Pampas grass thrives in challenging landscapes with standout tufted plumes. However, it spreads rapidly and is a beast to get rid of. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores a sampling of the multitude of pampas grass alternatives to add movement, texture, and ecological services to the landscape.
We may be in the heart of summer, growing and harvesting, but it’s not too early to begin planning or even starting some of our favorite fall seeds. From blooms to vegetables, with direct sowing or starting indoors, garden expert Katherine Rowe outlines when to begin fall seed starting for your growing zone.
Most of us experience rose dieback at some point, hopefully minor rather than widespread. Stems that blacken and die on a rose indicate a larger condition at play. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe outlines common causes of rose stem dieback as well as management and prevention, so that new shoots can restore the shrub to full glory.
Sweet corn envelops the taste of summer, with a much sweeter and fresher taste when it's homegrown. Corn earworms steal some of the joy as a common pest that can pop up throughout the season, especially with later yields. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores how to prevent and manage the corn invaders for the most starchy goodness.
While no plant is totally deer-proof, those with qualities they find distasteful are the first line of defense against widespread damage. With heat-tolerant, deer-resistant perennials, the summer garden can flourish despite cloven visitors. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores unpalatable ornamentals that thrive in hot weather. As a bonus, they’re also low-maintenance, easy to grow, and support pollinators.
Hibiscus brings the colorful tropical flair we associate with sunny summertime days. Where to plant hibiscus depends on their optimal cultural conditions and bang-for-the-buck visual appeal as standout specimens. The best location also depends on the type, from flowering tropicals to hardy perennial species. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe outlines where to plant hibiscus for the best growing foundation and lasting, captivating appeal.
Part of the joy and learning in the garden is trying new plants, sometimes pushing them beyond their comfort zone in hopes they’ll overcome situational challenges. The temptation to try a beautiful perennial that grows elsewhere is irresistible, and we succumb to the reality of our climate zone or soil type. Difficult perennials often come with a specific set of cultural requirements that can be challenging to meet. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores tricky perennials, which may be a breeze in some gardens and the envy of others.
Rudbeckia triloba, or brown-eyed Susan, brings lively color with vibrant blooms from summer through frost. The North American native makes a sunny addition to a naturalized landscape. It attracts pollinators, and needs little tending to thrive. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores the merits of the easy-going wildflower with high color late in the season.
If you missed spring cutting season, summer is prime for propagating many of our favorite perennials and annuals, and even some woody shrubs. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in exploring which plants to grow from cuttings in summer to expand the garden collection.
Russian sage is a standout with fine, silvery leaves and stems and packed sprays of purple-blue blooms. Hardy and adaptable, the low-maintenance perennial grows across varying climates with ease. It also complements a wide variety of other specimens that share its growing requirements. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe shares perennials to plant with Russian sage to bring out the best in the pairing.
Common flax is an ornamental and rewarding crop to incorporate into the home garden, from edible beds to informal borders and everything in between. Seeds are powerhouses of nutrition, and growing our own means plenty of protein and omega-3s on the table. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe outlines how and when to harvest the historic grain for versatile applications.
The right time for picking cherries captures maximum flavor and texture for the ideal balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re nearing the harvest stage this summer or getting ready to add cherry trees to your edible landscape, Katherine Rowe outlines how and when to harvest the valuable garden rewards.