Plants

Golden Rain Tree: Classification, Characteristics, Uses, and Growing Guide The golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a deciduous ornamental tree valued for its clouds of yellow summer flowers, attractive compound foliage, papery seed capsules, and relatively adaptable nature. Unlike many flowering trees that put on their main display in spring, golden rain tree often saves … Read more

Small trees for landscaping near the house solve a problem that full-sized shade trees create the moment they’re planted too close to a foundation: aggressive roots, canopy overreach, and eventual conflicts with gutters, siding, and utility lines. A tree that tops out at 15 to 25 feet, by contrast, can be planted within a reasonable … Read more

Weeping cedar trees occupy a unique place among ornamental evergreens, combining the year-round presence of a conifer with a fluid, cascading form that few other trees can match. Where most cedars grow into tall, rigid pyramids, weeping cedar varieties drape and flow instead, creating a living sculpture that shifts in appearance depending on the angle … Read more

Weeping hemlock stands apart from nearly every other evergreen grown in American gardens, valued not for height but for the loose, cascading form that makes each specimen look genuinely one-of-a-kind. While a standard conifer holds a predictable, cone-shaped outline, weeping hemlock spills and drapes in an irregular pattern that landscape designers often compare to a … Read more

Weeping trees for small gardens solve a design problem that upright trees can’t: they add height and movement without the wide canopy spread that swallows a compact yard. A cascading form draws the eye downward in a way no other tree shape does, which makes even a single specimen feel like a finished focal point. … Read more

Gardeners looking for tall flowers that bloom all summer are usually trying to solve the same problem: a bare fence line, an empty back border, or a cutting garden that fizzles out by midsummer. Height does more than fill space — it creates layers, draws the eye upward, and gives pollinators a landing strip visible … Read more

The word “kumquat” comes from the Cantonese “kam kwat,” which translates to “golden orange.” Kumquats are native to Southeast Asia and have been growing wild since ancient times. The fruits were first documented in China in the 12th century, grown for culinary, medicinal, and cultural uses, and were symbolically believed to bring good luck and … Read more

Red birds captivate with their fiery plumage, showcasing vibrant shades of crimson, scarlet, and vermilion that ignite landscapes from forests to urban gardens. Their bold colors, ranging from deep ruby to blazing red, stand out vividly against green foliage or clear skies, making them a striking presence in any environment. These birds embody nature’s passion … Read more

Small greenhouses for the backyard have become one of the fastest-growing categories in home gardening, driven largely by shrinking suburban lot sizes and a growing interest in extending the growing season without committing to a sprawling, permanent structure. Most small to medium backyard greenhouses under about 120 square feet do not require a building permit … Read more

Trees that grow well in Indiana benefit from the state’s position at what its own motto calls the Crossroads of America, a description that applies just as well to Indiana’s forests as it does to its highways, since the state sits at the meeting point of several major North American ecological regions. This convergence is … Read more