All-America Selections, the only non-profit trialing organization for plants that demonstrate great garden performance throughout North America, presents 11 exciting new AAS Winners for the 2017 garden season. We’re featuring the flowers this month, the vegetables in the March issue. Each of the following varieties was trialed in North America by professional, independent, volunteer judges during one growing season. Each
Read moreGrowing Vegetables in Containers Millions of Americans plant vegetable gardens. But oftentimes we hear comments such as, “I don’t have room,” or, “It is just too much work to combat our local soils.” If you are one of those people who can’t see the forest for the trees then I have the solution for you — containers. Container gardens for
Read moreDolce® Blackcurrant Coral Bells Heuchera hybrid Type: Perennial to zone 4 Sun/Shade: Will perform well in sun or shade in Northern climates, but will do best in shade in Southern climates. Height: The foliage is 8 to 12 inches tall, with flower spikes a foot or more taller than the foliage. Spacing: 16 to 20 inches apart Habit: Mounded, used
Read moreThese days it seems that our living spaces are getting smaller whether by desire or necessity. Yet we still want to add green life into our homes. It’s a good thing then there are small plants that can fill any small spot in your home. With a little digging you can find a world of small plants from a micro
Read moreCheerful Winter Bloomers By Jan Vinyard Isn’t it hard for gardeners to be without bloom in the garden? You bet it is! The answer to that issue is to find things that bloom at unusual times, such as in winter. IN THE WINTER? That’s right! Our Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been blooming during all of these nice winter days.
Read moreFavorite Festive Flower When our children were young, we established a family tradition of shopping for a live Christmas tree. Also on the list of holiday décor was a wreath for the door, garland for the fireplace mantle, and an amaryllis or two for seasonal indoor color. Naturally, any excursion that concluded with hot chocolate was enough motivation for kids.
Read moreDo you spend the winter months thinking and planning next year’s garden? Are you looking for plant suggestions? Here’s one worthy of your consideration. Lantana, this stellar garden performer, is one tough cookie. Extremely drought tolerant, easy care and no pests or disease problems, makes Luscious® Citrus Blend™ Lantana a must in the garden. Lantana are easy to maintain. Their
Read moreThe Kansas City area has many garden destinations to visit. Click here on Garden Destinations for the list we came up with.
Read moreLooking for a stunning shrub to be a highlight in the winter landscape? Winterberry is a solid contender. Ilex verticillata, commonly called winterberry, is a deciduous holly that is native to North America where it typically occurs in swamps, damp thickets, low woods and along ponds and streams. So she’s a natural for saturated areas in the Midwest like rain
Read morePoinsettia is perhaps the most common plant gift of the Christmas season. It is colorful, traditional and looks like it should be tough to withstand any conditions in the home. Many recipients assume that it will last for months in the home environment. Cared-for properly and the poinsettia will give weeks of color and pleasure to its owner. But, it
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