Flower Fitness

Flower Fitness

Many flowers will bloom longer or bloom again after a short rest if the spent flower stems are removed once the blossoms fade. Wildflowers such as Penstemon may be longer-lived if the spent flower stems are removed before the plants put energy into producing seeds....
Creating Habitats That Attract Wildlife

Creating Habitats That Attract Wildlife

There are several garden amenities that both wildlife and people find especially important: Layers of planting from tall tree canopies to low- growing groundcovers. The protection of dense vegetation in some areas and open spaces in others: groups of shrubs, flowers...
Mulching

Mulching

Mulches are blankets of loose material that cover the soil to minimize evaporation, keep roots cool in summer, suppress weed growth and slow erosion. Mulches can also provide visual interest and make the landscape more cohesive until young plants mature to fill the...
Water Intelligently

Water Intelligently

Efficient irrigation saves water. When plants are grouped by their water needs, plants that need water more often in summer, such as vegetable gardens, fruit trees or turf, can be accommodated while desert natives with the lowest water needs can be watered less often...