Sheri Engstrom - Garden Guides

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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 Sheri Engstrom

Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

What Are The Parts Of A Hibiscus Flower?

What Are the Parts of a Hibiscus Flower?. The hibiscus is a member of the mallow family, which consists of 250-300 species. These species include large shrubs, trees, perennials or annuals. Hibiscus has dark green leaves and is deciduous, meaning the flowers will fall off within a day. The plants can grow to 15 feet tall in frost-free areas. Flowers may be up to 6 inches in diameter with a wide variety of colors. In the northern climates, the most common species is the Hibiscus rosinensis. These are bred specifically for flower size and color but are not winter hardy.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Autumn Joy Sedum Pest Disease

Autumn Joy Sedum Pest Disease. Sedum x 'Autumn Joy', or commonly called Autumn Joy, is an herbaceous perennial from the family Crassulaceae. It has been determined by some to be one of the best perennials for any garden. It is also a favorite of butterflies and bees. Although generally pest free, Autumn Joy can suffer from some pests in unfavorable growing conditions.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Pests On Sedum

Pests on Sedum. There are many types of sedum. This plant undergoes changes throughout the season. It starts with buds in the spring, then grows clusters of spiraled green leaves and by mid-summer has pale green flower heads that look like broccoli tops. These turn pink and then red by fall. There are also different height varieties. Well-drained soil is important to ward off fungal diseases, but sedum can still attract bugs. Some of them are beneficial predators to other bugs that can damage the sedum.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Hoya Plant Diseases

Hoya Plant Diseases. The genus Hoya or wax plant consists of over 200 species. The leaves and flowers are covered in a waxy substance, giving the plant its name. The leaves are green and the flowers are striking in creams, pinks, purples or whites. The wax plant can be a houseplant, perennial or shrub. Wax plants bloom early to mid-summer in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Like most plants, the hoya has problems with diseases and pests.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Euonymus Vs. Vinca Vine

Euonymus Vs. Vinca Vine. Ground cover is used around foundations, as an edging and for mass plantings. Ground cover stunts weed growth, prevents soil erosion and covers bare spots. It can be woody or herbaceous, clumping or running, evergreen or deciduous. Ground covers also bring together plants in the garden. They soften landscapes and help to define space. They can provide a transition between the lawn and taller plants. Two types of ground cover are the Euonymus and the Vinca vine.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Aucuba Plant Care

Aucuba Plant Care. Aucuba japonica is commonly referred to as Japanese aucuba or gold-dust tree. It is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows slowly. It grows in United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) hardiness zones 6 to 10. It is native to Japan, but is grown in gardens in Europe and the U.S.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Shasta Daisy Facts

Shasta Daisy Facts. The Shasta daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum, is a well-liked perennial plant because it is easy to grow. The Shasta daisy is known as "Becky" and is easily recognized by its white blooms with yellow centers. Shasta are also well-liked because they bloom all summer and attract bees, birds, and butterflies to your garden.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

The Best Caladium Varieties

The Best Caladium Varieties. Caladiums are tuberous tropical perennials grown for their leaves. There are hundreds of varieties of caladiums. The caladium does not flower but instead produces leaves which are strikingly colorful, beautifully shaped and heavily patterned in reds, pinks or whites with little green color left. The two most common types of caladium, fancy leaf and lance leaf, are distinguished by their leaf growth characteristics. Caladium plants can be bought at local garden centers or started directly from tubers if planted after the danger of the last frost of the season.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Trees

Trees By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Facts On Custard Apple Trees

Facts on Custard Apple Trees. The custard apple tree, or Anna reticulate L., is a deciduous fruit tree that is native to the West Indies and was brought to Central America and southern Mexico. It grows regularly in the Bahamas and southern Florida. It was also introduced into tropical Africa in the 17th century. It has many names, depending on the region, but all have to do with its physical appearance. It is referred to in the United States as the sugar tree.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Produce

Produce By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

Importance Of Japanese Zen Gardens

Importance of Japanese Zen Gardens. Buddhism is one of the major religions of the world and has a long, intricate history and belief system. Zen is an important school of Buddhism. It emphasizes contemplation and meditation as a means for achieving self-knowledge. Zen gardens are designed to help a person achieve the state of mind that leads eventually to enlightenment. Zen gardens are full of symbolism and should evoke quite emotional responses from the display of the elements. Monks stroll quietly through the gardens, focusing on the symbolism, and meditate on the Buddhist principles that are represented.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Produce

Produce By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022

About Yellow Jade

About Yellow Jade. Jade is a gem made from mineral aggregates, or different mineral materials such as stone, sand, and gravel. Jade is made up of two different minerals, Jadeite or Nephrite. A jade gem can be various colors depending on its mineral make-up. Yellow jade is a Nephrite mineral. Jade gems have a long history and meaning, especially in China. The jade market also has an economic impact based on mineral composition and color.
By Sheri Engstrom November 4th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Fungus On Texas Sage

Fungus on Texas Sage. Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) is also commonly referred to as ceniza, barometer bush or purple sage. It is an evergreen shrub native to Texas and New Mexico. It is a hardy plant, particularly under the high heat conditions of its native land. Generally, these plants are low-maintenance and pest- and disease-free. There is only one type of fungus, cotton root rot, that affects the Texas sage.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Trees

Trees By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Importance Of Ash Trees

Importance of Ash Trees. The ash tree is part of the Fraxinus species. They are large, deciduous trees and are very common in rural and urban landscapes across the country. Each species varies but for the most part, ash trees are United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardy in zones 4 though 8. The ash tree is important for many reasons but has recently been under serious attack from the emerald ash borer, a wood-boring pest.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Trees

Trees By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Palm Tree Vs. Coconut Tree

Palm Tree Vs. Coconut Tree. The palm tree (Palmaceae) contains more than 3,000 species in more than 230 families in the world, as of August 2010. The species found in the United States are mainly limited to southern California and Florida. Coconut palms fall within the species of palm trees, but have different characteristics that put them as the only member of the Cocos genus of palms.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Trees

Trees By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Copper Beech Tree Diseases

Copper Beech Tree Diseases. The copper beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) is also known as the European beech or common beech tree. It was originally native to Central Europe. It is United States Department of Agriculture hardy in Hardiness Zones 4 to 7. It is a deciduous tree that can grow 50 to 60 feet tall. In the summer the leaves are dark green with a tint of red. In the fall they turn a reddish-bronze color. The copper beech tree can become susceptible to some diseases.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Produce

Produce By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Bugs On An Aloe Plant

Bugs on an Aloe Plant. The aloe vera is a member of the Lily family Liliaceae. Aloes are related to lilies and asparagus; about 250 species exist. The aloe vera is a succulent leafy plant native to the southern and eastern parts of Africa and parts of the Mediterranean. The aloe vera plant can be susceptible to a number of insects under certain conditions.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Leaf Spot On Impatiens

Leaf Spot on Impatiens. Impatiens walleriana is the most popular plant in the United States. It is an annual—a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. After an annual produces its seed, it dies. Due to their short growing season, annuals flower almost continuously, more than most perennials. There are different types of annuals, depending on the temperature of the region. Annuals, including impatiens, also have insect and disease problems. Leaf spot is a particular problem with impatiens.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Flowers

Flowers By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Insects On Garden Phlox

Insects on Garden Phlox. Phlox paniculata, or common garden phlox, is an herbaceous perennial, or plant that grows back from the root every spring. There are numerous cultivars that vary in height, bloom time, flower color and other characteristics. They are most known for their bright colored flowers that have a sweet fragrance. However, they do suffer from diseases and insect problems in the garden setting.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More
Produce

Produce By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022

Portulaca Disease

Portulaca Disease. Portulaca has several species. Grandiflora is a moss rose trailing annual. Portulaca oleracea is used in landscaping and is an ornamental version of purslane. The two are similar as they both come from the purslane family. Both may have different physical characteristics and care requirements but both can be bothered by diseases and pests.
By Sheri Engstrom September 6th, 2022 Read More