Mark Weathington

1 month ago | finegardening.com | Mark Weathington |Christine Alexander

When faced with a plant disease, the first response most people have is, “What do I need to spray to get rid of it?” Unfortunately, killing the disease is often the most difficult way to deal with the problem. Understanding why you have an issue can help you find a better way to prevent it.

1 month ago | finegardening.com | Mark Weathington |Christine Alexander

Plant breeders work to develop disease-resistant plants using a mix of traditional breeding and hybridization techniques. By selecting the strongest traits and enhancing natural defenses, they can create plants that fight off fungi, bacteria, and viruses—reducing the need for chemical treatments and making gardening more sustainable.

1 month ago | finegardening.com | Mark Weathington |Christine Alexander

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked what product should be used on a lilac to stop powdery mildew, I’d be on a beach somewhere tropical, or, more realistically, using my riches to feed my plant addiction. My response is to rip out the offender and plant something that doesn’t need chemicals to stay healthy. I don’t know many people who enjoy the expense, effort, or ecological detriments of using fungicides and other disease cures and preventatives.

Oct 15, 2024 | finegardening.com | Mark Weathington |Sam Hoadley

There are people who categorize plants as either workhorses or showboats, but wouldn’t we prefer our workhorses to be showboats, and vice versa? Few plants fit that brief quite so well as the lowly sedge, at least when you select the right one. The Carex genus includes about 2,000 species worldwide, with about 500 of those being native to North America. Most grow best with at least some shade, though there are also many sun-loving species.

Oct 15, 2024 | finegardening.com | Mark Weathington |Christine Alexander

This widespread genus has given the gardening world a spectacular array of species and cultivars that rarely disappoint, thanks to their performance, durability, and beauty. Most are quite bulletproof if sited correctly and will provide years of performance in the garden with no insect, disease, or pest problems—with the exception of an occasional rabbit lining its burrow with spring foliage.