all-year interest - Fine Gardening

  • Purple shamrock
    Design

    What is a Shamrock and How do You Grow Them?

    Shamrocks (Oxalis spp. and cvs., Zones 3–11), also known as wood sorrels, are beloved annual and perennial plants known for their distinctive foliage that resembles clover (Trifolium spp.). Shamrock leaves…

  • Need a screen but not a boxy hedge? Layering plants with different heights and seasons of interest creates a bermlike island bed that provides year-round movement, color, and texture—along with treasured privacy.
    Design

    A Garden Design for Privacy and All-Year Interest

    Seven years ago a couple in Carroll, Iowa, built the backyard of their dreams—or so they thought. It ­included an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace, a patio, and a hot tub.…

  • Design

    The Best New Hydrangeas

    If you grew up on the East Coast as I did, you know that hydrangeas are an iconic plant. I dare anyone to visit Cape Cod in the summer and…

  • Ural false spirea, ‘Sum and Substance’ hosta, Hellebore, Variegated petasites and cinnamon fern help you design with green
    Design

    Designing With Green

    This ubiquitous color, when used well, can be just as exciting as vibrant flowers

  • Design

    Conifers for Any Size Landscape

    Evergreen conifers provide the bones for any landscape. They offer a variety of colors, textures and habits all year long. While conifers are sometimes relegated to the rear or boundary…

  • Design

    It’s About Time

    Most gardeners come to a point in their lives when they have to ask themselves if they can still keep up with Mother Nature. Not only does age make it…

  • Design

    A Gentle Approach to Planting on a Slope

    When creating a new garden design, I first analyze existing elements to decide what works, what doesn’t, and why. Architectural and hardscaping elements are a good place to begin. When…

  • 'Millenium' Ornamental Onion
    Design

    Foundation-Friendly Plants

    Designing the plantings immediately surrounding your home is a tricky task for many gardeners. These plants are frequently viewed up close and personal by visitors and the UPS guy, so…

  • Varied border of trees, shrubs and perennials along a property line
    Design

    Plants for Property Lines

    We have all seen it: the line of arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 2–7) marching down the property line, stiff as can be, their heads lopped off…

  • containers that have interest year round
    Design

    10 Plants for Year-Round Containers

    These survivors can stay in pots for years, lending consistency to your designs