Sunflowers are iconic symbols of summer, prized for their cheery yellow blooms But did you know these happy flowers have a little-known dark side? Sunflowers can actually release toxic compounds that inhibit the growth of certain other plants growing nearby This allelopathic effect of sunflowers can catch gardeners by surprise if they aren’t aware of … Read more
Zebra grass, also known as Miscanthus sinensis, is a popular ornamental grass grown in many gardens and yards Its striking striped foliage provides great visual interest, texture and movement. But is this grass safe for dogs? That’s an important question for any pet owner looking to spruce up their outdoor space After extensive research, the … Read more
Snake plants are one of the most popular houseplants, and they’re easy to take care of, too. They thrive in low light and can survive on just water alone (and no fertilizer). What would happen if your snake plant died? If you see any of these signs, it might be time to bring it back … Read more
Daylilies are a popular perennial flower that add vibrant color and texture to gardens. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in a rainbow of colors and patterns, blooming from early summer well into fall. Daylilies are easy to grow, extremely hardy, and multiply quickly to form impressive clumps. They make excellent border plants, groundcovers, or specimens in … Read more
When I began gardening in 2013, growing blueberries topped my list of garden priorities. Even though blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat, nothing beats the taste of the ones you grow yourself. And if you’re trying to save money, growing your own blueberries will save you a lot of money over … Read more
Lettuce grows best in cool weather, so most home gardens plant it in early spring, pick it in late spring to early summer, and then throw it away in favor of other vegetables in the middle of summer. As the days get cooler in the fall, some gardeners might plant a second crop of lettuce. … Read more
Roses are a favorite flowering plant of gardeners all over the world. Roses come in more than 150 different species, but they all have the same soft, heartfelt look. You could add rose bushes to your garden, but maybe you want something a little different. Beginner gardeners might find it hard to keep up with … Read more
Walking in your garden every day is good for you and good for your plants. Regularly checking on your plants helps keep pests away that might be eating your tomatoes before you can When caught early they are usually easy to control without insecticides or other drastic action. There are many bugs that can get … Read more
When I saw an article on getting rid of wasps without poisoning them, I was elated. Every spring, Mason bees come to our house. This year, they started coming to their nest(s) in May, and wasps came with them. As this is in an area we use daily, we were not happy about the wasps. … Read more
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular garden shrubs because they have beautiful flowers that bloom for a long time and are easy to care for. Panicle hydrangeas have flower heads that look like cones and are white or lime green. They bloom for weeks in the summer and fall. Flowers shift to hues of … Read more