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Flowering & Foliage Plants

Low Maintenance Landscaping

By Sandra Nelson  

As much as I love gardening, I absolutely HATE the mindless, time-consuming and oftentimes expensive routine maintenance chores involved in taking care of a traditionally landscaped yard.  Rather than a place to relax and unwind, the idealized suburban landscape of perfectly manicured turf, neatly edged walkways and precisely pruned shrubs can easily …

Phenomenal Lavender: A Must Have For Your Garden

  By Sandra Nelson    

Lavender      

Traditional varieties of lavender are wonderful garden plants, but the variety named “Phenomenal”  truly is phenomenal!     Lavender has been a vital part of the world’s herb gardens for over 2,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used it as they mummified their dead. Romans used lavender …

A Tropical Paradise  --  Outside the Tropics

  By Sandra Nelson

  Lush, vibrant, idyllic.  —  A place to kick back and relax in luscious, green surroundings. . The gentle murmur of falling water and the perfumed fragrances of summer flowers   —  the perfect vacation spot, but in your own backyard! The key to creating this personal tropical paradise  —  no …

Visit A Tropical Paradise -- In Your Own Backyard

By Sandra Nelson   If a trip to the tropics isn’t in the plan this summer, why not create a tropical paradise in your own backyard? Using these 7 design tips from the experts, you can have the perfect place to relax and unwind.       KEEP IT LUSH  The idea of a lush …

Penstemon cobea: A Must Have For Your Garden

By Sandra Nelson      

Penstemon cobea Spectacular displays of vivid color….    An almost perfect specimen, this native penstemon deserves a place of honor in the early summer garden. At home in hot, dry and sunny glades, this penstemon does not need to be pampered. It withstands drought conditions and will grow well …

Butterfly Bush: A Must Have For Your Garden

Brilliant color, delightful fragrance and easy care  — a winning combination!   Butterfly bush, also known as summer lilac, is a perfect addition to a Midwestern summer garden. Although it absolutely requires full sun, 8 hours a …

The Best of the Blues

I’ve been feeling somewhat blue lately.  No, I’m not depressed  —  I’m debating on a color scheme for the new garden I’m adding this year. Right now I am leaning toward using shades of blue as my predominant color. The idea of adding a quiet, tranquil retreat appeals to me in …