Although insect larvae live primarily in backyard ponds, adult insects are frequently near or on ponds’ water, seeking a place to lay eggs or feed. The record of insects you may see in California ponds is quite long, but a few common insect species often are found close to almost any backyard aquatic atmosphere. Mayflies… Continue reading Typical Insects in Backyard Ponds

Oak trees (Quercus spp.) take decades to mature. Depending on their own species, the trees are 20 to 30 years old when they create their initial acorns. Even then, acorn production isn’t constant from year to year. Factors such as freezing temperatures throughout blooming, excessive rain, windy conditions, drought and nutrition can affect acorn production.… Continue reading How Many Years Can it Take for an Oak Tree to Produce its First Acorn?

Removing weeds can look like an endless struggle, but landscape fabric, mulches and herbicides provide control for an extended time. Perennial and annual weeds invade garden beds, lawns, paths and driveways, and after removal frequently reappear within days. Perennial weeds regrow away from their roots and annual weeds sprout from seeds in dirt. Covering weeds… Continue reading The way to Kill Weeds for an Extended Time

The two things rosemary plants (Rosmarinus officinalis) dislike many are deep cold and moist soil. In the warm-winter climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, in which rosemary is a perennial, deep cold usually is not a problem. Winter rains, however, could have you thinking about how to move your… Continue reading Can I Transfer Rosemary to the House for Winter?

Lady Banks’ rose (Rosa banksiae) makes planting a simple task whether you opt for a bare-root rose or even a container-grown plant. Decidedly not fussy, this vigorous climber is famous for flourishing in rough, thin conditions with minimal care. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11, Lady Banks’ rose regularly… Continue reading How to Plant Lady Banks' Roses

A yard that faces south means lots of sunshine, with warmer, drier conditions for plants. Pick heat- and trees to carry out your landscaping objectives. To decrease the heat load during summer on the front of the house, contemplate screening evergreens or large trees for colour. Choose trees that are deciduous if winter heat is… Continue reading Trees for a Front Yard With Southern Exposure

Sugar snap peas require between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures, establish and to grow pods. They are grown as a spring plant in cooler Northern California areas. In wetter coastal regions with warm summers, they grow best in winter once the rains begin to ebb but before summer temperatures arrive. In more inland regions… Continue reading The Way to Grow Bush Sugar Snaps

Sweetgum trees, commonly referred to as liquid ambers (based in their genus name of Liquidambar), are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5b throughout 10a. They have shiny, dark green , star-shaped leaves which turn purple red in late autumn. Exotic Exotic trees grow 60 to 70 feet tall with a canopy spread up to 45… Continue reading How to Prune Sweetgum Trees

Summer hits on the Fantastic Lakes garden in June. There are garden walks, graduation parties and weddings in gardens full of blooms. The first goodies from the backyard are prepared to consume, but beware of diseases and bugs starting to appear too. Barbara Pintozzi June Blooms The June backyard is full of old-fashioned, romantic favorites:… Continue reading Great Lakes Gardener's June Checklist

When designing a backyard, we are encouraged to think of the foliage first. A powerful backbone of intriguing leaves in the garden will maintain a style together, even if flowering plants aren’t at their peak. However, we can quickly locate ourselves at a foliage frenzy, choosing exciting leaves in every color from purple and chocolate… Continue reading Fantastic Design Plant: Old Fashioned Smoke Bush