Samantha Johnson

1 week ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty Images A hedge is a dense planting of shrubs or small trees that form a natural fence around an area, offering a beautiful way to add privacy, height, and texture to the landscape. Without proper care, hedges can become unruly and lose their shape, taking away from their intended purpose of creating a defined border. Trimming is essential to ensure your hedges look their best and maintain their shape year-round.

1 week ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Corinna Kern / Getty Images Nitrogen is a critical element for the plants growing in your garden. They need nitrogen to help them with photosynthesis, the process by which plants get energy from the sun. They also need nitrogen to help build amino acids, which form the proteins plants need to survive. While the air around us contains nitrogen, most plants can't utilize it in this form. Instead, they must obtain nitrogen from the soil.

1 week ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: Getty Images The glorious Meyer lemon tree is a small, evergreen variety that makes it possible to enjoy homegrown citrus regardless of location and growing zone. A cross between a citron and a mandarin-pomelo hybrid, these popular trees are a delight to grow and their abundant production of lemons makes them even more special. Here, our experts provide advice for growing your own Meyer lemon tree for fresh citrus cultivated at home.

2 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Samantha Johnson

Credit: graffoto8 / GETTY IMAGES Clematis is a lovely perennial vine that climbs, grows, and can sometimes establish a permanent framework for fresh green growth. This beautiful plant lightens up the garden with large, vivid, colorful flowers that add beauty to your trellises, fencing, and arbors. Pruning your clematis can keep growth in check or help shape the vine, but doing so at the wrong time or incorrectly may cause a reduction in blossoms.

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Samantha Johnson

5 hours agoThe Trump administration says cheaper energy is the goal. Before leaving her East Texas home, Paulette Goree checks her air monitor. If the hue is green on the connected phone app, she steps outside to tend to her backyard garden where she grows tomatoes, squash and peppers. If it is red, she stays …