Your inner florist will blossom with these heart-warming quotes, interesting facts about plants, their symbolism, and the uniqe ways of incorporating them into your home decor.
Picture this: you walk into your garden and see a lawn that’s not just green but also covered in lovely pink flowers! Walkable ground covers have become quite popular nowadays – they are hardy and stiff, can endure foot traffic, and don’t require regular maintenance like other lawns do. Plus, they create a colorful carpet…
Paint your landscape with the prettiest flowers in the world! Flowers like orchids, tulips, gladiolus, and dahlias come in many different shapes and colors, creating a breathtaking flower display; and yet, each flower is a masterpiece on its own. Whether you are looking for growing cut flowers and making wonderful flower arrangements, or you just…
In the bustling world of houseplants, one green companion stands out for its remarkable ability to not only adorn our homes with beauty but also to purify the very air we breathe. This extraordinary plant possesses a unique talent – it cleans the air of mold spores and other pollutants. Airborne mold spores can be…
I’m not sure that I know any gardening enthusiast who hasn’t cracked at least one pot. Honestly, it was heartbreaking for me for the first couple of times (yes, you can call me clumsy) but since I discovered these great ways to use cracked pots, I’m not angry when it happens. Believe it or not,…
Don’t toss those leftover pumpkin seeds! If you are a fan of homegrown pumpkins, you can save and store your pumpkin seeds for planting next year. The perfect time to do this is right after Halloween – just look inside your jack-o-lantern and you’ll notice numerous seeds inside! You can easily save those and plant…
Marigolds are popular flowers in the gardening world due to their easy maintenance and colorful blossoms. But they have other strengths you might not have heard about before. Here are some things about marigolds you most likely didn’t know. Or you did, just not to the full extent. Let’s get started! #1 Perfect Companion Plants…
Although repotting might seem like an easy task, it’s important to be aware of potential mistakes that could put your green friends at risk! Leaving your plants potted for too long, using the wrong container, and not changing the soil are just a few of the repotting mistakes that jeopardize the well-being of your beloved…
The wandering Jew, wandering dude, or inch plant are names attributed to various plants from the genus Tradescantia, including entirely purple or green, purple and green, creamy and green, or pink and green variegations. The reason why so many plant lovers opt for this plant in particular is its low-maintenance. Place it in a spot…
The internet has so many advantages and we can learn so much info from it in a relatively short period of time. However, we shouldn’t believe everything we read, no matter which subject is being discussed. This applies to the gardening world, where individuals share their knowledge about certain topics. There has been a recent…
If you want to preserve your tomatoes’ delicious flavor for a long time, dehydrating them is a great option. Plus, you don’t need a fancy dehydrator – you can simply use your oven! Dried tomatoes combine perfectly with herbs, olive oil, pizzas, and salads, and you can also use them to make a tasteful red…
Everyone dreams of a perfect yard but some of us may overdo things and end up with the opposite – a cheap-looking yard. Well, it’s not really about how much money you spend; expensive items may look really cheap if incorporated incorrectly. In this article, I’ll show the most common mistakes that make your yard…
Noticing that there’s a yellow mushroom sprouting in your houseplant’s soil can be quite the unexpected surprise. Yellow leaves and soggy roots are often signs that there’s something wrong with your plant, but what about yellow mushrooms growing from the soil? Before you jump to conclusions, let’s unravel the mystery of what it truly means….
Did you know that you can grow indoor lettuce that will produce double the yield a lot quicker than regular lettuce grown outdoors would? That’s right – a recent discovery has shown us that crops of lettuce grown indoors will produce 50% more leaves up to 300% faster when compared to ones grown outdoors. This…
When someone mentions the word houseplant, I’m sure many of you think of plants with broad and large leaves. Common houseplants, such as Philos, Monsteras, or Calatheas do have such foliage. While they make an excellent addition to interior design, those who would like to add more of a jungle vibe to their home should…
Flowers blooming in the moonlight leave everyone breathless. It’s hard to imagine that there are certain plants that come alive only after the sun sets, however they are very much real. Think about going to sleep and waking up to fresh blooms that have grown in the complete darkness. These unique blooms wait until nighttime…
Looking for something to cover up some ugly, empty walls? Well, look no further than these gorgeous plants that can climb! The concept of growing plants on walls, also known as vertical gardening, allows you to maximize your green space, whether you have a spacious backyard or just a small balcony. In this article, we…
It doesn’t get much easier than tending to an aloe vera as a houseplant. It doesn’t require too much water or fertilizer, and only needs well-drained soil and some sunlight to thrive. However, if you want it to flourish and look its best, you will have to take good care of it. Of course, keeping…
It’s true that many homeowners find it difficult to decide on their front yard design. The reason may be that they’re overthinking because it’s the first impression of their home. This pressure leads to several outcomes, some of which are choosing only a plant or two or not planting any. Well, this often leads to…
One of my favorite feelings in the world is picking tomatoes I grew myself and enjoying their sweet flavor. But these veggies that were supposed to be sweet have turned bitter in my mouth more than once! That’s why I set out to investigate why homegrown tomatoes may taste bitter and how to improve their…
This October is the time for tree planting. Trees are crucial for the planet’s health, producing oxygen, and storing carbon dioxide – hence their nickname, the lungs of the earth. Trees are home to numerous birds, squirrels and chipmunks, bees, and other animals that are crucial for a healthy ecosystem. They live extremely long and…
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…
When I first started growing crops from seeds, I was baffled by all the information that came on the back of the package and didn’t know much about them! I’m sure you’ve all seen the signs saying heirloom, organic, hybrid, etc. These are three out of the five main seed types. Each of them has…
No one wants a small front yard, but if you have one, you’ve got to do what you can with what you have. And there are ways to trick anyone who looks at your garden and make them see a larger space than there actually is. You can plant climbers, incorporate a tree that perfectly…
As the vibrant blooms of spring tulips fade, you may be wondering if they’ll return next year or if it’s time to roll up your sleeves for some bulb replanting. Even though tulips are perennials, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will come back year after year. You can plant fresh tulip bulbs in the…
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!…
Replacing lawn grasses with an alternative has become more and more popular this year. That’s because traditional lawn aesthetics, although gorgeous, require a lot of work in terms of watering, fertilizing, and mowing. There are much simpler options, such as rock gardens, planting drought-tolerant plants and shrubs, clover lawns, walkable ground covers, etc. Let’s find…
Dealing with rats in your garden can be a real challenge, and one factor that can attract these unwelcome visitors is the presence of certain crops. If you keep seeing rats but don’t know where they are coming from, then you might need to rethink the plants you grow in your garden. Rats adore certain…
Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for the mind and body. It can help you stay fit and just an hour’s worth of work can be all the cardio you need. But the mental benefits are off the charts, especially with new research supporting this more and more. Even doctors are beginning to prescribe…
While plants may not have vocal cords or make sounds that we can hear, they do have their own unique ways of communicating with the world. In a fascinating twist of nature, recent research has revealed that plants have their own form of “screaming” – these are clicking sounds in ultrasonic frequencies which humans can’t…
The importance of bees has been the main topic of debate for the last couple of years and the main reason is that the population of these insects has significantly decreased. But do you know the difference between wild and domestic bee species? I’m sure you’ve heard that wild bees don’t produce honey, but is…
Gone are the days of waiting for the right season to cultivate your favorite plants. Thanks to automated hydroponics gardens, you can now enjoy the delights of gardening throughout the year. Discover how this innovative technology is changing the way we grow and enjoy plants, anytime, anywhere. Let’s find out more about Nutraponics! All About…
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…
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…
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,…
Imagine going into your garden and checking on your flowers, just to see that they are filled with tiny frogs! Well, that’s exactly what happened to Allison Lamb. She says that the frogs are signs that spring has arrived! Allison, along with the other residents of Snohomish, Washington, are used to frogs’ croaking just like…
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…
When you have a bountiful tomato harvest, you should try to save that deliciousness for later; and the easiest way to do that is by canning your tomatoes. No matter if you are new to canning or a pro, these recipes will let you enjoy summer’s goodness whenever you please. So, stick around to find…
When we grow pepper plants, how we care for them can affect their growth and the amount of peppers they produce. Some people prune their plants, while others leave them as they are. So the question is: to prune your plants or not to prune your plants? When researching this question, I stumbled upon a…
Have you ever asked yourself what is the healthiest food in the world? With numerous superfood options, it can be quite hard to determine which is the number 1 food that can improve your overall well-being. Well, the researchers at William Paterson University wanted to know the answer for sure! They tested about 41 types…
Rose of Sharon, otherwise known as Althea, is a classic plant that originates from China and India. It came to America around the 1600s and is still being grown today. This hardy plant thrives in the harsh growing conditions of USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. Lately, botanists have been developing hybrids with unique variegations,…
Imagine vibrant hydrangea blooms bursting with vivid colors and lush foliage, all thanks to an unexpected and surprising ingredient – pickle juice! Although hydrangeas can generally thrive in poor growing conditions, adding certain fertilizers can significantly improve their growth and boost flower production. One such fertilizer is pickle juice. Pickle juice is one of those…
When we think of a rose, perhaps its fragrance takes us to the 50s or to the Queen Mary’s Garden in London. But it certainly doesn’t have us thinking about roses as invasive species. And yet, that’s exactly what Rosa rugosa (beach or Japanese rose) is to Maine. It originated in Asia but spread all…
The quality of indoor air has been a topic of numerous discussions lately. We’ve been provided with multiple studies on the subject and some date back to the last century. Indoor air contains harmful substances that pose a threat to our overall health, which is why we must do anything to decrease their concentration. In…
If you have potted plants, then you know how important drainage is. Without it, our plants would rot in no time! Many gardeners have been promoting various techniques of improving drainage, including adding rocks to the bottom of planters. However, they are moving away from this technique because it has more drawbacks than benefits. It…
Did you know that gardening is one of the best things you can do for your body and soul? It allows you to be more physically active, burn more calories, increase fiber intake, reduce stress, and more. And the best part about it is that it isn’t as demanding as some other exercises, such as…
Succulents are known for being hardy plants that can thrive in poor growing conditions, but did you know that there are some succulents that can also produce oxygen at night? While most plants release oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, these special succulents continue to produce oxygen even after the sun goes down. This is…
How many of you have had to throw away cucumbers after only a few days? I know exactly how you feel. No matter if you bought them or grew them in your garden, this can be really disheartening. Luckily, there is a way to fix this issue. I’ll show you a simple yet brilliant storage…
Jackie Flournoy was looking out of her window one May morning in Luthersville, Ga. when she noticed she had a 25-foot flower stalk in her front yard. I always thought nobody else has this but me, said Jackie when asked about her agave plant. She planted it in 1987 and never in her wildest dreams…
When I visited England, there was one thing in their countryside that baffled me. There seemed to be one rose variety that spread from village to village, and every single person seemed to have the same variety in their garden. Why is this the case? Is it because these roses have a particularly sweet scent…
Pools make an excellent addition to backyards just like plants, so why not use the opportunity to combine them for great results? You have many options to choose from; you can go with plants with colorful foliage or uncommon blossom shapes, or add trees and shrubs. Surrounding pools with plants may have other benefits such…
Ladybugs are considered superheroes among other insects and pests that commonly visit our crops and gardens. While these delightful creatures may seem small and insignificant, they play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are not only admired for their vibrant colors and…
Our edible gardens are filled with peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants, but did you know that you can use edible flowers in recipes, too? Rose cocktails, pansy deserts, and salads garnished with flowers are just a few recipes that utilize this unique ingredient. Aside from being responsible for incredible presentation, edible flowers also add an…
If your garden needs more colors or you want to define the space, border plants will do the job. But these aren’t the only powers of border plants; they also attract pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to the garden ecosystem. There are various plant types to choose from, such as shrubs, perennials, and annuals. The…
Lately I’ve been dreaming of a new landscape design, imagining pools, winding pathways, pergolas, and fire pits decorating my backyard. Then I opened my eyes and found myself in the real world with a tight budget! But that doesn’t mean I can’t give my outdoors the makeover it desperately needs. If that’s something you can…
Did you know that you can encourage biodiversity and promote a “greener” lawn by replacing traditional grasses with wildflowers? Maintaining classic lawns is a century-old custom in most Western countries. They’re great for sports, but they do not create healthy ecosystems. Additionally, tending to traditional lawns is expensive, time-consuming, and much worse than letting nature…