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Selection Guides

Not every tree and shrub will work in your area. Consider your yard carefully as you choose the correct trees and shrubs for your needs. Discover how to tell if your nursery sells high quality plants.Pick trees and shrubs based on certain characteristics and requirements.

Top 10 New Roses of the 2000s

I consider the following to be the top 10 new rose varieties that debuted during the 2000s. Selections were made by choosing my favorite each year from the AARS (All-American Rose Selection) winner's list.

Types of Oak Trees

Oak trees fall under the genus Quercus and belong to the Fagaceae (beech) family.

Shrubs For Water Conservation

As drought hits areas and forces water conservation to become a reality, many people look for ways to use less water in their gardens. One way is to choose shrubs that are drought tolerant.

Hardiness Zone 1 Trees and Shrubs

Not many plants will grow in USDA hardiness zone 1. The average minimum temperature in this zone is -50F and below. These are some of the few trees and shrubs that will grow in these areas.

Tree and Shrub Selection Guide

Whether you're starting out with a empty yard or just looking to add new plants, picking the right trees and shrubs can seem like a daunting task. It doesn't have to be, though. Use these guides to select the best trees and shrubs to plant in your garden.

Pine Trees

Pine trees belong to the genus Pinus. These are evergreen conifers that can be found throughout the world. One way to identify pine trees is by how many pine needles there are per bundle (formally known as fascicle), so that information is included.

Ten Trees That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are highly prized visitors in the garden. These inquisitive little birds zip around from flower to flower in search of nectar. Use these ten trees to help attract hummingbirds to your yard.

Birch Trees and Shrubs

Birch trees belong to the genus Betula. Their bark and leaves make them a common choice for the landscape. This list features 12 birch trees.

Native Irish Trees and Shrubs

Ireland is a magical place, and it's not just because of the leprechauns and four-leaf clovers. There are many delightful trees and shrubs that are Irish natives. These websites will teach you more about the flora of Ireland.

Grow Your Own Aphrodisiacs

In the mood for love? You don't need any expensive, artificial potions to have a good time. Here are 10 trees and shrubs you can grow to use as natural aphrodisiacs.

Hardy Banana Trees

If you ask people to name tropical plants, banana trees would be near the top of the list. However, there are cold hardy banana trees that are able to grow in cooler Zones than usual. While the leaves will be damaged or destroyed by freezing weather, the roots will survive and grow new shoots the following spring. Here are some of the common hardy banana trees available.

Christmas Tree Choices

From Noble firs to Scotch pines, there are many choices available in real Christmas trees. Each species offers a different shape, needle longevity, and branch strength. Make sure you are getting the right tree for your situation with this photo gallery of common Christmas trees.

Before You Plant - What Trees/Shrubs Should You Choose?

Trees and shrubs can evoke many memories and emotions. Whether you remember the joy of picking nectarines, the heady aroma of blooming lilacs, or a swing in a majestic oak, trees and shrubs affect us all. With careful consideration, you can choose the right ones for your location and avoid frustrations and financial losses.

Choosing a Good Nursery

Tips on what to look for when choosing a nursery.

A Guide to Picking Healthy Trees

Steve Nix, the Forestry Guide, provides an excellent picture guide to choosing healthy trees while shopping at the nursery.

Top Choices for Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs

You can design your garden so that there is color and interest in every season. David Beaulieu, the Landscaping Guide, gives his top 10 spring flowering trees and shrubs.

Top Evergreens for Privacy Hedges

Sometimes you just want a little more privacy in your garden. Marie Iannotti presents her top ten list of evergreens for privacy hedges.

Explore Trees and Shrubs

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