Dear ##firstname[Friend]##,

Crystal Rennicke

Last week, I tested my photography skills at a nearby botanical garden. It was so much fun—I even caught a few bees, birds and butterflies while shooting. Now I’m hooked. If you like taking nature photos, check out our Photo Challenge and submit your photos. There’s a new challenge every month and we feature some of our favorites online.

Have you entered your best container recipes to our Container Challenge? We’re awarding cash prizes to the winners! Click here for more details.

Happy Gardening!
—Crystal

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READ ON TO DISCOVER...

• Plant of the Month
• Yard Smarts
• Question of the Month
• Frugal Backyard Tip
• Submit Your Story
• Take Our Survey

Proven Winners

Plant of the Month

Luscious™ Lemonade Lantana
Botanical name: Lantana
Mature Size: 14 to 28 inches high; 20 to 24 inches wide.
Hardiness: Annual, except Zones 10 to 11.
Light: Full sun.
Features: Bright yellow flowers bloom until a hard frost. Heat- and drought-tolerant. Growing advice: Water for the first few weeks until established; then little or no supplemental watering is necessary. If used in containers, water as necessary.

Uses: Mounded plant works well in landscapes or containers. Also comes in Citrus Blend, Grape and Tropical Fruit.

For more information, click here.

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Yard Smarts

Easy Ideas for Clean Birdbaths
To clean your birdbath, put 2 cups of vinegar in the bath and fill it to the brim with water. Cover with a trash-can lid, and let the bath soak overnight. Scrub and rinse well.
–George Harrison, Hubertus, Wisconsin

I found this algae-busting solution by accident. I wanted to attract butterflies to my birdbath, so I put a layer of builder’s sand in the bottom of the birdbath. I have not had algae since.
–Paulette English, Lubbock, Texas

Add a panty-hose leg filled with oat straw to your water for an algae-free birdbath.
–Connie Kehler, Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan

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Question of the Month

Help for Hibiscus
Q: My hibiscus hasn’t bloomed in the 5 years I’ve had it. I bring it indoors for winter and take it back outside in summer. What’s wrong? –Deb Schroeder, Stillwater, Minnesota

Melinda: You might want to try using a flowering plant fertilizer beginning in spring through late summer. These fertilizers contain high levels of phosphorous that help promote blooming. Also make sure your hibiscus is growing in full sun or another bright location outdoors. Limit pruning to fall through late winter. Pruning it at other times can delay or even prevent blossoming.

For more answers from Melinda, click here.

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Frugal Gardener Tip

Budget Bird Feeder
Old mailboxes make excellent bird feeders that keep the seed protected from the wind and rain. I just leave the door open and lock it in place with metal strapping.
–Donna Kromm, Calgary, Alberta    

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Submit Your Story

We’re looking for your best money-saving birding and gardening tips for our “For Less” section. If we use your photo submission, we’ll send you $25!  

Submit your story»

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Take Our Survey

Got a minute? Take our online survey so we can give you what you want online and in our newsletters! Click here.

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