Callie Barber

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Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Callie Barber

  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022

    How To Use A Rain Barrel For A Sprinkler System

    How to Use a Rain Barrel for a Sprinkler System. Rain barrels collect rainwater and store it for future use in watering your lawn and garden. Setting up a rain barrel is the ideal way to cut water costs. Place the barrel under your gutter spout to collect any water coming down and to prevent flooding around the base of your home. Adding a hose and sprinkler to the rain barrel can create an efficient watering system for your lawn and garden which can be used throughout the year.

    By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022

    Ways To Use Lemon Tree Leaves

    Ways to Use Lemon Tree Leaves. Lemon leaves are used all over the world to season dishes and entrees. Added to beer and wine, lemon leaves create a citric tang. Chop them up and let them float around in homemade soups or in your hot tea for a flavor blast. Lemon leaves, which are high in vitamin C, are a natural way to assist the body in fighting infections. When choosing lemon leaves, make sure they are organic and have not been mixed with chemicals or dyes. Fresh is always better, but you can also dry out the leaf.

    By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022

    Trailing Flower Perennial Plants

    Trailing Flower Perennial Plants. Trailing perennial flowers are striking planted along flowerbeds and borders, nestled within rock gardens and billowing over a garden wall or container. Trailing perennials with bright flowers add a burst of color and texture to the garden for a vibrant garden design. Grown in a wide variety, some trailing perennial are with evergreen foliage to create a constant source of color all year long.

    By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022

    Plants That Will Hide Electrical Boxes

    Plants That Will Hide Electrical Boxes. If you have an eyesore like an electrical box attached to your home, don't worry. You can use shrubs and trees to cover it up. There are many beautiful perennial blooms to plant that do an excellent job at hiding the electrical box. Depending upon where the box is located, make sure you have at least 36 inches of clearance from the box in case the utility company needs to work on your home.

    By Callie Barber November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Types Of Evergreen Trees With Red Berries

    Types of Evergreen Trees With Red Berries. When you think of evergreen trees with bright red berries, you may think of holly trees. Holly trees are grown in a variety of species and range from small dwarf hollies to towering giants like the Nellie R. Stevens holly, towering over 40 feet. Hardy holly trees are typically fringed with small spines. Evergreen hollies maintain their vibrant color all year long.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Italian Cypress Alternatives

    Italian Cypress Alternatives. Italian cypress trees are evergreen trees with an upright, vertical columnar shape. Tolerant of wide range of soil types, Italian cypress trees require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. As an evergreen, the Italian cypress keeps its leaves and color all year long. Alternatives for Italian cypress include evergreen shrubs and trees with a similar upright, columnar shape and a smaller width than height. Cedar and junipers, as well as other cypress varieties, are ideal alternatives.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Which Herbs Grow Well In North Carolina?

    Which Herbs Grow Well in North Carolina?. Herbs are the essential ingredients for flavor in many dishes. They are used to make teas and dried for sachets and potpourris. Some herbs are used to create soaps, candles and perfumes. Those living in North Carolina can propagate and harvest many types of herbs. Because many herbs require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, North Carolina is an ideal growing environment for these beauties.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How To Remove Ivy Suckers From Siding

    How to Remove Ivy Suckers From Siding. Ivy is a very strong and hardy vine that can completely take over a building or home, if left unchecked. Because of their strong and casting tendrils, the ivy can overtake cracks inside your home, as well as your gutters. If you have ivy growing around your home, it's essential to periodically check that it has not begun to invade the side of your home, which can permanently damage your siding.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Trees That Provide Dappled Shade

    Trees That Provide Dappled Shade. You may like to relax under your favorite shade tree for a welcoming respite from the hot sun or simply for a catnap. Trees that provide dappled shade are ideal for cooling off the garden and surrounding space. Oftentimes, shade-providing trees have an open and rounded crown that allows the light to penetrate down through the branches. Tucked along the backyard, trees also provide a focal point to the landscape.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Different Shapes Of Flowers

    Different Shapes of Flowers. Flower shapes create a distinct design to each bloom for a one-of-a-kind display in the garden. Ranging from bell, funnel and trumpet to bowl, spherical and saucer shapes, oftentimes flowers are categorized within one or more categories. For example, some flowers start off as one shape and eventually turn into another. Flowers like poppies range in a wide variety of shapes including saucer, cup or bowl while grape hyacinth grows in tubular, bell or spherical shapes.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    The Best Time To Prune Cedar Trees

    The Best Time to Prune Cedar Trees. Cedar trees are a variety of evergreen tree that require less pruning than deciduous trees. Pruning cedar trees consists mainly of removing dead, damaged or diseased wood. Regular and corrective pruning also helps the cedar retain its natural form and well-being.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Vegetables That Like Moist Soil

    Vegetables That Like Moist Soil. Water-loving vegetables such as tomatoes are a garden staple and summer favorite. Summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers require a moderate amount of water during high heat to ensure they ripen properly. Most vegetables that require a high moisture content also need full sun to produce their harvest. When the young vegetables are starting out, be sure to water them on a daily basis, especially during consistently high-temperature days.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Shrubs That Like Full Sun & Wet Soil

    Shrubs That Like Full Sun & Wet Soil. As the sun casts its glow onto the landscape, sun-loving shrubs emerge to light up the garden. Shrubs that require moist, wet soil often require well-drained, nutrient-laden soil. Grown in a wide range, each with its own distinct shape, size, color and texture, shrubs create a vibrant landscape presence and are a garden essential.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Plants That Will Attach To A Stucco Wall & Creep Up

    Plants That Will Attach to a Stucco Wall & Creep Up. Spruce up your stucco wall with a colorful and easy-growing plant. Creeping flowers and vines are the ideal plant to use for growing up and around the wall for a stunning wall design. Perennial vines that come back each year stronger and fuller are ideal for creating a long-lasting addition to the space. With the bright and vibrant bloom colors, the stucco wall is transformed into a magical and lush outdoor space.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How To Prune Northern Spicebush

    How to Prune Northern Spicebush. Northern spicebush is a shrub found growing across the eastern United States. Used to make essential oils and fragrant sachets, northern spicebush also provides food for over 20 species of birds. Historically Native Americans used the fruits of the northern spicebush for food and the leaves for tea. Northern spicebush can reach up to 9 feet in height. Its thin leaves reach up to 14 centimeters long, and the flowers appear in clusters of yellow. The shiny red berries are 6 millimeters long and single seeded. The name, spicebush, refers to the spicy fragrance of the stems and leaves when they become bruised.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How To Prune River Birch Trees

    How to Prune River Birch Trees. The river birch is a medium-sized deciduous tree extending from New England, west to Kansas. Used as a forest buffer and to assist in erosion control along stream banks, the river birch also provides food for many bird species, including grouse and white-tailed dear. River birch bark is light brown to buff in color and thin like paper. The leaves are double serrated and wedge-shaped with sharp points. The river birch is found growing along swamps and prefers fertile and moist soils with a pH between 4.0 and 6.5. It requires full sun and is very intolerant of shade.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How To Design A Backyard Serenity Garden

    How to Design a Backyard Serenity Garden. Building a serenity garden can help to create a relaxing and peaceful retreat to go to after a long day of work. Spending time in your garden will help you reconnect to nature while creating a beautiful focal point to your yard. Adding in the four elements--air, water and earth--creates a calming balance to the space. Using plants and flowers will enhance the tranquil feeling of your new serenity garden.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How To Prune Tamarack

    How to Prune Tamarack. Tamarack is a medium-sized deciduous tree found across North America and into British Columbia. Tamarack trees are harvested for posts, railroad ties and pulp products such as paper. Tamarack has a straight and slender trunk and can reach up to 65 feet in height. Prune your tamarack in the fall after a majority of the leaves and cones have dropped. This will ensure healthy and hardy growth the following growing season.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Types Of Green Plants

    Types of Green Plants. Green plants complement colorful flowers within the garden. Ranging from deep emerald green to pale or lime greens, green plants create a lush and cool feel to the landscape. Their fresh and oftentimes long-lasting foliage grows in a wide range of sizes, shapes and textures. Evergreen plants also have the benefit of retaining their green color and foliage all year long, creating a color-filled garden throughout the year.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How Fast Will A Whitespire Birch Tree Grow?

    How Fast Will a Whitespire Birch Tree Grow?. Whitespire birch trees (Betula platyphylla japonica 'Whitespire') are deciduous trees with an annual growth rate of 12 to 18 inches. They grow up to 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Kinds Of Cypress Trees

    Kinds of Cypress Trees. Cypress trees are evergreen trees with needles that remain with color year-round. The foliage on cypress trees varies from deep emerald green to blue and they turn fiery colors like deep oranges and russet browns in fall. Grown in a wide range of shapes and sizes, cypress trees typically have an upright, pyramidal shape that makes for a showy display in the landscape.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Perennial Flowers In North Carolina

    Perennial Flowers in North Carolina. North Carolina boasts an array of perennial flowers that thrive in this region. The temperatures around the state vary from the mountains to the coast, as do the flowers. Perennial flowers have the ability to come back each year stronger and fuller. Their blossoms and foliage die back after frost sets in, while the roots survive under the soil to keep the plant alive. Perennial flowers are ideal because they grow for many years and do not need to be planted each season.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Varieties Of Berberis

    Varieties of Berberis. Berberis, a genus with 450 different species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs, is known for its striking fall foliage that ranges from wine reds to deep purples and oranges. Oftentimes barberry shrubs prefer rocky soil, but they tolerate almost all soil varieties as long as they are well-drained. They make ideal specimen shrubs and colorful borders that add warmth to the garden. Barberry shrubs grow best in full sun to part shade.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Ideas For Landscaping A Bi-Level House

    Ideas for Landscaping a Bi-Level House. Bi-level homes, also known as a "colonial split," have a landing halfway between the two floors of the home. Because many bi-level homes are below grade, where the first floor of the home is partially below ground, proper landscaping is essential in creating a harmonious and unified space. Their boxy appearance is lifted and their large pictures windows enhanced with cascading plant varieties that bring in texture and shape to the home.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    How To Make A Trellis For Wisteria

    How to Make a Trellis for Wisteria. Create a wisteria trellis to add visual interest to your garden or outdoor landscape. As a focal point, it will draw your eye into the garden. You can use clippings from pruning to build the structure, creating an interesting and rustic design. Use your trellis to support wisteria's aromatic flowering vines. As the vines grow, the trellis will become an eye-catching and inviting addition to your garden.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Different Names Of Tomato Plants

    Different Names of Tomato Plants. Tomatoes are a warm-season perennial that grows in the summer months. They are a popular garden staple that provides endless possibilities for favorite dishes. There are hundreds of varieties of tomatoes to grow with a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes and tastes. These hardy growers provide abundant amounts of fruit and are ideal for canning. Tomatoes are easy to grow and don't require a lot of space, making these tough plants very versatile.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022

    Fast-Growing Plants In Winter

    Fast-Growing Plants in Winter. Winter-blooming plants provide a burst of bright color to the often colorless landscape. Their green foliage and interesting blooms withstand the cool temperatures and frost that winter often brings. Fast-growing winter plants speed up this process for a vibrant garden in a short period of time. Grown in a wide range of heights, shapes and textures, winter plants create a showy garden display.

    By Callie Barber November 3rd, 2022 Read More