Here’s how to grow drought tolerant plants for xeriscape gardens that save water. Xeriscaping, commonly known as drought-tolerant gardening, can be spectacular water-saving gardens when planned properly and maintained regularly. In a nutshell, xeriscaping is landscaping using plants that do not require additional watering above normal rainfall. These gardens are typically advocated in areas prone to drought, such as Arizona. A xeriscape garden is also perfect where the pace of development is outstripping water reserves, such as Los Angeles. Xeriscaping provides a great way to have a great-looking garden without overtaxing the water supply. Drought Tolerant Plants Save Time and Water Xeriscaping and desert gardens require a design that minimizes rainwater runoff and evaporation. Fortunately, an interesting selection of flowers, grasses, cacti, shrubs, and trees can do very well in low-water environments. This plant variety provides many exciting design opportunities for a … [Read more...] about Drought Tolerant Plants for Xeriscape Gardens
ornamental
Best Low Maintenance Shrubs
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
7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
Do you have plants for winter interest in your yard? If not, your landscape suffers from the winter blahs. When the cold season arrives and leaves drop from the trees and bushes, there is no winter interest. There’s simply nothing to catch your eye during winter season. “Most homeowners buy plants that are full of life and color in the spring and summer,” said Jeff Dinslage, president of Nature Hills Nursery. “But these plants go dormant and look lifeless in the colder months.” Dinslage points out that many attractive plants look great during the growing season. Plus, they add much-needed color and winter interest during the coldest months of the year. Here are 7 of his favorite plants for adding color and texture to the landscape during winter. Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) for sales generated from the links in this story. Thanks so much for supporting this website! Trees Can Be Plants for Winter Interest Evergreen conifers … [Read more...] about 7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
When to Divide Hostas and Other Perennials
If you are wondering when to divide hostas and other perennials, you have come to the right place. In this story, I will cover when to divide hostas, daylilies and other perennial plants. I will also discuss the best way to divide and transplant perennials such as daylilies, peonies, hostas, ornamental grasses and other perennial plants. Here are some tips that will come in handy when deciding how and when to divide perennials in your garden. It’s not difficult to divide hostas and daylilies and lots of other types of perennials. It’s easy to transplant them once they have been dug up and divided. But there are a few things you need to know to make sure your perennial plants continue to grow and thrive. Three Signs It’s Time to Divide Hostas, Daylilies, Etc. Are your hostas or daylilies getting crowded in your flowerbeds? Are some of your coneflowers and perennial salvias not blossoming like they used to? Then, it’s time to divide and plant your perennials. The rule of … [Read more...] about When to Divide Hostas and Other Perennials
Grow Your Best Garden Ever
Would you like to grow your best garden ever? Well, great gardens don’t just happen. They certainly do not magically appear in your yard. So, the sooner you plan and start your best garden ever, the sooner it will begin to manifest in your yard. A great garden is typically the result of careful planning. Most extraordinary gardens are created over a period of years using the garden plan. Add a few happy accidents that happen along the way, and you have the recipe for a special horticultural wonder that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Don’t Be Afraid of Small Failures Talk to experienced gardeners and garden experts, and most will freely admit to buying plants that did not survive in their gardens. Karen Park Jennings, the former president of Park Seed, once told me, “I’ve learned a lot by killing plants.” That’s part of being a gardener. Some gardeners will even admit that some of their favorite plants arrived as volunteers in their garden. One of the healthiest … [Read more...] about Grow Your Best Garden Ever
