Spring/Summer Lawn and Garden 09

If the grass is always greener at your neighbor's house, the weeds beat out the turf in your front yard and you can no longer afford the gardener, perhaps it's time to return to nature. "Nothing needs to be watered, pruned, fertilized or requires motorized tools to maintain as much as a lawn," said Nan Sterman, author of "California Gardener's Guide Volume II" ($25, Cool Springs Press), in which she emphasizes sustainable gardening practices that conserve the land and its natural resources.

When your mother told you to "eat your vegetables," she forgot to add, "and grow them, too." Fortunately, it's not that difficult, and it's healthier for you, say proponents of home gardening -- as well as cheaper than buying produce in the supermarket. "Growing food isn't hard, or we would have starved a long time ago," said Mike McGrath, author and host of National Public Radio's nationally syndicated show, "You Bet Your Garden." He is also the garden editor of WTOP News Radio in Washington, D.C.

That beetle sneaking through the strawberry patch or the wasp divebombing your begonias may send you screaming for the hills, but think twice before you stomp, smash or spray. Looks can be deceiving. "Although insects are creepy and crawly, many are beneficial, even crucial for a beautiful garden," said Jim Louderman, collections assistant for the Division of Insects at The Field Museum in Chicago.

Q: One of my hosta plants has holes in the leaves. What can I do? A: Hosta leaves are a favorite food of slugs, which are also common pests (with snails) on many perennials, vegetables and trees (like citrus). Slugs need to stay moist: They hide in mulch and under logs, flowerpots and anything else that hasn't moved in awhile. Check your plants with a flashlight after dark, since they feed at night. They are susceptible to any slug killer or bait available at a local nursery. Wet down the soil in the area before using the killer. Clean up the area around the infested plants by picking up any boards or logs. Use pot feet to elevate your garden flowerpots and saucers; the slugs will have no moist place to hide.

If you're a homeowner looking for a little shade, a bit of privacy or both, planting a tree may be your answer. Then again, maybe not -- if you want to stay on good terms with your neighbors. Some trees are extremely prone to storm and ice damage, their limbs or trunks downing utility lines or crashing through house and car roofs. Others gravitate to water sources, wrapping their roots around underground sprinkler systems or swimming pools. Sidewalks, driveways, and patios are not immune to trees with aggressive root systems, nor are native species that can be crowded out of their natural habitat.

A big blaze on a crisp summer evening is a creature comfort few can deny. You've probably drooled over some of the phenomenal backyard fireplaces unveiled on home improvement shows -- those flick-of-the-switch, gas-powered granite hearths surrounded by posh patio furniture with a stainless steel smoker grill on the side.

It's a complicated world out there -- one that seems to move at an increasingly rapid, nearly furious pace. Regardless of how the details play out, chances are your days are riddled with electronic devices, web communications and myriad distractions. So how and where does a person find some simple peace and quiet? You might be able to find it right in your very own home -- in your personal Zen garden. "The whole point of a Zen garden is simplicity, which dates back to the ancient Orient," explained Solena Landscape's Mitch Kalamian, an HGTV featured designer based in Huntington Beach, Calif. The approach doesn't matter as much as the goal of having a serene area amid the chaos.

You are what you eat. Home is where the heart is. Less is more. Everyone's used an adage or two to drive a point home, but did you know that combining colloquialisms reaps huge rewards and can help harvest a healthier homestead? Creating an organic garden cultivates proverbial sage advice, transforming tired truisms into tasty treats and terrific eye candy -- and saving you bushels of cash on produce to boot. And you don't need to be Johnny Appleseed to do it.

You're in a meeting when you get the text message: "Water me please." It's the ficus on your front porch, and it needs some urgent attention. When someone says high-tech, chances are you think of the hottest home electronics and the latest on-the-go gadgets, but some of the most innovative new gear is made for the garden. From plant sensors that monitor fertilization and watering schedules to robotic lawn mowers, the future of gardening is here. But don't expect these new gadgets to replace the old-fashioned elbow grease that makes gardening such a popular pastime.

As with any work of art, all you need is a little inspiration to get started in your garden. Often the hardest part of beginning is weeding through the possibilities. "Because inspiration is really everywhere, sometimes it becomes overwhelming as there are so many things we like that it becomes difficult to make a start," said Jamie Durie, landscaping expert and host of the upcoming HGTV program, "HGTV Showdown."

Creating and nurturing a garden requires not only an investment of your time and passion. Happily, there are dozens of tips for saving money while watching your garden grow -- and many won't cost you a penny. "Do your research. Smart garden planning makes it easier and more enjoyable for you as a gardener," said Jeff Downing, vice president of education at the New York Botanical Garden in New York City. Founded in 1891, the institution features 50 different gardens and plant collections.

Whether they have a lot of time on their hands or just a few extra minutes a day, millions of Americans list gardening as a hobby they enjoy. In fact, according to a recent national gardening survey by Harris Interactive, 71 percent of all U.S. households -- or an estimated 82 million people -- participate in one or more lawn and garden activities. Although he personally believes "there is no such thing as too much time in the garden," Charlie Nardozzi, senior horticulturalist with the National Gardening Association, understands that not every gardener is willing or able to spend hours a day tending plants and vegetables.

Living with a postage stamp-sized garden doesn't have to limit you when it comes to gracing your table with beautiful flowers or plump, juicy produce. Whether you live in a house with a small yard or a garden apartment with a strip of soil, you have the room for a not-so-secret garden.

If you want to add character to your outdoor living space, a fountain or pond is a great way to revamp a landscape. Whether it's a large impressive plot or a small area that's tucked away on your property, water is the way to go, said Jennifer Zuri, marketing communications manager for Aquascape, which specializes in water gardens. Basic features include ecosystem ponds, pondless waterfalls and decorative fountains called fountainscapes.

Gardening is a popular pastime for lots of people, but living in the city doesn't have to inhibit the opportunity to reap the harvest. Rooftop gardening is quickly becoming an alternative to going into the ground. Many of the designs for rooftop gardening will also work with decks, patios and balconies. Brent Ridge, founder of Beekman 1802 in New York City and vice president of healthy living at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, enjoys his rooftop oasis in the city with his partner. "When we first bought the apartment in the city, the primary selling point was the outdoor space. Growing and gardening are very important to us."

Being disabled doesn't mean you can't raise tomatoes or fragrant flowers in your backyard, or skip touring a large botanical garden. With ergonomic garden tools, specialized growing equipment, how-to books and websites, raising veggies, planting petunias or simply enjoying the smell of a gardenia or touch of rose petals are all within reach. It may take a little work and a good deal of planning, the experts say, but the end result is worth it.

Dog urine contains high levels of nitrogen and salts that cause the plants and grass to die. Adjusting your landscaping can reduce the effects of dog urine on your lawn.

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods of irrigating your garden. Kits are easily installed, and equipment are readily available for the do-it-yourselfers.