AMERICAN GARDENER

Maryland has a humid subtropical climate in most of the state, with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The average summer temperatures range from 85°F (29°C) in the south to around 80°F (27°C) in the northern regions. Summer often brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which help provide rainfall for crops and gardens. Winters in … Read more

Some trees produce white flowers that are highly fragrant, filling gardens and outdoor spaces with a sweet, pleasing aroma. These blooms are often visually striking, combining aesthetic beauty with aromatic appeal, making them ideal for landscaping and decorative planting. The fragrance of white-flowering trees can vary in intensity depending on the time of day, season, … Read more

Fragrant trees are highly valued in landscaping because they combine visual beauty with aromatic appeal. Their blooms release sweet, pleasant scents that can fill gardens, patios, and streetscapes, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere for people to enjoy. The fragrance of these trees often varies in intensity depending on the time of day, season, and … Read more

Some flowering trees produce blooms with strong, unpleasant odors. These scents can range from sour, musky, or rancid to even resembling rotting organic matter. While the smell may be off-putting to humans, it often serves a biological purpose for the plant. The unpleasant fragrance usually helps attract specific pollinators, such as flies, beetles, or other … Read more

Callery Pear The Callery pear (from the Pyrus calleryana tree, often called Bradford pear) is the most infamous for this trait. Its clusters of small white flowers bloom profusely in spring, emitting a strong, musky, bleach-like or fishy semen scent from compounds like trimethylamine and spermine. The tree produces tiny, hard, inedible pear fruits that … Read more

Some trees naturally emit a menthol-like fragrance from their leaves, bark, or flowers. This cool, refreshing scent is often sharp, invigorating, and slightly medicinal, making it distinct from sweeter or floral aromas. The fragrance is especially noticeable when leaves are crushed or when essential oils are released from the plant. The menthol-like aroma comes from … Read more

Some trees produce flowers, leaves, or seeds that emit a sweet, creamy fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. This aroma is often strongest during flowering or when certain parts of the plant are crushed or dried. The scent is highly valued in perfumery, aromatherapy, and ornamental gardening. The vanilla-like fragrance in trees usually comes from natural compounds … Read more

Tropical and subtropical vegetables thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and high humidity. They are adapted to grow in regions where temperatures remain relatively high throughout the year, and they often cannot tolerate frost or prolonged cold. These vegetables are well-suited for gardeners in warm or subtropical areas who want productive, heat-loving crops. … Read more

Some exotic fruit trees are naturally adapted to survive cold climates, making them suitable for temperate regions where tropical varieties would fail. These trees have developed mechanisms to tolerate frost, freezing temperatures, and seasonal dormancy, allowing them to maintain their growth cycles despite harsh winters. Cold-hardy exotic trees often have strong, woody stems and deep … Read more

Some tropical fruit trees have adapted to tolerate cooler temperatures than typical tropical climates. These trees can survive brief periods of frost or cold snaps, making them suitable for subtropical regions. Their ability to withstand lower temperatures allows gardeners in cooler climates to enjoy tropical fruits without the extreme warmth usually required. Cold-tolerant tropical trees … Read more