AMERICAN GARDENER

Grasses that spread by runners expand across the ground using above-ground stems that grow outward from the main plant. These runners root at points where they touch the soil, producing new shoots that quickly fill open areas. This growth habit allows lawns to spread visibly and establish coverage in a relatively short time. This spreading … Read more

Grasses that spread by rhizomes grow through underground stems that extend outward from the main plant. These hidden stems produce new shoots and roots at intervals, allowing the lawn to fill in bare spots naturally. Because the growth happens below the soil surface, the lawn often appears dense and well-connected. This spreading habit helps create … Read more

Killing weeds in a lawn without harming the grass depends on understanding the natural balance between desirable plants and unwanted growth. A healthy lawn is better able to resist weeds because dense, vigorous grass leaves little room for invaders to establish. When grass is strong, weeds struggle to compete for light, water, and nutrients. Weeds … Read more

Grass that survives in shade is adapted to grow with limited sunlight, making it suitable for areas beneath trees or beside buildings. Instead of relying on intense sun exposure, it uses available light efficiently to maintain growth and color. This allows shaded lawns to remain attractive where full sun is not possible. Shaded environments often … Read more

Lawn bugs that eat grass roots live beneath the soil surface, where they feed out of sight and cause damage before it becomes obvious. By attacking the roots, they weaken the lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to thinning patches and poor overall growth. This type of damage often appears suddenly, even though … Read more

A lawn that stays green all year round is usually supported by a balance of steady growth, strong root systems, and consistent access to moisture. Such lawns maintain their color because they can recover quickly from stress and continue producing new leaf growth even when conditions are less than ideal. Year-round greenness is also influenced … Read more

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