Indulge in Louisiana's grand flowering tree, the Southern magnolia

One of the remarkable things about our native Southern magnolia is that it retains its foliage year-round -- most magnolia species around the world are deciduous.

Start getting your trees and plants back into shape

Pruning extends the health and life of all the trees in your garden.

Sharpen your pruning skills

Pruning extends the health and life of all the trees in your garden, enhances their beauty and prevents them from crowding out other plants.

MINTER: Don’t put off the chance to give shape to shrubs

Spring isn't quite here yet but there are a few trees that should be pruned but flowering shrubs not until later after they bloom.

Ciscoe Morris: Dwarf hinoki cypress adds elegant touch

Ciscoe Morris, Seattle Times garden writer, talks about the selection of hinoki cypress that are available at local nurseries; self-pollinating cherry-tree varieties that are available on dwarfing Gisela rootstock; and how a visit to Washington Park Arboretum Winter Garden in winter offers an explosion of color and fragrance.