Tower Landscape and Design LLC
Above photo by Peter Aaron, design by Robert Orr + Associates; story and plant photos by Doreen Wynja Boxwood shrubs have a subdued elegance that shines in every season. Their evergreen presence offers structure and a unifying element in the garden. No matter your garden style — formal, cottage, or contemporary — the ever-adaptable boxwood … Read more
Learning how to braid onions is fun, easy and very functional! Braiding them allows for great airflow (reducing the risk of them rotting or getting moldy) and they are easy to hang for long-term storage. No need for storage bins! I always feel like I’m tapping into the old frontier days when I’m sitting on … Read more
Cuttings are simply pieces of rose stems taken at different stages of maturity. Some plants are very particular about what type of cutting will root, but roses are fairly flexible. Rose cuttings can be taken from the current years new stems at three main growth stages: You can improve your success at any growth stage … Read more
Lantana is a popular ornamental plant grown for the brightly colored flowers that bloom nonstop for months, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and other insect pollinators. Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, this tender shrub is grown as an annual in most regions. This versatile plant is easy to grow in containers and combines well with many other … Read more
Its no secret that I love growing veggies – potatoes in particular – so it upsets me that so many people are getting sad results when they try growing potatoes in novel ways. I just spent an evening watching videos of people who planted potatoes in various enclosures, grew beautiful plants, and then harvested two … Read more
Having grown up in the countryside, nature and self-sufficiency have always been big part of my life. I live and breathe nature and had the chance to delve even deeper into this interest during my studies in agricultural systems science at university. Favourite fruit: apples, blackberries and plums Favourite vegetables: potatoes, peppers and courgettes Red … Read more
I learned this the hard way after a surprise bumper crop of Jerusalem artichokes in my northern California garden last year. I had acquired a handful of these knobbly tubers at a neighborhood crop swap, and out of idle curiosity stuck them in my backyard soil – and promptly forgot about them. Within months, ten-foot … Read more
Im working on getting my blueberry patch acidified properly, and Ive noticed that the pH keeps drifting upwards (I suspect the buffered municipal water I irrigate with is the cause). At any rate, Im looking for recommendations for an inexpensive soil pH test kit, since I wont be using these too frequently. Can pH test … Read more
Safeguard your Elephant Ear Philodendron from pests to root rot with these essential care tips. Elephant ear plants are popular ornamental plants known for their huge, heart-shaped leaves. While their bold tropical foliage is stunning, these plants are prone to several issues that can damage their appearance. In this article, we’ll explore the most common … Read more
Cultivate vibrant strawberry plants by mastering their growth stages and essential care tips for a bountiful harvest! Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits grown in home gardens. Their sweet flavor and versatility make them a favorite for eating fresh or using in desserts, drinks, jams, and more. But before you can enjoy those … Read more