Calathea (Marantaceae) are known for their very diverse, colorful, and beautifully patterned leaves. You can grow these plants in low light, which makes them very popular for the home or office (plus they are safe for pets and kids). Calatheas come from the jungle floors of South America and Africa. They can grow with different … Read more
Learn to coexist safely with your snake plant —understanding its mild toxicity is key to a harmonious home. The snake plant, also known by names like mother-in-law’s tongue and Saint George’s sword, is a ubiquitous houseplant known for its sharp, upright leaves and nearly indestructible nature. But is this popular indoor plant actually poisonous? The … Read more
You just bought your first exotic hibiscus plants. The first thing you need to decide is whether to keep them in pots or plant them directly in the ground. For people who live in places that freeze in the winter, the answer is simple: keep your hibiscus in pots that can be moved to a … Read more
Summer is almost here, and our beautiful azaleas and rhododendron are done or almost done blooming. Now is the perfect time to prune your plants to make them fuller, improve their health, and help them bloom beautifully next year. Rhododendron and azaleas both do well after being pruned. If the job is done right, the … Read more
When I moved into my small, new house, the backyard was a big, empty patch of dirt. I knew I had to plant trees there. Before it had been cleared for construction, it was a beautiful slice of forest. I’d asked the builder to take down as few trees as possible. A fringe around the … Read more
Papaver (or Oriental Poppies) are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -20°C. This means you can plant them directly outside in pots or borders in spring or autumn. Always plant Papaver bare roots as soon as possible on arrival, ideally within a few days of delivery. — Plant your oriental poppy bare roots … Read more
When it comes to your lawn using the right grass seed mix can make all the difference. Expert Gardener’s Sun and Shade mix claims to provide lush grass even in challenging shady spots. Read on for real reviews, tips and everything to know about this seed blend. Overview of Expert Gardener Sun and Shade Mix … Read more
Hostas are classic shade plants with their lush leaves and mounding habit. But did you know that some hosta varieties actually tolerate sun quite well? With the right selection and care you can grow hostas in both shady and sunny spots of your garden. Here’s an in-depth look at the best sun-loving hosta varieties and … Read more
Sunflowers are popular plants that can make great additions to gardens and landscapes. Their cheery flowers attract pollinators while also providing seeds for birds. However, when integrating sunflowers into your garden design, it’s important to consider compatible plant pairings. Certain plants may compete with or be suppressed by sunflowers. Read on to learn what not … Read more
With its large, graceful plumes, pampas grass makes a dramatic statement in gardens and landscapes. But to keep your plants looking their best year after year, proper pruning is a must. So do you need to cut back pampas grass each season? The answer is yes – annual pruning is absolutely essential for the health … Read more