With its large, graceful plumes, pampas grass makes a dramatic statement in gardens and landscapes. But to keep your plants looking their best year after year, proper pruning is a must. So do you need to cut back pampas grass each season? The answer is yes – annual pruning is absolutely essential for the health … Read more
With its arching stems of burgundy-splashed leaves, the Red Sister cordyline lives up to its dramatic reputation. This eye-catching ti plant variety makes a bold statement whether grown indoors or out. Though easy to care for, Red Sister cordylines have some specific needs. Read on for tips to keep your plant healthy and looking its … Read more
My mom took my siblings and me to see Disney’s Pete’s Dragon when I was a kid. It was a musical fantasy movie with a big green dragon named Elliott who could disappear. I fell in love with Elliott’s expressive face, floppy ears and pink tuft of hair. After many years, I was looking through … Read more
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a popular, striking, evergreen perennial, often grown as a houseplant. It gets its name from its vibrant red, tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick. In the tropical areas where it lives naturally, this species grows on tree branches and in cracks in rocks. As a houseplant, it … Read more
Want to know how to keep birds out of your strawberry patch? I’ve finally found a cheap and simple way to keep those pesky birds out of my garden and strawberry patches. Nothing is more frustrating than nurturing a lush patch of juicy red strawberries only to have birds swoop in and steal the ripe … Read more
Find out how to get rid of yellow leaves on your ZZ plant and get it back to its lush green color! If you’ve noticed the leaves on your ZZ plant turning a lighter shade of green, you may be wondering what’s causing this change and if it’s something to be concerned about. The good … Read more
The catalpa tree produces long slender seed pods that dangle like beans from its branches in midsummer. These distinctive pods inspire its alternate common name the cigar tree. But can you actually eat catalpa pods? Let’s explore the edibility and uses of this unusual tree fruit. What Are Catalpa Pods? The catalpa or catawba tree … Read more
Nurture a perky, healthy Dwarf Umbrella Tree with these key tips to banish droopy leaves for good! With its large, glossy green leaves arrayed into an impressive canopy, the umbrella plant (Schefflera species) makes a striking addition to any indoor plant collection. But those massive leaves will start to droop and sag if the plant … Read more
There are times when you really want to share your food with your pets or even the animals that live nearby. You may want to know what foods are safe for pets to eat because you love them or because you want to make sure that cute little chickadee has enough to eat tonight. Some … Read more
This is an interesting palm-like tree that will branch out over time to make several heads. It has big clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers and can be grown in zone 8b with some care. It would look great in a tropical-themed garden. Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is a stunning tropical plant that can add vibrant color … Read more