Stock flowers, which are also called stock, are pretty plants for a cottage garden. They come in many colors and have a light scent that many people associate with heirloom flowers. Some say that Thomas Jefferson brought them to his gardens at Monticello in 1771 from abroad, making them the first plants grown in the … Read more
Lily of the valley is a fragrant plant that blooms in spring or early summer. Unfortunately, once you plant it, it’s very hard to get rid of lily of the valley. This plant is very adaptable and spreads quickly, which is why it isnt recommended for most yards. The spreading ground cover fills woodland areas, … Read more
Sow okra in your garden? One easy way to save money on gardening is to save okra seeds. Learn now to save okra seeds for planting next year!. Okra is a heat-loving vegetable that produces long, edible pods. If you want to eat okra, you should pick these pods when they are 3 to 4 … Read more
With their towering stalks and showy golden blooms, sunflowers are a favorite flower for many gardeners. Their impressive height and vibrant color add stately drama to any landscape or container. However, like all plants, sunflowers have particular watering needs to thrive Understanding how long sunflowers can go without water can help you prevent wilting and … Read more
We were about to explore the green world of Brussels sprouts, those cute little green balls that are common in both gardens and kitchens. But did you know that the success of your Brussels sprouts can significantly depend on their neighboring plants? There you have it—the idea of companion planting is very important to the … Read more
Tall bearded irises and Siberian irises bloom in late spring and look great in any cottage garden or flower bed. A patch of iris can look worn out after the flowers die off and the bulbs use up all the plants’ energy to get ready for winter. Planting iris plant companions that fill out and … Read more
As summer fades into autumn, the chill in the air signals a seasonal shift. While this transition may mark the end for some plants, fall offers a fresh start and new planting possibilities. Herbs happen to be perfectly suited for planting in fall gardens and containers. Many culinary herbs actually thrive in the cooler weather … Read more
In temperate climates, where winters are cold and summers are warm, lilacs rule the landscape in spring. In both rural and urban areas, large, sweet-smelling panicles pop out of what look like normal shrubs and trees to pack a strong pastel punch. But only for a couple of weeks. Lilac season is short and fleeting, … Read more
Do you have a lot of hard, unripe pears? Each year our pear tree overproduces. Besides that, it wasn’t properly pruned for years, leaving us with smaller immature fruit. Over the years, I’ve learned what to do with unripe pears so they don’t go to waste. Two recipes in one: These stewed pears are perfectly … Read more
Starting with brown spots, Liriope may develop brown, withered foliage during winter in some areas. Also the fungal disease anthracnose may leave the plant tattered. Whether cold or disease is the problem, a well-timed trim is the solution. Tip If you looking to contain these plants, I have some bad news. Pruning will not control … Read more