The best low maintenance shrubs look great—even with little or no care. A recent survey by Tiger Sheds showed that 67% of homeowners avoid maintaining their yards in the cold winter months. You might be one of them. That’s why it is important to choose the best low maintenance shrubs that are tough enough tough to survive on their own. For many plants and shrubs however, winter is a real challenge. Especially if the temperature drops drastically, or there is a lot of snow or heavy rains. One solution is to plant hardy and low-maintenance shrubs in your yard. Shrubs that can tolerate the winter weather., and there are some beautiful varieties that will not only last, but also bring some color to your outdoor space. Panicle Hydrangeas The hydrangea is native to both America and Asia. It is often considered to be an old-fashioned plant, but has been having a resurgence in popularity in the past decade. The large flower heads make a striking addition to bridal … [Read more...] about Best Low Maintenance Shrubs
hydrangea
Best Trees for Small Yards
The Best Trees for Small Yards include some real surprises, including a small magnolia tree and a gorgeous Japanese maple tree. Most trees just don’t fit into small yards. At mature size, popular trees such as oaks, maples and magnolias get too large for today’s suburban lots. That’s why the editors of HomeGardenandHomestead.com have created this list of the best trees for small yards. In addition to being small enough to fit into small yards and smaller spaces within larger landscapes, these best trees for small yards also offer extra benefits. Most of the trees on our list put on a colorful show of flowers each spring and/or summer. Many of the trees on the Best Trees for Small Yards list offer colorful fall foliage. And all of these trees are distinctive enough to become cherished horticultural focal points in your yard. So if you’ve got a small space that needs a bit of pizzazz, we’ve got the trees for you. Once you have selected the small trees that are perfect for … [Read more...] about Best Trees for Small Yards
Awesome Homegrown Flower Arrangements
A blooming garden is all you need to create awesome homegrown flower arrangements. I love going out to my garden and cutting everything I need to create a beautiful homegrown floral bouquet. I have always loved arranging flowers. With the onset of COVID-19, I started creating a ‘bouquet of the day’ to beautify my home. I knew I would be spending more time at home. So why not create a colorful floral arrangement to brighten my home—and my day? After all, growing and arranging flowers is therapeutic. Instead of spending money on greenhouse-grown or imported flowers, I challenged myself to arrange with only those flowers that I could grow. Thankfully, the pandemic no longer dominates my life—and I have awesome homegrown flower arrangements to enjoy every day. Flowers and Foliage: The Great Duo of Flower Arrangements Many stunning flowers can be home grown and last well in bouquets. We commonly talk about flower bouquets and floral arrangements. But most people … [Read more...] about Awesome Homegrown Flower Arrangements
Hydrangea Happiness: How to Grow Hydrangeas
Chose the right type of hydrangeas for your area, and these flowering shrubs will always make you smile. Hydrangeas are some of the most popular and sought-after flowers. But because of the variety of hydrangea species, they often cause great confusion. This article will simplify these beautiful flowering shrubs and explain how to grow hydrangeas. Success with hydrangeas comes down to three things. The first is choosing the perfect type for your region. Second, planting them in the right location. And finally, knowing how to care for them. How to Grow Hydrangeas: The Best Type for You When most people choose to grow hydrangeas, they choose specific varieties with the flowers they want in their garden. This might backfire when it comes time to grow hydrangeas, however, because some of the species behave very differently, which affects blooming. Knowing which type you’re considering, and matching it to the weather in your area, is key to seeing flowers on your … [Read more...] about Hydrangea Happiness: How to Grow Hydrangeas
Best Flowering Vines for Vertical Gardening
Flowering vines are a gardener’s secret weapon—especially when you run out of horizonal gardening space. If you have a small garden space and you still crave more plants, the answer is as simple as vertical gardening with flowering vines. Even if you still have horizontal growing space, vines reaching heavenward add another dimension to your landscape. There’s something magical about a clear blue sky behind masses of white blooms on classic morning glory vine. Or, fluffy white clouds floating behind cascades of lavender-blue flowers on a blooming wisteria. Even misty rain filling the tubular orange flowers on trumpet vine can make you smile and feel good. Flowering vines give a garden an appealing romantic look. They tease you to come hither and entangle your thoughts and emotions with them. They curl and wind their way around trellises and arbors and across the tops of fences. Some flowering vines even tantalize you with their sweet smells. Most vines are heavy and … [Read more...] about Best Flowering Vines for Vertical Gardening