Trees are among the most majestic plants in the landscape, and they are essential components of Earth’s ecology. We literally could not survive without these large, beautiful, and life-sustaining botanical wonders. However, unlike herbaceous plants, trees often require a considerable investment of time and money to reach their full potential in cultivated landscapes. Because there are a lot of trees to choose from, we want to get our tree choices right the first time.
To help you narrow down your options, we went to some horticultural experts and asked, “If you could only have one tree, which one would it be?” We recognize that asking them to choose just one favorite plant is a near-impossible request, but they obliged us with some fantastic trees that are right at the top of their lists of favorites. Next time you need a tree, consider adding one of these selections to your list.
Zones: 6–9
Size: 10 to 12 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, moist, well-drained soil
Native range: China
Cercis is a small genus of roughly 10 species with a worldwide distribution. These trees, commonly known as redbuds, are delightful for many reasons, both aesthetic and practical. They burst out in a gorgeous spring floral display that can range from pale pink to mauve. Like ornamental stone-fruit trees, such as cherry and peach (Prunus spp. and cvs., Zones 5–8), redbuds are smaller trees that bloom before leafing out. Additionally, when the blossom display is finished, they offer attractive foliage that lasts for much of the year. The heart-shaped leaves, similar to those of orchid tree (Bauhinia spp. and cvs., Zones 9–11), can range from a lively green to deep maroon, with many cultivar variations in
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Kitchen islands are notoriously sparse spaces because they are often used as extra workspace in the kitchen for prepping meals. Plus, with just a few inches of elbow room on either side of the island top and bottom, it may often be difficult to decorate this smaller space.
There are many mint varieties famous for their refreshing taste. These different Types of Mint offer a diverse range of flavors and scents, making them a fascinating subject of exploration. In this article, you will delve into the captivating world of many forms of this amazing herb.
Multiseason Garden Bed with Hesse Cotoneaster Get fall garden interest that lasts into winter with this easy-care plant combination featuring a Hesse cotoneaster shrub. Fall into winter with multiseason plants
Today we’re visiting with Rachel, a gardener and artist living in Elgin, Illinois (Zone 5b). She moved in 2022 to 1.5 acres and is in the process of designing and planting a fabulous front garden. She’s also diving into forest restoration for the back half-acre—making it beautiful for wildlife and her kiddos.
It’s officially peak guest season and if you’re like us, you’d want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the minute guests step in. Whatever the occasion may be—whether a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression.
A few weeks ago, frequent GPOD contributor Cherry Ong took us along on her visit to Bellevue Botanical Garden in Bellevue, Washington (GPOD on the Road: Bellevue Botanical Garden) but she sent too many photos to share that day, so we’re going back today to see some more of the beautiful images of this inspiring public garden.
Several times a year a visitor to our garden is shocked to find a rogue steak knife pierced downward in one of the beds, as if it were an escapee from our kitchen knife block. I’m always quick to tell them that it’s indeed where I meant to place it, and that I haven’t found any tool as great as a serrated knife when it comes to removing grass or root systems. It’s perfect for edging small areas or pulling up entire sheets of grass; all I have to do is start on one side and pull up as I carefully saw back and forth. It can be a cheap purchase from a thrift store—or in my case, the way I finally convinced my husband that we needed a new set of kitchen knives.
Moss campion plant (Silene acaulis) is a rock garden plant native to the Arctic tundra and high mountains of Europe and North America. In the U.S., it is confined to the Western mountains and New England, particularly Maine and New Hampshire. Its mat-forming, evergreen foliage is found tucked away in elevations too high for trees to grow, with harsh winters and short summers. While it cannot survive in the shade, it prefers moist soil.