Birds disperse the seeds of invasive plants that often crowd or even kill native plants. Yet, these berries are often essential, providing birds with needed nutrients. The Two-edged Sword of Berries Environmentalists have mixed feelings about these early winter berries. Because they fulfill acute needs for widespread food sources, these berries are essential for the birds. But human alteration of the landscape has eliminated much of the habitat for these American beauties....

Japanese honeysuckle sends out similar numbers of aboveground runners that root where they touch the ground. Each rhizome or runner generates buds that grow above ground and search for a new support to climb upon. When pulled up, they fragment and each fragment produces several new shoots. Thus, these species are extremely difficult to eradicate. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)is a thorny shrub that grows rapidly and densely. The lack of light and fallen leaves beneath the bush produces a dead zone there....

Learn some guidelines for using evergreens in the garden to provide winter interest. Look at the types of evergreens available, and variety of uses for your landscape. A winter landscape without spots of green would be bleak indeed. Casually dismissed at times, evergreens come in several categories which we will explore in more detail. Be aware that even with evergreens, many plants change color during winter. Many perennials will hold cover through the winter and are evergreen, or semi-evergreen....

Grass trimmers are used for precision cutting of grass that has been missed by mowers. Instead of steel blades, nylon string is used to cut the grass. Accidental damage to objects at the edges of the lawn (fences,trees) is also minimized. Popular brands include Ryobi, Echo, Homelite and Stihl. Fixed cut-length trimmers are the simplest and most reliable. A short length of pre-cut string (typically 7 to 17 inches) is fixed to the cutting head....

See the best of the new perennial plants available to home gardeners. New colors, healthier plants and interesting flower forms can all be found. Here are some of the best and most unique new perennials being introduced this year. Asclepias tuberosa Western Gold Mix Zones 5-9. Available from High Country Gardens, this new butterfly weed thrives in alkaline soil and is exceptionally drought tolerant. Dolce Blackcurrent Coral Bell (Heuchera hybrid)...

The distinctive heart-shaped flowers ofDicentra spectabilishave inspired a romantic tale of love and loss. The plant forms a bushy mound of deeply divided medium green leaves that can spread up to three feet. The flowers stems can be cut for the vase. Bleeding Hearts team up well with Solomons Seal, Painted Ferns, Hostas or Coleus. Spring Gardening Care Bleeding Hearts are usually purchased as potted plants often already in bloom....

Plant a special garden filled with colorful, sun-loving flowers. These easy-go-grow favorites will keep it looking good all season long. Plants have different light requirements, and to ignore them is folly. Plants that like full sun will languish and die if planted in the shade. Varieties range in size from 6 inches to 3 feet in height. Noted for their distinctive odor, marigolds discourage garden pests. Adding them to vegetable gardens, flowerbeds or containers will reduce the need for insecticides....

Perennial flowers once tall can now be found in shorter varieties fitting a petite garden. These small plants will bloom spring through summer in a sunny border garden. This perennial idea will fit in a petite garden because it uses shorter more compact plants. Planted together in full sun, this bloom sequence runs spring through summer. The plant combination includes a climber to make use of vertical space along a small border....

Dahlia flowers are popular landscape plants known for their wide range of colors, heights and forms. These versatile flowers are ideal for novice gardeners. Dahlias, which can grow as either annuals or perennials, are plants that produce striking colorful flowers. They hybridise very easily and by the late 19th Century more than a hundred different varieties were listed. Dahlias do best in well-drained humus rich soil and full light. Although they cant take cold temperatures, they do benefit from cooler climates with much rainfall....

This is not optimal for flower production, but it is ideal for propagating new plants. Examine the tubers for insect damage, evidence of disease, and nicks from the pitchfork or shovel. Replant healthy tubers that have growth buds, spacing them according to the requirements of the variety. Growth buds are usually found at the top of the tuber. Without these buds, the tubers will not produce new growth. Growth buds look like little warts and are usually pinkish or light tan....

However, overwintering dahlia tubers is quite easy. Dahlias are one of the most popular and versatile of ornamental flowering plants. However, overwinteringdahlia tubersis quite straightforward, and in many parts of America no special treatment may be needed. Dahlia seeds are available in a limited range of varieties. When the first autumn frosts return, further action may be needed to protect your dahlias through the winter. There are two possible solutions....

Composting worms do need moisture, but too much can kill. Overly wet bins can also foster pest insect outbreaks. Give worms adequate moisture, but not too much. The ideal moisture content for worm bins is material that feels like a wrung out sponge. Undoubtedly, enclosed worms bins will often be moister than a wet sponge. Below are some ways to keep worm bins from becoming too wet. Here are some tips to deal with outbreaks....

Kids love doing holiday arts and crafts projects. Here are some holiday craft ideas and simple Christmas decorations for preschoolers and young children to make. Need some holiday craft ideas for preschoolers this season? This article provides some simple Christmas crafts and decorations that young children can make in the month of December. Paint any of the items above with glue paste or liquid starch using an old paintbrush. Cardboard Tube Gnomes...