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.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Contributing this month

Fine Gardening Magazine

OVER THE FENCE

Readers’ Tips • FROM ONE GARDENER TO ANOTHER

Super Cool Plants • FIND OUT WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE GROWING

Garden Shed • TOOLS YOU CAN DEPEND ON, TESTED BY EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST

Plant MD • SCIENCE-BASED INFORMATION FOR A HEALTHIER GARDEN

When should I use neem?

Indoor Gardening • GETTING FERNS JUST RIGHT

Container Gardening • GROWING CONIFERS IN POTS

Slow growers work best in pots

MODERN DETAILS can make the difference

MODERN SPACE [1] • A strong outline provides order and clarity year-round

MODERN SPACE [2] • If the softscape is busy, the hardscape should be more restrained

MODERN SPACE [3] • In smaller spaces, every detail should be dynamic

SHRUBS FOR SMALL SPACES • These compact cultivars offer big interest in a petite package

Why choose a shrub instead of a perennial?

NINEBARK A DURABLE SHRUB FOR EVERYONE • Newer varieties have better habits, color, and disease resistance

Learn the pruning basics • It’s a good idea to cut out dead, crossed, or leggy stems on a ninebark every year in late winter or early spring. Aside from that general maintenance, there are three solid pruning methods you can employ. But keep one important fact in mind before you start: Ninebarks flower on old wood, so any early season pruning decreases the bloom, while pruning after flowering decreases fruit.

NINEBARKS SHOWING PROMISE

RATING KEY

An action plan for INVASIVE SPECIES • WHEN AGGRESSIVE, NONNATIVE PLANTS TRY TO TAKE OVER YOUR GARDEN, HERE’S HOW TO FIGHT BACK

Where did they come from?

Tools worth trying

PERENNIALS FOR FALL COLOR • Choose selections with vivid, long-lasting interest to brighten your fading garden

Fall cleanup doesn’t have to be a chore

Designing in sun and shade for outstanding fall color

MAKE THE GARDEN AN EXPERIENCE • Creating moments large and small will ensure your space is unforgettable

It seems bigger than it is

Denise’s top picks for eye-catching perennials

NORTHWEST

CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN PLAINS

NORTHERN PLAINS

MIDWEST

SOUTH

NORTHEAST

The USDA plant hardiness zone map

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

Garden Photo of the Day • CELEBRATING OUR READERS’ LANDSCAPES

CAPTIVATING COMBINATION