March/April 2021

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

Features in this Issue

Convallaria and Their Kin by C. Colston Burrell

If you like lily of the valley, it’s worth exploring other members of this genus of shade-loving plants.

Gardening Successfully in Summer-Dry Climates by Nora Harlow and Saxon Holt

Climate-driven plant choices are key to successful gardening in North America’s ecologically diverse summer-dry West Coast. But first, you have to understand the nuances of what summer-dry means.

The World of Plant Patenting by Patricia A. Taylor

Have you ever wondered about  how—or why—people patent plants? Here are some real-world examples that show how the process works.

Discovering Hardy Begonias by John Boggan

Begonia grandis is a jumping-off point for exploring a surprising number of other attractive hardy begonia species and cultivars.

In Defense of Inclusive Biodiversity by Marianne Willburn

One gardener argues that when promoting biodiversity in cultivated landscapes, native plants are only part of the solution—and ponders the effects of human efforts in garden evolution.

Highlights from our Departments

Great American Gardener Awards and Book Awards

Meet the recipients of the 2021 AHS Great American Gardener awards and find out which titles received the 2021 Book Awards.

RAP Gardens in Focus

Explore the oldest public Japanese-style garden in the United States—the San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Insect Insights

A new series about the world of insects in our gardens.
Conservationist Danae Wolfe introduces us to the basics of insect taxonomy.

Gardener’s Notebook

Read about the latest developments in plant research, horticultural industry trends, and more.

 

January/February 2021

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Features in this Issue

New Plants and Garden Trends for 2021 by Heather Prince

We’ve rounded up some ideas and plant picks to inspire you to look forward to a fresh start in the new gardening year.

Success with Bare-Root Plants by Kris Wetherbee

If you buy a lot of plants for your garden, purchasing bare-root stock is a cost-effective option.

In Defense of Botanical Names by Marianne Willburn

The use of formal botanical names for plants is sometimes viewed as elitist, but there are legitimate arguments for identifying plants by their scientific names.

Captivating Bougainvilleas by Amelia Grant

The glorious flowers of this genus delight gardeners whether they are growing them as vines, shrubs, or houseplants.

Building a Free-Standing No-Dig Garden by Charlie Nardozzi

No-dig gardening techniques are used around the world to grow healthier and more productive gardens with less work.

Highlights from our Departments

News from the AHS

Announcements about programs, events, and other news from the American Horticultural Society.

Insect Insights

A new series about the world of insects in our gardens.
Conservationist Danae Wolfe introduces us to how she fell in love with insects—and why we should, too.

Gardener’s Notebook

Read about the latest developments in plant research, horticultural industry trends, and more.

 

November/December 2020

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Features in this Issue

Stunning Stems by Ed Lyon

Add winter color and interest to the landscape with redtwig dogwoods, willows, and other shrubs with eye-catching stems.

Agaves for Small Gardens by Mary Irish

Many small agave selections are well suited for smaller gardens and also adapt to cultivation outside of their native Southwest.

Layer Upon Layer of Plants by Denny Schrock

Layering is one of the easiest ways to increase the numbers of many favorite woody plants in your garden.

Gardening and Wellness by Beth Botts

Science is confirming that gardening and being outdoors offers a range of physical and mental health benefits.

Gardening Under Cover by Niki Jabbour

You don’t have to live in a cold-climate region to benefit from using tunnels in your garden.

Highlights from our Departments

News from the AHS

Announcements about programs, events, and other news from the American Horticultural Society.

RAP Gardens in Focus: Mercer Botanic Gardens

Part of a series of profiles of the  330+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.
At over 400 acres, this county facility in the Houston area offers both cultivated gardens and plenty of natural green space for visitors of all ages.

Gardener’s Notebook

Read about the latest developments in plant research, horticultural industry trends, and more.

Gifts for Gardeners

Garden-themed ideas for holiday gift-giving.

September/October 2020

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Features in this Issue

Native Vines by Andrew Bunting

These gorgeous North American vines add grace and color to the garden.

Moss Garden Masterpiece by Mark Dwyer

Dale Sievert’s Wisconsin garden offers lessons on how to integrate moss to stunning effect.

Bridging the Divide by Lorraine Boissoneault

In communities around the country, urban food forests are helping battle food insecurity, bridge socioeconomic divides, and create more green space.

Self-Sowing Natives by Jared Barnes

For economy and ease of care, include self-sowing natives in your garden.

Siting a Kitchen Garden by Nicole Johnsey Burke

A landscape designer maps out the fundamentals of locating this culinary garden space for maximum beauty, yield, and enjoyment.

Highlights from our Departments

News from the AHS

Announcements about programs, events, and other news from the American Horticultural Society.

RAP Gardens in Focus: Adkins Arboretum

Part of a series of profiles of the  330+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.
Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, this 400-acre preserve showcases the native flora of the Chesapeake Bay.

Gardener’s Notebook

Read about the latest developments in plant research, horticultural industry trends, and more.

July/August 2020

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Features in this Issue

The Scented Path by Brandee Gruener

Turn walks into an exhilarating sensory experience by growing herbs and other fragrant plants along the way.

Bonsai Now by Daniel Mount

A new approach to bonsai display is helping Americans embrace this ancient Japanese art form.

Success with Sedges by Karen Bussolini

Native sedges (Carex spp.) are growing in popularity as adaptable, low-care landscape plants with hidden talents.

Confessions of a Zone Pusher by John Boggan

Growing tropical plants successfully in temperate regions is part art and part science.

In Defense of the Lawn by Marianne Willburn

Garden writer Marianne Willburn offers her opinion on why the national conversation about the great American lawn needs to be refocused.

Highlights from our Departments

News from the AHS

Announcements about programs, events, and other news from the American Horticultural Society.

RAP Gardens in Focus: Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

Part of a series of profiles of the  330+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.
Small in size but big in ambition, this charming garden is the pride of Owensboro and a haven for daylily enthusiasts.

Gardener’s Notebook

Read about the latest developments in plant research, horticultural industry trends, and more.

Book Reviews

Planting the Natural Garden and A History of Zinnias, plus Gardening Your Front Yard and The New Gardener’s Handbook

May/June 2020

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Features in this Issue

Uncommon Annuals by Andrew Bunting

If you’re looking for something a bit different to include in the summer garden, try some of these out-of-the-ordinary annuals in borders and containers.

Prairie Spirit by Benjamin Vogt

A Nebraska-based landscape designer, inspired by the prairies of his childhood, explains why he’s driven to bring a prairie aesthetic to suburban gardens.

Native Azaleas by Caleb Melchior

Evergreen azaleas with Asian roots have long dominated the American landscape, but North American species are starting to gain recognition.

Learning to Love Bugs by Danae Wolfe

Insects are everywhere around us. Here’s why gardeners need to rethink their relationship with them.

 

Highlights from our Departments

News from the AHS

Announcements about programs, events, and other news from the American Horticultural Society.
Web special: A look back at a column by former AHS President Gilbert Daniels (1927-2020).

RAP Gardens in Focus: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Part of a series of profiles of the  330+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.
Located less than 30 minutes south of Kansas City, this 640-acre gem features preserved natural ecosystems, miles of trails, a garden inspired by Monet’s in Giverny, a Train Garden, and much more.

Homegrown Harvest: Asian Greens

Expand your vegetable palette by growing nutritious bok choy, Chinese cabbage, komatsuna, mizuna, and tatsoi.

Gardener’s Notebook

Read about the latest developments in plant research, horticultural industry trends, and more.

Book Reviews

Paradise on the Hudson and A Year at Brandywine Cottage, plus Shrubs & Hedges and Container and Fragrant Gardens.

March/April 2020

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Features in this Issue

2020 Great American Gardeners Awards and Book Awards

Meet the recipients of this year’s American Horticultural Society awards.

Fleeting Splendor by C. Colston Burrell

Ephemeral plants provide dazzling displays for only a short time, but they are worth including in every garden if you know how to use them effectively.

Rethinking Boxwoods by Patricia A. Taylor

As blight threatens boxwoods across the country, new blight-tolerant cultivars and attractive substitutes offer alternatives to the popular landscaping staple.

Screen Stars by Janet Davis

Use plants that have open, see-through flowers and stems as scrims and screens to bring drama to the garden.

The Joys of Foraging by Ellen Zachos

If you’ve ever had the yen to harvest edibles beyond the confines of your vegetable garden, here are some tips for getting started. Web special: Spruce-Tip Ice Cream Recipe

 

Highlights from our Departments

RAP Gardens in Focus: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Part of a series of profiles of the  330+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.

Thanks to dedicated reclamation efforts, this former abandoned coalmine has come back to life in a celebration of the landscape and history of the Allegheny Plateau.

Homegrown Harvest: Broccolini

This trendy vegetable is both delicious and easy to grow.

January/February 2020

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Features in this Issue

Garden Trends and New Plants for 2020 by Rita Pelczar

More young people are getting into getting into gardening, and large, showy flowers are in demand. Find out what else is on the horizon.

Annie Hayes of Annie’s Annuals and Perennials by Nan Sterman

Plant enthusiasts, especially those on the West Coast, know this San Francisco-area nursery owner is ahead of the curve.

Design Lessons from Mother Nature by Karen Bussolini

Understanding how plants adapt to their ecosystems can give you can edge when designing your garden.

Cones for Connoisseurs by Sara Malone

Take time to appreciate the spring beauty of these conifers—and perhaps add one to your garden.

Bleeding Hearts and Their Kin by Amy Campion

Add color and a bit of whimsy to shaded and woodland gardens in spring with these graceful perennials.

Special Feature

Leslie Bennett: Designing Diversity by Nan Sterman

Creating landscapes that connect their owners to the land and to their cultural heritage is the mission of this innovative San Francisco Bay-area garden designer

Highlights from our Departments

RAP Gardens in Focus: Tohono Chul

Part of a series of profiles of the  330+ gardens where AHS members have special admission privileges and discounts.

This garden in Tucson, Arizona, pays homage to the plants and culture of the Sonoran Desert.

Homegrown Harvest: Flavorful Mulberries

New selections of this easy-to-grow tree fit into most gardens and will provide many seasons of delicious fruit.

January/February 2018

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Features in this Issue

 

New Plants for 2018 by Charlotte Germane

Here’s a look at some of the promising new plants recommended by garden experts across the country. See all of these on our New Plants for 2018 Pinterest board.

Easy-going Plectranthus by Caleb Melchior

Cherished for their bold-textured foliage, these adaptable tender perennials put on a show indoors and out.

Dioecious Shrubs for Wildlife by Karen Bussolini

Learn how to get the best wildlife value from native shrubs that have male and female flowers on separate plants.

Ephemeral Erythroniums by Jane McGary

With their speckled leaves and brightly colored flowers, these delightful spring ephemerals add zest to woodland gardens and other partly shaded sites.

Give Seeds a Chance by Nancy J. Ondra

Growing your own plants from seeds is a satisfying way to start a new gardening year—and you don’t need much room or special supplies to do it.

Highlights from our Departments

 

Notes from River Farm

Beth Tuttle, an experienced manager of nonprofits, is the new President & CEO of the AHS. She is not only a dynamic executive but also a longtime Master Gardener. Find out what plans she has in store for the AHS over the next few years and how you can provide feedback.

Homegrown Harvest: Mouthwatering Strawberries

Tips on which types and varieties to choose, and how to grow them.

Garden Solutions: Avoiding problems with grafted plants

Grafting is a great horticultural tool that can lead to problems for some gardeners.

Traveler’s Guide to Gardens: Lyon Arboretum in Hawaii

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

A tropical getaway on the otherwise busy island of Oahu.

Green Garage: Multi-tasking Hand Tools

Comfortable hand tools that perform a variety of tasks.

Gardener’s Notebook

Glow-in-the-dark plants, climate change affecting Mount Rainier’s wildflowers, the legacy of California plantswoman Ruth Bancroft, new award for sustainable roses, gardens and green spaces linked to better health, and major expansion for Meijer Gardens.

Book Reviews: Recommendations for your Gardening Library

Reviews of The Trees of North America and The Book of Orchids.

Special Focus Books: Spotlight on Succulents

Plant in the Spotlight: Braun’s spikemoss (Selaginella braunii)

News from the American Horticultural Society

National Children & Youth Garden Symposium will be at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York this summer; Seed Exchange for AHS members is open; time to enter the America in Bloom 2018 competition; Spring Garden Market will be April 13 & 14 at River Farm; Colonial Williamsburg Gardening Symposium will be April 14-16 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

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.

March/April 2018

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*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 Renovation, Practical 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 Garbage, How to Grow More Vegetables, The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, The New Healing Herbs, Gardening 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)