Companion Plantings for Variegated Solomon’s Seal in the Shade Garden

With its gracefully arching stems adorned with variegated foliage, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum) adds elegance and interest to shady garden beds. This perennial performs best when paired with compatible plants that enhance its form and colors. The right companions can provide visual contrast, harmony, and shared growing conditions. When planning companion plantings for variegated Solomon’s seal. … Read more

Demystifying Raspberry Flowers: A Beginner’s Guide to Identifying These Charming Blooms

As a novice gardener, I’ve found that familiarizing myself with a plant’s flowers is invaluable for proper identification and care Raspberries produce particularly captivating blooms in an array of colors, but their appearance can vary across different types. By understanding the distinguishing traits of raspberry flowers, you’ll be better equipped to cultivate these berries in … Read more

Is Flowering Broccoli Still Safe to Eat? An Exploration of the Changes that Happen Once Broccoli Bolts

Broccoli is one of the most nutritious and delicious vegetables that you can grow in your garden. However, it does have a relatively short harvest window, and if you miss it, you may end up with flowering broccoli plants instead of the tight, compact heads that broccoli is known for This can lead to some … Read more

Exploring the Many Versatile Uses of the Evening Primrose Plant

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. I really love looking for wild plants that can be eaten or used as medicine, and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is one of my favorites. Foraging for this wonderful plant is always a highlight … Read more

How Long Does It Take to Grow Romaine Lettuce? A Detailed Guide to Growing This Delicious Leafy Green

One of the most widely used varieties of lettuce is romaine. It is a versatile vegetable with a crisp flavor that is neither overly bitter nor overly sweet. It is also packed with nutrients. If you’ve been thinking about putting romaine in your garden, you may have been wondering how easy it is to grow … Read more

cotinus ‘grace vs royal purple

The cotinus, or smoke bush, is an important shrub for the garden because it has bright fall colors and early flower plumes. Shrub expert Andy McIndoe advises on how to grow them. Photographs by Richard Bloom. Cotinus are big, hardy flowering shrubs that lose their leaves every year. They have pretty, round green, purple, or … Read more