When asked to name a word that starts with the letter X, many of us will think first of xylophone or X-ray. If asked to name a flower that starts with X, we’ll probably just scratch our heads. But such plants do exist! From exotic tropical blooms to hardy ornamentals with surprising origins, these X-named…
Annual flowers offer a great way to fill in gaps in the garden and add beautiful, long-lasting color quickly. While any color can make a garden pop, purple is one of my favorites. Purple flowers bring a sense of calm, elegance, and enchantment to any outdoor space. From deep, velvety violets to soft lilacs and…
Bees. They pollinate wildflowers and crops, contributing to biodiversity as well as human food supplies, and produce the sweet honey we love to stir into tea or drizzle on warm buttermilk biscuits. Although we may fear their sting, there is far more to love about bees. The Republic of Slovenia recognized the importance of bees…
Although citrus trees seem reserved for the southern part of the U.S., where temperatures remain mild throughout the winter, even those who see snow in the colder months can grow a lemon tree. All it takes is a large pot and proper care. And with Plant a Lemon Tree Day today (May 17), now is…
You’ve likely seen those evil ant-looking insects with wicked pincers at the tip of their abdomen in your house and heard creepy stories as a child of them crawling in people’s ears. Yet despite their terrible reputation and intimidating appearance, earwigs rarely cause problems either in the home or in the garden. However, if you…
Because it is a Mediterranean herb, lavender thrives in poor, dry soils. I often get asked, does it need fertilizer? The short answer is probably not. But depending on your specific growing conditions, you may need to amend the soil to improve drainage, adjust pH levels, or even, yes, add nutrients. Here we will explore…
Because all types of squash belong to the same family, the best companion plants for winter squash and the best companion plants for zucchini and summer squash are the same. Looking for the best companion plants for pumpkins? They’re squash too! The main consideration to keep in mind is that, typically, zucchini and other summer…
Flower gardening can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be hard to fill your outdoor space with beautiful blooms. With a few simple tips, you can grow common flowers like nasturtiums and dahlias as well as exotic peacock orchids and stunning fuchsias. Many of these lovely flowers grow equally well in containers and in…
While many people think of gardening as a warm-weather activity, gardeners know better. The growing season may begin in spring, but gardening truly starts in the winter. My first seed catalog this winter arrived in December, like an early Christmas gift, and the rest followed in January. What could be better than cozying up on…