Month: May 2020

With today’s busy lifestyles, homeowners are always looking for ways to liven up their landscapes without a lot of effort. Abelia is an ornamental shrub that is under-appreciated and underused in many parts of the country and is worth a second look. Grown for its attractive foliage and exceptionally long bloom...

Like hydrangea, rhododendron, and lilac, spirea (or spiraea) has joined the ranks as one of the most popular flowering shrubs for the home garden. Their long-lasting blooms and ability to serve a variety of landscape functions — from mass plantings and perennial borders to groundcovers and informal hedges —...

For sheer romantic charm, few ornamental plants rival the character and beauty of weigela. This old-fashioned deciduous shrub, which bears profuse clusters of flowers in spring, is virtually carefree, save for a bit of pruning and watering. The tubular-shaped flowers, which come in various hues, are especially attractive to...

One of the easiest annuals to grow, zinnia flowers bring an explosion of color wherever they go. The show lasts from late spring until the first frost in fall. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the cheery flowers that bloom in nearly every bright color imaginable. They grow quickly...

Even a small front yard can be packed with charming curb appeal. You can create magical landscapes and inviting entries. 1.Extend the Porch An extended porch can make your home’s entrance feel fresh and inviting, plus it lends a bit of privacy to the inside of the home. Placing...

See how the pros use outdoor lighting to highlight landscape design and beautiful exteriors. 1.Eye-Catching Light Thoughtful landscape lighting is a treat for the eyes. “You want people driving by to take a second look because what you’ve created is interesting,” says Chris Mitchell of landscape lighting firm NiteLiters in Owensboro,...

Are you one of those people who hangs their head in shame whenever we tout succulents as the easiest plants to grow? You’re not alone, trust us. Succulents, plants adapted to survive in harsh environments and long periods with very little water, play by their own rule book, but...

When it comes to designing outdoor spaces, take it one steppingstone at a time. 1.Start Up Front If you’re wondering where to start a landscape transformation, look no farther than your front yard. It’s the first thing that you see driving up to your house, and you can wow...

Creatively displaying succulents has become a fun new trend in home decorating. It is tempting to buy the pretty succulents you see at the grocery store or the trendy display you see at the garden center, but it is important to know how to care for these live plants....