Tough Trees for the Urban Canopy
Why do we need tough trees? What challenges do we face in the urban canopy toady that requires specific planning for canopy diversity? Trees are our best choice for the fight against air pollution, poor air quality, heat islands, and climate manipulation. When we have trees in our landscapes, parks, and streetways, our overall health, […]
The Importance of Bark
Bark is of one of my favorite attributes of trees. Yes, leaves and flowers are more important to landscapers and homeowners, and even insects. But bark is not only important for overwintering insects, it is also important as a means of identification, as well as protective cover for the tree. And bark changes so much […]
Dark Leaves – Adding Depth to the Garden
Putting dark leaves in the garden not only adds depth, but also intrigue, and if done right, mystery. Plants with dark leaves are rare in nature, but abound in the nursery trade, after being bred and selected for generations. I love using dark leaves in the garden, more so than chartreuse or variegated leaves. But […]
New Plants : What is Coming in 2023
Well, it is a new year, and new plants are coming to the nursery. Now, that does not entirely mean that these are all brand new plants that have never been grown before. Some, I have been growing in my gardens for a awhile, and are just new to the nursery. And others are new […]
Guide To Growing Oaks: Benefits of Oak Trees
I have been wanting t write on this topic for awhile; the benefits of oak trees. Oak trees have so many benefits, and it can be difficult to go into them all in a single post. That is why I have broken the topic of oak trees into different posts, so you can learn how […]
Beautiful Maples
Its that time of year again. Time for the going to all your favorite places to view fall color. Here in Northeast Kansas, we do not need to go far to find beautiful maples; we can go to any of our local towns. Indeed, Hiawatha, KS is known as the City of Beautiful Maples. But […]
Mast Years and Their Effect on Trees
What is a mast year? I get this question a lot from gardeners, but not in this form. Many gardeners ask it in a different way. For example, why are the trees producing such large and so many acorns this year? Or, why did my apples produce so well last year, but not this year. […]
Trees for Birds – The Top 6 for Landscapes
Trees for birds? Are trees not for birds? It really makes a difference what kind of trees you plant. With September and fall tree planting right around the corner, we need to plan ahead for the kinds of trees to plant. Too often, we plant trees for ourselves, and what we want, not thinking about […]
Fruit Tree Guide – Growing Peaches
There is almost nothing as wonderful as the taste of fresh, tree-ripened peaches on a warm afternoon. With the sweet juice running down your chin and the buzz of insects around, if you have not experienced this, then you need to plant some peach trees. Here in the Central Great Plains, peaches can be difficult […]
