This time of year, some gardeners consider the advantages of shade. Not every garden has it made in the shade, however — having large trees that provide shade also can cause problems with above-ground ...

Q: I have embankment on the north side of a building. Its about 4 feet high, 10 feet wide and 50 feet long. I would like to plant something maintenance-free all year long something evergreen maybe.

Don’t give up on that seemingly uninhabitable part of the yard that’s shaded by towering evergreens. With some creative planning, this tree-filled area can transform from a dark, neglected spot to an ...

Landscaping with evergreens is a clever way to ensure your yard is full of greenery at all times of the year. While evergreens may not be as exciting as colorful perennials that act like fireworks ...

A landscape needs “bones” — plants that anchor the overall look throughout the year, not just during the growing season in spring and summer. Evergreens typically form the “bones” of a good landscape ...

After an extraordinary fall, when plants stayed green halfway into November, we've finally reached winter, when leaves are gone, grass is brown and remnants of garden flowers are black from frost.

Q: I need a screen planting for one side of our back yard. It’s a small lot, and the area doesn’t get a lot of sun. It faces north to northwest. I’m thinking of something maybe 20 feet tall at ...

SEATTLE — If you’re having difficulty finding a shrub that will survive in dry shade, especially underneath giant evergreens that suck up every inch of available moisture, give Aucuba japonica a try.

Q: I hope to be visiting friends and family this holiday season and would like to gift some garden-related items. Any ideas or tips? A: A good first step is to learn what growing conditions the ...

Fall is the ideal time to plant ornamentals as cooler weather allows for strong root establishment before spring.

Vinca minor, commonly known as periwinkle, is among the native plants that can provide yearlong color in the dry shade of a Western Washington garden. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com This time of ...