Month: April 2020

Often grown as annuals, Petunias are one of the most popular flowers. They are tender perennials in Zones 9 to 11. Petunias are divided into two different groups: Grandiflora petunias have very large flowers and are best grown in containers or hanging baskets (because they are more susceptible to rain damage). Multiflora petunias have smaller,...

Gladiolus is a classic perennial known for its tall flower spikes and large, colorful blooms. A great cutting flower, gladioli look spectacular in summer bouquets. Here’s how to grow gladioli in your garden. Commonly called “glads,” these lovely flowering plants are available in a multitude of colors and typically reach between 2 and...

Marjoram is a low-growing herb, perfect as a garden edging or planted in a container or window box. In the kitchen, marjoram complements almost any meat, fish, dairy, or vegetable dish that isn’t sweet.  Planting Sow seed indoors in early spring. To speed up germination, soak seeds in water overnight. Cover seeds...

Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant from the Mediterranean. In most regions, its gray to green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year. Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful color, lavender is a valued plant across the world. It also attracts pollinators to the garden. See earl grey lavender...

Use plants in modern interior design, they make us happier, help us recharge and even be more productive.  Plants tend to be an afterthought in interior design. And the more bad experiences you have with plants (in other words, how many of them die at your hand), the more...

Tomatoes are not hard to grow; they’re incredibly productive, versatile in the kitchen, and so delicious off the vine. Our guide covers all the information you need to grow tomatoes successfully—including selecting tomato varieties, starting seeds, transplanting tomatoes outside, using tomato stakes and cages, and tomato plant care. Tomatoes...

A staple in our garden, beets grow easily and you won’t have to wait long until harvesting their tasty roots. And you can eat their green tops, too, so they’re a dual-purpose crop. Learn all you need to know about growing beets—from planting to harvest! Beets or “beet roots” are a colorful, cool-season...

Saucer magnolia is a very popular flowering tree or large shrub that was originally created by cross-breeding Magnolia liliflora (lily magnolia, a shrub form) and M. denudata (lilytree). Originally bred by French cavalry officer Etienne Soulange-Bodin during the 1820s, this plant is still one of the most popular of all flowering trees in...

Once you understand the proper way to plant a tree, you’ll have your own in no time. Digging a wide planting hole is the key to fast growth of your new tree. Recommendations often specify a hole twice as wide as the root ball; three times as wide is...

Although they all fall under the category of ‘evergreen,’ different varieties and species have different pruning needs and techniques. Here’s your guide how to prune different types of evergreens. Evergreens are great plants for creating dense, green hedges and landscape shrubs. While they provide reliable color throughout the seasons,...