You can design a natural garden that doesn’t rely on covering your soil with wood and bark mulch

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

Protect your soil from weeds and drought this summer with a living mulch of ground covers

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

With long-lasting blooms and gorgeous exfoliating bark, this ornamental tree brings bright color and a unique form to the landscape

Pick this rugged native tree for its intriguing peeling bark, soil adaptability or leaves that bring dappled shade to a garden

Plant Prunus serotina in the Central and Eastern U.S. for spring flowers, interesting bark and beautiful fall color

Peeling bark gives this tree an antique look, but its low water needs are perfect for drought-prone areas today

Slim and snowy, with paper-like bark, this tree gorgeously contrasts fall foliage and offers its own colorful contribution to the landscape