You’ve probably heard terms like native plants, exotic plants, and invasive species. But do you know what these terms mean and whether or not they overlap? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen explores some differences between native and exotic species and explains what makes a plant invasive.
You probably already know that ladybugs are beneficial insects that are good for our gardens. These brightly colored beetles are easily recognized by their bright colors and black spots. But did you know that there are more than 5000 species of ladybugs around the world? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen compares the most common native and non-native ladybugs in the United States.
Are you ready to say goodbye to the hassles of maintaining a grassy lawn? Flowering meadows are beautiful habitats with a rich diversity of plants and animals. The adventurous gardener can replace turfgrass with a much more natural assortment of ornamental grasses and easy-to-grow flowering plants. Garden expert Liessa Bowen will share some useful tips to help you get started.
Are you looking for a showy, long-lasting flower for your perennial garden? This easy-to-grow plant adds plenty of color to your garden and attracts pollinators, too! In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduces the allure of wood betony and how to grow these spectacular plants.
Would you like to try growing your own grapes but have limited space available? You can grow productive grapevines in a raised bed! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen will look at nine practical tips to help you grow the best grapes with all the convenience of raised bed gardens.
You are probably familiar with the colorful petunia flowers commonly sold as annuals at your local garden center. Did you know there are also wild petunias? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces these beautiful and easy-to-grow native wildflowers.
Are you looking for a tree to add structure and diversity to your yard? Consider a tree with showy, unique leaves that will really stand out in your landscape! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 29 tree species with uniquely different foliage.
Willow trees have a graceful, almost magical look to them. They are well suited to moist locations near ponds and wetland borders. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduces the diverse world of willows and how to best grow these trees in your landscape.
Sometimes, you’re looking for a flower that’s showy but not gaudy, delicate looking yet hardy, likes a partially shaded location, and perhaps even makes an excellent cut flower. Astrantias certainly fit this description with their sturdy pincushion-like flowers and neat clumps of vegetation. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss everything you need to know to grow a beautiful, long-lasting astrantia patch in your moist, shaded garden plot.
Do you enjoy preparing and eating your own meals? Don’t forget that you can also grow your own food, including delicious herbs to spice up soups, salads, sides, and main dishes! In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduces a versatile assortment of herbs, collectively known as “Herbes de Provence,” and how to grow them in your garden!
Are you looking for a beautiful native plant for your shade garden? Solomon’s seal is showy, low-maintenance, hardy, and loves the shade. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces one of her favorite spring wildflowers, Solomon’s seal, and how to help these plants thrive in your woodland shade garden.
Are you searching for some shrubs to fill your landscape? You may be tempted to grow Japanese barberry because it is familiar and widely used commercially, but know that there are many showy and better-behaved alternatives to this invasive species. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen offers 21 fantastic alternatives to growing Japanese barberry in your landscape.