Topic: University of Oregon

Go ahead, build that water garden under trees

Water gardens and shade don't mix -- or do they? When to ignore the advice about putting a water feature under trees.

BP oil spill: Tony Hayward's stonewalling approach before Congress

Members on both sides of the aisle left Thursday’s hearing frustrated by the stonewalling, as the CEO refused to acknowledge liability or even mistakes in the BP oil spill.

Opinion: Mother's Day: What does it take to be a 'real' mom?

I attribute my role as Mom to events that have nothing to do with pregnancy or an official seal on my adopted daughter’s birth certificate.

Great ponds and other good water gardening ideas

Water gardening ideas that anyone can use.

Two versatile water gardens

Water gardens can be versatile and easy-care. A contemporary water oasis and a series of babbling streams show off water’s many garden uses.

Whimsical cube is a creative, watery garden folly

A creative, watery 'cube' at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show combines outdoor living room and modern garden folly to create a whimsical retreat.

No Child Left Behind embraces 'college and career readiness'

The current buzz phrase in education is 'college and career readiness.' It's even part of Obama's vision for a revised No Child Left Behind law. But what does it mean? Is it real progress in education reform?

Gardens provide peace of mind to soldiers at war

There's a long tradition of planting gardens by soldiers at war. They provide peace of mind, hope, and a connection to home, among other benefits.

Plants that fight algae in the water garden

When the water garden turns green in spring, how to fight that algae? These plants will help.

Gray water in the garden: Economical and ecofriendly

Using gray water in the garden is ecofriendly and economical, more gardeners are learning.

Permeable paving: Good for the environment and your landscape

Less runoff, replenished groundwater levels, and tax savings are a few of the reasons why your home needs permeable paving.

Five tips for creating natural-looking waterfalls

Most gardens are enhanced by waterfalls, but you want them to look natural. Here are five tips to show you how.

Seeing water in the garden as Monet did

A trip to France to visit Monet's waterlily paintings reveals the reflective power of water in the garden.

Annuals and perennials that attract birds to your yard

Choosing your perennial and annual flowers wisely will keep birds coming back for more.

A bird-friendly garden needs good shrubs

When you want birds in your bushes, make sure you choose the right shrubs.

How to choose trees that will encourage birds to hang around your yard

Encourage birds to stick around the yard with bird-friendly trees such as birches.

These native plants attract birds to your winter garden

Water and a plethora of native shrubs and trees will encourage birds to make their home in your yard this winter.

Lessons from a Tuscan garden

Landscaping lessons in using water from a garden in a tiny hill town in Tuscany.

Warm, waterproof garden gloves – really

What every container garden needs – pot feet

Pot feet – made from many creative materials – have a number of benefits for container gardens.

How to place rocks around water gardens

Take a cue from nature when landscaping with rocks and boulders around backyard ponds and water gardens.

Take advantage of bargain bulbs with this trick

Spring-flowering bulbs are a bargain in late fall and it's not too late to plant them if you use this trick.

Prepare your waterfall, fish pool, and water pumps for winter

It's time to winterize your water garden, waterfalls, bird baths, and water pumps.

A waterfall that really rocks

All rocks aren't the same. The ones installed with a waterfall in an Oregon yard make it a special place.

When to water plants

Indicator plants shout out when they're thirsty and need water.