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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Southern Plains Regional ReportsOrnamental Edible Shrubs for the Southern Plains
If you’ve ever stopped to appreciate an okra blossom or admire the lush foliage of a pawpaw tree, you’ve noticed that edible plants can be just as beautiful as ornamental…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsGrowing Hydrangeas in the Southern Plains
With long-lasting blooms and gorgeous foliage, hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) are the heart and soul of the summer garden. But growing hydrangeas in the hot, dry Southern…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsNative to Know: Indian Pink
Calling all hummingbirds! Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica, Zones 5–9), also called pinkroot, blooms all across the Southern Plains in late spring and early summer. Perhaps one of our showiest native…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsPlants to Support Native Bees in the Southern Plains
Bees are responsible for pollinating 80% of the world’s plants, including one-third of the food on our plates and many of the ornamental plants in our gardens. While European honeybees…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsPerennial Rebloomers for the Southern Plains
Dan Robarts says in his article on reblooming perennials, "...the criteria I generally adhere to for earning a spot in the beds at my home or botanical garden workplace center…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsAmending Clay Soils
While soils vary considerably across the United States, many gardeners are faced with the challenge of growing plants in heavy clay soil. This may be due to the natural composition…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsBeat the Heat with Shade-Tolerant Herbs and Veggies in the Southern Plains
Growing cool-season crops in the Southern Plains can be tricky. Spring plantings often bolt (go to flower) from the heat before crops mature, while fall plantings are difficult to establish…
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Southern Plains Regional Reports4 Outstanding Spring Plants for the Southern Plains
We all have certain plants that immediately come to mind when thinking of a garden in spring. For many, these are daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths skirting the trunks of flowering magnolias,…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsRegional Picks: Tough Plants—Southern Plains
See regional picks for tough pretty plants, and read the article by Julie Lane Gray for even more ideas. It’s important to define first what I mean by a “tough”…
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Southern Plains Regional ReportsRegional Picks: Variegated Plants for Shade—Southern Plains
See regional picks for variegated plants for shade, and read the article by Andy Brand for even more ideas. "While the cool, shady areas have provided me with the opportunity…
