A garden geranium is the quintessential summertime annual, don’t you think? Favorites are the salmon-pink, and a red and white combination. Which color, or color combinations to use? There are so many colors to choose from, it’s like trying to pick a flavor at the ice cream shoppe. The common geranium originated in Southern Africa. […]
Building From Scaled Plans
Building from scaled plans or drawings, even for small projects, is important for the success of your outdoor project. Think of your house. What would it look like if all the different contractors involved in building your house, or an addition, hadn’t followed any plans, and just sort of made it up as they worked? […]
Spirea – An Old-fashion, Ornamental Shrub
The Spirea is native to eastern Asia. Many types of Spirea fall into the old fashioned deciduous shrub category. These shrubs have graced the residential landscape with lovely springtime blossoms for over a century. The spirea shrub is a very nostalgic plant for us as it perhaps is for many people. It was in our […]
Hardiness Zones
Learn about landscape plant hardiness zones to help you select trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and annuals for your outdoor spaces as you page through plant books and plant catalogs. What is Plant Hardiness? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the developing agency of the hardiness map. Basically, the hardiness of a plant refers […]
How to Create a Chart for Organizing Plant Selections
Every landscape plant has lots of unique features. Make a chart to organize the information for a quick reference for a landscape project, because there is a lot of information available on each plant regarding its characteristics, flower color, attributes, problems, and so on. There are literally thousands of different plants worldwide that the plant […]
Which Evergreens Make The Best Fresh Cut Christmas Trees?
A favorite outdoor activity for many families starting right after Thanksgiving Day and through to Christmas eve, is the hunt for the perfect real Christmas tree. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25 – 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States. There is no need to feel guilty about […]
Outdoor Clothes Drying Racks, Posts, & Systems
With the many types and styles of outdoor laundry racks, posts, and systems to choose from, you’ll surely find a style that meets your needs. If outdoor laundry clothes drying systems are new to you, you may be interested in some general information to acquaint yourself with some of the more popular styles. These systems […]