Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) was initially considered to belong to its own species. Later, it was found that the plant was a cross between spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatica). This amazingly aromatic herb is one of the oldest herbs used for ritual, culinary, and medicinal purposes. Today it is used for aesthetics, being … Read more
Iceland poppies, with their delicate, tissue-paper petals and vibrant colors, are one of the most beautiful flowers you can grow in your garden. While they may seem intimidating to cultivate, Iceland poppies are actually quite easy and rewarding to grow once you understand their needs. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to … Read more
Summers that are long, hot, and dry are best for olive trees. Winters that are cool and not too dry are also good. They are native to Mediterranean climates. They like a sharply drained calcareous or limey soil, and can tolerate salty, coastal locations. Many types of olive trees need to be cross-pollinated, which means … Read more
I’ve been using evergreens in container gardens since the very beginning. The approach is practical, saves money over time, and offers multiple seasons of enjoyment. I can’t imagine a DIY-er or client who wouldn’t LOVE getting these benefits from their container gardens. Miniature evergreen trees are darling additions to container gardens. Their compact size makes … Read more
There will almost certainly be at least one type of tulip in a spring garden. After all, tulips are the most common sign of spring. People often wonder if tulips will grow more than one plant, even though they are easy to grow. The daffodil is another beautiful spring flower that does this. Most people … Read more
Every year around the middle of summer, my ornamental grasses fall over and look bad instead of standing straight up like other people’s do. Is there anything I can do to keep them from flopping?. A: Some grasses are taller and denser and just more prone to flopping over like that than others. Maidenhair grass … Read more
With their distinctive frilled blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and purple, opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) are one of the most recognizable and beautiful flowering annuals Getting these iconic beauties started from seed is easy and rewarding. Read on for tips on sourcing viable poppy seeds, advice on when and how to sow them, … Read more
Bring your Monstera back to life by fixing those brown spots with our all-inclusive guide! Brown spots on the leaves of your beloved monstera plant can be alarming. But don’t panic! With the right care your monstera can bounce back from this common issue. In this article we’ll explore the causes of brown spots and … Read more
Mason wasps are fascinating creatures that can become pesky when they start building nests in unwanted areas around your home While they are not aggressive like yellowjackets or hornets, their mud nests can be an eyesore and their constant buzzing can become annoying If you have identified mason wasps around your property you may be … Read more
Cedar trees are a classic and popular choice for landscaping. With their attractive evergreen foliage, aromatic scent, and natural resistance to rot and pests, it’s no wonder cedar trees remain a go-to option for many homeowners. However, anyone looking to add cedars to their property may wonder – when is the prime time to get … Read more