Most gardeners are obsessed with roses. There is no need to wonder why. They’re a stunning addition to any garden, as a standalone attraction or paired with a variety of other plants. Many attempt the so-called challenge of growing roses, following the advice they stumble across. Many of these are tips and tricks, with some seasoned gardeners swearing by them. Others call them myths that don’t improve the growth rate or quality of life for your roses. With so much information out ...
The details of the hardscape can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your garden. Hardscaping elements – like pathways, patios, raised beds, retaining walls, fences, pergolas, and water features – are permanent, non-living structures that give a bare landscape character and form. When hardscapes are incorporated into the overall vision of the space, they will help organize all the madness so there is a sense of flow. Garden arbors are one hardscape feature that’s functional ...
Whether you want to block prying eyes or screen an unsightly view, these inexpensive ideas are sanctuary-inspired. Looking In or Looking Out Turn your backyard into a private retreat with strategically placed focal points, partitions, and cover. Thwart nosy neighbors by cleverly situating fast-growing plants, privacy trees, and cascading flowers. Mask unappealing sites with tall plants, airy upright structures, fences, and hedges. Layer Up! Create a privacy plan, ...
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that offers plenty of rewards, Chlorophytum comosum is your answer. Also known as Spider Plants, they do not attract or house spiders (thankfully), but are named so because of their spidery plantlets that shoot off from the parent plant. These plantlets are also the reason the Spider Plant is one of the easiest, if not the easiest, houseplants to propagate. Rather than taking a stem cutting and hoping for the best, or snipping off leaves ...
The internet is full of quick and easy gardening hacks that promise to make your plants as healthy and happy as possible. Some are backed by science and solid gardening methodology, while others are myths and legends passed down for generations. Given the amount of conflicting information around, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. Coffee grounds are often recommended as one of these hacks, claiming to provide a range of benefits for houseplants. Some of the benefits have some truth ...
It can be hard to believe that many of the flowers we grow in our gardens today were plucked from forests and meadows. In the wild, the original plants would have been beautiful, but perhaps sparsely flowered and the blooms short-lived. It wasn’t until the Victoria era that planting up flower beds was even a thing. Larger properties and more leisure time meant people could start growing flowers – which is quite a luxury! – and not just food crops. Since then, horticulturalists have ...
Lavender is a garden staple, not only for its classic, fragrant flowers but also for its ease of care. So, when your seemingly impossible-to-kill lavender plant starts dying, it can understandably be distressing. There are several things that can cause your lovely lavender to struggle. Luckily, most have easy fixes. Identify the problem, apply the solution, and your lavender should look as wonderful as the first day you bought it in no time. Overwatering Lavenders originate in the ...
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are some of the most recognizable houseplants around. Their dark foliage and classic white flowers (actually surrounded by a modified leaf that many mistake for the flower) fit into absolutely any garden or interior design. On top of the design benefits, they are also remarkably easy to care for, needing a little sunlight and some additional water to thrive for years on end. Related Reading: 7 Reasons Your Peace Lily Leaves Are Turning Yellow & How To Fix ...
Imagine the splendor of growing a garden just as nature intended! Not only is growing plants that will self-seed cost-effective, but it can also be low maintenance. Are You Thinking of Volunteering? Plants that sprout all on their own in the garden are known as volunteers. Volunteers are basically free plants perfectly adapted to the garden situation they have sprouted in. Importantly, a step to successfully letting the intended self-seeding volunteers grow to their full ...
Despite winter being a favorite time of year for many, the doom and gloom of it all can be quite depressing. Many plants struggle to do well or simply just die back, leaving us with colorless gardens. But there is one sure-fire way to add a splash of color and uniqueness to your space - hanging baskets filled with winter plants. Hanging baskets are great ways to grow plants in small spaces, indoors or on patios and balconies. There are several winter plants out there that spread ...
Filling outdoor garden spaces with large-leaved plants eases the landscape with softened textures while developing architectural style with vibrant colors and dramatic shapes. Luxurious Lushness Giant leaves not only lusciously fill in garden space but also add luxurious tropical textures. Low Light Equals Large Leaves Growing extra-large leaves is an adaptation of some plant species to generate more surface area to absorb sunlight in low light conditions. Similarly, growing ...
Fast-growing plants help us make the most of every moment. The impactful plants below include everything from top-performing annuals that bloom big and bloom early to legendary fast-growing trees and shrubs. What’s the Hurry? Many situations invite the need for fast-growing plants. Hosting an upcoming event? Make it spectacular by speedily filling in the outdoor spaces with luxurious blooming growers. Just moving in? Nothing makes a house a home like dynamic, swiftly emerging ...
Next to pothos, philodendrons are some of the most popular indoor plants. They look fantastic trailing along shelves or hanging off a windowsill and make the perfect addition to your houseplant collection. Plus, they’re extremely easy to care for and aren’t too fussed about their conditions. With so many benefits, it's hard not to want as many of these stunning plants as possible. Luckily, growing tons of philodendrons doesn’t have to cost much money or take up too much time. ...
There’s no doubt about it - black flowers add a touch of dramatic intensity to any landscape. They add a new meaning to the phrase ‘black goes with anything'. Truly black blooms are rare, and most flowers marketed as black are actually deep red, blue, or purple. While the deepest black flowers may be the goal, those with the glints of maroon or edges of purple add a sense of dimension to garden designs. The sunlight requirements differ per species, but most look their best in full sun. ...
No backyard is complete without a hedge. They offer plenty of benefits, such as privacy and security. Hedges can also be used to create designated areas in your garden, known as garden zones. Even better, they are a haven for wildlife, and act as a barrier to noise, creating a more peaceful home and garden. Edible hedges offer these great benefits while providing plenty of produce at the same time. This is especially useful for smaller gardens that don’t have the space for a full-blown ...
Plant propagating should be a favorite activity on every gardener’s weekend to-do list. Not only is it easy to do, but it allows you to grow brand new plants at absolutely no cost. And what better way to get stuck into propagating than with a stylish station that doubles as a design feature when you’re finished? I used to leave all my cuttings in regular glasses of water on the windowsill. However, when you’re as obsessed with propagating as I am, your windowsill begins to look a bit ...
An herb garden is incomplete without at least one basil bush. This essential ingredient in many dishes, particularly the Italian favorites pizza and pasta, tastes so much better fresh, straight out the garden. But why stop at one? Basil has so many uses in the kitchen from baking to pesto that the more you can grow, the better. This doesn’t have to be a costly exercise with one simple gardening practice – propagation. Basil is one of the easiest herbs to propagate, readily rooting in ...
Peace lilies are a must-have for every houseplant parent. These stunning, delicate plants are incredibly resilient, tolerating a wide range of conditions inside and outside your home. They are also popular for gardening beginners and make great gifts due to their interesting white modified leaves that look just like shiny flowers. While peace lilies aren't fussy about care, they will require repotting at some point in their lifetime. This is indicated by problems with root growth or ...
Sansevieria, more commonly known as snake plants or mother-in-law’s tongue, has become a staple indoor plant. Snake plants’ allure comes from their sharp, structural leaves, with some edged in yellow or streaked with jagged lines. Part of the charm is their laid-back nature and ability to survive most indoor and outdoor conditions. The most unique thing about the snake plant isn’t its striking looks, but rather its stunning but elusive flower. Yes, snake plants can and do bloom. The ...
Perennials that thrive in the shade will brighten and lighten the dark and dreary side of the backyard. Shades of Green Shade-loving perennials may not bloom as abundantly as the sun-loving ones, but their blossoms are that much more precious because of it. Also, shade perennials make up for their lack of abundant flowers with infinite lush shades of green. The Dreaded Dry Shade At the top of every gardener's challenging areas, the dry shade problem can be overcome with ...
Rosemary features high on the list of essential garden herbs. This dense shrub is a vigorous grower with a million uses in the kitchen, from roasts to cocktails and more. Who wouldn’t want as much of this versatile plant in their garden as possible? Those looking to grow masses of rosemary in their garden, possibly for a hedge or a fully stocked kitchen garden, shouldn’t spend their money buying established plants from the nursery. It’s so easy to grow your own by propagating from ...
The blooming season may have passed its zenith, but fall hanging baskets are all about rich tones, contrasting textures, and long-lasting durability. Elevate the Fall Celebrations All the advantages of growing hanging baskets through spring and summer are virtually doubled in stunning fall hanging baskets. The gardens have been put to bed but the embellishments and architectural structure that hanging baskets provide can continue through fall. Some may even last through winter in warm ...
Rosemary is the go-to plant when starting an herb garden – or if you want something green and beautiful. Not only can you use the rosemary you grow in your cooking, but this herb makes for a great companion plant. From repelling insects to increasing the health and quality of the plants it's paired with, rosemary is guaranteed to make a great addition to your garden. Related Reading: How To Plant A Rosemary Hedge (& 10 Reasons Why You Should) But what should you plant with ...
Snake plants (Sansevieria) are the perfect beginner houseplant. They are almost impossible to kill, tolerate a wide range of conditions, and handle a missed watering or two incredibly well. Plus, they make a stunning structural feature in any corner of your home. As easy as they are to care for, you can run into some problems when growing these plants. Related Reading: 10 Common Snake Plant Problems & How To Fix Them Several of them are caused by a plant that is ...
