People Garden

It's not a yellow ladybug They are similar, but one type helps control unwanted pests in the garden, while the other is a pest. Here's how to tell them apart. You usually want to see a ladybug in your garden, but the yellow ladybug doesn't look like one — it's an Asian beetle. Ladybugs are beneficial to your garden because they eat plant pests. However, many colored Asian beetles look like yellow ladybugs, but have turned out to be an insect. It is common to find large numbers of Asian lady beetles congregating in houses and other buildings in the fall. They can bite and emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed. Unfortunately, these invasive insects crowd out native ladybugs. If you can tell the difference between two pests, you can stop an annoying problem before it starts. Asian Lady Beetles vs Ladybugs You can identify a ladybug by its markings and size. There are many species, and most sport red shells and varying numbers of black spots. Their heads are b...

Scale with dwarf flowering shrubs Big gardens have a season in life, and we have unlimited energy to maintain perennial gardens and a quarter-acre vegetable patch that produces enough food for the entire neighborhood. But if you have a balcony garden or small garden three floors up when you're starting out, you can still use dwarf shrubs to create a beautiful outdoor living space. Dwarf shrubs are perfect for small space gardens When thoughtfully designed, a small space garden can be as visually appealing and emotionally pleasing as a sprawling yard. No need to sacrifice your favorite shrubs like roses and lilacs. You need to choose the right size varieties to match the size of the space. A short hedge or even a casket of flowering shrubs may be just what you need to make your patio feel like "home." Dual purpose dwarf shrubs One key to making the most of any space—but especially a small one—is choosing plants with a dual purpose. Peach sorbet blueberries pro...

 Low light Succulents  Even in a home with limited natural light, you can keep plants, including succulents. There are many low-light succulents that can grow without bright light. They may not thrive or grow as easily as partial or bright light, but they are available. Most succulents are drought tolerant, which means you don't need to water as often, so they're fairly easy to care for once you learn their needs. Can succulents grow in low light? Succulents can grow in low light, although they will not grow as well as in bright, indirect light. They cannot grow in complete darkness, so try to find at least a partially shaded spot. They may start to grow a little leggy as they seek sun, but you can prune and propagate to adjust their appearance. 1. Desert rose The thick, fleshy leaves of this succulent retain water, so you don't need to water as often. The desert rose gets its name from its habitat and its resemblance to a rose. 2. Aloe Vera When someone says a...

5 TopBest Perennials for 2024 No matter how big or small the garden, there's nothing like a few new plants to make a gardener's heart sing. We've taken a look at the introductions for 2024, and some we think you'll love as much as we do. From jaw-dropping flowers to stunning foliage and some delicious food, the "Where did you get that?" There's sure to be a plant (or several) that friends ask for. The challenge with new introductions is that numbers are often low in the first year, so finding them at garden centers or online nurseries can be a bit of a challenge. So shop early and don't give up; These beautiful new plants are sure to be around next year. 1. 'Hardin's Gem' Soft Bluestar (Amsonia glaberima 'Hardin's Gem') Zones: 5–8 Size: 30 inches high and 48 inches wide Conditions: Full sun to part shade; Well-drained soil Native range: North America What's not to love about our own gentle bluestars? They are de...

 Small-space landscaping ideas  Just because you have a small plot doesn't mean it can't stand on its own. Maximize the impact of a minimalist garden with these small front yard and backyard landscaping ideas. Make the most of your space by emphasizing the view, creating privacy, and adding color and comfortable seating to create a cozy and welcoming outdoor living area. 1. Create a vision A wooden pergola gives this small garden landscaping an elevated feel. Arbors and pergolas are classic small-yard landscaping ideas and great ways to frame a scene, but you can also do the same with shrubs, small trees, or pieces of garden art. 2. Create small backyard zones This small yard landscaping idea may seem counterintuitive, but we promise it will work: break up the open areas of a small space and make it feel bigger. Here, different furniture groups and paths divide a small backyard landscape into attractive and peaceful seating corners. 3. Make it comfortable Maximizi...

 Plants to Prune in April  April is an exciting time in the gardening calendar. When spring weather arrives, conditions are more conducive to spending time in the garden doing important pruning jobs. While winter pruning means multiple layers and cold fingers, spring pruning can be a much more enjoyable experience. This month is also a great time to trim common shrubs and perennials in your borders, as you may have many plants for spring pruning in your backyard. Prune your shrubs in April to clean them up and be busy adding to your garden as you can plant a lot in April. While there may be a lot of work vying for your attention this month, make sure you keep pruning off the top of your to-do list. 1. BOXWOOD Boxwood shrubs are commonly found in backyards as hedges or as ground cover plants. They are not fast-growing plants, but benefit from regular pruning to keep them in shape and promote healthy growth. Any boxwood pruning will want to take place after the dang...