Japanese maples are treasured for their graceful form, finely cut leaf shapes, and brilliant fall color. Of the hundreds of maple cultivars, one of the most prized is Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’. This dwarf, mounding red maple packs vibrant color and striking beauty into a compact size perfect for small gardens. In this complete guide we’ll … Read more
I have to admit that I get a little nervous when I repot my plants. I’m always afraid that if I do it wrong or at the wrong time, I’ll hurt them more than help them. The thought of repotting desert rose plants (Adenium obesum) was no exception. These thoughts kept going through my head: … Read more
Alliums are an attractive addition to any garden, with their striking flower heads and easy-to-grow nature. Growing alliums from seeds can be fun and rewarding. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to grow alliums successfully. Growing allium from seed is easy, let us show you how!. When choosing allium seeds, there … Read more
People love adding lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) to their gardens in the Midwest because the leaves are silver and have a soft, fuzzy, velvety feel that is hard to resist. This creeping herbaceous perennial comes from the Middle East and is hardy in zones 4–9. It is grown as an ornamental plant all over the … Read more
With their bright, cheery faces and versatility, it’s no wonder fresh sunflowers are a popular choice for arrangements and décor. But where can you find fresh cut sunflowers locally? This guide covers the best places to buy fresh sunflowers in your area. Farmer’s Markets Farmer’s markets are a top source for fresh cut flowers, including … Read more
Red shoots on roses can be a sign of healthy new growth, but they can also indicate disease. Understanding the difference between normal red growth and diseased shoots is important for properly caring for roses. Normal Red Growth Many rose varieties produce red or reddish shoots as part of their natural growth cycle. This coloration … Read more
The Edith Bogue Magnolia is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its incredibly large, fragrant white blooms and handsome evergreen foliage. This magnificent magnolia is considered one of the hardiest cultivars making it an excellent choice even for cooler climates. When it comes to growth rate the Edith Bogue grows at a moderate pace under … Read more
When spring arrives it’s exciting to see those first new shoots emerging on your rose bushes. This new growth is a sign that the plant is healthy and getting ready for another season of beautiful blooms. As a rose gardener you’ll want to understand what kind of new growth is normal and healthy for your … Read more
The strawberry tree, or Arbutus unedo, is a shrub with pretty, fragrant flowers and brightly colored fruits that aren’t strawberries but round, bland fruits. The oblong leaves are shiny and dark, 2 to 4 inches long. The tree has white or pink flowers that look like bells and grow in groups. The flowers and fruit … Read more
Flamingo willow (Salix integra Flamingo) is a very fast-growing deciduous broad-leaf shrub. Flamingo has nice-looking stems and leaves. In the spring, the leaves are a mix of white, green, and pink spots, but in the summer, they are only white and green. The red branches offer good winter color, similar to those on red-twig dogwood. … Read more