Mack 
If you want grapevines that produce large, flavorful, sweet fruit, pruning is one of the most important jobs in the garden. Many home growers let vines become tangled and overgrown, thinking more growth means more grapes. In reality, the opposite is often true. A vine with too many canes and too much old wood spreads its … Read more
Asparagus fern is a member of the lily family, and the Asparagus genus. This evergreen herbaceous perennial bears no resemblance to either, and in spite of its name, is not a true fern. This is because it sets seed rather than producing spores. Another contradiction is that what we would typically call leaves are actually … Read more
Bugleweed does not have the fame of ginseng or the romance of lavender, yet this modest wetland mint has earned a long-standing place in traditional herbal practice. Known botanically as Lycopus virginicus and related Lycopus species, bugleweed has historically been used for bleeding, coughs, and nervous agitation, but today it is best known in herbal circles for its possible … Read more
Bugleweed does not have the fame of ginseng or the romance of lavender, yet this modest wetland mint has earned a long-standing place in traditional herbal practice. Known botanically as Lycopus virginicus and related Lycopus species, bugleweed has historically been used for bleeding, coughs, and nervous agitation, but today it is best known in herbal circles for its possible … Read more
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is not only easy to grow but also boasts an array of benefits that make it a must-have in any garden. Known for its lemon-scented leaves, this herb is celebrated for its versatility, serving both household and garden purposes effectively. Whether you’re looking to enhance your sleep … Read more
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is not only easy to grow but also boasts an array of benefits that make it a must-have in any garden. Known for its lemon-scented leaves, this herb is celebrated for its versatility, serving both household and garden purposes effectively. Whether you’re looking to enhance your sleep … Read more
The common name hellebore is assigned to several species of plants in the Helleborus genus of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes monkshood, delphinium, and anemone. Hellebore foliage is thick, evergreen, and forms a low lying clump with leaves that are lobed and palm-like. Hellebores are among the earliest perennial flowers to bloom, welcoming spring with their … Read more
An almost-ubiquitous ground cover in much of the American South, Asiatic jasmine is actually not jasmine at all, though it is Asian, with origins in Korea and Japan. It takes the second half of its name from its fragrant flowers, which – under ideal conditions – perfume the air in springtime. This fast-growing evergreen vine … Read more
When you want show-stopping plants with big flowers, nothing beats dinner plate dahlias. These tall, colorful, long-blooming plants feature flower heads that can grow to more than 12 inches wide. These tender perennials generally put on a show from midsummer until the first fall frosts, but they aren’t the most low-maintenance plants. Pick a sunny spot … Read more
The Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’) is a vibrant flowering shrub that adds stunning summer color to gardens. Its blossoms start as pure white and gradually turn to a gentle pink, finally reaching a rich strawberry red. This color evolution creates a striking and varied display because not all flowers change at the same time. … Read more