Smoke trees and smoke bushes are two unique and eye-catching plants that can add great visual interest to gardens and landscapes. Both are known for their airy, wispy “smoke” that billows from their flowers or flower clusters, giving them a hazy, cloud-like appearance But there are some key differences between these two plants that are … Read more
The olive tree is a famous symbol of the Mediterranean, respected for its long history, health, and, of course, its tasty olives. But what is below the surface of this beautiful plant? The olive tree’s complex root system is very important to its growth and survival, but it is often overlooked. In this article, we’ll … Read more
The betula utilis jacquemontii, commonly called the Himalayan birch or white-barked Himalayan birch, is a gorgeous ornamental tree known for its brilliant white bark. Native to the Himalayan mountains, this graceful birch tree can bring elegance and visual interest to gardens, parks, and other landscapes. In this article, we will explore why the Himalayan birch … Read more
Sunflowers are more than just a pretty flower – they play several important roles in supporting environmental health. As an avid gardener, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the diverse ways these cheerful plants contribute to local ecosystems. In this article we’ll explore some of the key environmental benefits sunflowers provide. Sunflowers Support Soil Health With … Read more
The Acer campestre Elsrijk, also known as the field maple, is a beautiful and versatile deciduous tree perfect for gardens and landscaping. This compact variety was discovered in Elsrijk Park in the Netherlands and offers neat conical growth habit. With its manageable size and autumn colors, it can serve many functions in residential and commercial … Read more
People love dappled willow trees, which are scientifically named Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’, because their leaves are a beautiful mix of white and pink stripes. However, many gardeners get upset when the leaves on their beloved dappled willow trees turn brown and start to fall off. There are several potential causes for dappled willow leaves … Read more
Blackberry trees, with their sweet juicy berries, are a favorite of many gardeners. However, blackberries don’t actually grow on trees! This is a common misconception. Blackberries grow on thorny shrubs in the genus Rubus. So what are those tree-like plants that produce blackberry-looking fruit? Often, they are mulberry trees. Pictures can help identify mulberry trees … Read more
Dogwood trees are a beloved and iconic ornamental tree in many landscapes. Known for their showy spring flowers, bright fall color, and attractive branching structure, dogwoods add charm and interest to yards and gardens year-round. When adding dogwood trees to your landscaping, make sure they have enough room between them so they can grow to … Read more
Italian cypress trees are a classic choice for creating stunning vertical accents in any landscape. With their narrow, columnar shape and rich green foliage, they make eye-catching additions next to entryways, along borders, or anywhere you want to draw the eye upward. While standard Italian cypress can grow quite tall, reaching 40 feet or more … Read more
Many yards and landscapes have Leyland cypress trees as evergreen privacy trees because they look great. People love their pretty shape, fast growth, and ability to quickly make a thick, opaque screen. However, these trees do have one significant drawback – their branches will not grow back once removed or damaged. This can lead to … Read more