Springtime delights abound: Red-winged blackbirds call from the wetlands as they begin their nesting rituals; spring peepers punctuate the evening from the woodlands behind our home; and wondrous ephemerals like wood lily (Trillium spp) and trout... more »

Swings of temperate weather have brought patches of exposed earth, liquid puddles and soft expanses of mud that freeze and thaw, but winter's grip is still with us. On mild days it's possible to get out into the landscape, but it's important to go slow... more »

Last year I had a Valentine's Day party with garden friends and asked everyone to bring some catalogs or a favorite book to share. It was a hit. We laughed and had great conversations as we compared stories and experiences — plants that had bombed,... more »

Maybe you got some pruners or a fabulous gardening book as a holiday gift and are anxious to start reading, making notes and planning to try new plants. Take some time this month to make a fresh start outdoors. Here are a few things to consider putting... more »

It's the last month of a busy year. Most of us have stashed away gloves and tools for the season, and some can kick off their boots by a toasty fire to warm their tired limbs. While our gardens sleep under a blanket of mulch and light snow and don't need... more »

Veronica is a large genus of herbacious perennials that has something for everyone — multiple flower colors, multiple foliage textures and a variety of forms. Whether you need an upright accent in cool white or a durable, evergreen ground cover, Veronica,... 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 »

A specimen tree that's unique and attractive, and offers year-round interest, makes sense in a garden; it's useful, hardworking and will perform season after season. Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) performs most notably in one season... more »

River birch (Betula nigra) is a one of the best trees for year-round interest. With its multicolored papery bark that peels away from the trunk, this North American native species is a great choice for a driveway entrance, backyard habitat or woodland... more »

The Eupatorium genus has a plant for everyone. From purple to magenta to white blooms, from gold leaves to green leaves, from short to gargantuan forms, you just can't go wrong. In winter the taller species provide fantastic architecture that birds... more »

I first started using Culver's root for kicks — I wanted something different. Thanks to its candelabra blooms adored by butterflies, good yellow fall color and carefree growing, I've come to adore this Midwest native and consider it a staple design... more »

I like it when I can suggest a U.S. Central Plains native plant that's as tough as nails and as important as oxygen. Mountain mint can take almost anything and thrive while being a bona fide nectar source for pretty much every insect in existence. Plus,... more »

Foliage is what really counts. Flowers, stems, bark, fragrance — all of these are important, but when looking at plants from a design perspective, it's the leaves that I care about, and anything that has a long season of interest is worth taking note... more »

While fall and winter holidays may have the seasonal decorating market cornered, I like to think that in the home — and garden — ornamental festivities can be enjoyed year-round. Foliage, flowers and berries denote the changing of the seasons, and... more »