Robby 
Summer is almost here, and our beautiful azaleas and rhododendron are done or almost done blooming. Now is the perfect time to prune your plants to make them fuller, improve their health, and help them bloom beautifully next year. Rhododendron and azaleas both do well after being pruned. If the job is done right, the … Read more
When I moved into my small, new house, the backyard was a big, empty patch of dirt. I knew I had to plant trees there. Before it had been cleared for construction, it was a beautiful slice of forest. I’d asked the builder to take down as few trees as possible. A fringe around the … Read more
Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery. — Plant your oriental poppy bare roots … Read more
When it comes to your lawn using the right grass seed mix can make all the difference. Expert Gardener’s Sun and Shade mix claims to provide lush grass even in challenging shady spots. Read on for real reviews, tips and everything to know about this seed blend. Overview of Expert Gardener Sun and Shade Mix … Read more
It’s never a good idea to transplant raspberries in the summer, but if you have to do it for bramble bushes, these tips can help you do it as well as possible. As I dug a hole in the sod of our old front sheep pasture, I asked myself, “Is there ever a right or … Read more
Ranunculus are stunning flowers that add a pop of color and texture to any garden. Their ruffled, layered petals and wide range of bright hues make them a favorite for cut flowers and landscape design. But before planting these beauties, it’s helpful to know how tall ranunculus plants grow so you can select the right … Read more
Hostas are classic shade plants with their lush leaves and mounding habit. But did you know that some hosta varieties actually tolerate sun quite well? With the right selection and care you can grow hostas in both shady and sunny spots of your garden. Here’s an in-depth look at the best sun-loving hosta varieties and … Read more
A week ago we found ourselves at the doctors office for one of my children. Not a big deal this time; just a check up and physical so she could run cross country. It’s cool that a 7-year-old wants to do that! When we got out of the doctor’s office after her appointment, we saw … Read more
One of my missions is to bust the misconception that vegetable gardens aren’t attractive. I really think it is possible to have a vegetable garden that looks great and grows a lot of food. Plant lots and lots of flowers among your vegetables. While annuals are my favorite, I also plant spring bulbs in my … Read more
Sunflowers are popular plants that can make great additions to gardens and landscapes. Their cheery flowers attract pollinators while also providing seeds for birds. However, when integrating sunflowers into your garden design, it’s important to consider compatible plant pairings. Certain plants may compete with or be suppressed by sunflowers. Read on to learn what not … Read more