Finding Ideas

Hardiness zones, heat zones, Sunset zones and microclimates are used to determine how well plants fare in different parts of the country. Now what the heck does that mean?

Big or small, that patch of earth in your back yard is a part of the planet we live on. Celebrate Earth Day by being kind to it – from proper irrigation practices and plant selection to treating lawns and plants organically.

No matter where you live, if you’re interested in community gardens, there’s a place in Northern California worth your attention. Petaluma Bounty is working to build a healthy, sustainable food system for local residents – the concept is a great blueprint for starting something similar in your own community!

Plants, like humans, have their likes and dislikes when it comes to their neighbors. “Companion planting” encompasses a variety of practices that, while often not well understood, seem to encourage growth and discourage pests.

Are you more comfortable with computer lingo than you are with gardening terms? Take a lighthearted look into the similarities, and be afraid no longer!

Even Master Gardeners have their gardening flops. Declaring her compost pile a total bust, the Dirt Diva vowed to do better. Learn how her quest for “compost nirvana” brought balance to her gardening world once again. (Then go compost in peace.)

Fabulous garden planning can be as easy as jumping online! Here’s how one professional landscape designer uses the “swatch board” concept of the interior decorating trade to create her beautiful plantings. Try it yourself – and create your own spectacular garden with year-round interest.

Let the soothing sound of water wash away those undesirable background and city noises that can interrupt your tranquil outdoor living space. A water fountain brings relaxing sound and beauty to a patio, deck or garden. Here’s how.

Bird feeding is an easy way to bring new life to your garden any time of year. All you need is a feeder and food – the birds will do the rest.

Rohan Fernando grows more vegetables than he can consume, so he shares his harvest with his neighbors, friends and even passersby. You can share your bounty, too. It’s not hard – here’s how.

Winter’s the perfect time to plan your garden for the season ahead. Spend those chilly months with the right tools, time and a little research, then come spring you’ll be ready to jump right in with your design – and make this your best growing season yet!

Just because you can’t afford to plant everything you want now doesn’t mean you can’t do anything in your garden. Prepare your beds and pick a few key plants to install now – leaving room for later.

Why pay more at the supermarket for second-rate produce when you can grow your own first-class harvest? Growing fruits, veggies and herbs helps you eat better for less – with better control over your produce supply. Learn more about some of the easiest foods to plant, tend and harvest.

For some homeowners, designing their own garden is intimidating. (Enter the professional.) But before you just pick any landscape designer out of the phone book, consider asking – and answering – some of these questions to help make the garden of your dreams a reality.

Looking for a unique, romantic and fun present for your garden-loving Valentine? Here are a few fun ideas that might work better than Cupid’s arrow. (Psst – these even work for birthdays and other gift-giving occasions!)

Master Gardener Annie Spiegelman (AKA the Dirt Diva) resolves to make the world – or at least the gardening realm – a better place by going green. (And she’s taking others with her!)

Forget about neighborhood garden tours flaunting yards filled with thirsty plants and chemical-infested turf. Gardens that create wildlife habitat, save energy, reduce waste, fertilize naturally, build healthy soil, landscape locally and conserve water are finally getting the attention they deserve.

What’s the “green movement,” and what should home gardeners do to participate in it? Actually, pretty much the same thing they’ve always done…except maybe do it better. Learn some easy and practical ways to “go green” in your own yard – and help the environment in the process.

This handy, dandy notebook will help you keep track of all the plants in your garden, as well as assist you with your future gardening efforts. Knowing which plant is where will save you time in the long run. Here are some tips for “bookkeeping” in your garden.

There’s nothing wrong with admiring someone else’s garden design…and using the idea for your own planting beds. In fact, success often begins by pilfering design ideas wherever you can find them. Learn how one professional gardener finds her inspiration – and pays compliments wherever she plants.

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to kill a houseplant. Let this tale of cactus killing be an example of what not to do with your indoor plant.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by summer’s heat and humidity. Rather than worrying about all the things you haven’t done in your garden, take a minute to reflect on all your successes – and get out there and enjoy the beauty you created!

The late Lady Bird Johnson left a rich legacy for gardeners and plant lovers – and not just in her native Texas, but nationwide. Learn a little more about her work and what the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has to offer.

Create garden seating the easy way: make a patio. A small-space patio placed out in the garden is a simple way to enhance – and appreciate – your yard. Learn more about this “satellite” patio idea and launch yourself into a whole new world of gardening space!

Good nightlighting calls attention to your beautiful garden – not the lights. This means professional-grade fixtures placed in the right spots and – unless you’ve got the right experience – a certified professional contractor to design and install your nightlighting system.

Large or small, an outdoor living space is meant to be functional – and enjoyed. Before creating an outdoor room of your own, think about how you and your family would like to use the space. Here are a few ideas to help give you the room you need.

Sure, accent lighting and mosquito repellents make outdoor areas more enjoyable at nighttime, but natural flame lighting takes evening outdoor living to a whole new level. Garden torches are an ideal way to create stunning backyard ambiance long after the sun has set.

You don’t need a back yard to enjoy the love of gardening. Cultivate your would-be green thumb in a community garden!

No matter where you live, Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI, offers a treasure trove of inspiration for the home garden. This beautifully designed, eco-friendly attraction provides plenty of ideas you can use in your own garden. Here are just a few to help get your creative juices flowing!

Being earth-friendly makes good sense when it comes to gardening. Here are just a few tips to help you grow an environmentally friendly yard that’s easier to take care of and puts some extra green back in your garden…and wallet!

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer in need of a little garden-design guidance, a garden coach may be the solution. These experts guide their clients in design concepts, plant recommendations and planting tasks – leaving all digging for the gardener. Here’s how one garden coach led her garden-dreaming team to victory.

We know recycling helps our planet. Did you know it can help your garden, too? Instead of lugging recyclables to the curb, take them to the yard. Learn some clever ways to repurpose newspapers, sheets and bottles to help the green in your garden – and in your wallet.

Planting seeds makes good economical sense, but with all the varieties available, costs can quickly add up. Instead of spending a fortune on one order, combine your purchase with family and friends. Buying seeds and plants in bulk is a great way to save money and try new varieties!

Home gardeners dream of filling their yards with color, but sometimes the budget doesn’t allow us to turn that dream to reality. Thanks to SeedBallz®, affordable flower gardens are within our reach. Learn how these unique products for garden and home can help enhance your outdoor living experience.

You've move into a new house with no landscaping. You can start with some basic landscaping to add interest. Even simple can make a big difference.

A functional, comfortable patio requires functional, comfortable furniture. Teak wood is a popular material used to make quality outdoor furnishings. But beware of imitations. Learn what to look for in quality teak furniture, then enjoy your outdoor living experience as you should – to its fullest.

Flower bouquets often convey a general message, from love and congratulations to sympathy and well wishes. But did you know that some flowers carry their own symbolic message? Next time you give flowers to your sweetie, consider sending a hidden meaning along with them.

Believe it or not, the delicious pineapple is a symbol of warmth and welcome that’s been a part of Southern hospitality for centuries. Learn how this popular tropical fruit made its way into many homes – and hearts – down South.

Feeling envious of the gardens you see at flower and garden shows? Don’t! Sure, they’re amazing to look at and help you find ideas, but re-creating these masterpieces in your own yard is next to impossible. Learn2Grow’s own Mark Miller tells you why.

Tired of spending money on mediocre produce at the grocery store? Why not grow your own? A vegetable or “kitchen” garden offers special appeal and satisfaction – not to mention delicious results. Get inspired and give it a try!

Victory Gardens were a rallying response to war-time rations, but the idea is relevant today as we see a revival of homegrown vegetables. Start your own veggie garden by following these easy tips. You’ll save money, as well as have fresh produce that’s good for you and the environment!

Whether you garden on a small patio or in a big landscape, you can create an expressive outdoor area that helps define your garden, as well as your personality! Here are a few garden décor ideas to help dress up your space without breaking the bank.

One man’s garden shed is another man’s adventure into the world of construction. Learn2Grow’s own Bosh Bruening shares his experience in building (what he thought would be) a simple garden shed in his back yard. (He did it, though, and it looks great!)

Does your garden’s winter wardrobe lack a little flair? Give your landscape a fashion update with the right accessories! Berried beauties, mid- to late winter bloomers, fabulous bark, colorful branches and the woolen warmth of evergreens can offer the perfect touch.

No matter how “green” your approach to gardening, a certain amount of yard and garden waste is inevitable. But that green mantra of “reduce, reuse and recycle” applies to the back yard, too. Take your cue from the sustainable-landscape experts and aim for a zero-waste garden – here’s how…