Is your dad a big fan of steak? Does he like them juicy, and a bit red in the middle? Well this is the perfect time of year to plant some steaks for dad - Beefsteak Tomatoes that! If your dad has a green thumb, or simply just loves his tomatoes, a tomato plant might be a fantastic Father's Day gift.  Container or Garden? Containers offer the convenience and flexibility to transfer if necessary and is a good option for the new gardener. This route can also be advantageous in extreme weather conditions or for those who do not have the space for an in-ground garden. One thing to keep in mind …

  Now that most of the groundwork is completely for a lush, beautiful landscape, some enthusiastic gardeners may be thinking what can I do now? June is a great month to welcome wildlife into the gardens. Their presence is not only remarkable to watch and listen to, they can also provide many vegetation and comfort benefits as well. Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds There are many plants and/or herbs that will lure hummingbirds and butterflies to the backyard. They are drawn to the bright colors and nectars of the flowers and will return throughout the summer with the right mixture of …

  A Picture Says a Thousand Words While taking pictures of a landscape may not appear to help in its maintenance, taking a few snap shots of the lawn, garden and landscaping not only provides flavorful memories from weeks of hard work, but can also help envision changes in future years. Take the pictures from different position in the yard and during varying times of day. A few strategic shots may capture the sun/shade ratio to better understand what shade tolerance current or additional plants need. Pictures of landscapes can also be used at the garden center where professionals can assist …

  Memorial Day weekend is here, and while it does mark the unofficial launch of the summer season, Monday is also designated as a time to remember and honor loved ones and military who have passed. Their resting places are significant commemorations and many family members sense a peaceful contentment by their visits. With just a little effort, those sites can also bring an air of warmth with accents of annual flowers and plants. The process creating a remembrance garden is similar to a preparing a container garden for the home, but there are some features to keep in mind to optimize the …

  Fairy gardens have steadily been growing in popularity as a fun, whimsical enhancement for both novice and veteran gardeners. Not only are they unusual and eye-catching, they are extremely adaptable as they can be created indoors or out, in containers or in the ground. A fairy garden is simply a mixture of miniature plants and flowers, but the element of surprise and wonder lies in the details. Of course a fairy garden requires a fairy to nurture and look over the plants, but small enhancements and accessories can really make an impact in the scenery. Containers/Plants Any planter, …

  Remember the days when Mom's would swoon over a homemade gift? Why not revive that tradition by creating a lovely flower container for that special woman and give her a Mother's Day gift that will she will admire all summer long. A flowering container is actually an easy process and all the ingredients can be purchased with one stop at your local garden center. There are just a few simple things to consider when choosing materials and putting the container together. The steps below should help ease any apprehension and result in a beautiful, professional garden container any Mom (wife, …