Susan Patterson 
Anyone who has been an avid gardener for some time knows that there are a few things you just need to get right to have a fruitful relationship with plants. Once you get the basics down and know what not to do in your garden, sit back and watch your plants amaze you with their beauty and fruitfulness.
With the Christmas season over and the new year bursting forth, it is time to figure out what to do with that now not-so-beautiful Christmas tree that is shedding needles all over your floor. If you have been accustomed to dragging your dead tree to the curb and waiting for the trash pick up, why not try something different this year that is environmentally friendly and creative? Here are some ideas.
Merry Christmas to all of our readers from everyone here at Backyard Vitality. We wish all of you garden lovers a safe and happy holiday and a blooming New Year! Look for more great garden and home tips and products to come in 2020!
The way we construct and care for our gardens really matters. Of course, it matters to those of us who will enjoy watching the garden grow and reaping the benefits of a well-tended space. However, a well-constructed garden can also be of great benefit to the wild creatures who visit and even choose your garden as their home. Remember, a diverse garden loaded with native plants is the best place to start.
If you live virtually anywhere in North America, you’ve likely heard of, and been irritated by pigweed. This green, unassuming weed has long been considered a severe nuisance since every single plant can produce nearly 100,000 seeds each season. If you’ve ever looked into healthy grain alternatives, you’ve probably come across something known as amaranth. A “super grain,” gluten-free, pseudocereal that is prized for its notable health benefits. Believe it or not, these two plants are actually one and the same. Read on as we delve into the truth behind pigweed and set the record straight once and for all.
Most gardeners tend to stay in their comfort zone, growing a collection of traditional fruits and veggies such as tomatoes, blueberries, and potatoes. However, there is a whole other world of exciting, intriguing edible plants out there just waiting to be discovered. Many of these exotic plants are not only delicious but incredibly eye-catching, as well. If you’re ready to take on a new challenge and try something adventurous, these strange fruits and veggies may just plants for you.
With Christmas pressing down, you are likely wondering what kind of tree to get this year. If this is the year for a non-traditional tree, you are in luck. Many people who live in an apartment or simply don’t have the space for a traditional Christmas tree will appreciate that they can still decorate their space and enjoy these fresh-smelling and beautiful potted tree alternatives.
There’s nothing quite like a wreath, swag, or other arrangement made with fresh evergreen to truly help get you in the Christmas spirit. In fact, even the act of cutting down the prettiest greenery and arranging it with the rest of your Christmas decor will have you whistling your favorite Christmas song and lingering by your mantle to catch a whiff of the sweet, pine scent of live evergreen. But how exactly can you keep this fresh greenery from drying out and turning brown in just a few short weeks? And how can you decorate effectively with this classic Christmas element? Read on to find out our top tips for using live evergreen in your home this Christmas.
Not everyone has the luxury of a bright yard, and finding shrubs, especially flowering shrubs with beautiful blooms to fill in shady spots can seem like a real challenge. Believe it or not, these six eye-catching, alluring shrubs flourish in filtered sun or shade and can bring a wild beauty to barren spots in your garden.
Though plant parties are usually reserved for the spring and summer when your backyard is in bloom, and you’re tanned from spending time in the garden, a Christmas plant party is a great way to break up the winter and enjoy some quality time with your best plant-loving friends. Here are our steps to hosting the perfect holiday party…garden style.
Planting a flower bed in a flat area is simple. Choose plants that complement each other, stick them in a pleasing arrangement, dig a hole, give them some water, and you’re good to go. You don’t have to worry about things like erosion control, root hold, and trailing tendencies. Slopes, on the other hand, can be the gardener’s worst nightmare, since you have to take all of these concerns into account and more. If you’re at a loss on how to deal with a slope in your yard, these plants and helpful ideas could be useful.
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