more about: Trees and Shrubs

The Grumpy Gardener

Fringe Tree — The Best Native Tree Nobody Grows

April 28, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (10)

You’d think a small, native tree with pretty spring flowers and pretty fall foliage that’s easier-than-pie to grow would be a staple in our gardens. You’d be wrong. So let me tell you about fringe tree.

The Grumpy Gardener

How To Grow Azaleas

April 25, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (5)

An obscure federal law passed in 1803 states that all homeowners where azaleas will grow must plant azaleas. Because Americans by and large obey the law, if you drive down any street in April and May, it’s hard to find one house without azaleas. Therefore, Grumpy feels duty-bound to tell you how grow these colorful bushes, so you will not […]

The Grumpy Gardener

Is Knockout Rose Down for the Count?

April 21, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (18)

Introduced in 2000, ‘Knockout’ rose quickly became the best-selling landscape plant in the country. It had everything — showy, continuous blooms; compact growth habit; tough-as-nails constitution; and, best of all, no need to spray for black spot disease. But now, nature has tossed green kryptonite into Superman’s garden. And ‘Knockout’ rose may just get its bell rung.

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — Take Me To Your Leader

April 7, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (7)

All good things must come to an end. So must all awe-inspiring, game-changing, milestone-making, totally transcendent things. Behold the 12th and final winner of Crepe Murder 2013!

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — Great Clips

April 4, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (0)

Look at this expertly cropped crepe myrtle. You might expect to pay $50, $100, or even $1,000 to enjoy a coiffed crepe like this one at your home. But if you act now, we’ll charge you only $7.99! Now, that’s a deal!

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy!

March 31, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (1)

Every year, when I rant on about crepe murder, I don’t know whether I’m sowing seeds among the stones or preaching to the choir. Look at these poor, mutilated trees with arms raised to the heavens begging for mercy. Crepe murder is not only a crime, but a sin. Can I get an “Amen!” from the congregation?

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — Serial Killers

March 28, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (2)

Have you been watching Fox’s new hit show, “The Following?” It’s about psycho Joe Carroll and his merry band of serial killers who commit unspeakable crimes because, well, it’s fun. The series is set in Richmond, Virginia. And if you think it’s all make-believe, the photo above recently taken in Richmond could change your mind.

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — 80 Years of Bad Hair

March 24, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (0)

Ahhh!! Springtime! The birds are chirping, the Bradford pears are blooming, squirrels are building nests in your attic, and it’s raining during spring break at the beach. What better time to murder your crepe myrtle? Don’t be the last on your street!

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — Stumped Again!

March 21, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (3)

Grumpy isn’t sure whether this is a photo of a crepe myrtle or a hitching post. But you can tie up your horse to it anyway, because it is winner #7 in Crepe Murder 2013!

The Grumpy Gardener

Crepe Murder 2013 — St. Patty’s Day Massacre

March 17, 2013 | By Steve Bender | Comments (2)

Fine, St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Now could he just drive all the pruners, loppers, and saws out of THIS country? Because it seems that once again, bored husbands fortified by gallons of green beer are celebrating the day by mutilating crepe myrtles. And the trees don’t exactly feel lucky.

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