Lawn and Garden

Smoke tree leaves vary from bluish green to violet between varieties. Smoke tree can reach heights of 15 feet. Learn more about controlling height, foliage and flowers through pruning.

By C. Colston Burrell

American bittersweet needs both male and female plants for flowering and berry production. It grows so well that it needs to be controlled around other plants. Try using it to camouflage posts around the garden.

By C. Colston Burrell

Dwarf myrtle has a delightful scent when pierced. Its many varieties and uses (as a screen, hedge, or topiary) make it an interesting plant to care for and display. Learn more about its flowering habits.

By C. Colston Burrell

Installing a water garden pond doesn't have to be left to the professionals. Home gardeners have many techniques and options to choose from, and can easily install their own ponds. Read to find out how.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Tree roses are a way of growing roses, not a separate class of flower. Learn how to achieve the manicured presentation of tree roses in your own yard or garden.

By C. Colston Burrell

European wild ginger is an adaptable, little-known shade plant that will brighten up any yard or garden. Learn how to grow, cultivate, and maintain European wild ginger successfully.

By C. Colston Burrell

Jack-in-the-pulpit is an intriguing wildflower native to North America named for its oddly-shaped bloom. Learn how to grow and use jack-in-the-pulpit in your yard or garden.

By C. Colston Burrell

Japanese yew is one of the only conifers that is shade tolerant, and it produces vibrant berries that please the eye. Learn how to grow and use Japanese yew in your garden or as a house plant.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Hardy water lily is a cross between European and North American species that is a popular centerpiece for many gardens. Learn how to grow and maintain hardy water lily in your pond or fountain.

By C. Colston Burrell

Track developments and changes in your garden with a log, and gain a handy tool for years to come. Learn to keep a garden journal and fully maximize the potential of your garden.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Firecracker plant, with red tube-like flowers, needs direct light and at least 6 inches of surrounding space. Start your indoor garden with firecracker plants, which look great spilling out of hanging or boxed planters.

By C. Colston Burrell

A good design makes your garden more than just a pretty space. It brings together the inside and outside rooms of your home. Learn how design can be your first step towards a successful garden.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Rock gardens bring mountain-inspired beauty to your backyard. This article will give you all you need to know to plan a rock garden, including advice on planting, building, and caring for rock gardens.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Garden soil provides nutrients, moisture, and support for the plants in your garden. For a successful garden, the content of your soil must be balanced. Learn all about preparing your garden soil.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Creeping juniper produces bluish green leaves, turning purple in winter, contrasting nicely against snow. Females sprout tiny, spherical bluish green berries. Learn how to grow this lovely evergreen plant as part of a winter garden.

By C. Colston Burrell

Dwarf false cypress will grow in rocky soil with some moisture and matures slowly. In this article, learn about planting, growing, propagating, and using dwarf false cypress.

By C. Colston Burrell

Hens-and-chicks will grow in rock crevices with seemingly no soil. In this article, learn about planting, growing, propagating, and using hens-and-chicks.

By C. Colston Burrell

Rockfoil will grow in gritty soil and produces small flowers. In this article, learn about planting, growing, propagating, and using rockfoil.

By C. Colston Burrell

Hybrid tea roses are considered by many to be the perfect rose, and are a mainstay of floral shops. Learn how to grow and cultivate this captivating bloom that maximizes your garden.

By C. Colston Burrell

Spiderworts are similar to daylilies and dayflowers where each blossom lasts only one day. They produce 3-petaled flowers that open at dawn. Learn about how to use Spiderworts as a house plant in this article.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Sundrops (evening primrose) have petals that look like molten gold. The stems grow up to two feet high and are topped by clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

By C. Colston Burrell

Toad lilies are, contrary to their name, very attractive perennials with purple-spotted, creamy white flowers that bloom in late September or October. They prefer shade and must be protected against frost.

By C. Colston Burrell

Yellow coneflowers, or black-eyed Susans, are an American wildflower. Their daisylike ray flowers and purple-brown disk flowers bloom in midsummer on to frost and are perfect for cutting. Learn more about these pretty perennials.

By C. Colston Burrell

Common apple trees are small to medium trees that bear pretty white flowers in spring and colorful and edible fruit in fall. These trees are usually round-topped with a short trunk and spreading branches.

By C. Colston Burrell

Amur maple is a small deciduous tree. The leaves, which turn scarlet in fall, are small for a maple, toothed, and have three main lobes. A good tree for small spaces.

By C. Colston Burrell