Nothing is more disheartening than grabbing a beautiful tomato only to find the entire bottom is soft, black and rotten. Blossom end rot (BER) affects tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash and melons.

Adding structure and an aspect of year-round permanence to any yard, small shrubs are excellent for enhancing the perennial border. Thought of as the spine and bones of good landscaping, small shrubs hold the soft body of flowers together and add consistency between areas.

Imagine stepping into a lush, healthy garden where every plant is thriving, the soil feels rich and cool to the touch, and weeds are nowhere to be seen. What’s the secret behind this picture-perfect scene? Often, you’ll find a thick, tidy layer of mulch.

Creating a thriving landscape isn’t just about pretty plants—it’s about matching plant selection to your garden’s unique conditions. This “right plant, right place” principle ensures healthier plants, less maintenance, and greater garden longevity.

Heavenly Hostas, their real glory is in their foliage.  The thin spikes of purple or white, trumpet shaped flowers appear for several weeks in the summer and are an added benefit to this divine perennial.

Citrus trees grown in fancy terra cotta pots, light-weight decorative containers or wooden planters can be used to adorn your garden, no matter how small it is! Use a potted citrus as a centerpiece for and herb garden, place in a series on your steps, or decorate your deck with these grand-looking accent plants.

Weeding can be an enormous time-drain and is most likely the least liked gardening chore. What’s wonderful is that we have so many weed control methods to choose from; there’s a solution for every type of gardener and their schedule.

There is an excellent assortment of bulbs available for planting this time of year promising a bounty of summer blooms. The thing is, many of these bulbs are not winter hardy. This can create a predicament for gardeners anxious for easy summer flowers but short on time and space to dig and store tender bulbs.

Tired of weeds sneaking into your carefully tended garden? The best defense is a proactive one. From choosing the right grass seed to proper mowing, fertilizing, and mulching, smart gardening practices can stop weeds before they ever take root. Whether you’re maintaining lush lawns or flower beds, these tips will help you grow stronger plants that outcompete even the peskiest intruders. A weed-free landscape starts with healthy habits.

Want more hummingbirds to visit — and stay — in your yard this summer? These colorful, fast-flying pollinators are drawn to vibrant, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and pink. You can also supplement with feeders filled with homemade nectar. From bee balm to butterfly bush, there’s a wide range of plants that will keep these aerial acrobats coming back. Create a hummingbird haven and enjoy the show all season long!