Simply Bloom The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a beautiful ornamental evergreen tree that produces delicious golden-orange fruit. Unlike other stone fruits, loquats are picked in the spring, after the tree has bloomed with beautiful, sweet-smelling white flowers in the late winter. This flexible tree comes from China and Japan, where it is called biwa. It does … Read more
Cacti come in all sorts of shapes and sizes Some have short, stubby arms while others have long, columnar stems. But you may notice your own cactus growing abnormally tall and skinny, especially toward the top. What causes this leggy growth pattern? And what can you do to fatten up a spindly cactus? What Causes … Read more
Putting up bird feeders in your yard or other outdoor area is a great way to make the view from your window better. A well-kept set of feeders can bring in a lot of regular visitors. During certain times of the year, unusual birds like Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, and more may also come … Read more
One of the most beautiful crab apple varieties is Malus x robusta Red Sentinel, which blooms with pink-white flowers in late spring and then bears lots of shiny, round, red fruit. During fall and winter, the fruits stay on the branches and look great with the changing colors of the leaves before they fall. Providing … Read more
Crop rotation is the practice of changing or alternating the crops in a given area of the garden. Rotating crops will keep soil nutrients from running out and keep pest and disease problems from getting worse. Plants that need more nutrients can be switched out for plants that don’t need as much, like legumes, that … Read more
Vinca vine, also known as periwinkle, is a popular ground cover plant that produces delicate flowers and lush green foliage With its trailing stems and ability to thrive in shade, vinca vine is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, borders, and slopes. If you already grow vinca vine, you may be wondering if propagating it is … Read more
If you have a yard that slopes, you may think having a beautiful flower bed is impossible. Not true! With some planning, preparation, and sweat equity, you can create a stunning stone-lined flower bed on a slope that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Why a Stone Flower Bed? A flower bed edged with … Read more
Demystifying Bright Orange Roots in Mulch – What Are They? Taking a stroll through your mulched garden beds, you notice strange bright orange stringy growths woven through the mulch layer. What are these unfamiliar root-like organisms? Should you be concerned about their presence? Get ready to demystify the mystery of bright orange roots in mulch. … Read more
Succulents are amazing plants that can thrive in harsh conditions. Their ability to store water in their leaves and stems allows them to survive long periods of drought. However, this also means that succulents tend to grow slowly compared to other plants. If you want your succulents to reach their full size and beauty faster, … Read more
Canna lily seeds are a great way to add beautiful, tropical flair to your garden. With their large, showy blooms and attractive foliage, cannas make a striking statement in beds and borders. Though you can find live canna plants at garden centers, purchasing seeds gives you a wider selection of varieties to choose from at … Read more