My fellow gardeners, it’s almost time for your Christmas cactus to open its gorgeous blossoms. For me, there isn’t anything prettier and I can’t imagine my holidays without these plants. But what happens when your Christmas cactus simply fails to bloom? Oh, it’s definitely an unpleasant holiday surprise. Of course, I panicked when it happened…
Have you ever tried growing plants in containers? If your answer is yes, then you’re probably familiar with potting soil! Potting soil is a mix of different kinds of soil that’s a must for your container plants. Even if you think that nothing could go wrong, it actually can! Whether you’re a rookie or a…
Every garden needs a good-looking lawn! The best way to achieve that is to mow the grass every now and then to keep it in line. But mowing can sometimes be a real challenge! Trust me, I learned the hard way. When I first got my mower, I didn’t even know how to use it….
Have chrysanthemums won over your heart, too? These old-fashioned flowers suit every garden style, from cottage and vintage to classy and elegant. Mums have it all! Ever since I saw mums, I knew that these plants were going to become my favorites! Every fall, they bring colors, replacing gray days in my garden with more…
I always like stepping on leaves and listening to that satisfying crunch. However, I’m not a fan when they are all over my lawn… and raking them is so tiring! So I wondered, can you just mow over those leaves instead of raking? It seems like an easy fix, right? I thought so too! If…
I get it, deer are enchanting, and catching sight of them is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. But the charm disappears when you realize they’ve turned your favorite plants into their personal salad bar. So, what to do? Repelling them seems like a great idea but we should be very careful not to use…
Mophead hydrangeas are those big, fluffy flowers that make every garden look dreamy! Hydrangeas are pretty easygoing and don’t need much fuss. However, timing is key when it comes to pruning! A few years back, I made the mistake of cutting mine too early… and yep, no blooms the following season. Oops! Luckily, these hydrangeas…
Garlic is a veggie that repels pests from gardens, benefits your health, and adds delicious flavor to meals. Don’t even think about doubting whether to plant it in your garden! This veggie is important and every household should have it. Why spend money on ridiculously priced, store-bought garlic that isn’t even tasty when you can…
Those bright yellow, daisy-like petals of black-eyed Susans are popular in gardens all over the world! If Rudbeckia hirta (their second name) thrives in your garden too, you know how beautiful they are. Did you notice how their scent is similar to sweet grass? The sweet smell of black-eyed Susans doesn’t just attract you, but…
The holiday season is getting closer! If you’re a gardener, now doesn’t seem too early to start prepping. One of the trademarks of this beautiful time of year is the lovely poinsettia. Its stunning, brightly colored leaves (bracts, to be more precise) steal the spotlight of the market shelves and do the same in our…
If you have bougainvillea in your garden, you’re very lucky! Especially if you live in tropical climates, where these flowers can bloom year-round. With their beautiful appearance, bougainvillea can make every corner of your garden special with colorful blooms. I’m a big fan of bougainvillea! Even though I don’t live in a tropical area, these…
As October comes around and fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to give your lawn some extra care! Keeping grass healthy now is super important because we have to prevent our lawns from getting dry or sick as the weather gets colder. After making a few lawn mistakes myself (everybody in the neighborhood used…
Lawns tend to get a little bit sad and worn out after a hot summer. You might be staring at all those patchy spots and wishing for a quick fix. Well, good news: overseeding is the answer! And not just overseeding with any type of grass, but with Lesco Double Eagle ryegrass (seriously guys, I’m…
October is here, and it’s a great month to plant some amazing flowers and veggies that will give you a head start for spring! Many gardeners think it’s time to hang up their tools when the weather gets chilly, but fall is actually the perfect season to dig in and get your hands dirty! In…
If you have shrubs in your garden, then you are very lucky! Besides making beautiful decor, they have the ability to provide privacy. Isn’t that great? You’ll be able to enjoy time peacefully in your yard without any eyes looking in! But there is one thing that you’ll absolutely need to do this fall –…
Alliums are flowers that make you fall in love with their appearance immediately! Their bubble-shaped blooms complement every garden by bringing elegance and royalty. Did they already draw your attention? Then you should plant them in your garden, too! I planted alliums a few years ago, and since they are perennial, I am able to…
October is here, and instead of putting away my gardening tools, I’m ready to plant seeds for next spring! I have to admit that there’s something exciting about knowing that the seeds I plant now will work quietly through the winter and blossom beautifully later on. Sure, the garden may look bare now, but soon…
You are probably occupied with all your fall tasks right now, but have you ever thought about your garden soil? Besides planting, harvesting, and storing your veggies for winter, there’s another thing you should focus on – nurturing your garden soil! At the beginning of my gardening journey, I only focused on growing beautiful flowers…
With only a few tasks left on the fall garden list, it’s time to put the finishing touches and prep for the colder days ahead. Now go ahead and take a peek at your garden checklist. Is October pruning a part of it? If it’s missing, add it ASAP because that’s a chore that’ll lead…
If weeds and soil erosion are giving you a headache, planting groundcovers is the surefire way to put those worries to rest. But finding the perfect groundcover plant can be a bit of a challenge. Many of them spread like wildfire and might overrun your yard in no time. If you’re feeling unsure about which…
Lovely hostas are definitely the best (and my favorite) part of fall gardens. Their large and lush leaves are undoubtedly the ones responsible for such popularity. But sometimes our hostas need a new spot or we simply want more of them, so many gardeners ask themselves: when is the ideal time to transplant hostas? Let…
Have you noticed a musty odor and brown insects wandering around your home? Boy, you might be dealing with the most persistent pests – cockroaches! I just got a shiver down my spine, remembering the first (and last) time I had them in my house! A few years ago, I spotted a couple of cockroaches….
Roses of Sharon are adorable shrubs that bloom from summer into fall. The best thing about these flowers is that they are perennials that can thrive for thirty years! Isn’t that fascinating? So, if you notice that they have slowly started fading away, don’t worry. It’s not that you did something wrong, it’s just because…
October might seem like the time to wind down in the garden, but it’s actually the best time to plant spring bulbs! By planting them now, you’ll get a colorful surprise when spring comes around. Since these bulbs need to chill out in the ground all winter before they bloom, October is the perfect time…
Rhododendrons and azaleas are perennials that beautify gardens all over the world! If you also have these adorable shrubs, boy, you’re lucky! Since their blooming period has passed, you may notice the leaves starting to turn beautiful shades of golden yellow, red, and purple! Isn’t it amazing that these plants can create a colorful fall…
Have you noticed holes in your lawn and half-eaten pumpkins? Forget about witches, ghosts, or pirates, this Halloween the scariest tricksters you’ll be dealing with are squirrels! A few years ago, when I went to check my pumpkins, I was shocked by the scene I found! I caught three squirrels eating all of my pumpkins…
If you think that fall is all about cleaning your garden, mowing, and preparing everything for the winter, you’re wrong! Hold on, because these tasks can wait. Now is the perfect time to transform your garden and bring in some black-eyed Susan varieties! I have been obsessed with black-eyed Susans for years! They changed my…
Shasta daisies are a staple in summer gardens, and even when short on space, many gardeners still choose to grow these beauties in pots. Like any other potted plant, Shasta daisies will outgrow their current pots and need a little more room to spread their roots. And when this happens, it’s time for some division! …
Mums aka the stars of fall gardens owe their spotlight to their magnificent blossoms. For most gardeners, they’re as easy as pie to maintain, rarely running into any trouble. But rarely doesn’t mean never, so if your mums fail to thrive this season, trust me, you aren’t the only one. You should know that many…
You may know coleus as one of the most stunning foliage plants in the world, but let me tell you, it isn’t just a pretty face! These versatile plants practically take care of themselves, which means they’re a match made in heaven for first-time gardeners! But there’s one question that bothers many coleus growers: is…
How fun would it be if you could multiply your veggies just from cuttings? What if I told you that’s actually possible! Growing them this way is faster than seed propagation, which can take much longer. Let me tell you my story about how I learned about propagation. In the very beginning of my planting…
With every season, there is a possibility of finding some dead plants in your garden! Some reasons for them dropping or wilting include drought, heat, cold, and disease. No matter how hard you try to save your plants, sometimes it isn’t possible. But there’s no need to worry because that has happened to me too!…
Ah, beautiful hydrangeas – the stars of my summer garden, but they sure know how to keep me guessing when it comes to pruning! Now that the crisp fall air has rolled in, you might be staring at those once-vibrant flower heads, now papery and brown, wondering if you should give them a trim. The…
My fellow gardeners, October’s here and it’s time to wrap up our garden chores. I’m sure there’s an urge to snip away at everything, but hold your horses before you start cutting back. A better term is to hold your pruners… Pruning may be the right move for some plants but don’t think it’s a…
Strawberries are fruits that are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, which are all great for boosting health! If they are growing in your garden, you’re lucky. Nobody can resist their flavor full of sweetness! But how can you keep them fresh after harvesting? Luckily, I know some cool secrets that I’m going to…
There are loads of pictures of stunning landscapes all over social media, and I’m sure you’re wondering what the secret is. I was once in your place. Landscaping wasn’t really my cup of tea back then, and my plants were randomly placed all over my yard. Honestly, I didn’t know any better. That was until…
Mowing the lawn is one of the most important tasks for keeping it healthy and clean. Even if it’s your least favorite task, cutting grass at the end of each season is very beneficial! But when is the time to stop mowing your lawn? It’s true that you don’t have to mow the entire season….
As winter’s chill creeps in, it’s easy to feel down, but a Christmas cactus can brighten even the darkest night with its radiant blooms! And as the name says, the blooms will adorn our homes during the most beautiful time of the year. Even though Christmas cactus isn’t fussy over growing conditions, there’s one thing…
I absolutely love sedum aka stonecrop! I mean, it’s a tough succulent known for its gorgeous star-shaped flowers that come in shades of burgundy, copper, pink, or white… What’s not to like? They’re super low-maintenance, but like any garden favorite, they need a good pruning to stay in top shape. As the seasons shift, your…
Hostas are leafy perennials that come in different varieties of colors, textures, and shapes! Their beautiful leaves decorate gardens all over the world. Unfortunately, there are cases where hostas sometimes may not thrive in the yard. That happened to me a few years ago. My hostas weren’t growing at all, and since they are one…
Do you want to keep your trees shaped, safe, and healthy? Then you’ll need to grab your shears and prune them! Trimming your trees is the most important task for keeping them thriving throughout the season! But is there a time when pruning should be avoided? If you had asked me that question a few…
And the award for the easiest-to-grow houseplant goes to the snake plant! Ok, it’s not exactly a competition, but I can’t help singing its praises whenever I talk about it. If you have a snake plant, I’m sure you’ve already figured out that part. The only way things can go south with this plant is…
Mums are some of the prettiest flowers you can plant this season! They come in orange, bronze, red, pink, yellow, and green, making them perfect for decorating your garden in the fall. I have adored these plants since I was a kid and always wanted to have them in my yard. A few years ago,…
Asparagus is one of the most delicious and health-boosting veggies! This amazing crop is full of vitamins C, K, and E and can be cooked in different ways. I always wanted to plant this veggie in my garden, and five years ago my wish was granted! Even after all these years my asparagus is still…
Hostas are one of the most charming perennials and they beautify every garden! If you also have these amazing plants in your yard, you’ll start to notice how they look a little run down. But there’s nothing to worry about because every hosta goes through this! I remember the first time I grew hostas, I…
Have ants taken over your yard? Don’t panic, I’ve faced that problem, too! It all began when ripening fruits started falling from my trees, which ants enjoy feeding on! After only a few days, my whole lawn was covered with ants (the word spread quicker than I thought). As the weeks passed, they came in…
I used to let my hellebores run wild, thinking they were low-maintenance… until they started looking like a total mess! I knew pruning was needed but had no clue when to do it. These tough beauties thrive in cold weather, making them perfect for winter gardens. A little trim can really boost those blooms, especially…
Fuchsias are one of the most beautiful shrubs you can plant in your garden. You’ll be able to enjoy their colorful flowers from June all the way until early autumn! But what should you do when winter arrives? That was the first question I asked myself when I started planting fuchsias! I knew that these…
Fall is officially here, which means it’s time to harvest pumpkins! They are like a signature of autumn, with their beautiful orange color and delicious taste. Did you also plant lots of these amazing fruits (yes, they are actually fruits!) this season? It seems like someone is making pumpkin pie very soon! But first, you’ll…
A few years ago, I wanted to switch up my grass and decided to plant Red fescue… I’ve heard a lot of stories about it, but still gave it a shot. Let’s just say I should’ve listened to what other gardeners told me about Red fescue. This grass is popular for cool-season lawns and shady…
With September heading into its final lap, I’d say you’re nearly at the finish line for this month’s chores. Before you hang up your gardening gloves, consider adding one more task. Don’t worry, it won’t cost you a dime! Of course, I’m talking about one of the oldest tricks in the gardening book that never…
It’s that time of year when most grocery store shelves are bursting with stunning chrysanthemum blossoms, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! But there’s one question that bothers many new gardeners: what happens after planting mums? Will they come back next year or do we have to wave them goodbye as soon as…
If you think that a winter garden can’t have a little pop of color, you’re wrong! Pansies are one of the cutest flowers that you can add to your yard this winter. Their beautiful white, yellow, pink, purple, and red petals add a spring feeling for those who are missing the sunny season! I also…
Are you ready to start one of fall’s first tasks? This one is full of activities that will actually be fun to do! Cleaning all the leaves that fall from trees or shrubs is one of the important things you’ll need to do this autumn. I also wasn’t a fan of cleaning up leaves in…
Daffodils are beautiful plants that start blooming right after winter has passed in early March. Their pretty yellow flowers will be the first thing you see after the blanket of snow melts! They were among the first flowers I started growing as a beginner, and ever since, daffodils have continued to bloom in my garden….
What’s the trademark of fall gardens? Chrysanthemums, of course. While their blooms are the star of the show, their hardiness is the cherry on top for gardeners. Don’t get me wrong, these plants are fabulous (I’m smitten, too), but are they really the be-all and end-all? The answer is no! One bloomer is ready to…
It’s not time to throw in the trowel just because it’s fall! If you’ve got a soft spot for fragrant bulbs, now’s the time to plant them and make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. Bulbs usually get their time to shine in spring, but some are tough enough to brave the cold and…