Fine Gardening Magazine

Written for passionate gardeners, Fine Gardening provides inspired ideas backed by detailed instructions for creating healthy gardens, outdoor rooms, and beautiful landscapes suited to the region. Horticulturists, nurserymen, and designers share their expertise on plants, care, soil, eco-friendly pest control, propagation, design, and landscaping.

Dahlias don’t ask much

Fine Gardening Magazine

FINEGARDENING.COM

READERS’ TIPS • FROM ONE GARDENER TO ANOTHER

SUPER COOL PLANTS • Find out what the experts are growing

A closer look at root washing

Foliage plants with pizzazz • If you’re going to host a houseplant, you might as well go for remarkable. Foliage plants are no exception.

Supporting soil life • Learn how to feed and protect the underground communities that underpin plant health

Architectural plants

Out-of-the-ordinary Dahlias • Better habits and superior blooms set these options apart

A few dahlia quirks to keep in mind

Pests and diseases to watch out for • As beautiful as they are, dahlias are not without their problems. Here are some issues that might plague your plants.

TEXTURE NEVER QUITS • Rely on this key element of design to create a garden that always keeps your interest

Joann and Sebastian’s favorite textural gems • It’s important to have a selection of plants with great texture for every season. The following list includes evergreens (including a holly Joann discovered), conifers, herbaceous perennials, and even a tropical or two.

BATTERY POWER 101 • Skip the gas can and the extension cord—these garden tools have plenty of power and less upkeep

Buying strategies • Choosing the right tool or battery platform to fit your needs can be a big decision. Regardless of which tool you choose, it is worth buying a spare battery pack to minimize downtime when you want to be working.

BATTERY BASICS • There is a lot of confusion about how motor voltage affects power and run time versus the size and capacity of the battery pack being used. Here’s a simple guide to understanding batteries.

TOUGH YET pretty • These rugged perennials add soft textures and romantic colors to your beds and borders

Getting things off to the best start

End-of-season VEGGIE GARDEN TASKS • Investing a few hours now will save time and work next spring

Remember to save seeds for next year

Ideas to spruce up your SHADE • Stellar pairings and unusual plants energize low-light areas

Moving the eye

NORTHWEST

MOUNTAIN WEST

SOUTHWEST

SOUTHERN PLAINS

MIDWEST

SOUTHEAST

NORTHEAST

Here is a handy guide to help you pronounce the botanical names in this issue.

The USDA plant hardiness zone map

BEING A GARDENER: Seeing Red

CAPTIVATING COMBINATION