ARE YOU BLUE?
The cure is junipers
Marauding deer. Drought. Wind. And perhaps a hankering for a little privacy and mystery. If you have these afflictions, check out (Juniperus scopulorum “Moonglow”), a dense tree that doesn’t flower, but can be sheared to maintain its compactness. The soft, blue-gray color would be spectacular in a moon garden, hence the name. Hardy to Zone 3 and water-wise once established, these blues grow to 20 feet high and 8 feet wide, so try not to crowd them. At selected garden centers; visit monrovia.com to find out which ones. — Susan Clotfelter
DESIGN MIND
Big in so many ways
I wish I had been sent two copies of by Andrew Wilson (Firefly Books, 2013): One for reading, savoring and referring to, and the other so that I could cut out the photos and attach them to every vertical surface within sight. This “small” book is hugely packed with lists and tips. If you’re serious about creating a beautiful outdoor space, you’ll buy it, absorb it in the summer and begin developing your plan.
SIDEWALK SLAYER
Whittle those weeds
From Lee Valley Tools comes to help you tidy your sidewalks, driveways and flagstone paths. Best of all? Replaceable blade. $9.50 for the tool, $3.90 for replacement blade; both at leevalley.com
