August 24, 2019 - Issue #423

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Here are my picks for the most flavorful and widely adapted "tea" plants for home gardens, along with tips for harvesting and my favorite recipes. All of these plants grow well throughout the United States. They are hardy perennials (up to -20oF) that do well in sun or part shade, except where noted.

When selecting a site for plums, choose a site with loamy, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid low-lying areas where frost settles. If possible, remove wild plums to prevent them from spreading disease to your new trees. When planting plums, keep the graft union an inch above the soil line. Space trees 20 to 25 feet for standard varieties, 15 to 20 for dwarfs.

No wonder bulbs are so popular in the garden -- they return year after year and are among the most carefree garden plants. To ensure repeat appearances, choose healthy bulbs and plant them correctly.

The beloved flowering dogwood tree, found in home gardens across the country, is just one of the many types of dogwoods. Some species are native to the United States.

The dependable, spring-flowering daffodil is a favorite for its long life and carefree, colorful blooms. Other common names include jonquil and narcissus.

Many people think that water gardening is difficult. Water gardens look so exotic. But nothing could be further from the truth

Columbines have been a popular plant in gardens for generations, but it now faces a deadly killer to gardeners across the ocean