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Ornamental Gardening

5 Trees to Plant Instead of Bradford Pear

Widely planted as a street tree, in the parking lots, and in home landscapes, they’re impossible to miss: oval-canopied trees with a mantle of white flowers so thick that it almost resembles snow. Properly known as a Callery pear – derived from its scientific name, Pyrus calleryana – it’s commonly known as “Bradford pear,” due […]

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Ornamental Gardening

Embracing the Beauty of Winterberry Holly

A wide selection of shrubs have qualities that fill this role admirably, but one in particular shines brightly during the colder months – winterberry holly. Known for its striking display of bright red berries against a backdrop of snow, this native shrub is a popular choice for winter interest. Known botanically as Ilex verticillata, winterberry […]

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Ornamental Gardening

Wellness Gardens: Design, Healing, and How to Grow One in Your Backyard

Picture yourself surrounded by soothing scents, soft greenery and cozy corners where you can unwind, recharge and reconnect with nature. Before your mind wanders to the park or a remote tropical locale, what if you could create your own sanctuary — a wellness garden spa right in your own backyard to support your physical, mental […]

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Daily Joy of Gardening Ornamental Gardening

Sweetbay Magnolia: From Humble Sapling to Fragrant Centerpiece

  When we first moved into our home, the backyard was a hodgepodge of shrubs and trees I was unfamiliar with, but the former owner was an avid gardener. On our side yard stood a small, unassuming tree that caught my eye. It was barely taller than me, with glossy leaves. I wasn’t familiar with […]