The Strader's Blog

Discover how smart plant choices, mulching, and efficient design create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape with less upkeep.

Discover fast-growing shade trees like red maple and river birch, plus expert planting tips for quicker, healthier canopy growth.

Prevent common midsummer crop problems like blossom end rot and powdery mildew with tips on watering, mulching, and heat stress relief.

Learn natural pest management strategies, from beneficial insects to resistant plant varieties, to protect your garden with fewer chemicals.

Discover Joe Pye Weed, a native perennial with mauve-pink blooms that attracts pollinators and thrives in borders, meadows, and rain gardens.

Learn how to build healthy, productive soil year-round with compost, mulching, crop rotation, and cover crops for stronger garden harvests.

Create a thriving pollinator garden with nectar plants, host plants, native grasses, and habitat-friendly practices year-round.

Explore garden accents like gazing globes, statuary, trellises, bird baths, and wind chimes to add personality and charm to any outdoor space.

Discover the best trees for small yards, from Japanese maples to columnar hornbeams, that add beauty without overwhelming your space.

Explore shade-loving perennials for dry soil, moist soil, groundcovers, and climbers to brighten your yard's darker corners.