Kiwifruit, Actinidia spp.

What’s brown and fuzzy all over and green inside? Well, the kiwifruit, of course. This Chinese fruit was popularized when it was imported into New Zealand, renamed kiwifruit instead of Chinese gooseberry, and developed as an export crop. Today this fruit crop is grown in many places worldwide, but there is more than just the kind found at the grocery store. To learn more about kiwifruit, read this article…

Annatto or Achiote, Bixa orellana

If you’ve ever eaten American cheese, it’s likely you’ve had annato, a natural orange-red colorant that comes from the waxy covering of the seeds of Bixa orellana. This small tree or shrub native to tropical America has beautiful pink flowers and interesting spiny fruits. Learn more about the plant and its uses in this article…

Fothergilla

Fothergillas are multi-season beauties grown as ornamentals well outside their original range. These low maintenance small shrubs, native to the southeastern US, have eye-catching blooms in spring and vibrant fall color in autumn. Learn more about these easily grown members of the witch-hazel family…

European Larch, Larix decidua

Not all conifers are evergreen, and larch is one example of a conifer that loses its needles every year. The European larch is a large, deciduous tree hardy to zone 2 that is often grown as an ornamental (the North American species, including are rarely offered in the horticulture trade). Learn more about Larix decidua in this article…

Serviceberry, Amalanchier spp.

If you’re looking for a small tree with attractive white blossoms in spring and small fruits that can be food for animals or humans, consider one of several species of serviceberry. There are a number of plants in the genus Amalanchier that are graceful trees or shrubs that can provide year-round ornamental interest in the landscape. To learn more, read this article…

Autumn Blaze® Maple

Not all maples are created equal. For dependable, bright, long-lasting fall color, Autumn Blaze® Maple, is a sure bet. A hybrid of red and silver maple, this popular and proven performer combines the best attributes of both parents – fast growth, drought tolerance and good fall color. Learn more about this vigorous, stately, and adaptable shade tree…

Forsythia, Forsythia spp.

As one of the first shrubs to flower, the showy yellow flowers of forsythia are the ultimate symbol of spring in many places. This tough, early-blooming, medium-sized shrub does well in the urban landscape, but does have some drawbacks. Learn more about forsythia in this article…

Winter Pruning

Almost all plants need some type of maintenance, and trees and shrubs are no exception. These woody plants will generally be healthier and more attractive if pruned appropriately. The best time for pruning deciduous trees and shrubs is in the winter, when they are leafless. To learn more about pruning trees and shrubs, read this article…

Scent in the Garden

If you couldn’t see, would you think about your garden differently? Most garden designers think about its visual appeal, but little else. Many plants have features that appeal to our other senses. Considering fragrance in the plants you use can take your garden to another level. Learn more about scent in the garden in this article…

Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis

Need a small tree with spring flowers and interesting structure? Unless you live way up north eastern redbud may fit the bill. With selected strains and cultivars hardy to zone 4, this North American native offers showy pink flowers in early spring before most other trees are even leafing out. To learn more about Cercis canadensis, read this article…