For centuries, gardens have provided a unique bridge between humans and the natural world. Gardens were viewed by many cultures as a “reflection of heaven on earth.” Today, most gardens are considered landscape projects. But sensory gardens, with their engaging sights, sounds, smells, and tastes once again connect us with nature.
Most of us probably remember this popular nursery rhyme; Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? While we aren’t likely to be growing silver bells, cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row, we are interested in how our gardens grow. Gardening tends to be a skill that is learned best by doing.
One of the pricier expenditures for home gardeners is quality hand tools. High quality tools will last longer, but this does mean the tools — whether shovels, rakes, pruners, or hand trowels — cost more.
For gardeners in many parts of the country, fall is a great time to plant just about anything. Except in the coldest regions, fall can provide most perennials, shrubs and trees with enough time to become established in their new home before experiencing extreme heat, cold or drought. Familiarity with your own climate, hardiness zone and the hardiness of the plant you want to put in the ground will guide your decision.
Here are 9 Tips to Choose the Right Plants for Your Landscape
Growing garlic for the first time can be an exercise in patience, but once it’s ready for harvest, you’ll be so glad you took the time to cultivate it. Nothing beats fresh garlic, as not only is it flavorful, but it’s incredibly healthy too.
Hosta is virtually carefree and comes back reliably year after year. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, this tough plant performs well in most landscapes, even for beginning gardeners.
There may be a lot of hungry rabbits and deer in your area, which means damage is near for your plants and garden. Check your existing plantings for feeding. Chicken wire is a quick fix to prevent more feeding.
Peppers are a warm-season crop that comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. More good news: Most varieties resist garden pests! See our guide to planting, growing, harvesting peppers.
Spring is here, and as the days grow longer and the soil warms, eager gardeners have spades and seedlings at the ready. Experienced gardeners are especially aware of seasonal cues, which inform their actions throughout the planting and growing seasons.
