Caroline West

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Stories By Caroline West

  • How To Care For Anise Hyssop Plants In Winter

    How to Care for Anise Hyssop Plants in Winter. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a native of North America. Hybrid varieties were created and took the horticultural world by storm in 2004. Anise hyssop is a popular choice as part of a low-water, mixed border. The plant is 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with blue-violet flower spikes adding another foot in height. Flowers bloom in late spring and dead-heading (removing spent flowers) encourages repeat blooming through the end of summer. The strong anise flavor of its leaves makes it deer-resistant. Humans do enjoy eating the plant, so feel free to use the flowers in salads and the young leaves as garnishes.

    By Caroline West November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Make A Rhododendron Bloom

    How to Make a Rhododendron Bloom. What is the big attraction of rhododendrons? The dramatic flowers that cover the entire shrub in springtime. Rhododendron flowers come in a range of colors to fit any garden design scheme. Gardeners choose rhododendrons primarily for the flowers. Making sure that the rhododendron blooms heavily, year after year, is a top priority. Three factors influence blooming, and gardeners control them all: location of the rhododendron in the garden, proper fertilizer and complete deadheading of spent blooms.

    By Caroline West November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Plant Kentucky 31 Fescue

    How to Plant Kentucky 31 Fescue. Even in these water-wise days, a lawn is still a crucial part of many gardens. Ground cover and hardscape cannot compete with lawn in providing a comfortable play surface for children and dogs. Your local climate dictates the kind of grass that produces an attractive lawn. Kentucky 31 is a grass that has been planted widely since 1931. According to the Texas Cooperative Extension, Kentucky 31 is in the Tall Fescue grass family (Festuca arundinacea) and does well in hot summers, cold winters and a range of soils.

    By Caroline West September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Prune A Weeping Cherry Tree

    How to Prune a Weeping Cherry Tree. A weeping cherry tree (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula') is a romantic garden feature in spring, with its drooping branches laden with showy white or pink flowers. The form of the tree is an important part of its beauty and careful pruning is essential to maintaining its appearance. Pruning is also important for the health of the tree, along with proper watering. The weeping cherry is happiest in moist, well-drained soil and full sun. A mature tree can be 15 to 30 feet across and 20 to 40 feet tall.

    By Caroline West September 6th, 2022 Read More