Native Beauties
Ornamental grasses combined with perennials and framed by a lawn give this garden texture and interest. Garden enthusiast and author Carole Ottesen grows numerous native perennials and grasses in free-flowing flower beds. She believes simplicity ... [... more]
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Groundcovers
Don't limit yourself to lawn. Many attractive low-growing groundcovers are available, and they make good alternatives in spots too shady for grass. When you first install the groundcover of choice, you'll need to weed and water frequently. Once ... [... more]
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Plants from the Flower Fields
South Africa is considered one of the greatest botanical storehouses on earth. The climate of a warm rainy season, followed by a long dry season, creates the perfect environment for the world's largest variety of succulents. The South African ... [... more]
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Groundcover and Ornamental Plants
Having now added pavers and several shade-loving ground plants to the tiny space, host Mayita Dinos gives the area more dimension with ground cover and container plants. Plant the trees on either side of the topiaries (on the side away from the ... [... more]
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Tropical Garden
I don't exactly live in the tropics, but I'd love to create a tropical garden. What plants would I need to use? Angel-wing begonia is another good choice, since it has large leaves and large flowers. If you have a sunny area, here are some ... [... more]
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Growing a Grass Pot Indoors
Grasses have become popular as indoor plants. They're easy to start from seed and require little maintenance once established. Consider slow-growing bluegrass, fast-growing ryegrass, red fescue or tall fescue. Seed is available by the ounce at ... [... more]
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Growing Grasses in Containers
All of these plants require about the same environmental conditions. Mint foliage adds a contrasting texture to a planting with grassy leaves. Grass expert and nurseryman John Greenlee explains how to grow grasses in containers. Your containers ... [... more]
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Variable Variegation
March 18, 2002 -- Popular groundcover Vinca major is outstanding in this variegated form, which brings the illusion of sunlight into shaded gardens. (SHNS photo by Maureen Gilmer / DIY) March 18, 2002 -- Ordinary impatiens becomes an ... [... more]
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Low-Maintenance Groundcovers
Many people find that caring for a large lawn takes too much time and effort. By shrinking the lawn, you can also reduce lawn maintenance. Sisso Doyle, co-host of HGTV's Breaking Ground, presents a list of groundcovers that make good alternatives ... [... more]
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Warm- and Cool-Season Grasses
Netting is used to hold bunch-type grasses together when planted as sod. Your climate will dictate whether you should choose a warm-season or a cool-season lawn grass, explains Dr. Tom Samples, a leading lawn expert and a professor at the ... [... more]
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Bamboo FAQ
I want to plant some bamboo, but I've read it's really invasive. What is the best way to contain its roots? Yes, bamboo should be pruned to remove dead leaves and to control its height. One nice bonus that comes from pruning bamboo is that you ... [... more]
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Ornamental Grasses
After digging up as much of the mature grass's root ball as possible, use a machete or other large blade to cut the plant into divisions. Ornamental grasses are beautiful, inexpensive, easy to find and easy to grow in all types of soil. Paul ... [... more]
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