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.
-
Southern Plains 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…
-
Southern Plains 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…
-
Southern Plains 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…
-
Southern Plains 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…
-
Southern Plains Regional ReportsBest Summer-Flowering Plants for Texas and Other Drought-Prone Areas
As temperatures soar, many plants turn to survival mode. Annuals and perennials that may have bloomed with abandon in May or June shut down production until cooler temperatures return. But…
-
Southern Plains Regional ReportsPlants With Golden Foliage That Stand Up to the Summer Sun
Go for the gold this summer with stunning golden foliage. All too often the intense sun and heat of summer on the Southern Plains causes yellow foliage to turn a…
-
Southern Plains Regional ReportsPretty Penstemon Varieties for Pollinators in the Southern Plains
When it comes to underappreciated perennials that deserve more attention, penstemon, or beardtongue (Penstemon spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) is among those at the top of my list. This genus…
-
Southern Plains Regional ReportsGrow a Rock Garden in a Challenging Area
A rock garden can help you overcome a number of challenges in the landscape of the Southern Plains—from poorly drained soil to hot, dry, rocky areas. It provides a means…
-
Southern Plains Regional Reports6 Great Plants That Tolerate Both Full-Sun and Shade Conditions
When designing a garden, I am often looking for plant material that tolerates both full-sun and shade conditions. Perhaps the garden bed includes a young tree that currently provides very…
-
Southern Plains Regional ReportsPlants for the Southern Plains to Add to Your Shopping List
Whether you’re walking through your local garden center, flipping through the pages of your favorite catalog, or scrolling the website of an online retailer, the sheer number of plant choices…
Most Popular
Fine Gardening Magazine
