By Susan Patterson Mastser Gardener Gazing balls, also known as gazing orbs, have been incorporated into both formal and informal gardens for centuries. Gazing balls are typically seen tucked alongside pretty flowers and fountains or grouped together as an artistic garden feature. Gazing Balls in the Garden Gazing balls come in so many colors and styles that they suit just about any garden setting, from rustic to elegant and everything in between. Here are a few ways that you

10 Fun Facts About Butterflies Butterflies can't fly if their body temperatures are below 82 degrees. That's probably why butterflies are found on all continents except Antarctica. Butterflies do indeed taste with their feet. Since taste sensors are located in their toes (tarsi), when they land on a plant they can instantly tell whether it will provide a tasty meal or a good place to lay eggs. Their toes also have claws to help them cling, even upside down. Though your mother

Common Minnesota Butterflies and What They Like to Eat Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia): Caterpillars like pansies. Nectar plants include black eyed Susan, verbena, butterfly bush, globe amaranth, marigold, New England aster, oregano, red clover, and zinnia. Monarch (Danaus plexippus): Caterpillars only like milkweed. Nectar plants include verbena, butterfly bush, butterfly weed, milkweed, globe amaranth, heliotrope, Joe Pye weed, lantana, marigold, mustard greens, N

Top Tips for Butterfly Gardeners You thought your toddler was a picky eater? Try planning a butterfly garden! Caterpillars would rather starve than eat the wrong plant, and adult butterflies will move on to tastier pastures (literally) if you don't have what they're looking for. Monarchs are the most famous picky eaters: Caterpillars eat milkweed only, thank you very much. No matter what species of butterfly you're aiming to attract, all butterfly gardens have five elements:

Eleven Reasons Everyone Should Have a Garden Fountain Why should you include a fountain in your garden landscape design? Here are 11 reasons to get your creative juices flowing. Flowing fountains cover background noise, turning your yard into a soothing oasis from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Don't forget a strategically placed bench to complete your meditation spot. The water attracts birds and butterflies, bringing these little friends into your life all summer l

Growing Tree Peonies: Easy Care with Big Rewards Ahh, the tree peony, elegant queen of the garden. Tree peonies create giant blooms in an array of soft or shocking colors, making them the centerpiece of color-themed cottage gardens or the foundation element in more formal French-style gardens. Once you introduce these beauties to your perennial beds, you'll wonder why you waited so long to bring them home. Keep in mind that shrub peonies are long-lived plants and with a littl

Spring Pruning for Perennials - The Ins and Outs of Pruning. Developing an eye for pruning perennials is rather like learning to appreciate fine art: Studying why an artist placed a brushstroke a certain way is helpful to understanding the work of art, but sometimes you just have to stand back and look at the whole. In other words, it's helpful to the gardener to read everything possible about pruning and to ask lots of questions, but when you're standing there on a sunny mor

Transitioning into Fall! Today's article includes flowers that begin blooming in mid-summer and continue on and on. A low maintenance perennial garden that keeps blooming from July until frost? It's possible! Monkshood, also known as Wolfbane (Aconitum) Monkshood blooms in mid-summer, but following one quick tip will get you more flowers in the fall. It's very important to deadhead monkshood: after the first bloom is finished, cut the bloom stalks down to the ground and don't

There are many plants to choose from when creating a garden that delights the nose as well as the eyes. Here are six favorites you can plant together to make a "scent-sational" garden. Nemesia This plant creates a profusion of blossoms all summer long. Nemesia may fade during extremely hot weather, so let it have a little shade during July and August if you can. Grows on tall, strong stems with small leaves, making the plant look compact and neat. Flower colors include yellow

What's up with this long list of plants people claim will repel mosquitoes? A little investigative reporting delves into this question. One thing is for sure: organic bug repellent researchers and users say that natural sprays don't last as long as DEET or other poisons, and not everyone gets the same benefit from every type of repellent. For those who want to go the organic route, you'll need to reapply more frequently and try out different herbs and plants. Luckily, there a