Converting lawn into usable garden space By J.D. Willoughby Lawns are integral to suburban homescapes, but their origins actually go back to wealthy British or French landowners, depending on which references are used. Lawns provide uniformity, a sense of security, and a well-manicured facade, but there are many other creative ways to landscape. The wealthy …
Planning garden beds for maximum impact and minimum maintenance Story and Photography by Susan Jasan A little planning ahead can maximize your enjoyment and minimize headaches when dealing with your landscape – the maintenance in particular. A simple concept, yes; but most often overlooked. This particularly applies to the layout and design of your planting …
Add drama to your landscape with these perfectly pendulous trees Story and Photography by Richelle Stafne Looking for ways to make your landscape smile? Consider adding some sad trees. Well, not sad per se, but weeping. Weeping branches, that is! Weeping trees and shrubs add interest and architectural drama. They can be at home in …
Choosing a garden style that complements you Story and Photography by Susan Albert Adding to an existing landscape or starting from scratch can be an overwhelming proposition. But it doesn’t have to be. By designing around a garden theme based on the homeowner’s personal style or ecological view, the task suddenly takes on new meaning …
Landscape designs that welcome pollinators to the garden Story and Photography by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon Attracting pollinators to the garden is an endeavor that every gardener should pursue. In addition to European honeybees and the multitude of native bees, many butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, moths, solitary wasps, and flies visit flowers to transfer pollen from the …
How to design and plant a knot garden Story and Photography by Karen Atkins Formal knot gardens have been popular for hundreds of years. They are beautiful, but also practical because they require very little maintenance. If you think knot gardens are too much trouble, trust us, they’re “knot”! Since Tudor times, gardeners have created …
Think about what you really want and plan it out before you dig By Dan Gill Louisiana gardeners are often told that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where …
Make sure you do it correctly from the beginning to avoid problems later By Dr. Garry V. McDonald I live in a town that professes to be a tree city. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to plant trees and tree ordinances abound. While I am all for tree planting and a self-confessed tree-hugger, it frustrates …
Unique flowerbed ideas to make your home look great Story and Photography by Susan Jasan What’s your style? Traditionalist … Naturalist … Conservationist … Free spirited … Wild & Wonderful? Whatever your style, you can achieve fantastic flowerbeds to complement your home. It takes some thorough planning, proper ground preparation, some good old-fashioned hard work, …
Using permeable surfaces in the garden By Helen Newling Lawson As gardeners, we know how precious water is. So when we get a good downpour, the last thing we want is to see it go down the drains. And all that runoff hitting our streams, rivers, and wetlands isn’t good for the environment either. It …
