This undated photo shows the entrance to a garden in New Paltz, N.Y. For the Garden Conservancy's "Open Days" program, a number of private gardens across the country open their gates for visitors.

“Adventures in Eden: An Intimate Tour of the Private Gardens of Europe” by Carolyn Mullet ($40, Portland-based Timber Press, preorder for Dec. 8 release): This is an exquisite photographic tour of 50 ...

It is no surprise that most users of private green spaces generally consider them to be very restorative. In the recent study, respondents rated gardens as being significantly more restorative than ...

At a time of growing concern about declines in insect populations, native plants are having a moment, with local fans such as Amanda Nugent showcasing them in parkways and front yards and community ...