Simply Bloom Hydrangeas are prized for their large, showy flower heads that bloom throughout the summer. But many gardeners hesitate to plant them due to their potential to grow quite large. Some hydrangea shrubs can reach up to 15 feet tall and wide! Fortunately, there are many dwarf and miniature hydrangea varieties that stay compact, ideal for … Read more
Bay leaf plants are a must-have for any home chef or gardener. The aromatic bay leaf is a versatile herb used to impart fragrance and flavor to soups, stews, marinades, and more. While dried bay leaves can be purchased, growing your own bay leaf plant provides very fresh leaves and satisfaction. But where can you … Read more
Adequate lighting is very important to keep a Venus flytrap healthy. During their active growing season, Venus flytraps should receive a minimum of 12 hours of light. A minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight is recommended. The more direct light the plant receives the healthier the plant will be. The absolute best place to … Read more
People who have been to my winter garden before know and love the nasturtiums that I planted in the cement blocks of my garden border. Nasturtiums are an easy-to-grow flower that can add bright pops of color to your garden and a spicy kick to your salad. Nasturtiums are a beloved flower for any garden, … Read more
The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a beautiful ornamental evergreen tree that produces delicious golden-orange fruit. Unlike other stone fruits, loquats are picked in the spring, after the tree has bloomed with beautiful, sweet-smelling white flowers in the late winter. This flexible tree comes from China and Japan, where it is called biwa. It does … Read more
Cacti come in all sorts of shapes and sizes Some have short, stubby arms while others have long, columnar stems. But you may notice your own cactus growing abnormally tall and skinny, especially toward the top. What causes this leggy growth pattern? And what can you do to fatten up a spindly cactus? What Causes … Read more
Putting up bird feeders in your yard or other outdoor area is a great way to make the view from your window better. A well-kept set of feeders can bring in a lot of regular visitors. During certain times of the year, unusual birds like Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, and more may also come … Read more
One of the most beautiful crab apple varieties is Malus x robusta Red Sentinel, which blooms with pink-white flowers in late spring and then bears lots of shiny, round, red fruit. During fall and winter, the fruits stay on the branches and look great with the changing colors of the leaves before they fall. Providing … Read more
Crop rotation is the practice of changing or alternating the crops in a given area of the garden. Rotating crops will keep soil nutrients from running out and keep pest and disease problems from getting worse. Plants that need more nutrients can be switched out for plants that don’t need as much, like legumes, that … Read more
Vinca vine, also known as periwinkle, is a popular ground cover plant that produces delicate flowers and lush green foliage With its trailing stems and ability to thrive in shade, vinca vine is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, borders, and slopes. If you already grow vinca vine, you may be wondering if propagating it is … Read more