What's In Bloom Today?
Oak Leaf Hydrangeas are show stoppers right now! These easy to grow, long-blooming deciduous shrubs are the perfect choice for a hedge, a garden focal point, a foundation planting or to naturalize in a mass at the edge of the property. Reaching up to 8 feet tall, they prefer full sun, but will …
What's in Bloom Today?
The unusual native perennial, Indian Pinks, or Spigelia marilandica are at their peak bloom right now. Glossy green leaves and brilliant scarlet blooms with bright yellow interiors and star shaped petals on the top grace this late spring/ early summer blooming native perennial. Indian Pinks prefer shade and grow in clumps in …
What’s In Bloom Today?
Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly known as Ninebark is currently in full bloom here in Kansas City. Ninebark is an easy to grow deciduous shrub that adds interest to the landscape all year long . It thrives in average, but well-drained soil in the full sun or partial shade, but will also tolerate dry periods …
Go Native -- In Your Container Garden
I was bound and determined to get my patio pots planted last weekend. I had all ten of them cleaned and ready to be filled, my color scheme picked out and each placement imagined. I knew exactly how many would have to survive in the brutal midwestern sun and which ones would sit in complete …
Not My Mother's Vegetable Garden
I’ve recently noticed a pattern in our home-buying habits. Each time we buy a house, and we are on our 5th now, our yards get smaller. On one hand that seems like a plus — much less space for routine maintenance chores. On the other hand, there’s much less space for planting. That’s where …
Invite An Insect: Green Lacewing
A truly Jekyll and Hyde insect, the Green Lacewing is both a fierce predator as a larvae and a delicate beauty as an adult. Adult green lacewings are slender insects with lacy-looking, transparent wings and round, golden-colored eyes. During the day, green lacewings are usually found resting in open spaces around grassy or weedy …
The Sounds of Silence -- In Your Own Backyard
The Sunday before Easter was beautiful here — an absolutely perfect day for working leisurely in the yard. About ten minutes into our afternoon, the peace and quiet of the day was shattered by the the deafening roar of a neighbor’s leaf blower running full blast. The first hour was unpleasant but tolerable. The second …
Invite An Insect: Praying Mantis
Some say that finding this insect in your home means that angels are watching over you, while others say that if one looks at you with a menacing glare, it foretells your death. The French thought it would lead a lost child home again. Folklore aside, the praying mantis is a fascinating visitor …
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