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Winter Interest

Prostrate Holly: A Versatile Evergreen Groundcover for Winter Interest and Beyond

by Gregory September 25, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Prostrate Holly: A Versatile Evergreen Groundcover

What is Prostrate Holly?

Prostrate holly, also known as Ilex rugosa or tsuru holly, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that adds a touch of winter greenery and vibrant red berries to your garden. Native to Japan and eastern Russia, this hardy plant has adapted to thrive in harsh winter conditions. Prostrate holly is perfect for filling in spaces where a traditional-sized shrub would be too large.

Growing Prostrate Holly

Growing prostrate holly is relatively easy. The main challenge may be finding one, as it’s not as common outside of its native range. However, a quick online search should help you locate a nursery that can provide you with this unique shrub.

Hardiness: Prostrate holly is hardy to zone 5, but it’s best to avoid planting it in warm climates where it may not tolerate excessive heat or dry weather.
Sun Exposure: Prostrate holly prefers a spot that offers both sun and shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for healthy prostrate holly growth.
Watering: Water your prostrate holly bushes every few days, especially after planting and throughout the summer months. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year to promote healthy growth.
Pruning: Prune your prostrate holly shrubs as needed to maintain their shape, but excessive trimming is not necessary.

Benefits of Prostrate Holly

Prostrate holly offers several benefits for your garden:

Winter Interest: Its evergreen foliage and bright red berries add a splash of color to your winter landscape.
Ground Cover: Its low-growing habit makes it an ideal groundcover for filling in bare spots or creating a lush carpet beneath taller plants.
Wildlife Attraction: The berries of prostrate holly are a favorite food source for birds and other wildlife.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, prostrate holly can withstand periods of drought, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
Versatility: Prostrate holly can be used in a variety of garden settings, including rock gardens, woodland gardens, and containers.

Long-Tail Keyword Optimization

How to grow prostrate holly in my backyard: Follow the growing tips outlined above and ensure you have the right conditions (hardiness zone, sun exposure, soil type).
What is the best way to care for prostrate holly: Provide regular watering, fertilization, and occasional pruning to keep your prostrate holly plants healthy and thriving.
What are the different types of prostrate holly: There are several varieties of prostrate holly, including ‘Nana’, ‘Compacta’, and ‘Green Carpet’. Each variety offers slightly different characteristics in terms of size, growth habit, and berry production.
Where can I find prostrate holly for sale: Local nurseries or online plant retailers may carry prostrate holly. It’s recommended to search for reputable sources to ensure you get healthy, disease-free plants.
How do I prune prostrate holly: Prune your prostrate holly shrubs lightly to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain their desired shape. Avoid excessive trimming, as this can hinder berry production.

Gardening

Growing Snowberry Bushes: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Propagation

by Donna July 6, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Growing Snowberry Bushes

Introduction

Snowberry bushes (Symphoricarpos) are beautiful shrubs that are easy to grow and care for. They’re known for their clusters of white berries that appear in the fall and last into winter. Snowberries are also great for wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds and other animals.

Growing Conditions

Snowberry bushes can grow in any type of soil that doesn’t get too wet. They prefer full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant snowberries is in the fall, but you can also plant them in the spring.

Planting Instructions

To plant a snowberry bush, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the bush in the hole and spread out the roots. Fill in the hole with soil and water deeply.

Care and Maintenance

Snowberry bushes are low-maintenance plants. They only need to be watered regularly, especially during the first growing season. You should also prune them in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.

Propagation

Snowberry bushes can be propagated by division or by taking cuttings. Division is the easiest method. Simply dig up a clump of the plant and divide it into smaller sections. Cuttings can be taken from healthy, woody stems in the fall.

Pests and Diseases

Snowberry bushes are generally trouble-free from pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids and scale insects. To control these pests, you can spray the bushes with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Uses

Snowberry bushes are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways. They make a good hedge, either alone or as part of a mixed native hedge. They can also be planted in woodland edges or in natural-looking plantings of shrubs and trees.

Conclusion

Snowberry bushes are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. They’re great for wildlife, and they can be used in a variety of ways. With a little care and attention, snowberry bushes will thrive for many years to come.

Gardening

Evergreen Plants: A Beginner’s Guide to Adding Color and Interest to Your Garden All Year Round

by Gregory June 21, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Evergreen Plants: A Guide for Beginners

What are Evergreens?

Evergreens are plants that keep their leaves all year round, making them a great choice for adding color and interest to your garden in the winter months. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one to suit any garden style.

Benefits of Growing Evergreens

There are many benefits to growing evergreens in your garden, including:

They add interest and structure to a bare garden in the winter.
They can be used to create hedges or privacy screens.
They provide food and shelter for wildlife.
They are relatively easy to care for.

Choosing the Right Evergreen Plants

When choosing evergreen plants for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The size and shape of the plant.
The amount of sunlight the plant needs.
The soil conditions in your garden.

Popular Evergreen Plants

Some of the most popular evergreen plants include:

Hebe salicifolia: A compact shrub with willow-like leaves and pale lilac flowers.
Pittosporum tobira: A glossy-leaved shrub with fragrant white flowers.
Rhaphiolepis umbellata: A spherical shrub with white flowers and attractive foliage.
Choisya x dewitteana ‘White Dazzler’: A compact shrub with finger-like leaves and fragrant white flowers.
Polystichum setiferum: A native British fern with attractive soft fronds.
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’: A shrub with red flower buds and fragrant white flowers.
Taxus baccata: A native British conifer that is valuable to wildlife.
Pieris ‘Flaming Silver’: A shrub with bright red new growth and white spring flowers.
Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Rocket’: A shrub with lush evergreen foliage that grows in an upright habit.
Hedera helix: A climber with evergreen leaves and nectar-filled flowers that are beneficial for insects.

Tips for Growing Evergreens

Evergreens are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive:

Plant them in well-drained soil.
Water them regularly, especially during the summer months.
Fertilize them once a year in the spring.
Prune them as needed to keep them in shape.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of evergreen plants in your garden all year round.

Gardening

New Year’s Gardening Resolutions: Expert Tips for a Thriving Garden in 2023

by Donna March 20, 2024

written by Donna 4 minutes read

New Year’s Gardening Resolutions for Every Green Thumb

As the New Year dawns, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our gardening practices and set some resolutions to improve our green spaces. Here’s a roundup of gardening resolutions from experts in the field, each with tips and advice to help you achieve your gardening goals in 2023.

Protecting Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums, also known as geraniums, are beautiful plants that can brighten up any garden. However, they can be susceptible to frost damage during the winter months. To protect your pelargoniums, consider bringing them indoors or placing them in a sheltered area. You can also take cuttings in the fall to ensure you have replacements if any plants are lost.

Containing Containers

If you have a small garden or limited space, container gardening is a great way to grow plants. However, it’s important to choose the right size and type of containers for your plants and to be mindful of water management. Larger containers retain moisture better than smaller ones, so opt for bigger pots if possible.

Sowing Seeds Earlier

Don’t wait until spring to start sowing seeds. By starting earlier, you’ll give your plants more time to establish and enjoy them for a longer period. For first-year-flowering perennials, bananas, and brugmansias, sow seeds in February. For most other plants, early March is a good time to start sowing.

Planting Roses

Roses are a classic addition to any garden, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. When planting roses, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the rose bush in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.

Growing Wisely

Don’t waste time and effort trying to grow plants that aren’t suited to your climate or space. Instead, focus on growing plants that you know will thrive in your conditions. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil type, and water availability. By choosing the right plants for your garden, you’ll have a better chance of success.

String Solutions

String is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of gardening tasks, from tying up plants to marking out rows. Keep a ball of string handy in your garden shed or tool bag, and you’ll always be prepared to tackle any job that comes up.

Repotting and Planting

Spring is the ideal time to repot houseplants and plant new ones in the garden. When repotting, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and use fresh potting mix. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting and place it in a bright spot.

Saving Water

Water conservation is becoming increasingly important, especially in areas prone to drought. There are a number of ways to save water in the garden, such as using drip irrigation systems, planting drought-tolerant plants, and collecting rainwater.

Winter Interest

Don’t let your garden look drab during the winter months. Add some winter interest by planting evergreens, shrubs with colorful berries, and winter-flowering bulbs. You can also create a winter garden by using decorative elements such as lanterns, bird feeders, and festive decorations.

New Home, New Garden

If you’ve recently moved into a new home, take some time to observe your garden and see how it changes throughout the seasons. Once you have a good understanding of your garden’s microclimate and conditions, you can start making plans for changes or additions.

Cut Flowers for Drying

Dried flowers are a beautiful and versatile way to decorate your home. Grow your own cut flowers for drying by choosing varieties that dry well, such as lavender, yarrow, and strawflowers. Hang your cut flowers upside down in a warm, dry place until they are completely dry.

Veg in a Small Space

Even if you have limited outdoor space, you can still grow your own vegetables. Consider growing vegetables in containers, window boxes, or vertical gardens. Choose space-saving varieties of vegetables, such as bush beans, compact tomatoes, and strawberries.

Shrubs

Dogwood Shrubs: A Complete Guide to Planting, Care, and Varieties

by Donna February 9, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Dogwood Shrubs: A Guide for Beginners

What is a Dogwood Shrub?

Dogwood shrubs are smaller versions of the popular flowering dogwood trees. They are part of the Cornus genus, which includes many different varieties of dogwood plants. Dogwood shrubs are often called subshrubs because they grow low to the ground and have a woody base.

Benefits of Dogwood Shrubs

Dogwood shrubs are popular for their many benefits, including:

Compact size: Dogwood shrubs are perfect for small gardens or landscapes where space is limited.
Year-round interest: Dogwood shrubs provide interest in all seasons, with spring flowers, summer berries, and exceptional fall color.
Winter interest: Many dogwood shrub varieties are grown for their winter interest, with colorful red-hued stems that shine in an empty winter backyard.
Easy care: Dogwood shrubs are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions.

Popular Dogwood Shrub Varieties

There are many different types of dogwood shrubs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba): This variety grows to 10 feet tall and offers small yellow flowers in spring. However, most gardeners choose this shrub-like dogwood for its red-hued stems in winter.
Redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea): Also known as red-twig dogwood, this variety has bright red twigs that look spectacular against the snow in winter.
Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum): This shrub is native to the U.S. and grows along streambanks and in wet prairies. It is an excellent choice for wet sites.

Dogwood Shrub Care

Dogwood shrubs are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific needs.

Sunlight: Dogwood shrubs can grow in full sun to significant shade, but they prefer full sun or part shade.
Soil: Dogwood shrubs prefer moist soil, but some varieties can tolerate periodically or consistently moist soil.
Water: Dogwood shrubs need regular watering, especially during the first growing season.
Fertilizer: Dogwood shrubs do not need to be fertilized regularly, but they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in spring.
Pruning: Dogwood shrubs do not need frequent pruning, but if you are planting them for winter interest, you’ll want to remove the oldest canes regularly to encourage new growth, which bears the bright coloration.

Conclusion

Dogwood shrubs are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. With their compact size, year-round interest, and easy care, they are a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Gardening

Create a Year-Round Garden: Planting Ideas for All Seasons

by Gregory December 3, 2022

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

How to Create a Year-Round Garden: Planting Ideas for 2024

Introduction

Want a garden that impresses all year long? It’s possible with careful planning and the right plant choices. Here’s a guide to creating a show-stopping garden through the seasons.

Consider Bark and Stem Color

Trees with colorful bark add interest in winter when the leaves are gone. Look for:

Himalayan birch (white bark)
Tibetan cherry (mahogany bark)
Snake bark maple (deep purple-red bark)

Evergreen Interest

Evergreens provide structure and color all year round. Choose:

Boxwood (topiary)
Pittosporum tenuifolium (compact balls)
Garrya elliptica (evergreen climber)

Stimulate Your Sense of Smell

Fragrant plants add a special touch to your garden, especially in winter. Plant:

Christmas box (vanilla scent)
Witch hazel (orange peel scent)

Squeeze in Spring Bulbs

Bulbs provide early color in spring. Try:

Scilla mischtschenkoana (blue star-shaped flowers)
Crocuses (golden, purple, and white varieties)
Tulips (a wide range of colors)

Brighten Up Shady Spots

Shade-loving plants can add beauty to areas without direct sunlight. Consider:

Cowslips (yellow flowers)
Forget-me-nots (blue flowers)
Wood anemones (white flowers)

Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants

With drier summers becoming more common, drought-tolerant plants are a wise choice. Try:

Lavender
Rock rose
Epilobium canum (Californian fuchsia)

Include Late-Summer Stars

Add a splash of color to late summer and autumn with plants like:

Sneezeweed
Sunflowers
Black-eyed Susan
Michaelmas daisies

Add Compact Autumn Color

Even small gardens can have stunning fall foliage. Plant:

American redbud
Japanese maple
Smoke bush
Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo)

Don’t Forget Seed Heads

Plants with attractive seed heads provide interest in autumn and winter. Consider:

Globe thistles
Teasels
Wild carrot
Honesty

Conclusion

With these planting ideas, you can create a garden that dazzles through the seasons. Enjoy year-round beauty, fragrance, and interest!

Gardening

Brighten Your Winter Garden: Plants That Thrive in the Cold

by Gregory January 24, 2022

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

December Garden Delights

Plants to Brighten Your Winter

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it can be hard to find plants that are still looking their best. But don’t despair! There are plenty of plants that thrive in the cold months and can add some much-needed color and interest to your garden.

Vivid Bark and Beautiful Blooms

One way to add color to your winter garden is with plants that have vibrant bark. Birch trees are a great example, with their striking white bark that sparkles on frosty mornings. Dogwood, with its bright red stems, is another eye-catching choice.

If you’re looking for flowers in the winter, viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is a great option. Its highly scented flowers stand out in the winter sunlight. Camellia sasanqua is another good choice, with its delicate pink flowers and glossy foliage.

Evergreen Foliage and Winter Interest

Evergreen plants are a great way to add structure and interest to your garden all year round. Heucheras, with their bold foliage in a rainbow of colors, are a good choice for the front of a border or path edge. Clematis cirrhosa purpurascens ‘Freckles’ is a vine that provides winter interest even in small gardens.

Scented Delights

Winter honeysuckle is an unassuming plant for most of the year, but from December onwards, it bursts into bloom with sweetly scented flowers. Plant it close by so you can enjoy its fragrance whenever you’re outside.

Best Winter Plants for Pots

If you don’t have much space, there are plenty of plants that are perfect for pots. Camellia sasanqua is a great choice, as is clematis cirrhosa purpurascens ‘Freckles’. Heucheras are also a good option, as they make great filler plants in containers and window boxes.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and inviting winter garden that will brighten up the cold months.

Perennial Care

Fall Pruning Perennials: A Comprehensive Guide to What to Cut Back and What to Leave Uncut

by Gregory October 3, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Fall Pruning: A Guide to What Perennials to Cut Back and What to Leave

When autumn arrives and the first frost hits, many gardeners reach for their pruning shears. But before you start cutting back all your perennials, it’s important to know which ones should be pruned in fall and which ones should be left alone.

Why Leave Some Perennials Uncut in Fall?

Leaving some perennials uncut in fall can actually benefit your garden. Here are a few reasons why:

Winter interest: Dried stalks, fading leaves, and seed pods can create a beautiful and unique winter landscape.
Protection from the cold: Dead plant material can insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.
Food and shelter for wildlife: Birds, insects, and small mammals rely on uncut perennials for food and shelter during the winter months.

Perennials to Leave Uncut

Not all perennials should be left uncut in fall. Here are some types that benefit from being left alone:

Perennials that feed birds: These perennials have seedheads that provide food for birds during the winter. Examples include ornamental grasses, purple coneflowers, and sunflowers.
Perennials that are home to beneficial insects: Some native plants provide shelter for beneficial insects over the winter. Examples include hardy geraniums and dianthus.
Low-growing perennials: These perennials, such as moss phlox and hellebores, don’t need fall pruning.
Evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials: Perennials with evergreen foliage, such as hellebore and Christmas fern, can be left uncut until spring.
Perennials that add winter interest: These perennials, such as switchgrass and feather reed grass, provide movement and visual appeal in the winter landscape.

Perennials to Cut Back in Fall

While some perennials should be left uncut, others should be pruned back in fall to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. Here are some types that should be cut back:

Diseased perennials: Plants that are infected with disease should be pruned back to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest-infested perennials: Perennials that are infested with pests should be cut back to remove the pests and prevent them from overwintering.
Perennials with new basal leaves: Some perennials, such as Shasta daisy and globe thistle, grow new leaves at the base of the plant in fall. These leaves should be left uncut to protect them from the cold.
Tender perennials: Tender perennials, such as roses and butterfly bushes, are not as cold-hardy as other perennials. Pruning them back in fall helps to protect them from winter damage.

How to Prune Perennials in Fall

When pruning perennials in fall, follow these tips:

Leave about two inches of stem above the soil to mark the plant’s location.
Use bypass pruners or hedge clippers for clean cuts.
Don’t compost any infected or diseased stems and leaves.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your perennials are properly pruned for the winter and will thrive come springtime.