Vaccinium corymbosum, highbush blueberry, and Vaccinium angustifolium, lowbush blueberry, are popular deciduous shrubs cultivated for their delicious berries. Highbush blueberries grow up to 6-12 feet tall, while lowbush varieties stay more compact, usually between 1-2 feet tall. Proper pruning is essential for maintaining these plants' health, productivity, and shape, encouraging vigorous growth and abundant berry production. Without regular

Ficus carica, commonly known as the common fig, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to the Mediterranean. It typically grows 10-20 feet tall and wide, with broad, lobed leaves and sweet, edible fruit. This plant is popular in gardens for its rustic beauty, delicious figs, and ability to thrive in warm climates. Proper pruning is essential to maintain the tree’s shape, promote healthy growth, enhance fruit production, and manage its size. Without routine pruning, Ficus carica can become dense and tangled, reducing fruit yield and increasing disease risk.

Western Washington's cool, maritime climate might not be the first place you think of when it comes to grape growing, but with the right approach and choice of varieties, it can be an excellent region for both table and wine grapes. While this region's growing season can be challenging, especially compared to drier and warmer areas like Eastern Washington or California, it also offers unique opportunities to cultivate grapes with distinctive flavors.

As landscape designers, the goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces for clients. But we often encounter a disconnect between what's designed and what's available. At the heart of this issue is the choice of plant materials—sometimes, plants specified in designs are not hardy for the region or aren't in production at local nurseries.

Explore the beauty of Parterre gardens around the world, from the iconic designs of Versailles to modern interpretations. Discover how different cultures have adapted this classic garden style, incorporating local plants, climate considerations, and unique features to create stunning landscapes that blend tradition and innovation.

Maintain the elegance of your Parterre garden with our expert tips on pruning, watering, and seasonal care. Learn how to keep your garden’s geometric patterns sharp and vibrant year-round, while ensuring healthy growth and minimal maintenance. Perfect for gardeners looking to preserve the beauty and structure of their formal gardens.

Discover how to adapt Parterre gardens for modern living with contemporary design elements, sustainable practices, and space-saving techniques. Learn how to incorporate traditional garden structures into small spaces, urban environments, and eco-friendly landscapes, creating a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern functionality.

Learn how to create a Parterre garden with our step-by-step guide. From planning your design and selecting materials to planting and maintaining your garden, this comprehensive tutorial will help you transform your outdoor space into a timeless and elegant landscape feature. Perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike!

Discover the best plants for your Parterre garden, including evergreen hedges, vibrant flowering infills, and drought-tolerant options. Learn how to select the right plants to ensure your garden stays beautiful and well-structured throughout the year, tailored to your climate and design preferences.

Pruning formal boxwood hedges requires precision and careful planning to achieve straight sides and a flat top, enhancing their architectural beauty in the landscape. This guide incorporates expert techniques for meticulously maintaining formal boxwood hedges.

Pruning clematis (Clematis spp.) involves specific techniques to ensure this popular climbing plant's health, vigor, and flowering. Known for their stunning flowers, clematis vines can be categorized into three main pruning groups based on their flowering time and growth pattern. Understanding these groups is crucial for pruning success.

Propagating fig trees is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener. Whether you're an experienced horticulturist or a beginner, growing your own fig tree from a cutting is exciting and accessible. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through the various methods of propagating figs, providing tips and tricks to ensure your success.

In the landscape trade, staking and guying trees is a common practice, especially for supporting young or vulnerable trees. This intervention can be crucial for a tree's initial stability and growth. However, if not executed with precision and care, it can lead to many problems.

Welcome to the first post in a series that's as much a personal academic journey as a professional sharing space. As I embark on the road to fortifying my credentials as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, I will be delving into 19 categories that form the backbone of the ISA Board Certified Arborist certification exam.

For over two decades, I've been immersed in the world of horticulture, from my studies at Ricks College and Brigham Young University to my current role at Pacific Plants, Inc. Now, with 24 years of experience as an ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified professional, I'm setting out on a new challenge: becoming an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®.

Water is fundamental to horticulture. It transcends the simple act of hydration, which is pivotal in plant growth, health, and establishment. This isn't just about keeping the soil wet; it's about understanding how water, as a crucial resource, interacts with every aspect of a plant's life. Water is a core component of a thriving garden or landscape, from promoting robust root development and aiding in the uptake of nutrients to facilitating core processes like photosynthesis and respiration. This post will delve into these key areas, shedding light on why a well-thought-out watering regime is critical and how it significantly influences plant health and growth.

First and foremost, what is arboriculture? Derived from the Latin words 'arbor' meaning tree, and 'cultura' meaning cultivation, arboriculture is a specialized branch of horticulture that focuses on the care, growth, and management of individual trees, shrubs, or other perennial woody plants. It is a discipline with art, science, and technology at its core, with a strong emphasis on the health and safety of trees and the people around them.

Designing a landscape for a hill or slope can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity to create a beautiful and unique outdoor space.

When it comes to landscaping, privacy is a key concern for many homeowners. Whether you're looking to shield your property from nosy neighbors or create a secluded retreat for your enjoyment, you can employ various strategies to achieve your goal. This guide will explore some of the most effective ways to plan a landscape for privacy, including water to mask sounds, strategic use of landscape lighting, and the incorporation of structures and plants to create visual barriers.

Parterre gardens are a timeless and elegant landscaping design that can add beauty and structure to any outdoor space. They are versatile and adaptable, making them an ideal choice for gardens of all sizes.