Herbs have been used for food and flavoring; for their aroma, for cosmetics, and for dyes, but the oldest uses seem to be medicinal.

Yes, creeping bellflower is pretty. But it will also take over your garden.

This is part 3 of a 3 part series, written by Val McGruder, Hennepin County Master Gardener.

This is part 2 of a 3 part series, written by Val McGruder, Hennepin County Master Gardener.

This is part 1 of a 3 part series, written by Val McGruder, Hennepin County Master Gardener.

The first thing to remember about gardening is that there really aren’t any rules when it comes to your own garden.

So what makes a Japanese garden different than a “western” garden?

I have a beautiful pin oak in my front yard, which has provided more than 20 years of extensive shade for my home.

After seven months of winter, or so it seems, I had to see something in a color other than grey or brown.