category: Plant Care

For gardeners in regions accustomed to the chill of winter, snow and ice are inevitable visitors, often blanketing the landscape in a serene, white hush. While visually stunning, these winter elements can also pose significant challenges and potential damage to beloved plants, shrubs, and even the underlying soil. The weight of heavy snow, the encasing grip of ice, and the subsequent freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on delicate evergreens, break brittle branches, and stress perennial beds. Navigating these winter conditions effectively is crucial for ensuring your garden emerges healthy and vibrant come spring. ...

Monkey grass, a common name for plants like Liriope (Liriope muscari) and Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), is a popular choice for borders, ground cover, and accent planting due to its lush, evergreen foliage and low-maintenance nature. While these resilient plants require minimal care, proper trimming at the right time is key to keeping them looking their best, promoting healthy new growth, and preventing them from becoming unruly. Trimming removes old, discolored, or damaged foliage, giving the border a fresh, clean appearance and improving air circulation to prevent disease. This guide will walk you through exactly how and when to trim your monkey grass border for optimal health and aesthetics. ...

Understanding your yard’s soil texture is one of the foundational steps to becoming a successful gardener or lawn care enthusiast. Soil texture—the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles—directly impacts how well your soil drains, how much water and nutrients it retains, and how easily plant roots can grow. Knowing your soil’s texture allows you to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and amendments, ultimately leading to healthier plants and a more vibrant landscape. Fortunately, you don’t need a lab to get a good estimate; simple DIY tests at home can provide valuable insights. ...