Planning a landscape is an exercise in imagination. You need to think, dream, and ponder. What do you envision? What do you like and dislike? For example, Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s first and greatest landscaper, believed that home landscapes were best when they surrounded family with nature. We won’t leave you with a blank sheet […]

Although scientists use many methods to classify soil, gardeners usually describe soil using words like “sandy,” “clay,” and “loam.” These terms describe a soil’s texture. Knowing your soil’s texture will help you predict how it will behave under different conditions. It’s the first step toward creating the best conditions for the plants you’re growing. A soil’s texture

One of the best ways to encourage wildflowers in your garden is to leave a patch of lawn to its own devices during spring and summer. The chances are that at least some wildflowers will appear if you leave the lawnmower alone. What comes up in your no-mow patch depends very much on what you