Homeowners often wish for a privacy hedge or screen for a variety of reasons: protecting an outdoor space from the gaze of neighbors, defining property boundaries, serving as a windbreak, hiding an unwanted view, or even deterring trespassers. Privacy hedges not only fulfill practical needs but also add aesthetic appeal to the landscape and provide […]
Native Shrubs
Have Boxwood Blight? Try a Native Shrub as Replacement
Do you have one or more boxwood shrubs that are looking rough? Unfortunately, it’s not likely to be something recoverable, like minor freeze damage or run of the mill pest damage, but rather a devastating disease called boxwood blight. The good news is that there are some great native replacements for boxwoods that can bring […]
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus Sericea) Budding Out in Spring
Recently I was excited to see some new leaves on my red osier dogwood (cornus sericea). These tiny light green leaves will darken as they enlarge to ovals of about 5 inches long. These leaves were spotted right at the beginning of April in SW Ohio. In general, the buds of cornus sericea will leaf […]
Thinking Big: Why You Need Trees and Shrubs in Your Native Plant Garden
Many gardeners typically associate the idea of “native plants” with colorful and vibrant wildflowers. But when you’re looking to make a big impact, it’s native trees that give you the most bang for your buck, in multiple ways. Trees perform hugely beneficial functions for our own properties by providing shade. This helps with cooling in […]