This publication is meant to serve as a precautionary guide for the gardener when choosing ornamental plants that may be overly aggressive and difficult to manage in a garden or landscape. The publication discusses plants commonly used as ground cover and traditional perennials.

This publication discusses the importance of fertilizing with organic and inorganic fertilizers, uses of inorganic fertilizers, rates and methods of application, and special cases in fertilizing. Tables are included listing the spring and fall soil temperatures at a four-inch depth in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, averaged over an eighteen-year period, and rates for applying common fertilizer materials needed at different hole dimensions.

Correct pruning is essential maintenance for keeping trees and shrubs healthy in the home landscape. However, the thought of pruning makes many homeowners apprehensive. But this doesn’t have to be. This publication reviews the basics of pruning ornamental trees and shrubs in the home landscape.

This publication lists potential alternatives to some of the most notorious and damaging invasive plants commonly used in Indiana landscapes. Unlike other resources, this list includes both native and non-native species.