Robby 
Bearded iris are one of the most stunning cut flowers you can grow in your garden. Known for their showy, ruffled blooms in a rainbow of colors, bearded iris have long been a favorite of floral designers and gardeners alike. As cut flowers, iris have a vase life of 5-7 days if cared for properly, … Read more
You just bought your first exotic hibiscus plants. The first thing you need to decide is whether to keep them in pots or plant them directly in the ground. For people who live in places that freeze in the winter, the answer is simple: keep your hibiscus in pots that can be moved to a … Read more
But even though it’s easy to buy these plants at nurseries, there’s something special about growing them from seed. Starting hosta seeds and learning more about seed starting can be hard, but it can also be very rewarding. In my guide to growing hostas from seed, I’ll show you how to take a tiny seed … Read more
With its distinctive perfume that evokes feelings of relaxation and tranquility, it’s no wonder lavender is one of the most beloved fragrant plants. But do lavender plants actually live up to their intoxicating reputation in the garden? The short answer is yes – most lavender varieties release an unmistakable fragrance, especially when their flowers are … Read more
As a beginner tomato grower one of the most exciting milestones is witnessing those very first yellow flowers. It’s a sign your plants are thriving and fruits are soon to follow. But just how long should you expect to wait between seeing those pretty blooms and harvesting ripe tomatoes? Let’s walk through the growth timeline. … Read more
Geraniums are beautiful and extremely popular flowering plants that grow well both in the garden and in containers. Many people like them because of their bright, sometimes fragrant flowers, but they’re also great as companion plants. Keep reading to learn more about companion planting with geraniums and what to plant with geranium flowers. Geraniums are … Read more
The American Hosta Growers Association defines giant hosta as those that exceed 30 inches in height. There are several cultivars now that are in the 48 inch range. How big GIANT Hostas get in your garden depends on how much light they get, how much water they can get, and how deep and good the … Read more
Summer is almost here, and our beautiful azaleas and rhododendron are done or almost done blooming. Now is the perfect time to prune your plants to make them fuller, improve their health, and help them bloom beautifully next year. Rhododendron and azaleas both do well after being pruned. If the job is done right, the … Read more
When I moved into my small, new house, the backyard was a big, empty patch of dirt. I knew I had to plant trees there. Before it had been cleared for construction, it was a beautiful slice of forest. I’d asked the builder to take down as few trees as possible. A fringe around the … Read more
Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery. — Plant your oriental poppy bare roots … Read more