Kimberly Toscano
Kimberly Toscano is a freelance writer and horticulturalist with an eye on design. Formally trained in horticulture, environmental science, and entomology, she is interested in all things edible as well as garden design and landscaping for wildlife. Kim takes a holistic approach to gardening and landscaping, working in harmony with the natural environment. This includes organic and sustainable gardening practices, careful management of water, and enhancing biodiversity in the landscape.
Before establishing a career in freelance writing, Kim served as writer and host for Oklahoma Gardening, a weekly PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. In this role, she shared her expertise through more than 1,000 video segments covering all aspects of gardening, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living. To support her programming, Kim designed over a dozen gardens that were installed at The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, including a formal terrace, an organic vegetable garden, and themed ornamental plantings. Learn more about Kim’s work at www.kimtoscano.com.
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Southwest Regional ReportsEvergreen Ground Covers for the Southwest
From erosion control to weed suppression, ground covers play an important role in the garden. They benefit neighboring plants by shading the ground, which helps keep soil cool and reduces…
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Southwest Regional ReportsSpring-Blooming Bulbs for Challenging Soils and Dry Climates
I’m always looking to get the biggest reward from the time and energy I put into the garden. I love annuals that reseed themselves in my butterfly garden and perennial…
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Southwest Regional ReportsGreat Native Vines to Replace Invasive Species
Vines play a special role in the garden, covering vast amounts of space with little investment from us. Most vines are chosen for their climbing ability and used to add…
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Southwest Regional ReportsPeak-Season Perennials for the Southern Plains
While we would all ideally have gardens that look at their peak in every season, the reality is often far from that ideal. Very few of us have all the…
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Southwest Regional ReportsPlanning a Firewise Landscape
With urban expansion pushing communities farther into natural areas, wildfires are growing more and more problematic for homeowners. Subdivisions and individual homes surrounded by natural landscapes face special wildfire risks.…
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Southwest Regional ReportsGrowing Blackberries in Southern Gardens
Blackberries are a rewarding crop to grow and one that tolerates the high heat of the Southern Plains. In recent years, improvements in pest resistance and reduced chilling requirements of…
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Southwest Regional ReportsHow to Protect Broadleaf Evergreens from Winter Damage
Broadleaf evergreens such as southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora and cvs., Zones 6–10) are a welcome sight in winter, adding color to the dormant landscape. These plants, however, are often susceptible…
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Southwest Regional ReportsHardy Shrubs With Showy Berries
Looking to brighten up the fall and winter garden? Consider adding fruit-producing shrubs to your plant palette. Flowering shrubs that develop colorful fall and winter berries not only add beauty…
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Southwest Regional ReportsGrowing Shallots in the Southern Plains
Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum and cvs.) are expensive to purchase in the store, which is one reason I like to grow my own. A member of the allium or…
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Southwest Regional ReportsPlants to Fuel Migrating Birds in the Southern Plains
Late summer through autumn, millions of birds pass through the Southern Plains on their migration to southern wintering grounds. Birds follow four main paths as they migrate. The Southern Plains…
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