Is your yard deer candy? Most gardeners want to know the plants and shrubs that deer eat so they can avoid planting them. There are some people who don’t mind it if their yard is deer candy, but I’m not one of them. If you feel the same way, you’ll want to stick around for […]
Plant Encyclopedia
Deer Resistant Bulbs For Spring Planting
If you deal with deer in your area, it’s helpful to know the most deer resistant bulbs for spring planting. Nothing is more disappointing than to plant some beautiful bulbs for spring, only to discover that the deer love to feast on them. {Tulip bulbs, I’m looking at you!}. So let’s just avoid tulip bulbs […]
Gardening Tips For Drought Conditions
Every garden enthusiast needs to know the best gardening tips for drought conditions, especially if you live in an already dry area. Even if you live in a zone that doesn’t typically experience a drought, you should know these tips in case of a dry spell. Any area is susceptible to a period of […]
Plant Encyclopedia: Sweet William
Sweet William, or Dianthus barbatus, is a perennial flower that is generally so short-lived it seems more like an annual or bi-annual. It typically blooms the second year it is planted. It boasts a multitude of colorful flowers on green stems with thin, sparse leaves. Though the foliage is not what you would call […]
Plant Encyclopedia: Russian Sage
Russian Sage, or Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an aromatic and beautiful plant that resists both deer and pests. The leaves and stems are aromatic, while the purple flowers catch the eye of people and insects alike. This lovely plant is drought-tolerant and a hardy, vigorous grower perfect for Zones 4-9. Sunlight Needs: Russian Sage needs an […]
Sun, Sun, Sun, Here We Come: Sun Loving Flowers
If you’ve got a spot of full sun in your yard, you might be wondering what flowers can survive there. It is true that some flowers aren’t up to the sweltering heat of a full sun. But there are plenty of sun loving flowers that can take the heat. You only need to choose which […]
Edible Forest Garden
In case you didn’t realize it, a forest is a hidden wonderland of edible plants! As a gardener, wouldn’t it be amazing to have an edible forest garden in your own backyard? It’s really not hard. The first step comes in knowing what forest plants are edible. Then you can narrow down the list […]
Plant Encyclopedia: Foxglove
Foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, is a common biennial flowering garden plant. Foxglove produces digitoxin and other cardiac chemicals, which are chemicals that strongly affect the heart. In fact, it was the original source of digitoxin for the manufacture of digitalis, a common heart medication. But interestingly, digitoxin is poisonous even in very small amounts. It […]
Wildflowers That Butterflies Can’t Resist
If you love to watch butterflies {and who doesn’t?} invite them to your home garden by growing wildflowers that butterflies can’t resist. Wildflowers are very easy to grow in a home garden. But on the flip side, be aware that wildflowers will also spread if you let them. Be prepared by giving them a lot […]
Mugo Pine Tree: the Complete Care Guide
The Mugo pine, or Pinus Mugo, is a fantastic option for gardeners who want something rugged and interesting in their outdoor landscape. Mugo pines have dark green foliage with that wonderful fresh pine smell, but they are much smaller and more manageable than their larger pine tree cousins. Today’s Plant Encyclopedia will fill you in […]