Author Archives: Meghan Shinn

Annual Vinca Valiant Takes Heat and Drought

July 10, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: The Valiant series of annual vinca won top praise in trial gardens last summer thanks to its ability to withstand heat and drought. Annual vinca blooms all summer with little upkeep. The gardeners at Kansas State University’s Prairie Star …

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Designing a Garden with the Color Green

July 4, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Designing a garden requires careful consideration of color and how colors work together. Green isn’t always given much thought, but certain plants can be highlighted specifically for their gorgeous shades of green. If you want to make those standout green …

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Summer-blooming Shrubs: Expert Recommendations

July 4, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Spring-blooming shrubs get the early glory, but late bloomers are invaluable for summer interest. Here, two Horticulture contributors share their recommendations for summer-blooming shrubs:

Eco-friendly Roses: Heirloom Varieties and Native Species

June 27, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

GUEST POST BY MAX EBER Some gardeners avoid roses because they think these plants require lots of upkeep and chemical spraying. Breeders are responding with eco-friendly roses like the Oso Easy series (Proven Winners) and the Drift roses (Star Roses …

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Growing Melons in the Home Garden

June 27, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

GUEST POST BY BRENDA LYNN If you’re growing melons in your garden, follow these tips to keep them healthy and fruitful through summer.

Salvia and Hummingbirds: the Perfect Pair

June 20, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

GUEST POST BY BRIAN BARTH With their long, slender beaks, hummingbirds are well equipped to feed from any flower with an elongated tubular shape, from honeysuckle to grevillea. However, there is ample evidence that their unique beak, as well as …

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Growing Peppers in Pots or a Vegetable Garden

June 12, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

GUEST POST PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAU, with Rosalind Creasy and Heather Kibble the chief contributors. In the garden and at the table, peppers come packed with potential. The handsome plants are compact and tidy, perfect for gardens of …

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Celosia Flowers to Attract Pollinators

June 12, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: ‘Asian Garden’ celosia is a long-blooming celosia that withstands heat and drought. It can be grown in a container or in the garden. Celosia flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Planted near a vegetable garden, it will help ensure …

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Main Street Coleus Add Color to Containers and Shade

June 6, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

Virtues: Main Street coleus are a series of coleus varieties named for famous avenues. Every variety grows well in sun or shade and flowers late (allowing the leaves and habit to remain at their best). They also have the same …

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Prevent Garden Pests in Three Easy, Organic Steps

June 6, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

GUEST POST BY NIKI JABBOUR Come May, I’m already on the lookout to prevent garden pests: slugs, cabbageworms and aphids. Hand-picking them helps, but preventing them in the first place is even better. Here are three of my favorite strategies …

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Container Vegetable Gardening Made Simple

May 30, 2017 | Meghan Shinn | 0

GUEST POST BY MELINDA MYERS Grow fresh ingredients for your favorite recipes in a sunny spot right outside your kitchen door. With container vegetable gardening, you’ll enjoy the convenience of planting, tending and harvesting fresh vegetables growing in pots on …

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