garden
Asian-inspired garden makes backyard a true retreat
In his Tahoe Park, Calif., backyard, Joe Rincon created a love note with a postcard view. A graceful waterfall splashes into a cool pond stocked with silver and orange koi. Stone lanterns light a winding path to a charming teahouse through a fantasy forest of trees …
Plants that are hot for heat
Like humans, plants have to cope not only with the heat but also with energy-sapping humidity, wind and drought. They grow more slowly, their leaves fade, wind batters them and, in areas of high humidity, they're prone to insects and disease. High nighttime temperatures don't …
Use flowers to reflect your personal tastes in the garden
Flowers are like clothes, fashions for your garden that reflect your personal tastes. See what’s new, as a long-time greenhouse grower lists the top new buds of 2012.
Trees bring home beauty, endurance and value
Trees are big investments for homeowners, adding beauty, shade, color and value to the property. Here is a rundown on what’s available, and how to ensure you plant it right for the most value for your money, time and effort.
Shade trees
The most commonly known are maple, oak, linden and pear, but it also include the elm, honeylocust and willow. Most popular is a maple called Autumn Blaze, a cross between silver maple (fast growth) and red maple (fall color). It will tolerate different soils and …
Ornamentals
Most popular are the crab, serviceberry, redbud and birch, but this group also includes cherry, dogwood and hawthorn. One of the most popular is the three-stem river birch, an unusual tree with three trunks growing up from the ground and an interesting white/black bark. Uses …
Evergreens
One of the most popular of all trees for several reasons: winter habitat for non-migrating birds and small animals, natural snow fencing, wind blockage, and color all year. The three “branches” of evergreen are spruce, pine and fir, the differences being mainly in the needles …
Evergreen shrubs
Same as evergreen trees, only shorter. Poular uses include hedging, borders, accents, and out front where taller trees might “overshadow” home architecture. Best known are the juniper, yew and boxwood. For variety, visit online at http://ottawalakesidenursery.com/trees-and-shrubs/evergreen-shrubs/ …
Deciduous shrubs
Similar to evergreen shrubs, these are used as accents, and for variety of height in the garden. Popular are the Blackhaw viburnum, which shows a white flower in spring and purple foliage in the fall, and the hydrangea. Also in this group are the spireas …
Bird feeder battles: Winning the war against squirrels
For bird lovers, the sight of a bushy tail hanging off the side of a feeder means just one thing: war. Sure, squirrels have to eat, too, and no one wants to harm the persistent critters. But that doesn't mean you have to put up …
5 tips for growing beautiful roses
From June to Sept., roses add a special flourish to yards, gardens and public parks throughout the U.S. But for many gardeners, tending roses may seem intimidating. With 23 years of experience, Jamie Shiffer, head gardener at Hershey Gardens in Hershey, Pa., knows a thing …
Simple solutions to common landscaping issues
There's one in every neighborhood - the house with the bright green grass, perfectly trimmed shrubs and flowers in full bloom. As you look at your own lawn, plagued with weeds and sparse patches, you wonder how your neighbor is able to achieve such a …
DIY: Vegetable garden
Who would have thought getting dirt under your fingernails would ever be considered one of the hottest trends going? According to Doug Jimerson, garden core director for Better Homes and Gardens, "growing your own fruits, veggies and herbs is something Americans are doing in record …
Start spring gardening with a little care, a lot of color
Brightening your outdoor living space can be done on a tight budget, with flowers, trees and such adornments as landscape rock. Read what the experts recommend for your spring start to back yard gardening.
Buying a new mower this spring? What to look for
Ah, spring! The weather warms, songbirds return and backyards burst with showy spring blooms. Of course, all this resurgence of life will require some care, which means it's also time to start thinking about lawn mowing. From saving money to getting exercise, there are plenty …
Spring cleaning: outdoor edition
Spring has been knocking at the door all winter long. With record-low snow falls behind us and a forecast of more unseasonably-mild days ahead, why not take advantage of the temperate weather and get a jump on your outdoor spring cleaning now? Here's a list …