The Chinese money plant scientifically known as Pilea peperomioides is an incredibly popular houseplant. Its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves make it a unique addition to any indoor jungle. But is this trendy plant safe to have around cats? For cat owners, it’s crucial to know which plants are toxic before inviting them into your home. … Read more
Some of the most beautiful and unique plants you can have in your home are those with leaves that change color. They feature varying shades of greens, whites, reds, and other bright colors that will leave you in awe. Some variegated houseplants are highly sought after due to their rarity, also making them a little … Read more
A lot of people in the United States have snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata). With its long, elegant foliage, this hardy, low-maintenance plant is a go-to for homes, offices, and public spaces. But even the leaves of a tough-as-nails snake plant can turn yellow. It’s not a problem if a snake plant has … Read more
Zucchini is a fun summer squash to grow yourself. With prolific production that keeps coming all season long, a few zucchini plants can keep your kitchen stocked with fresh veggies. However, when grown in containers, zucchini does require large pots to accommodate their spreading roots. In this article, we will look at optimal pot sizes … Read more
Garlic is a pungent, flavorful ingredient used in cuisines around the world. But if you’ve ever come across elephant garlic at the grocery store or farmer’s market, you may have wondered – is it the same as regular garlic? While they may look similar, there are some key differences between elephant garlic and regular garlic. … Read more
Growing tomatoes in containers is almost always an adventure. It can be incredibly rewarding or flat-out disastrous. Epic failures can happen for reasons you can’t control, like tomato blight or a summer that is too wet or cold. But if you don’t do these common mistakes when growing tomatoes in pots, you will have a … Read more
As a gardener and magnolia enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new magnolia varieties that offer great benefits. One magnolia that has caught my attention recently is Bracken’s Brown Beauty magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’) This eye-catching magnolia boasts a moderate yet mighty growth rate that allows you to enjoy both rapid growth … Read more
Hardy hibiscus are quickly becoming a backyard staple thanks to their ability to bring vibrant, tropical-looking blooms to gardens in cool and temperate climates. With flowers up to 8 inches across in shades of red, pink, white and more, it’s easy to see why gardeners are eager to add these striking shrubs to their outdoor … Read more
Succulent plants get leggy from time to time. Keep reading to learn why it happens and what you can do about succulents with long stems. We love you, beautiful succulents, but why do your stems get so long? I had a lot of them in my garden in Santa Barbara, so it didn’t bother me … Read more
As a beginning gardener or an experienced one, knowing whether hydrangeas are annuals or perennials is helpful. Hydrangeas are Asia native plants that are classified as invasive— a plant with weed-like qualities. Yet, their charm convinces gardeners otherwise. Caring for any plant garden— outdoor, greenhouse, or indoor— is not something that you can just “wing. … Read more