Small varieties of these slender, graceful trees fit in suburban yards. There are about 50 species in the birch genusBetula. Birches are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. They usually thrive in moist soil and are often found near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Because of their fast growth rate, birches are often chosen for new landscapes. Many native birch species provide a welcome habitat for local wildlife. see to it to research the specific needs of the pop in of birch tree you are planting....

Black gum is native from Ontario south along the Eastern United States into Mexico. It has a broad and diverse growing range. Use this guide to find out how to grow and care for a black gum tree in your yard. Credit:Denny Schrock It is often sold as aballed-and-burlapped treeand less commonly as a container-grown plant. Backfill the planting hole with native soil, firmly tamping it to eliminate air pockets....

Growing cardamom at home is possible with the right growing conditions. Heres how to grow it in pots and plant it indoors. Its straw-like leaf sheaths start small, grow larger, then open like flowers. Credit:EyesWideOpen / Getty Images Cardamom should be brought indoors to overwinter, and it canwork as a houseplant. Cardamom will only survive outdoors in the warmest parts of North America. If outdoor temperatures drop below 50F, the plant will suffer significantly....

Add a delightful citrus fragrance to your garden with this easy-care scented geranium. The scent of citronella plant is reminiscent of citronella grass(Cymbopogon nardus)or its cousin,lemongrass. The citronella plant can also be grown as a houseplant. Credit: Dean Schoeppner The citronella plant is toxic to humans and pets. Where to Plant Citronella Plant Citronella plant grows equally well infull sun or part shade. In regions with intense summer heat, give it afternoon shade....

Plant a clover lawn as an easy-care, drought-tolerant grass alternative. Instead, homeowners are seeking environmentally friendly lawn alternatives. As it turns out, clover is one of the best grass lawn alternatives available. Credit:Searsie / Getty Images Heres what you better know to plant and grow a clover lawn. In the 1500s, lawns were for the livestock of wealthy landowners in Western Europe. Like any monoculture, it takes a lot of resources tomaintain a perfect carpet of green grass....

Immature fruits range in color from green to yellow or red, but all eventually turn brown. Coconut palms grow up to 100 feet and are 20 to 30 feet wide. Dwarf varieties can get as large as 60 feet tall. Its palm fronds are giant, growing up to 15 feet long, looking beautiful in atropical garden landscape. This palm is drought-tolerant and can withstand salty, sandy soils. Where to Plant Coconut Palm Coconut palm trees are native to the tropics....

The dogwood tree is prolific showcasing most of the year with coloful flowers, leaves, and berries. Plus, a list of companion plants. Winter brings bright red fruit for a final splash of color. Credit:Bob Stefko These trees are hardy inUSDA Zones3-8, thriving in moist air and part shade. In a home landscape, they grow best in a partial shade location that receives some morning sun. Plant a dogwood tree in fertile, well-draining soil with lots of organic matter and a slightly acidic pH....

Fortunately, thats not the case closer to civilization. In fact, its a common sight during the holidays especially. In the home landscape, this medium-size conifer makes an excellent specimen tree with year-round appeal. Credit:arlutz73 / Getty Images Homeowners love the blue-green foliage with silvery white undersides. Meanwhile, Fraser firs strong, stiff branches and dense foliage make it a favoritenesting spot for birds. Plant it as a living screen wherever you want some year-round privacy....

If you plant a gourd or two, you might turn them into unique fall decor. Brie Goldman Differing in color, shape, and size, every gourd looks unique. Easy to grow, gourds thrive in long, warm growing seasons and large spaces. Credit:Brie Goldman Dont have space for a large garden? Plant gourds at the base of a fence panel and let them grow up the side of the structure. Celebrate the bounty of autumn by bringing your favorite gourds indoors to use asfall decor....

Grow your own grapefruit tree with these essential tips. An easy-care and long-lived backyard tree, a grapefruit tree(Citrusxparadisi)is prized for its productivity. Ripening in October through January, grapefruit becomes sweeter as it remains on the tree. Credit:Doug Hetherington Here’s how to plant and grow your own grapefruit tree. Citrus is plagued by a widespread and incurable bacterial disease called Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening. Disease-free plant material is essential for fruit production....

If you love guava fruit, you may be tempted to grow a guava tree. And they don’t fare well in cold zones, frost, or wind. Or they can be grown indoors as houseplants. Credit:Ed Gohlich This guide explains what you gotta know about growing your own guava tree indoors or out. Native to Central America, guava trees are considered invasive in Hawaii and parts of Florida. It easily escapes cultivation in warm regions around the world and naturalizes in wild areas....

Katsura is a tall shade tree with heart-shaped leaves that turn orange and golden-yellow in fall. Denny Schrock Katsura is a large shade tree native to Japan. The young tree grows moderately fast but growth slows down as the tree matures. Credit:Denny Schrock Katsura trees naturally grow with several trunks but nurseries commonly train and sell them as a single-trunk tree. Katsura trees are adaptable to a wide pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline....

Maplesare the premier trees for providing shade and dramatic fall color. But if you think maples are only showy for their leaves, think again. Some types, such as the paperbark maple and coral barkJapanese maple, display intriguing branch color and texture. Credit: Adam Albright Other species, such as the red maple, display brightly colored flower clusters. Most maples succeed in a wide soil pH range but slightly acidic soil is best....