When it comes to selecting plants for your landscape, you may encounter a variety of options, including brand-named plants and more generic varieties. But what sets them apart, and what do they offer? Let’s explore the differences: Quality and Consistency: Brand-named plants are often cultivated by reputable nurseries that adhere to strict quality standards and…
Are you looking to add a touch of luck and charm to your home or garden? Look no further than shamrocks, also known as Oxalis. These delightful plants not only bring a vibrant burst of greenery but also symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here’s everything you…
Gardening enthusiasts in Southern California, get ready to refresh your landscape with the latest and most captivating plant introductions for 2024. From enchanting rose varieties to vibrant flowers and charming succulents, the botanical world has some exciting additions to elevate the charm of your landscape design. Novel Rose Varieties. Explore the world of roses with…
Many of us tend to think of landscaping as a rather static installation. You plant some shrubs and trees, perhaps install a flower garden, and then you simply maintain your landscaping for years to come. And yes, you can do it that way. But landscape design can be much more dynamic, incorporating the latest trends…
Throughout history, flowers have been used by cultures all over the world as decorative additions to the garden. We also know some flowers have therapeutic properties, can be edible, and provide soothing or enjoyable scents. Arrangements are common at weddings, funerals, other social gatherings, and are sent as get-well wishes. And of course, flowers have…
If you’re interested in unique houseplants as living decor for your walls, a staghorn fern might be just what you’re looking for. These epiphytic plants originally came from Australia, but are quickly becoming a hot trend here in the US. First, to grasp the potential uses of staghorn ferns, you should understand what “epiphytic” means….
Succulent gardens are a hot trend right now, and for good reason. They’re low-maintenance, low water, and super attractive and exotic-looking! Once you start succulent gardening, you might find that the hobby becomes a bit addictive, and that means expensive. To save yourself the trouble of continually purchasing more and more succulents for your projects,…
If it’s inspiration you seek, you’ll find it at the flower fields in Carlsbad, California. This popular springtime destination offers over 50 acres of stunning flower fields, planted with the Tecolote Giant Ranunculus. An Asian member of the buttercup family, also known as the Persian Buttercup, you’re not likely to enjoy 50 acres of Ranunculus…
Growing and enjoying your own flowers is only half the fun of gardening. Cutting, making floral arrangements, and bringing them indoors provides even more enjoyment of your hard work, and becomes a hobby of its own! If you’re hoping to add unique elements to your home’s decor, you might be feeling a bit tired of…
In 1984, TED talks began as a way to spread innovative ideas through short, powerful lectures. Short for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, TED talks now cover every conceivable topic, and have grown in popularity and exposure thanks to online channels like YouTube. The following are some of our favorite TED talks on outdoor topics. How…
Business managers often research ways to make the office more productive, and are interested in methods of improving employee health and attendance. As we have learned from experience, sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest ones! You might be surprised to learn that the addition of a handful of plants in your office…
If you’ve ever observed lenten roses – or hellebores, as they are also called – you might have reached the conclusion that these lovely flowers are a delicate and fussy species. After all, their exotic appearance certainly gives off that impression! In reality, lenten roses are hardy (even in colder climates), easy to grow, almost…
Don’t you just love relaxing on your porch or patio, enjoying warm summer evenings? Perhaps you enjoy entertaining outdoors, or maybe you’re more of an introvert who prefers solitude. But there’s just one little problem: As tranquil as the setting might be, you can’t really enjoy your garden in the dark. …Or can you? If…
Due to their striking beauty and ease of growth, daylilies are a common component of many gardens. You can certainly take the laid-back approach with these perennials, allowing them to do their own thing without any specialized care. However, they will bloom more weakly and die off more quickly if you go this route. By…
Some of us love plants so much, we just want to put them everywhere! If you have a pathway or patio, there is no reason to settle for an expanse of plain, lifeless concrete. You can include plenty of plant life in those spaces, too. Potted plants. Obviously, the easiest way to incorporate plants into…
We’ve all heard at least one amusing anecdote about poison oak. Your friend’s brother’s neighbor’s cousin went camping, used the bathroom in an unfortunate spot in the woods, and earned himself an itchy rash in an unfortunate place. These stories can make for a bit of entertainment, until you’re the one suffering from an itchy,…
If you’re interested in unique, lush, and yet surprisingly simple landscaping options, moss might interest you. Moss offers a beautiful green backdrop or accent to other plants, and it’s so low-maintenance that just about anyone can cultivate it. A green carpet of moss makes an excellent backdrop for walkways and stepping stones, since it doesn’t…
Gardening could become a bit boring if we never tried new plants in our yards. Plus, with many varieties carrying so many benefits, learning about new plants can enrich our lives. That’s why we make an effort to introduce you to new plant species periodically. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Lemongrass. Lemongrass carries…
Many people want to try gardening, but they’re living in an apartment or small home without a yard. Maybe they love the idea of growing their own food, but imagine the need for a small farm in order to do so. Perhaps they want to try their hand at exotic flowers, but imagine they need…
Last week, we discussed some more traditional grass options for lawns. But we also have other options for groundcover, that you shouldn’t overlook just because they’re less common. In fact, many landowners are using Kurapia these days, and it’s growing in popularity due to its suitability to our climate in California. A low-water option. One…
Summer is the time for harvesting lavender, a lovely and fragrant herb you might have growing in your own garden. You probably chose it for its scent, or its gentle purple hue, so you might be surprised at how versatile lavender is! Once your lavender begins to bloom, you can dry bunches of it to…
Shrubs are highly important in the natural environment, because they provide shelter and food to a variety of wildlife. But in landscape design, shrubs serve an entirely different purpose. From a visual perspective, shrubs help to bridge the gap between tall (trees) and short (grasses and small flowers). Shrubs also provide that sense of fullness,…
You may think of fall and winter as slow times for landscaping work, and prefer to do most of your gardening in the spring and summer when you can reap the rewards of beautiful flowering plants. If you find your cool-season landscape to be dull and uninspiring, you might be happy to learn there are…
When you’re planning a landscaping project, you may put a lot of thought into the soil, sunlight, and fertilizer needs of your plants. But another factor can interfere with your plants’ growth and health: wind! If you live in a particularly windy zone, you probably need to choose wind resistant plants for your garden.
Summer is upon us, and we’re all rejoicing at the beautiful blooms in our gardens. But while summer can be a gardener’s favorite season, it can also be a dangerous time for plants. Heat stress can strike quickly and do major damage to your plants, so it’s important to learn the signs of stress along…