August 2025

Is English ivy good or bad? The leaves and fruit of English ivy are toxic to humans and livestock and the sap can irritate skin. Despite the economic and environmental cost, nurseries continue to sell English ivy, and consumers continue to buy and plant it in their gardens. English ivy pruning depends on growth and […]

Do cordylines like shade or sun? They like a warm sheltered position, with fertile well-drained soil. Read our guide on how to assess your garden conditions. Full sun is ideal for green-leaved cordylines, but light shade is preferable for those with colourful or variegated leaves, as strong sun can fade their rich hues. Cordylines suffer

Is Verbena bonariensis a perennial or annual? This plant is perennial in zones 7 to11 and is grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is considered a weed in many mild climates, such as California, Texas, Australia and southern Africa, where it has naturalized. The flowers are borne in clusters atop long stems. Best

Where does wisteria vine grow best? Wisteria grows best is moist soil with full, or at least partial sun. It normally uses a strong nearby tree for support, but also grows on fences, trellises, or pergolas. It makes a lovely ‘ceiling’ for a pergola over a porch or deck. Why is a planting of wisteria

How does a motion-activated sprinkler work? As soon as they step into your lawn, a passive infrared motion sensor detects the intruder and turns on the sprinkler to chase them away. Motion detector sprinklers are a great way to deter animals from really anywhere in your yard, but it’s important to set them up properly

What soil is best for a lawn? Finally, loam soil is a mixture of sand, clay and silt soils in the correct proportions, and is the best soil in which to grow grass. As well as the ability to drain and hold moisture, another vital characteristic of soil that will need to be considered when

Do crocosmia like sun or shade? Crocosmia corms prefer to be planted in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, but they’re pretty tolerant of most soils as long as it’s not too dry. Although a sunny position is preferable, and indeed flowers will be more prolific in full sun, crocosmia will grow perfectly well in partial

What is a substitute for Eastern redbud? In areas too dry for Eastern redbud to thrive, C. Oklahoma’ and ‘Texas White’ are good substitutes. Cercis canadensis is a short-lived tree and specimens older than thirty are rare. Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud) commonly referred to as Redbud, is a fast growing, short-lived (30 to 40 years)

Are there any true American chestnut trees left? However, because the blight fungus does not kill the root system of trees, American chestnuts persist today in natural areas as re-sprouts from blight-free root systems. One of those areas is Rock Creek Park. The American chestnut was once a dominant tree of the eastern U. S.

What are the benefits of the Parlour Palm? Uses: The parlor Palm is primarily used as an indoor ornamental plant. It’s a popular choice for offices, homes, and public spaces, appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Light: Bright, indirect light with high humidity. Benefit: NASA gives this clean-air plant