All About the Flowering Dogwood

From History to Myth to Uses, Everything You Could Want to Know About the Dogwood Tree


Native Americans and early American settlers have prized the flowering dogwood tree as far back as the 1700's. Today they are primarily valued for their delicate white or pink flowers and purplish fall leaves. They are popular in home landscaping as well as commercial and are still prevalent in forest stands as understory trees, peeking out from beneath taller trees. Dogwoods are among the first to bloom in the spring, giving their owners an added benefit of early flowers.


Description of the Dogwood Tree


An ornamental tree, the flowering dogwood produces small, 4-petaled flowers, called bracts, very early in the spring. Some varieties are pink in color but most and those found primarily in the wild are white. Each petal has red spot on the center of the outer edge, giving it a focal point. Flowering dogwoods average 15 feet in height but can soar to 30 feet in the right conditions. Read More

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Choosing the Right Crabapple Tree for Your Landscape

Crabapples Are Available in a Variety of Sizes and Styles

Crabapple trees can make a lovely addition to your landscape or home orchard. But how do you choose the right one? There are so many varieties and styles to choose from. Often those home improvement stores that sell trees in the spring offer such limited information on the tag that making a choice can be daunting. We can get so caught up in spring fever that we make an impulse purchase forma store or mail order catalog without having given the decision the necessary thought.

Pick Your Spot

First, you need to know where you intend to plant your crabapple tree. Is it going in the orchard because you want edible fruit? Perhaps it is the focal point of your front or backyard. If you have a small area, that will also play a part in your decision. Are there utility lines that pass over the site? A taller variety would not work well there. Read More
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Cooking with Crabapples

Caring for Your Own Apple Tree

Growing an apple tree requires a little care but provides bushels of rewards


Apple trees are a favorite addition to the home landscape or backyard orchard because of their beautiful spring blooms, late summer to early fall fruit and ease of care. Taking care of an apple tree is simpler than you think. I know because I have 3 of them. Just give them the proper location, enough water and sunshine, yearly fertilization, a little pruning and check on them periodically to make sure they don’t become sick or insect-infested. Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be eating an apple a day in no time.

Tips on Planting Apple Trees


The key to healthy apple trees is good exposure to sunshine and good air circulation. They prefer soil that is well-drained. Prior to planting, give the roots a good soak for 30 to 60 minutes. When you dig the hole, make it as deep and as wide as the root ball. Set  Read More



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