Backyard Pond
For ponds, consider a mix of emergent, submergent, and floating species. Emergent plants, those that have their roots in the water but their shoots above water, can be added to the margins of pools. These include cattails (Typha spp.), arrowhead ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Backyard Wetland
The saturation of the soil limits the types of plants you can grow to those with "wet feet." How long the soil is saturated determines which wetland plants will grow best. There are many small wetland plants that grow quickly when the soil is ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Beware Of Birdseed!
They are slow and easy to swat, but it's the ones you don't see who do the damage. I put bags of bread crumbs as bait near the birdseed corner for them to lay their eggs in, changing them every 2 weeks since their life cycle is about 30 days. I ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Beware Of Invasive Vines
You Can Avoid this by choosing ground covers that do not vine and climb. One of the best is Myrtle. With shiny, delicate evergreen leaves and blue spring flowers, in the shade it remains an elegant plant that can cover large areas. Evergreen ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Building A Dry Stone Retaining Wall
Depending on the size and weight of the stones used to construct the wall, the tools and materials for the project will vary. Landscape fabric and a crushed stone or gravel are commonly used to create a base that allows moisture to drain. Proper ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Butterfly Gardening
Host plants are those preferred by butterfly larvae (caterpillars). They are usually wildflowers, shrubs, and trees native to the area. Some species will lay eggs on only one type of host plant (for example, monarch caterpillars that eat only ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Choosing A Sprinkler System For Your Lawn
I checked out some costs in the Boston area in 1999, though prices will vary considerably depending on the climate and area you live in. In Boston, expect a professionally installed system using high quality parts to cost from $1500 to $2500 for ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
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