By Sandra Nelson
Lush, vibrant, idyllic. — A place to kick back and relax in luscious, green surroundings. . The gentle murmur of falling water and the perfumed fragrances of summer flowers — the perfect vacation spot, but in your own backyard! The key to creating this personal tropical paradise — no …
Visit A Tropical Paradise -- In Your Own Backyard
By Sandra Nelson If a trip to the tropics isn’t in the plan this summer, why not create a tropical paradise in your own backyard? Using these 7 design tips from the experts, you can have the perfect place to relax and unwind. KEEP IT LUSH The idea of a lush …
Penstemon cobea: A Must Have For Your Garden
By Sandra Nelson
Penstemon cobea Spectacular displays of vivid color…. An almost perfect specimen, this native penstemon deserves a place of honor in the early summer garden. At home in hot, dry and sunny glades, this penstemon does not need to be pampered. It withstands drought conditions and will grow well …
Keepin' Things Humming
By Sandra Nelson
My neighbor two houses down routinely has 4 or 5 hummingbirds flitting around her two feeders every day. (I have to admit that I have been known to “check” occasionally.) I, on the other hand, have one diehard who comes once a day, drinks and then flies off to the neighbor’s …
Doublefile Viburnum: A Must Have For Your Garden
Reminiscent of a dogwood tree, the doublefile virburnum, “Mariesii” is a true spring beauty. Like so many of the old-fashioned favorites, doublefile viburnum is staging a …
Butterfly Bush: A Must Have For Your Garden
Brilliant color, delightful fragrance and easy care — a winning combination! Butterfly bush, also known as summer lilac, is a perfect addition to a Midwestern summer garden. Although it absolutely requires full sun, 8 hours a …
Categories
