Lawn and Garden

Planting a few trees in your yard certainly won't obliterate your entire carbon footprint. But it could cut your energy costs. How much carbon dioxide does the average tree absorb?

By Cristen Conger

What if you could shop for fruits and veggies in your own backyard? Not only would it save you a trip to the grocery store, it might save you some cash. How much?

By Cristen Conger

What was once your manicured front yard is now an unruly jungle, home to various creatures and an eyesore for neighbors. The time has come to mow the lawn.

By Robert Lamb

Eventually, you may find reel mowers sitting between treadmills and free weights at your gym. After all, these old-school, environmentally friendly gardening tools rely on human power to mow your lawn.

By Robert Lamb

Gardens have lots of benefits, but what if you don't have any land to start your own? If you're strapped for green space, a community garden might be the answer.

By Jennifer Horton

When you spend all day in a cubicle, the idea of a lush green paradise of plants sounds like wishful thinking. But container gardening just might do the trick.

By John Fuller

What has bright, blooming flowers and a sea of flapping wings? A butterfly garden. Planting one will help you to attract and conserve these winged beauties.

By Jennifer Horton

Bromeliads are plants that grow from the southern United States through Argentina. They can vary greatly in size, shape, color, and ease of growth. Learn about their characteristics and how to properly light, water, pot, and fertilize these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bromeliads are perennial plants that have one seed leaf. Bromeliads commonly grow in the American tropics, and a majority of the species are found in Brazil. These tough, long-lived plants grow well indoors, too. Learn more about types of Bromeliads.

Cacti and succulent plants come in a variety of types, sizes, shapes, and colors. Some species of cacti produce leaves, while others are known for producing flowers. They can tolerate a wide variety of climates. Learn about cacti and how to care for these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cacti and succulents, tolerant and low maintenance plants, are ideal for busy people and indoor spaces. Cacti come in many varieties, and can survive in any number of light and moisture conditions. Learn about caring for these resilient plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Rose campion is a beautiful, tall, and colorful garden classic that oozes nostalgic charm. Popular in English gardens as long ago as 1597, this classic garden plant makes a good cut flower. Learn about this plant, its history, and its uses.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) originally came from Europe. The fragrant, white flowers hang like small bells on their five to eight-inch stems. Read more about when to buy, how to care for, and how to arrange these beautiful flowers.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Recreate a stunning natural scene in your garden with these rock garden ideas. The dainty scale of the plants allows for great versatility in design, adapting to just about any size the grower desires. See great ideas and dazzling photos of rock gard

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Balance formal and informal in your garden and create a spot of English countryside with a formal carpet bed, an avenue of pleached limes, an ornamental pond and fountain or a well-filled perennial border. Read more about English gardens.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Hoya, also known as wax plant and porcelain flower has fragrant starlike flowers borne in thick clusters. It is very easy to care for but may take a few years to bloom well. Read more.

By Larry Hodgson

House plants can fill your home with the color and beauty of the outside. This extensive article covers all aspects of house plant care, including lighting, watering, temperature, fertilizing and preventing diseases and pests.

By Larry Hodgson

Baby tears plant looks good draping out of its container but can also maintain a moundlike shape with pinching. It does well in humid climes but prefers well-circulated air. Learn why to use it in a terrarium.

By Larry Hodgson

Wandering Jew plant is related to spiderwort, obvious with its stems that trail and pointy leaves. Leaves, striped on top, have burgundy bottoms. Learn how to keep them looking their best.

By Larry Hodgson

Asparagus fern is an attractive plant with star-shaped flowers that turn into pretty red and purple berries. Learn how to grow the asparagus fern in the garden and as a house plant.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The calamondin orange tree is an indoor or outdoor dwarf tree. Beyond its ornamental value, the tree produces bitter fruit that is nevertheless a culinary hit. Learn how to care for this citrus plant and reap the health benefits!

By Larry Hodgson

Jade plant is a thick-stemmed succulent plant with fleshy leaves edged in red. It's very easy to care for and will survive even under quite adverse conditions. Read about this African native.

By Larry Hodgson

Rubber plant usually has just one single trunk but can be pinched back to encourage more to grow. It has thick, leathery leaves often with a red mid-vein. Read more about this demanding house plant.

By Larry Hodgson

Snake plant grows over one and one-half foot high. Its leaves come in green- and yellow-striped varieties. Given preferential light, it will bloom nicely scented flowers. Learn why snake plant is easy to grow.

By Larry Hodgson

Avocado can be fun to grow in a glass. Be sure to not submerge the pit in water but to plant it in soil upon root growth. Learn more about prodding branch growth.

By Larry Hodgson