Landscaping Your Outdoor World
Many design challenges arise when your primary gardening and landscaping space is where the hardscaping is: on patios, decks, balconies, steps, courtyards, rooftops, and wherever else outdoors you can stake a claim. Discover creative ways and places: vertical gardens, containers, and built-ins, along with beautiful and unusual plants and trees for patios and small spaces.
Poolscaping: What to Consider When Landscaping Near Your Swimming Pool
The owner of a new inground swimming pool being built in his backyard has a challenge: what to plant in the new built-in planter sandwiched between the pool and a fence. Other than a sago palm being donated by a friend, homeowner David Cornella is up in the air on what will join it. “Something tropical – I guess."
The owner of a new inground swimming pool being built in his backyard has a challenge: what to plant in the new built-in planter sandwiched between the pool and a fence. Other than a sago palm being donated by a friend, homeowner David Cornella is up in the air on what will join it. “Something tropical – I guess."
Then there’s the narrow but long strip of dirt where a Creeping Fig was u…
Poolside Plants That Look Like Paradise and Withstand the Elements
The plants you choose to surround your pool should be carefully considered before any buying or digging takes place. Once your pool is in place, you may find that it creates a sort of microclimate. A heated pool can raise humidity levels, and intense sunlight can fry nearby landscaping. Plants can get splashed with chlorine and other pool and spa chemicals. The trick is to find strong plants that…
The plants you choose to surround your pool should be carefully considered before any buying or digging takes place. Once your pool is in place, you may find that it creates a sort of microclimate. A heated pool can raise humidity levels, and intense sunlight can fry nearby landscaping. Plants can get splashed with chlorine and other pool and spa chemicals. The trick is to find strong plants that…
Landscaping & Plant Choices Around Swimming Pools & Spas
Choosing plants and trees that will be near a pool or spa should not be done impulsively. Take into account important issues like privacy, the growing potential of the plant, and if you want your landscaping to cover up pool equipment. Other considerations: sharp thorns or needles on roses or cacti, and if the plant or tree is going to shed its leaves, flowers or fruit in and around your pool.
Choosing plants and trees that will be near a pool or spa should not be done impulsively. Take into account important issues like privacy, the growing potential of the plant, and if you want your landscaping to cover up pool equipment. Other considerations: sharp thorns or needles on roses or cacti, and if the plant or tree is going to shed its leaves, flowers or fruit in and around your pool.
The Best-Smelling Plants for Your Landscape
Those hubs of activity in your outdoor living areas -- like swimming pools, spas, patios, decks, porches, and outdoor dining areas -- are ideal places to add some scents to your garden. Forget the candles and citronella, we're talking about fragrant plants that remind you and your guests why it's so enjoyable to be outdoors instead of indoors.
Those hubs of activity in your outdoor living areas -- like swimming pools, spas, patios, decks, porches, and outdoor dining areas -- are ideal places to add some scents to your garden. Forget the candles and citronella, we're talking about fragrant plants that remind you and your guests why it's so enjoyable to be outdoors instead of indoors.
Many plants' scents are intensified at night -- al…
50 Ways to Save Water Outside Your House
Water conservation, water-saving, xeriscape, water-wise, drought-tolerant, drought-resistant, native landscaping. Call it what you like, it still has the same goal: to use less water, save and conserve one of the earth's most vital resources. From California to Georgia and Australia to South Africa, regions throughout the world are affected by drought at one time or another. It's up to every one …
Water conservation, water-saving, xeriscape, water-wise, drought-tolerant, drought-resistant, native landscaping. Call it what you like, it still has the same goal: to use less water, save and conserve one of the earth's most vital resources. From California to Georgia and Australia to South Africa, regions throughout the world are affected by drought at one time or another. It's up to every one …
Path Materials in Water Conservation Landscape Design
Pathways in a waterwise garden use traditional hardscape materials -- like pavers, concrete, bricks, pebbles and pea gravel. How they differ from non-water-wise landscape design lies with what's growing -- or not growing -- between and surrounding the pathway materials. While many walkways are placed across a carpet of grass, the growing stuff on a waterwise pathway might be a drought-tolerant gr…
Pathways in a waterwise garden use traditional hardscape materials -- like pavers, concrete, bricks, pebbles and pea gravel. How they differ from non-water-wise landscape design lies with what's growing -- or not growing -- between and surrounding the pathway materials. While many walkways are placed across a carpet of grass, the growing stuff on a waterwise pathway might be a drought-tolerant gr…
Water Conservation Landscape Design: Garden Art
Water-smart landscaping can be attractive with well-chosen plants mixed with hardscaping, garden structures and garden art. And like the conservation-minded gardens that focus on using less water, natural fertilizers or organic pest control, some of the best garden art comes from ordinary objects that have been recycled, reused, or repurposed. Let these photos of landscape designs inspire you to …
Water-smart landscaping can be attractive with well-chosen plants mixed with hardscaping, garden structures and garden art. And like the conservation-minded gardens that focus on using less water, natural fertilizers or organic pest control, some of the best garden art comes from ordinary objects that have been recycled, reused, or repurposed. Let these photos of landscape designs inspire you to …
Pruning Ornamental Grasses: How to Groom Your Grasses
Ornamental grasses are fairly new on the landscape scene - they have increased in popularity in recent years. But there's not really a standard way to prune or groom them. And not every landscaper or gardening expert knows how to take care of everything in the garden, including these grasses that can grow quite big. Follow these steps to groom your grasses and get them to looking great. In some regions, that means your ornamental grasses will be show-offs year 'round.
Ornamental grasses are fairly new on the landscape scene - they have increased in popularity in recent years. But there's not really a standard way to prune or groom them. And not every landscaper or gardening expert knows how to take care of everything in the garden, including these grasses that can grow quite big. Follow these steps to groom your grasses and get them to looking great. In some regions, that means your ornamental grasses will be show-offs year 'round.
Nine Celebrity Outdoor Living Spaces: A Peek Into Their Outer Worlds
Nine private outdoor spaces of noteworthy actors, authors, musicians and other famous folks are profiled in this article from <i>The Guardian</i>. Included: Miquita Oliver's city roof terrace, Dean Koontz's California paradise and Pixie Lott's Aunt Dawn's place.
Nine private outdoor spaces of noteworthy actors, authors, musicians and other famous folks are profiled in this article from <i>The Guardian</i>. Included: Miquita Oliver's city roof terrace, Dean Koontz's California paradise and Pixie Lott's Aunt Dawn's place.
Home and Garden Tours for Spring 2009
Spring home and garden tours provide that rare opportunity to walk through other people's yards and see how they create their own private paradises. While pool, patio, home and garden shows are a great place to learn about new products, attend seminars and see the work of local landscape designers, it's the home and garden tours that really put you in right where you want to be: in the backyards …
Spring home and garden tours provide that rare opportunity to walk through other people's yards and see how they create their own private paradises. While pool, patio, home and garden shows are a great place to learn about new products, attend seminars and see the work of local landscape designers, it's the home and garden tours that really put you in right where you want to be: in the backyards …
Find Your USDA Zone -- State Maps of USDA Zones
One of the most important steps in choosing plants is making sure it's suited to your climate. Vanessa Richens, About.com's Guide to Trees and Shrubs, helps you find your USDA zone using a map for each state. You can then choose plants that are suggested for that USDA zone.
One of the most important steps in choosing plants is making sure it's suited to your climate. Vanessa Richens, About.com's Guide to Trees and Shrubs, helps you find your USDA zone using a map for each state. You can then choose plants that are suggested for that USDA zone.
Up Close and Personal: Patio & Terrace Gardening
Bringing your plants closer to you and your house makes it possible for you to spend time gardening and enjoying the nearby view. A patio or terrace provides the perfect place to satisfy your gardening fix while not taking lots of time or money.
Bringing your plants closer to you and your house makes it possible for you to spend time gardening and enjoying the nearby view. A patio or terrace provides the perfect place to satisfy your gardening fix while not taking lots of time or money.
Recycled Landscape Ideas for Under $10
With a little research and resourcefulness, it is possible to liven-up your landscape without spending a lot. Enjoy this photo gallery and ideas for improving your outdoor living space for under $10, courtesy of Pamela Cole Harris, About.com's Guide to Budget Decorating.
With a little research and resourcefulness, it is possible to liven-up your landscape without spending a lot. Enjoy this photo gallery and ideas for improving your outdoor living space for under $10, courtesy of Pamela Cole Harris, About.com's Guide to Budget Decorating.
A Gallery of Tree Shapes
Vanessa Richens, About.com's Guide to Trees and Shrubs, has compiled a gallery of typical tree shapes. One thing to remember - trees may have different shapes based on natural tendencies or the environment. For example, gingko biloba can have a pyramidal shape, or sometimes it becomes very irregular. Trees can also be one shape when young and change as they mature.
Vanessa Richens, About.com's Guide to Trees and Shrubs, has compiled a gallery of typical tree shapes. One thing to remember - trees may have different shapes based on natural tendencies or the environment. For example, gingko biloba can have a pyramidal shape, or sometimes it becomes very irregular. Trees can also be one shape when young and change as they mature.
EarthBox Review - Self-Watering Contaner Garden
Discover the pros and cons of the EarthBox as Amy Jeanroy, About.com's Guide to Herb Gardens, puts one through the test. You've probably seen the ads for the large self-watering container garden that seems to do everything. Out of a possible five stars, how many does Amy give it?
Discover the pros and cons of the EarthBox as Amy Jeanroy, About.com's Guide to Herb Gardens, puts one through the test. You've probably seen the ads for the large self-watering container garden that seems to do everything. Out of a possible five stars, how many does Amy give it?
Inside the White House Grounds: Patios, Porches, Porticoes & …
Much has been documented about the interior of the White House, but what about the exterior? With a residence that large, it must have an amazing yard, with lots of patios, terraces, porches, pools and private retreats the average person knows nothing about. Take an historical tour of the White House's outdoor living spaces -- the places where the president and first lady might enjoy a quiet lunc…
Much has been documented about the interior of the White House, but what about the exterior? With a residence that large, it must have an amazing yard, with lots of patios, terraces, porches, pools and private retreats the average person knows nothing about. Take an historical tour of the White House's outdoor living spaces -- the places where the president and first lady might enjoy a quiet lunc…
Healthy Changes Slated for White House Lawn?
Maine resident, environmentalist and gardening activist Roger Doiron has been campaigning since June 2008 to turn the White House lawn into a sustainable garden.
Maine resident, environmentalist and gardening activist Roger Doiron has been campaigning since June 2008 to turn the White House lawn into a sustainable garden.
Sprawling and Spilling Plants for Hardscaped Spaces
Learn which plants will perform well in the paved and hardscaped areas of your yard. About.com's Gardening Guide, Marie Ianotti, delivers the details on creeping, sprawling, spilling and spreading plants and groundcovers.
Learn which plants will perform well in the paved and hardscaped areas of your yard. About.com's Gardening Guide, Marie Ianotti, delivers the details on creeping, sprawling, spilling and spreading plants and groundcovers.
Climbing to the Top: 10 Vines & Climbing Plants for Vertical Gardens
What are some of the best vines and climbing plants for vertical gardens and quick cover-ups? If you're adventurous, try some of these vines that can be trained over doorways, up trees and even spilling from flower boxes. Among the top choices: Kiwi Vine, Trumpet Vine, Climbing Hydrangea and Canary Creeper.
What are some of the best vines and climbing plants for vertical gardens and quick cover-ups? If you're adventurous, try some of these vines that can be trained over doorways, up trees and even spilling from flower boxes. Among the top choices: Kiwi Vine, Trumpet Vine, Climbing Hydrangea and Canary Creeper.
Choosing & Combining Plants for Container Gardens
Dress up your patio, deck or outdoor living space with some of the assorted containers available. As for selecting the plants to fill their pots, you need to consider the plants' full-grown size relative to the container's size. Then there are things like color, balance and focal points. Follow these tips for creating a container garden that's a pleasure to take care of and enjoy.
Dress up your patio, deck or outdoor living space with some of the assorted containers available. As for selecting the plants to fill their pots, you need to consider the plants' full-grown size relative to the container's size. Then there are things like color, balance and focal points. Follow these tips for creating a container garden that's a pleasure to take care of and enjoy.
Small-Space Composting: How to Make a Trash Can Composter
"Not every gardener has the space for a large compost pile, and not all municipalities allow back yard composting<" writes Colleen Vanderlinden, About.com's Guide to Organic Gardening. "The good news is that it's very easy to compost in a small space. Even if all you have is a patio or balcony, you can use this method of making compost in a trash can."
"Not every gardener has the space for a large compost pile, and not all municipalities allow back yard composting<" writes Colleen Vanderlinden, About.com's Guide to Organic Gardening. "The good news is that it's very easy to compost in a small space. Even if all you have is a patio or balcony, you can use this method of making compost in a trash can."
How to Protect Your Property From Wildfire
The threat of wildfires is a reality for people who live in areas susceptible to drought and high winds. Firewise™ is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping you and your survive a wildfire. Post this checklist on your refrigerator, follow Firewise's suggestions and you and your property will be safter and less susceptible to damage from a fire.
The threat of wildfires is a reality for people who live in areas susceptible to drought and high winds. Firewise™ is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping you and your survive a wildfire. Post this checklist on your refrigerator, follow Firewise's suggestions and you and your property will be safter and less susceptible to damage from a fire.
Decorating with Poinsettias
Looking at the various colors and shapes, it’s quite clear these aren’t your grandmother’s drug-store poinsettias. Shake up her world a bit with a 'Peppermint Twist' thrown into the mix, along with her favorite red and some assorted evergreens. While you’re at it, shake up the world just outside your door. Like on your porch, in a planter bed, or containers. These Mexican natives attract …
Looking at the various colors and shapes, it’s quite clear these aren’t your grandmother’s drug-store poinsettias. Shake up her world a bit with a 'Peppermint Twist' thrown into the mix, along with her favorite red and some assorted evergreens. While you’re at it, shake up the world just outside your door. Like on your porch, in a planter bed, or containers. These Mexican natives attract …
Inside the Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch
Encinitas, CA, is where many of the world's top flower growers produce the most breathtaking blooms. Among them: Tamaya’s Orchids, The Flower Fields, and the Paul Ecke Ranch.[p] From 1929-1966, the Ecke Ranch produced poinsettia mother plants. For over 40 years, the 25-acre ranch's key focus has been growing poinsettia cultivars and shipping them to growers throughout the world.[p] Come insid…
Encinitas, CA, is where many of the world's top flower growers produce the most breathtaking blooms. Among them: Tamaya’s Orchids, The Flower Fields, and the Paul Ecke Ranch.[p] From 1929-1966, the Ecke Ranch produced poinsettia mother plants. For over 40 years, the 25-acre ranch's key focus has been growing poinsettia cultivars and shipping them to growers throughout the world.[p] Come insid…