Rose of Sharon, (Hibiscus syriacus.) is a great summer flower shrub hardy from zones 5 and higher. Although naturally a multi-stemmed shrub, rose of sharon can be trained through pruning (in late winter) to have simply one main trunk; thus some people refer to it as rose of sharon "tree." It's easiest to give rose of sharon its desired shape by pruning it accordingly during its first two seasons. It can also be trained for espalier. When pruning, use sharp pruners ...

According the University of Maine Extension web site, "Pruning is a vital part of maintaining a healthy raspberry planting. This practice greatly inhibits the spread of raspberry diseases and improves fruit quality and yield. During the summer months, regularly remove all new canes that emerge outside the desired plant row width of 12 to 18 inches. This improves light penetration and air circulation for the canes in the middle row that will fruit next year. Also r...

Looking for early spring color? There is a great tuber/corm that will spread year after year and dazzle you with warm rich yellow color early in spring. Winter aconites or Eranthis appear almost overnight, providing a very welcome splash of colour in late winter, often flowering with snowdrops. They have an underground corm, from which the yellow wild flowers and characteristic "frill" of leaves emerge, sometimes as early as Christmas in the southern zones....

Do you ever look at your lawn and wish the grass were thicker but don't want to start from square one digging up the entire yard? If you have some grass, but your lawn is a bit thin overseeding might be just right for you. Overseeding involves putting down grass seed to augment thin areas. You can actually overseed at any time as long as the seed does not dry out. However, spring and fall are your best bets for success. I have actually thrown seed down in the w...

On of my favorite early flowering shrubs or small tree is a hamamelis. These spectacular specimens flower in late winter and give winter weary folks their first taste of spring when winter is far from over. Many years I have had my hamamelis flowering in late January! These plants are easy to grow prefering sunshine and moist soil. They look nicest against some evergreens as it will set off the blooms nicely in the late winter. If you are thinking that these ...

April brings no shortage of things to do outside in the yard. The list may seem overwhelming but take it a few steps at a time and your garden and lawn will be sure to grow all season long. Now is the time to prune roses. The exception is the rambler rose. They bloom on last year's wood so leave them alone until after they flower. Plant new roses now. This is a great time to put in a new rose bush so it is well establis...

Rooting materials Clean, coarse, construction-grade sand is suitable for rooting many cuttings. It is also excellent mixed with an equal volume of peat moss. Vermiculite is a lightweight material used for rooting. It holds water well and promotes fine root growth. Perlite is another excellent propagation material. It is lightweight and ...

On a recent trip to Tanzania I was able to discover the wonderful Acacia tree. Standing tall with a wonderful umbrella shape these trees are especially beautiful when seen along against the sky at dusk and dawn. These trees do flower during the start of the rainy season and have a subtle but wonderful fresh scent. Watch as I show you a small part of the Serengeti plain.Rooting materials Cle...

Dogs, like people, need to maintain proper dental care. Caring for dog's teeth is something that pet owners have to incorporate into their daily lives much like a dog walk. My own personal experience is that many dogs are reluctant to have their teeth brushed. However, over time they tend to get quite use to it. I clean my dog's teeth at least every other day and I try to do it everyday. The more you clean their teeth, the better their o...

Selection of a training system will help guide how you prune your blueberries. Many fruit gardeners prefer to retain two to three main canes that will anchor the bush's fruit production. Young blueberries are carefully trained to maintain close base at the root crown and an open center to allow sunlight to pass through and allow air movement. Visually observe the blueberry bush. Imagine...