Hollies are popular evergreen shrubs that add year-round interest to gardens with their glossy foliage and bright red berries. With the right care, hollies can thrive for decades, but feeding them properly is key to their health and vigor. Choosing the best fertilizer for your holly bushes encourages strong new growth, lush foliage, and abundant … Read more
When you look at the soil your houseplant came in or a nursery-made mix just for houseplants, you may notice small white rocks that are very light and easy to crush. These dots are not a fertilizer or signs of a growth problem – that’s perlite. Perlite is talked about a lot in the houseplant … Read more
The Yoshino cherry tree, also known as Japanese flowering cherry, is famed for its abundant and stunning display of light pink or white blossoms in spring. But beyond their brief yet spectacular floral show, Yoshino cherries are shapely, graceful trees that enhance any landscape. If you’re considering planting a Yoshino cherry, you may be wondering … Read more
Like many brides, I had a dream of a classic peony bouquet. But when I found out that peonies weren’t in season at the time of my wedding, my flower fantasy was dashed. My momentary disappointment was quickly replaced with glee when I was directed to garden roses. These breathtakingly romantic blossoms were an even … Read more
With their distinctive white blooms emerging from lush green foliage, peace lilies are beloved indoor plants renowned for their elegance and air-purifying abilities. But how much light does this popular houseplant really need to thrive? Getting the lighting right is key to growing a healthy, flourishing peace lily. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll shed light … Read more
Even though both fleas and springtails can jump, there are many important differences between them that will help you tell the difference. Fleas are small, wingless insects and are reddish-brown in color. From the top to the bottom of their bodies, they are compressed, which makes it easy for them to move through their hosts’ … Read more
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