Leyland cypress trees are an exceptionally fast-growing tree that can create a lush, natural privacy screen in just a few years. These low-maintenance evergreens keep their bluish-green, needled leaves year-round, and are tolerant of many soil types and a range of sunlight. If you want to block out unwanted noise, shield a view of a busy street, or get some privacy from your neighbors, the Leyland cypress is the perfect tree for you. Leyland Cypress Trees at a Glance Fast-growing Low-maintenance Excellent for privacy screens Green year-round Salt-tolerant Shallow roots Appearance Leyland cypress trees grow in a pyramidal, conical shape…

A self-taught ceramic artist, Justine Lacoste has a degree in anthropology, which, she says, trained her to pay attention to the tiniest details. Inspired by things such as pastry wrapper folds and the weave of a dish towel, her pieces have a poetry about them that has us enchanted. Photography by Epure-Justine Lacoste, unless otherwise noted. Above: After working for a series of potters and mold makers, Lacoste established her own studio, Epure, in a centuries-old barn on a farm in Charente-Maritime, on the southwestern coast of France, where she lives and works with her husband, Jean: “I focus on the…

White dogwood trees are flowering stunners that provide a show of beauty year-round. In the springtime, they dazzle with white bracts and flowers, in the summer they reveal glossy green leaves, in the fall, they grow crimson berries, and in winter their textured bark steals the show. Despite their elegance, white dogwoods are relatively low-maintenance, making a great specimen or foundation plant for your garden. White Dogwood Trees at a Glance Four seasons of interest Attract birds and wildlife Perfect for compact gardens Scarlet berries Great as specimens or foundation plants Highly adaptable to many soil types Appearance White dogwoods…

Weeping willow trees have long been prized for their delicate, weeping branches that graze the ground with fluttering, silver-tinged leaves. Their form flows into a pleasing, round canopy. Not only do they provide food for rabbits and deer, their branches are ideal for nesting birds. Weeping willows do very well planted near water, where they can prevent soil erosion. Weeping Willow Trees at a Glance Classic, graceful shape Help prevent soil erosion Tolerate many soil types Leaves turn warm yellow in the fall Provides excellent shade Prone to pest issues Appearance Weeping willow trees are famed for their dramatic, elegant…