Benefits of Potted Plants: Mobility, Focus, Flexibility & More

Why Garden in Containers? Mobility. Move plants to suit the season or your mood. Light up dark corners with shade lovers. Grow short-bloom stars (lilies, foxglove) in pots, then transplant to garden. Take your garden w

Low-Cost Planters from Everyday Objects: Buckets, Tiles & Twigs

Covered Bucket Planter Materials Metal or plastic bucket 1/4″ or 1/2″ plywood Wood preservative, glue, 1/2″ screws Paper-thin bark sheets or thin branches (4″ lengths) Nails, 12×36″ chicken wire, sheet/bag of moss Cabl

Time-Release Garden Design: Nonstop Color from Spring to Fall

This cottage-style garden plan demonstrates principles for any style: varied heights/textures, massed plantings, coordinated color combos—all sustained across the full growing season. Early Spring Bulbs (narcissus, tu

Prioritize Your Landscaping Projects: Where to Start

Before breaking ground, consider three key factors: your long-term vision, immediate needs, and budget phases. Start with projects that add the most value and enjoyment—often hardscapes (patios, paths) and structural pl

Create a Container Water Garden in an Afternoon

Materials Watertight container ≥24″ across (e.g., 2′ wide × 3′ long) Level Dwarf cattail Water lily Helvola Parrot feather Water hyacinths Small pots (for transplanting) Plastic mulch Topsoil or dirt (not potting soil)

Pond Pointers: Real Gardeners Share Their Wisdom

Experienced pond owners reveal what they love—and what theyd do differently. Lessons Learned Liz: Bought a house with a 1,200-gal pond. Learned its not an aquarium—dont scrub! Use underwater, floating, and bog plants.

Premium Front Yard Landscape Design: Hardscaping & Planting Excellence

This two-story home on a 95-ft wide lot showcases a 51-ft deep front yard with extensive hardscaping and top-tier plants. Driveway A lamppost (white to match house trim) marks the entrance; white clematis softens it.

Landscape Materials Guide: Concrete, Asphalt, Brick, Stone & Pavers

Non-plant materials play a huge role in garden design. Heres a primer on selecting and maintaining paving, edging, paths, and walls. Concrete Basics: Cost-effective, long-lasting. Must be formed, poured, finished, cure

Family-Friendly Backyard Design: Gathering & Getaway Zones

The Gathering Space Every family needs a gathering zone—ideally near the kitchen for easy indoor/outdoor dining. If you lack a deck or patio, build one close to the house. The Getaway Space Equally important: a quiet

Build a Low-Maintenance Loose-Fill Path

A weed barrier and proper edging keep this walkway tidy for years. Buy materials in bulk (by the cubic yard) for significant savings over bagged products. Lay out curves with a garden hose. Tools: shovel, rake, wheelbar

Small-Space Garden Ideas: Expand, Enhance & Enjoy Every Inch

Expand the View Hide bad views selectively; keep sightlines to the sky. Use low fences (2–3 ft) to create rooms without blocking views. Remove or minimize deck railings if under 3 ft high; choose visually light railing

How to Lay a Flagstone Path

Flagstone is sold by the ton; one ton of 2″ thick stone covers ~90 sq ft. Confirm coverage with your supplier. Have stone delivered close to the site. Tools: baby sledge, brickset, hand tamper, gloves, eye protection.

Make a Vintage Trellis from Old Garden Gates

Turn two salvaged garden gates into a charming, blooming trellis with a built-in planter. A little creativity transforms discarded items into garden art. Materials 2 similarly sized garden gates 2 pieces of 12″ square

Build a "Pond in a Box" Raised Water Garden

Materials Pressure-treated lumber: six 8-ft 1x2s, two 8-ft 2x2s, two 8-ft 2x4s, seven 8-ft 2x8s Deck screws (2″, 2-1/2″, 3″, 3-1/2″ corrosion-resistant flathead) Wood shims Pond liner (≥66″ square, 35 mil thick) Pond p

Nursery Plant Shopping Secrets from a Pro

Barbara Pierson, nursery manager at White Flower Farm, shares insider tips for choosing healthy, site-appropriate plants. Secret #1: Read the Label Exposure, hardiness zone, mature height and width—the label tells you

Build a Latticed Privacy Screen for Your Backyard

A Backyard Privacy Solution Close neighbors can make a backyard feel like a fishbowl. A latticed screen provides seclusion while creating a beautiful backdrop for a patio or garden area. It filters views without blockin

Working with Landscape Professionals: What New Homeowners Need to Know

Collaborating with a landscape designer or contractor can save time, money, and frustration. Professionals bring expertise in site analysis, plant selection, hardscape construction, and project management. Before hiring

Utah Landscaping: Thriving in Diverse Climates

Utahs wildly varied ecosystems—from high mountain deserts to low-elevation dry zones—demand region-specific plant choices. David Anderson of Utah State Universitys Botanical Center shares strategies for each major regio

Build a Rock-Edged Gravel Path That Drains Well

A porous weed mat is essential—it prevents weeds while letting water drain. Avoid black plastic; it traps water, creating a muddy mess or icy hazard in winter. Materials Edging stones or pavers Weed mat (landscape fab

Smart Solutions for Tight Landscape Spaces

Inviting Entry Create a welcoming front yard without sacrificing privacy. A rustic arbor and split-rail fence set the scene. How to Get This Look Combine black bamboo, Japanese maples, and weeping spruce for privacy an