Natural pest control is a hotly-discussed topic in the green industry, as many insects can be incredibly hard to control, spreading disease to your plants, eating away at root systems, and generally causing a whole lot of trouble during the growing season. However, the nasty chemicals found in conventional pesticides can be just as problematic, meaning the best way to fight harmful insects in your garden is with—insects! Here’s how you can attract these little helpers to your garden and control pests the natural way this year.   What Insects Will Naturally Control Pests in My Arkansas G ..read more

We’re lucky to live in such a temperate, beautiful state as Arkansas, especially as gardeners! Our climate is perfect for growing just about anything, including fruit trees, and there are some amazing varieties that grow exceptionally well state-wide. Whether you’re planning to plant an entire orchard or just a tree or two in your backyard this summer, here are some of the easiest fruit trees to grow in Arkansas that you should consider! The Best Fruit to Grow in Arkansas Our team at Westwood Gardens considers growing your own food the only way to go. If you’ve already got a sprawling garden ..read more

You want to make the most of summer, and creating a garden to enjoy all season long is one of the best ways to do that. As dedicated gardeners ourselves, we know the joy of planting annuals every spring and look forward to bringing out all the stops when it comes to vibrant hues and abundant bloomers. If you’re in need of some inspiration for your garden designing this year, look no further! Here are Westwood Gardens’ top picks of colorful spring annuals to make a gorgeous garden in 2023.  The Best Annuals to Plant in Spring Here are some dazzling varieties of locally-grown annuals to g ..read more

Starting your growing season on the right foot is crucial for planting success. Regardless of what you’re looking to grow, a little bit of planning before you plant is the best way to make the most of your space and time, ensuring your garden stays lush and bountiful all season long. Whether you’re a planting beginner or have done this sort of thing before, here’s a little guide to help you start this spring off strong! Location, Location, Location! Regardless of what you’re planting, remember that the location of your crops is critical to their success. Specifically, consider factors such a ..read more

You’re almost ready to put away those winter boots and celebrate a hard-won return to spring. Your garden might also be showing signs of waking up in the coming weeks, so it’s a prime time to get those spring pruning chores lined up before your garden’s busiest season. Learn which plants to prep now for the busy time ahead with our spring pruning guide! Why Should I Prune in the Spring? There are many advantages of spring pruning, aside from the obvious benefit of getting outside and playing with the dirt again. Here are some things to consider if you’re debating to get going or not: Most ..read more

Feeding your houseplant obsession can often be taxing on the wallet, but it doesn’t have to be! You can cheaply and easily grow your plant family by learning the art of houseplant propagation. This guide will walk you through the most common propagation methods, how to take a stem cutting, and how to propagate vining houseplants, succulents, and more.  Common Propagation Rooting Methods One of the most common ways to propagate houseplants is to take a stem cutting and root it in a glass of water. With a little patience, the cutting will develop roots, and you’ll soon after be able to ..read more

Christmas is just around the corner, and despite your best efforts, you still have names left on your gift shopping list. Chances are that these people are the ones who are either very particular, already have everything, or that you just don’t know very well, making them nearly impossible to buy for. If a few names have got you completely stumped, this last-minute houseplant gift-giving guide has the perfect plants for even the hardest people to shop for on your list!  1. The Maidenhair Fern: For Your Mother-in-Law With the Green Thumb Because it requires a watchful eye to keep it ha ..read more

It’s that time of year again when we need to start thinking about preparing our gardens for the colder months. However, the task of winter prep can leave many with their heads spinning: After all, where should one even start? Fear not, for we have put together the best guide to help you get your garden winter-ready, with a few holiday decoration tips thrown in there for extra measure! Winter Gardening Must Do’s  Cut Back Your Perennials  Don’t wait until it’s too cold to go outside! As soon as your perennials have wilted over and turned yellow or brown, cut them back right to the ..read more

Besides being beautiful, berry shrubs provide an abundance of delicious fruit! Arkansas is a great place to grow these varieties and enjoy a sweet treat any time of year. Read on to discover what varieties grow best in Arkansas, including blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, youngberry, goji berry, boysenberry, and dewberry. Blackberries  In Arkansas, blackberries are a staple, with the University of Arkansas leading the way in cultivar production. It is best to plant blackberries in a full sun location in your backyard with good wind flow and at least three feet of growing space between ..read more

While vining houseplants involve regular care like any other plant, they also have a playful side that makes them just a little extra fun to grow. These special plants can climb up various surfaces, adding a vertical element to your interior design. Here are our top tips on training vining and trailing houseplants to climb on various structures! Training Vining Houseplants to Climb a WallBest for: lightweight vining houseplants Walls are a tricky structure because they’re flat and don’t offer many crevices or platforms for vining houseplants to hook themselves onto. However, with some snea ..read more