Perhaps it’s just me. I had owned my home for almost three years before I realized that those long green boxes under my windows weren’t there to catch falling leaves, rain, or dead insects. My first three years were primarily spent digging up the previous owner’s “garden” and learning ...

For me one of the added benefits of gardening is being able to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. I love watching the hummingbirds cavort outside my window as they jockey for position at my feeder. The first task, however, is to get them to my garden and keep them coming back. With that in mind, last season I decided to add bee balm (monarda) to the border closest to my windows and the feeder. Close by is my lovely...

A common gardening dilemma: Your neighbor has geraniums that are just the right color for your patio, but you’ve never seen anything like them at the nursery. Or you visit a friend who has splendid azaleas, but she can’t remember what variety they are. What can you do? The answer is simple: Just ask your friend...

Getting your trees, shrubs off to a good start The methods for planting large shrubs and trees vary, depending on whether you buy a plant in a container, in a burlap wrap, or in bare root form. On this page you’ll find the many planting and transplanting techniques for shrubs and trees and for special plants such...

If you are interested in purchasing any of the plants that you see, thanks to our relationship with Nature Hills Nursery, Inc., you will get great products at a terrific price.  At the same time, you will be supporting our efforts here at New Gardener.com. Please keep in mind that you will never pay more by placing your order through our web site. Braeburn Apple Tree Scientific Name: Zone: ‘4 –...

Wherever you buy your plants, seeds, or bulbs, the problem is the same as always: How do you choose the healthiest, strongest plant for your garden? The first step is to find a nursery with conscientious employees who know their stock and can advise you. Ask friends and neighbors for their suggestions on where to go, and then try to do your shopping on off hours or off days when the pressure of business is light. Following...

Here's my gardening companion, Chance. Some years ago when my wife and I had cats, one of our more mischievous felines was a small male named Cooper. We used to call Cooper the “Vomit Comet.” Cooper liked playing with one of our English Ivy houseplants. Without warning the tranquil stillness of our home would suddenly be disrupted by a hideous cat-vomiting sound, followed by the blurry flash of what looked...

(Here’s a complete assortment of great weigela shrubs.) When I first moved to my current home some ten years ago, I needed to do a total makeover of the shrub and flower beds in front of my house. The first shrub I planted was a Wine and Roses Weigela. It was one of the best gardening decisions this new gardener has made. I planted the weigela next to the steps leading up to my front door. From the second season...