Robby 
Hardy hibiscus are quickly becoming a backyard staple thanks to their ability to bring vibrant, tropical-looking blooms to gardens in cool and temperate climates. With flowers up to 8 inches across in shades of red, pink, white and more, it’s easy to see why gardeners are eager to add these striking shrubs to their outdoor … Read more
Sounds kind of yucky almost. On the other hand, potato water is pretty cool! You might be surprised to learn how useful and flexible it is. Potato water can be used instead of thickener, added to many foods to make them taste better, or even used in the garden to make the soil more fertile. … Read more
You can improve the health and look of your lawn by scarifying or dethatching, but it’s important to know the difference between the two so you don’t do more harm than good. Both of them basically clean up the lawn, but there are some important design and performance differences that can change how it looks … Read more
There are several advantages to growing potatoes in containers rather than in the ground. Container gardening saves room in small gardens, makes it easier to manage the plants’ growth, and keeps animals (like voles) that like to eat plants away. Growing potatoes in pots only has one real downside: you have to be more careful … Read more
With their sculptural spikes of tiny red, pink or white flowers, red valerian plants, also known by their botanical name Centranthus, are highly desirable additions to gardens and landscapes These rugged, easy-care perennials have an old-fashioned cottage garden charm and attract scores of pollinators. If you are looking to add red valerians to your yard, … Read more
Growing strawberries can be difficult but rewarding. We love those tasty red (or white) berries, and you will too. You’ll want every tip you can get. Since most people grow their own food these days, you may be wondering what kind of mulch is best for growing strawberries. The answer to that is straw. Straw … Read more
Clematis plants, including climbing vines and spreading varieties, feature large, colorful flowers. Growing them is fairly easy, but pruning clematis tends to instill fear in some gardeners. This fear is unwarranted, as pruning simply comes down to when your clematis blooms. Like many large-flowered garden species, clematis vines are usually pruned to encourage new growth … Read more
The sunflower is the typical flower of late summer and fall. Late summer sunflowers have round, happy flowers that can’t be beat. But what if you didn’t plant them in the spring or early summer? Is it too late to enjoy them? It depends on where you live, but for many gardeners, planting sunflowers in … Read more
Because more people are living in cities with less space, smaller plant varieties have become more popular in recent years. Shrubs are an important part of any landscape because they add color, texture, and structure to beds, borders, and foundation plantings. Small shrubs that flower can add a welcome splash of color almost all year, … Read more
Clay soils bring many gardeners out in a cold sweat. They have a reputation as back-breaking and impossible to work with. But the truth is that it can be truly brilliant in a garden. They keep a lot of water and are full of nutrients, which are two things plants need to grow well. In … Read more