Rant of the Month

Feb 1, 2017

Frost Heave

When the water in soil freezes it causes an upward swelling of the ground which can result in the heaving of recently planted specimens,...

Jan 1, 2017

Lawn Boy Landscape

Not sure where to begin here. I get what was trying to be done but, NO! (1) the plants (boxwoods) should have been actually planted, (2)...

Dec 1, 2016

Needs to be Mowed - Really?

This is what my front yard looked like at about 7 o'clock P.M. in late August (2016) after nearly 10-inches of rain over a 3-day period. ...

Nov 1, 2016

Burning Bush

The exotic burning bush (Euonymous alatus) is one of the most commonly planted large shrubs. Note that even the compact forms get at...

Oct 1, 2016

Neglect

MAINTENANCE: PROCESS NOT AN EVENT - Gardens/landscapes require ongoing maintenance. There is no such thing as a zero maintenance plant or...

Sep 1, 2016

Too Close

TOO CLOSE - No woody plants stop getting bigger until they die, unless dormant or pruned (and pruning often spoils the specimen and...

Aug 1, 2016

Volcano Mulching

VOLCANO MULCHING is a common practice but, regardless of whether you like the look, it is bad for the plant for several reasons (see...

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Unfortunately, most people know little about gardening and plants, including many "professionals" employed to choose, install and maintain and design landscapes. This page spotlights specific issues with commentary on remedy or recommendation for course of action. Examples are numerous and easy to find -- rarely requiring me to travel far from home. Hopefully, these postings will make the task more difficult. I also feature seasonally appropriate and useful topics to help educate.

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