Fine Gardening Magazine

Written for passionate gardeners, Fine Gardening provides inspired ideas backed by detailed instructions for creating healthy gardens, outdoor rooms, and beautiful landscapes suited to the region. Horticulturists, nurserymen, and designers share their expertise on plants, care, soil, eco-friendly pest control, propagation, design, and landscaping.

Who is with you when you step outdoors?

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OVER THE FENCE • READER COMMENTS AND OPINIONS

Fine Gardening Magazine

CONTRIBUTING THIS ISSUE

READERS’ TIPS • FROM ONE GARDENER TO ANOTHER

GARDEN SHED • ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR FALL CLEANUP

SUPER COOL PLANTS • FIND OUT WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE GROWING

HEALTHY GARDEN • SCIENCE-BASED INSIGHT FROM SOURCES YOU CAN TRUST

For aquatic and wetland weeds, it’s best to call a pro

TRANSFORMING A LARGE PROPERTY INTO A FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPE • A big project becomes less intimidating when you tackle one area at a time and connect spaces thoughtfully

From paved and parched to plentiful plantings • This large property was strategically carved into various practical garden rooms and areas that encourage outdoor living 12 months a year.

Tough, beautiful options for a challenging site • Every plant at Skyline Meadow Farm was chosen to thrive in conditions that would challenge many others: wind, compacted clay, searing sun, and recurring drought. The selections below combine California natives with Mediterranean and droughtadapted ornamentals to deliver year-round interest while supporting the region’s pollinators and conserving the water table.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL Hydran geas • These hidden gems with unique forms, colors, and habits deserve a second—or first—glance

Understanding the new hydrangea family tree

Looking to the future of hydrangeas • Hydrangeas remain one of the most beloved plants in modern gardens. While it seems like their popularity is here to stay, planting trends and preferences continue to change. What can we expect to see from hydrangeas in the gardening world going forward?

TWO APPROACHES TO AN ENTRYWAY MAKEOVER • Tips and tricks to ensure the front of your home provides a warm welcome

Fine-textured plants for shade • Balancing bold hardscape sometimes takes a delicate touch. The following plants wow with their foliage alone, creating a strong but soft statement all season long.

Plants with big presence for small spaces • While providing curb appeal and privacy, the plants selected for this garden also need to match its smaller scale. Here are a few standouts that draw the eye, making a sizable impact regardless of the space they take up.

Problem-solving choices for challenging shade conditions • Find options perfectly suited to your garden’s soil type, moisture levels, and available light

Dealing with a sudden loss of shade • A few years ago, on a stormy June morning, I woke up to find that lightning had split one of two trees shading my small back garden. A large limb had dropped on the power lines and was visibly on fire. The power company responded immediately and took down most of that tree. Twelve hours of intense summer sun were now beating down on my shade plants, and it was only a matter of time before the scorching and desiccation would begin and death would follow. These are the steps I took that may be helpful to you if you face a similar circumstance.

DO YOUR SHRUBS NEED RENEWAL PRUNING? • Use rejuvenation cuts to give certain plants a different look, or even a new lease on life

Prune, renovate, or remove? • If you are having trouble deciding if a plant should get one of the rejuvenation treatments described in this article, here are a few questions to ask yourself.

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