Story and Photos by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon The sight of the masses of hot pink flowers that cover the bare branches of Taiwan cherry trees in late winter definitely chases the blues away. Hummingbirds, honeybees, and butterflies hurry to sip the nectar. Small cherries soon follow and before they fully ripen, songbirds gobble them up. …
Growing plants with a purpose Story and Photos by Cindy Shapton When we moved from our city suburb to the country, I made a decision to be more conscience of plant material choices. No longer feeling the pressure to be just another pretty garden, I could chose plants with a purpose, ones that could move …
Story and Photos by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon Versatile, hardy, and beautiful, native fringe tree is perfect for urban landscapes. Also known as grancy graybeard, this member of the olive family has long, fragrant, wispy white spring blossoms that move with the slightest breeze. In summer, it sports dark purple fruit beloved by birds. In fall, …
Add drama to your landscape with these perfectly pendulous trees Story and Photography by Richelle Stafne Looking for ways to make your landscape smile? Consider adding some sad trees. Well, not sad per se, but weeping. Weeping branches, that is! Weeping trees and shrubs add interest and architectural drama. They can be at home in …
Make sure you do it correctly from the beginning to avoid problems later By Dr. Garry V. McDonald I live in a town that professes to be a tree city. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to plant trees and tree ordinances abound. While I am all for tree planting and a self-confessed tree-hugger, it frustrates …
Is there a tapestry hedge in your future? Story and Photography By Lynn Carlson We are all familiar with long rows of identical evergreen shrubs or trees, Leyland cypress (×Hesperotropsis leylandii) for example. But tapestry hedge includes several species of evergreens, or a mixture of evergreen and deciduous species, some tall, some short. Look to …
7 of the most reliable species for Southern landscapes Story and Photos By Hubert P. Conlon Magnolias (Magnolia spp.) represent a diverse group of magnificent flowering trees and shrubs. Most bear huge showy blooms in purple, red, pink, yellow, white, and every shade in between. Choose from magnolias that are deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen in …
