Isn’t it wonderful when the crisp air of autumn brings a wash of golden hues to the landscape? Fall is my favorite time of year, and it’s such a thrill to see those golden yellow leaves light up a garden. Whether you’re trying to bring more brightness to your yard or hoping to create a...
In a fast-moving world dominated by screens, traffic, and concrete, more people are looking for ways to slow down and reconnect with something real. Forest therapy is one such practice, gaining traction for its simple yet powerful effect on the human body and mind. At its core, forest therapy means immersing yourself in a natural...
Edible landscaping is a fantastic way to combine the beauty of ornamental plants with the practicality of growing your own food. By choosing shrubs that are both attractive and produce delicious fruits or leaves, you can create a garden that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. As a gardener, incorporating edible shrubs...
For gardeners, few sights rival the breathtaking transformation of leaves in the fall. The fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep purples bring a sense of wonder to the landscape while signaling the arrival of a new season. But this stunning shift is more than just a visual treat—it’s a signal from nature that change is...
Wildfires can leave a landscape looking scorched and lifeless, and it’s easy to feel discouraged when your once-thriving garden or surrounding natural area is covered in ash. But nature has an incredible way of healing itself, and some plants are remarkably adapted to survive—sometimes even thrive—after fire. Whether it’s through deep root systems, tough underground...
When autumn rolls in and the air starts to crisp, our gardens and local landscapes shift from the abundance of summer to a quieter, more muted palette. But while some plants go completely dormant, there are trees that truly step up their game during fall and winter—offering food, shelter, and even nesting opportunities to the...
Late summer is the perfect time to introduce new shrubs and bushes that will burst into fiery hues as autumn arrives. It’s such a bummer when your garden lacks that warm tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds—especially after you’ve put in all that effort over the spring and summer! Planting now gives roots time to...
Maintaining neatly trimmed hedges does more than just sharpen your garden’s appearance—it’s an essential practice for plant health, safety, and ecological balance. I know how tempting it can be to let hedges grow wild, especially when life gets busy, but overgrown hedges can lead to all sorts of frustrations. They block light, harbor pests, and...
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is one of my favorite plants—its anise-scented fronds brighten up the garden and the kitchen! Native to the Mediterranean coasts, fennel has naturalized across much of Europe, Asia, and North America. While its sweet bulbs, feathery leaves, and aromatic seeds make it a culinary superstar, it can also be a bit of...
Magnolia trees are among my favorite garden showstoppers—those enormous, fragrant blooms unfolding like creamy cups against glossy foliage never fail to take my breath away! Native to East Asia and the Americas, these ancient beauties have graced our landscapes for millions of years, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and even nesting cardinals in their sturdy branches. Yet...
Bee quince bushes are simply enchanting when they burst into bloom—those vivid coral, pink, or white flowers create a picture-perfect spring display! Native to eastern Asia, particularly China and Japan, Chaenomeles species have long graced temple gardens and cottage borders alike. As a gardener, I’m always amazed at how these hardy shrubs can transform a...
It’s such a bummer when nosy neighbors, passing traffic, or just an empty view leave your garden feeling exposed—and I know how frustrating it is to try growing something tall and dense, only to watch it flop or fill with aphids! A well-chosen privacy shrub acts like a living fence: it screens unwelcome sights, muffles...
