Increased interest in farm-to-table vegetables, organic cuisine, and active lifestyles have led many to plant edible gardens. Here are inspirational images and pointers of these fragrant, practical creations:

Anthracnose strikes tree species including sycamores, maples, ash and some oaks. According to the University of Missouri, Anthracnose is an umbrella term for a number of fungal diseases.

Fire blight, a bacterial infection, has hurt Missouri trees this spring, according to the University of Missouri. Susceptible breeds include ornamental pear trees, crab apples and apple orchards.

AThe Golden Currant is an attractive shrub with edible fruit. A hearty plant, common in sandy areas of Kansas and Missouri.

Kansas City has the great fortune of experiencing four seasons a year. Each season brings with it tree maintenance needs. Here are some tips to make your Kansas City landscaping flourish:

Open many magazines this season and you will see stunning gardens from Kansas and Missouri. Here's a look at some of the beautiful landscapes that have garnered national recognition:

Stumps can be eliminated from your yard using a few methods. Decide first whether to completely remove the stump, or leave some portion of the stump in-place in the soil. Experts have different opinions; here are a few:

Here in the Midwest, Spring brings temperate weather and the opportunity to improve the home. Although most regular tree maintenance and tree pruning can be done at any time of the year, spring is a popular season. Here are some of the services clients request the most in Missouri and Kansas:

The downy hawthorn, state flower of Missouri, is great for landscaping. The Crataegus mollis' hearty white flowers bloom in April and early May. Although the downy hawthorn naturally occurs in open woods, along small streams and pastures, it can be transplanted easily. Landscapers often use the shrub because it nestles naturally into the landscape and accepts a variety of soils. The downy hawthorn does well in moist, well-drained soil but also tolerates drought.

May's tree of the month is river birch, or Betula nigra. This deciduous tree is common throughout Missouri and is good for Kansas City urban landscaping and erosion control, according to The Missouri Department of Conservation. Because the river birch does well in moist ground, along streams and gravel bars, it can also be found in Kansas and other areas.