The American Gardener

March/April 2018

AHS MEMBERS log in here to view the digital edition

Not a member of AHS? JOIN US to read the entire 64-page issue online, and also receive 6 printed issues a year.

Please allow 2 business days for your membership to be processed.

*All articles with orange titles are open to the public to read.*

Features in this Issue

Getting a Grip on Weeds by Kris Wetherbee

Preventive measures, physical controls, and alternative herbicides provide a winning strategy in the ongoing battle with weeds.

Lawn or No Lawn? by Susan Morrison

Although lawns have their place in the landscape, many gardeners are choosing to forgo them in favor of more environmentally-friendly and less high-maintenance options. Explore low-growing plants on our Pinterest Groundcovers board.

Fresh Choices for Shade by C. Colston Burrell

These exotic perennials add an elegant element to shade gardens. For additional plant selections visit our Pinterest boards about Shade gardening in moist soil and Shade drought-tolerant plants.

Is Beekeeping for You? by Hannah Kincaid

If you’ve been wondering whether a backyard beehive is right for you, here are tips and advice from some experienced beekeepers. Buzz over to our Pinterest Backyard Bees board for more ideas.

Winners of the 2018 Great American Gardener Awards
Winners of the 2018 Book Awards

Highlights from our Departments

Traveler’s Guide to Gardens: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Tennessee

Part of a series of profiles of the  300+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.

This Nashville treasure draws more than 200,000 visitors each year to its fine arts center and 55 acres of gardens.

Garden Solutions

A Tale of Two Dogwood Diseases

Homegrown Harvest: Classy Cabbage

The Queen of cool-season vegetables is also easy to grow.

Gardener’s Notebook

New hemlock species identified by Arnold Arboretum; angiosperms outpaced their conifer and fern competitors; healthier digging techniques; and more.

Green Garage: Battery-Powered Tools

Gear up for spring with some quieter, lighter power tools; from our Contributing Editor, Rita Pelczar.

Book Reviews: Recommendations for your Gardening Library

Reviews of Garden RenovationPractical Organic Gardening and The Grumpy Gardener: An A to Z Guide from the Galaxy’s Most Irritable Green Thumb.

Gardener’s Books: Updated Editions of Favorite References

Worms Eat My GarbageHow to Grow More VegetablesThe Well-Tended Perennial GardenThe New Healing HerbsGardening with Conifers, and Garden Insects of North America.

News from the American Horticultural Society

Seed Your Future’s BLOOM! initiative, high school exhibit receives AHS award at Philadelphia Flower Show, national Screen-Free Week event, River Farm part of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm, AHS President’s Council trip to Florida.

Regional Happenings

Find events at gardens all over the country, many of which are the 300+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.

Plant in the Spotlight: Tree Peonies (Paeonia xsuffruticosa)