Russian sage is a drought-resistant shrub that has become a garden staple in arid climates, just like lavender. It has amazingly scented foliage and gorgeous flower spikes that attract numerous pollinators – bees and butterflies especially. This bush can also repel pests with its fragrance and you can plant a couple of them to form…
We all know that sometimes small creatures aren’t harmless. One of the best examples are annoying spider mites! These guys can wreak havoc on houseplant collections, especially if they form a colony. They spread very quickly, so we should start treating them ASAP. Well, you can keep spider mites off your houseplants with one simple…
Veggies aren’t typically used as ornamental plants. They do look stunning, but we’re mainly focused on their yield. What if I told you that some veggies are used for garden decor rather than for their flavor? One of the best examples is ornamental cabbage, commonly referred to as flowering kale. This plant features captivating colorful…
The Kalanchoe is a charming succulent known for its vibrant and long-lasting flowers that can brighten up any space. What’s more exciting is that kalanchoes can rebloom year after year, thus keeping your place looking nice and lively! With proper care, your kalanchoe can end up looking like a mythical tree that came straight out…
Plants that glow in the dark seem like something you can only find in Avatar or some post-apocalyptic movie. And yet, they are the real thing and scientists have been trying to commercialize glowing plants ever since Keith Wood introduced the first one over 30 years ago by using genes from fireflies. (1) The light…
The plants from the Chrysanthemum genus, commonly known as mums, adorn gardens worldwide. Their spectacular daisy-shaped blossoms add a splash of color and fit into every garden design. These popular plants are fairly easy to maintain and even beginners can grow them. But one of the most frequent questions I get is, “are mums perennials…
Some people aren’t happy with the fact that summer is over. Gardeners are on the opposite side because this is the time when they reap the fruits of their labor. This is also the time for cleaning the yard and doing as much work as possible until the cold weather makes everyone spend more time…
Mums, aka chrysanthemums, are many gardeners’ favorites come fall. You can find them anywhere you go, they’re easy to grow and maintain, and they provide a late-season color that adds so much to your fall and early winter garden. However, one thing that’s crucial to master is planting them, or rather the timing of it…
One of the staples of English cottage style gardens are colorful delphiniums. But don’t worry! These rattle-snake-tail look-alikes won’t hurt you, but shower your perennial beds with gorgeous flowers and countless pollinators. Growing them is pretty easy, but one thing is a surefire way to have them coming back year after year looking more beautiful…
If you want your garden to have character and visual interest, but don’t want to give up your privacy shrubs, check out fuchsias. They have everything on the list and are simple to grow. One thing you do need to know, though, is that you should prune and cut them back annually if you want…
There are numerous benefits of companion planting flowers or herbs next to vegetables. And yet, there’s nothing wrong with growing various blooming plants next to each other and reaping their benefits either. One such combo are irises and forsythia. Their flowers complement each other perfectly, while their similar growing requirements make gardening a lot easier…
Our gardens are often too small to fit everything we would like to grow in them (trust me, I know the struggle!). Most gardeners opt for evergreens because when everything dies back after the growing season, evergreens still stay nice and strong! However, if you have limited garden space, it is quite hard to grow…
There are many chores to complete on a daily basis; from pampering our pets to sanitizing our living spaces. If you’re a plant parent, you should know that cleaning houseplants is another chore that must be done. Our beautiful green buddies are real dust gatherers! We don’t clean our plants only for their appearance, but…
Adorable cosmos blossoms are always a good choice for flower beds. But did you know that these plants also make an excellent addition to edible gardens? If you have a completely organic garden and know about the importance of companion planting, then this flower is all you need. Let’s see the main benefits of planting…
Dragonflies are magnificent insects that are incredibly beneficial to our gardens. These voracious predators feast on mosquitoes, gnats, and other pesky insects, making them a natural form of pest control. If you want to attract these aerial acrobats to your garden, read on for some tips on how to create a dragonfly-friendly environment that will…
Sunflowers are undeniably one of the prettiest flowers that appear during the summertime. Their bright colors add a special touch of beauty to any garden design. Unfortunately, these captivating plants can’t survive winter no matter the species. Well, if you love sunflowers but want color in the winter, there’s one flower you can plant instead!…
The vibrant and exotic hibiscus plant is a favorite among gardeners for its stunning blossoms and lush green foliage. However, if you’ve noticed your hibiscus leaves starting to turn yellow, it can be a cause for concern. Yellowing leaves on your hibiscus can indicate that something isn’t quite right with your plant, and understanding the…
Captivating hydrangeas steal the show in every garden. Their large and colorful blossoms ensure these plants a spot in almost every garden worldwide. It may seem that all other plants will unnoticed if placed near them. However, there’s one flower you can grow next to your hydrangeas that will look just as beautiful and make…
Taking your plants inside over winter is a normal progression for perennials that aren’t suited for freezing temperatures. However, these plants may harbor pests and bugs that will infest your whole house. That’s why it’s important to debug them before they make their grand entrance through your front door. Remove all the pests you can…
Growing microgreens has lately become super popular in the gardening community. When we say microgreens, we are talking about the seed leaves (also called cotyledons) that emerge from the seed after germination If we leave them to grow, the seedlings would eventually develop into full-sized leafy vegetable and herb crops. But that’s not what we…
If you want to make your garden more colorful and attractive, roses are the way to go. But these plants don’t really have a good reputation when it comes to maintenance. However, some brilliant hacks can help you keep your roses happy and healthy; my favorite is banana peels. So, if you want bigger roses,…
Dahlias are wonderful summer flowers that come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. We typically grow them from tubers, but did you know that you can grow these colorful plants from seeds, too? And now’s the best time to collect them! Below, you can find more tips and tricks for harvesting dahlia seeds, when the…
It’s the most beautiful time of the year – well, it’s just around the corner to be more precise, but the holiday euphoria starts early for me! The Christmas cactus flowering season is also coming closer, and each time I see their blossoms, it makes me want even more of these spectacular plants. If you…
Schefflera plants are a common choice for houseplant collections due to their stunning appearance. These plants may grow up to 6 feet tall so it’s impossible not to notice them. One of my favorite features of umbrella plants is that they respond well to propagation so you can expand your collection without any special equipment…
They smell amazing, look even better, and you can use them for virtually any project, whether it’s hiding an ugly wall or decorating your cakes with them. What am I talking about? Roses, of course! These flowers have it all! But have you ever wondered how to use their petals so that they don’t go…
Many growers want to add a tropical vibe to their indoor and outdoor gardens, and if you’re one of them, I have a perfect plant for you! The bird-of-paradise is an exotic species renowned for its spectacular and colorful blossoms. Yes, this is a tropical plant, which means it may be hard to maintain it,…
No fall is real until you’ve seen chrysanthemums, also known as mums, popping up in your neighbors’ yards. But don’t just stand there. You can plant them yourself and enjoy their sweet and spicy autumnal aroma. They come in a range of colors, from deep burgundy, purple, orange, and bronze to more gentle pink, white,…
Bamboo plants are known for their vibrant green foliage and fast growth. It is also often referred to as lucky bamboo, and it is believed that this plant brings luck and prosperity to our homes. But what happens when your lucky bamboo starts to turn yellow and is looking less than lucky? Well, it’s time…
Shasta daisies are one of gardeners’ favorites, and for good reason. They look amazing, attract numerous pollinators, and they don’t require excessive care. However, with fall just around the corner and the cold temperatures destroying the delicate flowers and foliage, it’s time to give them a hard prune. But did you know that these plants…
Cooper’s Hawks are fascinating birds of prey, but having them breed in your yard might not be an ideal scenario! These creatures are known for their hunting skills, and while they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, their presence can pose some challenges for your garden and smaller bird populations. If you own a…
A beautiful, thriving lawn is every homeowners’ dream; however, sometimes the grass just won’t cooperate! The real reasons behind slow grass growth can be tricky to spot. You have to take good care of your lawn, just as you would with your indoor or outdoor plant collection. Watering, fertilizing, sunlight, and soil all influence grass…
The secret to growing breathtaking lavender is pruning. If you want them to live as long as they can and flower more abundantly year after year, you shouldn’t forget to trim them. They turn woody if you don’t, which affects their blooming. But what’s the best time to prune lavender bushes? Is it in spring…
There are some pretty confusing things in gardening and one of them is definitely determining if a plant is annual or perennial. Things get even more complicated when growers notice the plant comes back another year but was labeled as an annual. Marigolds are the perfect examples. You may see them growing in gardens as…
What’s the fastest way of turning your garden or patio into a charming rustic setting? Scattering some terracotta planters here and there, of course! It’s not easy finding the best one because you have to get the size, drainage, and quality just right. The ones in the article below are high quality planters that come…
Pruning is a very important part of the fig tree care guide. Learning how to properly prune your fig trees will improve the trees’ health and also maximize fruit production. Timing is crucial when pruning figs – you can either do it at the end of winter or in the late summer. In this article,…
The fall may not be the favorite season of gardeners but since we can’t change it, we should try to make the best out of it. One of the things you should do to finish your garden’s summer story is deadheading. This technique may not be discussed by professionals but every flower bed owner knows…
Sunflowers are a gardener’s favorite. They bring color and vibrancy to your garden, not to mention all the hummingbirds, finches, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial bugs. They look amazing when added to bouquets and flower arrangements, and they can self-seed, so you won’t have to worry about planting them over and over again. Speaking of…
A truly inspiring story from a myeloma patient Fiona Smyth has touched every gardener’s heart, including ours. Fiona is a fellow gardener that enjoys spending time in her garden – “As soon as the good weather comes out, I have my first cup of tea outside… I love to drink in the birdsong and the…
Thunderstorms, windstorms, floods, dust stormes, drought, and heat can all create havoc in the garden. When a big storm is on the way, it’s important to keep your plants safe. Some plants are rather delicate and require protection from crazy weather, while others are naturally strom-hardy and can tolerate various conditions. So, learn your plants’…
Bleeding hearts are a true gardener’s favorite. Their deep purple shade and heart-shaped flowers are all it takes to make a garden special. They do come in other colors, don’t you worry, and they bloom between late spring and early summer, thriving in shaded locations and asking for nothing but a little water in return….
We all love a garden display with various flowering plants, especially when the colors and texture of the plants match. However, we need to be careful if we want to add one plant next to the other. In some cases, plants can inhibit each other’s growth and cause unnecessary issues. Luckily, that isn’t the case…
As the end of summer approaches, it’s time to give your garden some love. Pruning is the secret to a neat and healthy garden. This simply includes removing certain parts of the plant that might be damaged or diseased. Three such plants that require pruning before summer ends include lavender, rambling roses, and wisterias! So,…
If you adore plants but have a busy life, there’s good news! You can still enjoy some green friends without constant care. Low-maintenance houseplants are here to save the day. They bring nature’s beauty into your indoor space, even when you can’t give them all your time. In this article, you are going to find…
My question for many growers is how many hostas they have in their garden rather than if they have any at all. These plants are so popular because they look amazing and their care requirements are way lower than those of some common garden plants. However, there isn’t such a thing as a problem-free plant…
Most of us can’t stand the heat and we spend most of our time indoors with the AC turned on when it gets too hot. Well, imagine how the plants in your garden feel when they have to stay in the same spot under that scorching sun for the entire day! Luckily, there are still…
I’ve often found myself wanting to speed up certain processes in my backyard, whether it’s helping my plants get over powdery mildew faster or making them produce more flowers. I’ve tried just about everything, from commercial products to kitchen ingredients. And one such product is baking soda. Everyone swears by it, especially when it comes…
Tell me! Who doesn’t want to feast their eyes on globulus hydrangea flowers? Their unique ability to change color or remain purely white their entire life is only one reason why we want these flowers in our backyards. But what about their care? Is it too demanding for novice or busy gardeners? Not really! You…
Indoor plants make our lives better! Not only do they look spectacular but they also purify the air and some may even help with anxiety or sleep. If you’re exploring the world of Feng Shui, houseplants can help you achieve it. Arranging plants following the principles of this art can attract wealth into your home…
Some plant lovers don’t have enough space to fit all the green friends they plan on adding to their collection. This is where hanging baskets step in. The other reason why growers use them is because they’re tired of standard floor-standing planters. No matter the reason you decide on them, you must admit that plants…
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular garden bushes out there, loved for their bold colors. Their sophisticated looks might make novice gardeners believe that they are incredibly complex to care for, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. And to make matters easier, I’ve found 15 low-maintenance hydrangeas that can adapt to nearly…
Meet the charming Oxalis Triangularis, also known as the Purple Shamrock. This unusual plant produces distinctive triangular leaves that have a rich purple color, perfect for adding color to your living space. Not only is this plant absolutely gorgeous, but it is also quite easy to take care of – full sun, well-draining soil, and…
I’m sure many rose plant parents will agree with me when I say that these plants can be finicky over growing conditions. Even if you meet all their requirements, the blooms may not be as enormous as they should be. I have great news for you; you can help your rose bush produce enormous flowers…
Aloe plants are some of the easiest houseplants to care for, but even they can suffer from certain issues, such as unsightly brown discolorations. The most common causes are too much or not enough water, surplus of fertilizer, and excess sunlight. To make matters even worse, brown foliage won’t just go back to its usual…
Once hydrangeas start blooming, you don’t really notice any other plants in the garden! Their clustered tiny flowers come in multiple hues so there’s a hydrangea for every garden design. No one likes to see their plants start displaying any changes, especially discoloration. If you notice yellowing, something is wrong and you should determine the…
Lucky bamboo is one of those houseplants everyone seems to have in their living room, whether they’re into feng shui or they just love what it does to their space. But did you know that this plant actually belongs to the genus Dracaena (the same as the snake plant) and is not real bamboo? However,…
Peonies are perfect late spring or early summer flowers, inviting all sorts of pollinators and bringing an explosion of color to your garden. You can multiply the herbaceous varieties by division, while layering works best for tree types. But did you know that you can enjoy the entire process, from seed to flower, by growing…
Whenever someone asks me about the easiest plant to maintain indoors, I instantly think of the jade plant. Well, I have exactly the same thought when asked about the prettiest. Stunning woody trunks and fleshy glossy green leaves make this plant look like a tree, which is the main reason why many decide to turn…