The Dark Star California Lilac (Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’) is a gorgeous evergreen shrub that brings striking color and texture to gardens. As a California native this lilac is perfectly suited for West Coast gardens and landscapes. In this article we’ll explore why Dark Star California Lilac is such a prized ornamental plant. The Dark Star … Read more
Thalictrum delavayi, commonly known as Chinese meadow rue, is a lovely ornamental perennial prized for its airy delicate flowers and lacy foliage. This upright plant adds wonderful vertical structure and texture to gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows. Chinese meadow rue comes from the province of Yunnan in China. It was brought to Europe for the … Read more
Snowdrop flowers (Galanthus spp.) are a beloved early spring bulb providing a cheerful white blossom when most gardens are still dormant. Their nodding, bell-shaped blooms on short stems are a welcome sight after winter. If you want to add snowdrops to your own garden you’ll be happy to know snowdrop flower bulbs are available for … Read more
People who garden give their plants a lot of care and attention to make sure they grow well. But even with the best care, it’s normal for plants to go through changes in their life cycle, like flowers and leaves dying. As the old proverb says, “fading is true while flowering is past.” ” This … Read more
Red rhubarb and blueberries are both loved plants that are often found together in baked goods like pies and muffins. But how do these two plants do when planted next to each other in the garden? Should rhubarb and blueberries be kept separate or can they grow together? As a long-time gardener who has grown … Read more
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Saint George’s sword, is a popular houseplant revered for its resilience and easy care requirements. However, even this tough plant can show signs of distress if underwatered for too long. What Causes Underwatering in Snake Plants? Snake plants prefer occasional deep watering as opposed to frequent … Read more
Privet hedges are a landscaping staple known for their dense foliage and ease of pruning. With regular trimming, they can be shaped into clean lines or ornate topiaries that lend privacy and beauty to any outdoor space. However, the timing of privet hedge pruning is crucial to maintaining plant health and desired form. Prune too … Read more
I like to learn about new tea brands and flavors because I drink a lot of it. I recently learned about Peace Tea, a line of iced tea drinks made by the Coca-Cola Company. The fun and silly packaging caught my eye, and the different flavors sounded interesting. But because I can’t stand caffeine, my … Read more
Dogwood trees are known for their beautiful spring blooms in shades of white, pink and red. However, you may notice the leaves on your dogwood tree turning red earlier than they should in the summer or fall. Red leaves on a dogwood are usually a sign of an underlying disease, pest infestation or environmental stress … Read more
Spent mushroom compost, which is also called mushroom soil, mushroom compost, or SMS, is a great way to improve garden soil. As an avid gardener, I strongly suggest that you use mushroom compost that has been used up in your flower and vegetable beds. I will tell you everything you need to know about mushroom … Read more