A xeriscape is not rocks, decomposed granite, cactus, agaves, or rain barrels, although these could all be components of one. In its simplest form a xeriscape is minimal lawn, native flowering perennials and shrubs, mulch and other soil amendments, and pervious patios or decks. There are seven principles of xeriscape. They include: Planning and design …

Notice a ghostly mist lingering over your landscape? It’s the in-ground sprinklers screaming they are under pressure. You’ve probably seen it before, clouds of a foggy mist spewing out of the in-ground sprinkler system. The problem is your sprinklers are watering the air instead of your actual landscape. It’s called high pressure and there’s a …

The clear benefit of using ground covers instead of grass is less of everything — less water, less fertilizer, less pesticides and less mowing. Tired of mowing, weeding, feeding and watering the lawn over, and over, and over again? It may be time to forget turf and move on to something that’s drought hardy, water …

When fully grown your Muhly Grass will block the view of your trash can. This side-yard garden project proves that designs don’t need to be complicated to be functional and beautiful. This one is a simple and fast weekend makeover. Calling all weekend warriors! Take that side-yard space from forgotten to functional with this simple-yet-elegant …

Available in organic and inorganic forms, mulch comes in many shapes and sizes. Choosing the right one depends on where you plan to use it. In the world of gardening, there are many different types of mulch for your landscape. Deciding which to choose depends on where you plan to use it. But first it …

HOW TO PLANT PERENNIALS: Measure the fit. Check the plant tag to see how wide and tall your new plant will be at full size. Get out a measuring tape and make sure it fits in the area you plan to plant it. Imagine it growing in a circle and mark the center where you’ll …

Let’s not be so quick to judge the humble weed. After all, they are green, native and an important part of a diverse, stable ecosystem. We have been blessed recently with plenty of rain to make everything grow lush and green. Of course, with all this extra time staying home and working from home, we …

These little guys are famished and your trees are a bountiful buffet. But before you banish them, remember this: Song birds are nesting now and caterpillars are the food supply for their young.

Hiking along a high oak rimmed bluff on a cool, crisp February morning, I caught scent of something deliciously sweet. My mind immediately conjured the image of a warm, honey-drizzled sopapilla as I whipped around to seek out the source of this decadent aroma. Nearby, covered in spectacular yellow blossoms, was a bushy shrub with …

While seed and suet do a fine job of attracting birds to your landscape, fresh, sparkling H2O will fascinate the flocks of feathered friends that flew in for winter. It’s no secret that birds fly south for the winter, but just how far south do they go? Mexico, Central and South America are common winter …