Plants & Gardens Blog

We spoke with Dr. Shalene Jha, associate professor in the department of integrative biology at the University of Texas-Austin, about urban habitats, “bee bread,” and gardening toward a better future. Read › Dr. Shalene Jha on Community Gardens as Biodiversity Havens

Part of the fun in learning about the plant world is experiencing it with your own eyes. Read › How to Identify Plants Without an App

Araucaria araucana is “like a mother,” says researcher Karina Speziale. “They feed the community. Many, many animals and humans depend on it.” Read › A Closer Look at the Monkey Puzzle Tree

This daisy-like native wildflower is in bloom now. Look closely and you'll see its flower heads are made up of many smaller flowers. Read › Weed of the Month: Fleabane

This Arbor Day, take a moment to notice your local trees’ spring blooms. Read › All Eyes on the Redbud, and Other Trees in Bloom

Wondering how you should celebrate Earth Day? Take a moment to brush up on your composting know-how. Read › This Earth Day, Consider the Compost Pile

This buttercup relative is lovely, but it's also invasive in 25 states. Learn more about it and its harmless native cousin, the marsh-marigold. Read › Weed of the Month: Lesser Celandine

In the first installment of "Ask a Gardener," our new gardening advice column, Rock Garden curator Laura Powell answers your spring questions. Read › Ask a Gardener: Spring Edition

"Into the Garden" is a new series of interviews about plants, people, and everything in between. Read › Artist Phyllis Ma on Learning from Mushrooms

You can compost and grow vegetables in one simple wooden frame. Layer clippings, leaves, and other materials in the fall, and by spring you'll have a healthy growing medium for tomatoes, peppers, and more. Read › Make a Lasagna Garden in a Raised Bed