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
With its arching stems of burgundy-splashed leaves, the Red Sister cordyline lives up to its dramatic reputation. This eye-catching ti plant variety makes a bold statement whether grown indoors or out. Though easy to care for, Red Sister cordylines have some specific needs. Read on for tips to keep your plant healthy and looking its … Read more
My mom took my siblings and me to see Disney’s Pete’s Dragon when I was a kid. It was a musical fantasy movie with a big green dragon named Elliott who could disappear. I fell in love with Elliott’s expressive face, floppy ears and pink tuft of hair. After many years, I was looking through … Read more
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a popular, striking, evergreen perennial, often grown as a houseplant. It gets its name from its vibrant red, tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick. In the tropical areas where it lives naturally, this species grows on tree branches and in cracks in rocks. As a houseplant, it … Read more
Want to know how to keep birds out of your strawberry patch? I’ve finally found a cheap and simple way to keep those pesky birds out of my garden and strawberry patches. Nothing is more frustrating than nurturing a lush patch of juicy red strawberries only to have birds swoop in and steal the ripe … Read more