Landscapes sustain us by giving us food to eat, air to breathe and space to live in — let's repay the favor. When choosing what we plant, it's important to respect our natural landscapes and the wildlife they support. Sustainable garden practices teach... more »

You want a shrub in that dry corner, but no shrub will work. You want something that looks different. You want superlow maintenance. I've got just the right perennial for you: Baptisia is a quick-growing, uniquely blooming wildflower native to areas from... more »

“In the Spring," the poet Tennyson tells us, "a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love." He fails to mention where a young woman's fancy turns. I can speak only for myself, but every spring of my girlhood — as far back as I can remember... more »

Witness the delicate, pendulous blossoms that hang against Chinese lantern's foliage, and you'll wonder if this shrub has been decorated with handmade paper ornaments. Commonly seen as a potted houseplant, Abutilon hybrids are making the transition outside.... more »

My grandpa, agile with his hands more for framing barns than fine cabinetry, built one of the most memorable presents of my entire early youth: a postage stamp-size greenhouse. Heated with a pair of hanging red lamps, parked beside the farm truck and... more »

I love the look of white roses — they are cool and elegant, and instantly add class to any garden. In the language of flowers, white roses symbolize sincerity, purity and chastity. They also indicate innocence and spiritual love, and have sometimes... more »

There’s a distinct smell to native Southern California flora, and if you can get far enough out into the native landscape, you’ll discover a fragrance that exudes warmth and dryness. It’s a scent I look everywhere for and one I associate closely... more »

Pink roses are so charming and endearing, softening any garden with their pastel hues. Pink roses signify thankfulness, happiness, admiration and joy, making them treasured tokens for celebrations like birthdays, weddings and showers. This rose color... more »

Spring is wonderful in a million different ways, not the least of which is the abundance of flowers that grow at no other time of year — crocuses, tulips,... more »

“Pteridophyllum racemosum," I answered, thereby landing a privileged internship at New York's Stonecrop Gardens. My bottomless appreciation... more »

The sunny faces of yellow roses can brighten and warm any corner of a garden. Yellow roses signify joy, gladness and friendship, and have traditionally been given to new mothers, newlyweds and graduates to celebrate new beginnings. Here are five favorites... more »

The bright yellow daisies of Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) make a dramatic color statement in the landscape — especially when planted in masses. This Chihuahuan desert native is at home in both low- and high-desert regions of the American... more »

Calling roses "easy" may seem like an oxymoron, but there truly are some varieties that are low maintenance. Many roses are susceptible to black spot, aphids and fungal diseases and need a fair amount of spraying and fussing to keep them healthy, but... more »

A cottage garden favorite, this easy-care perennial has it all. Whether you need an attractive alternative to hostas for your shade garden, a unique foliage... more »