Before you plant any plantings around the yard it is important to prepare the landscaping bed for the plants that will be installed there. First, all weeds and grass must be removed or killed in the bed. If you are mostly removing sod and there are no major weeds you can use a sod cutter or remove it by hand with a flat edged spade to the depth of an inch or so. You can also use a product like Roundup to kill the weeds and grass. After the plants start to die then remove the

What's not to love about plants that perfectly fit low-maintenance lifestyles and water-wise ways? Succulent plants can store water, giving them added resilience against drought and heat. One of our favorite groups of low-maintenance succulents are the hardy sedums – especially beloved by succulent lovers in northern climes. Give these sedums full sun and enjoy their fleshy, water-storing leaves plus bonus flowers and abundant color. These five selections are cold-hardy to at

One of the best parts of gardening is when you get to literally eat the fruits of your labors. Growing edible fruits and berries at home provides tasty, nutritious treats and sweet rewards. Fruit-bearing plants and edibles include favorites such as apples, cherries and plums, but these four backyard berries can expand your edible landscape and your homegrown fun: Blueray Blueberry Super-sweet flavor and extra-large berries put Blueray Blueberry high on the list for pre-breakf

America loves roses of all kinds, but there’s something about the romantic blooms of old-fashioned shrub roses that earn a special place in hearts. Those full, fragrant flowers give few hints to their resilience, but these roses are hardy, low-maintenance shrubs. From pollinator-pleasing blooms and fall color to ornamental (and edible) rosehips, shrub roses like these four timeless beauties have made hearts swoon for years: Blanc Double DeCoubert Among rugosa-type roses, Blan