With their tall, elegant spires and bell-shaped blooms, foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) bring a touch of fairytale magic to any garden. They are beautiful on their own, plus they create a lovely backdrop for shorter flowers and plants. Native to Europe and now in many parts of the U.S. (zones 5–9), these striking biennials (or short-lived…
It’s that time of the year when poison oak and poison ivy are making their existence known. Here’s the best way to kill poison oak in your yard. Poison oak is a plant that grows wild in many areas, including many homeowners’ backyards and garden areas. If you’re allergic to poison oak, it can generate…
A cozy, relaxing backyard spot can do wonders for you and the family at the end of a workday and on the weekend. There is just something special about putting the workday behind you and taking some time just to enjoy nature and those you love most. If your yard isn’t the relaxing oasis of…
Picking ripe tomatoes straight off the vine is one of my favorite pastimes. Nothing compares to the flavors, whether I pop them straight into my mouth or make them into a yummy salsa or fresh bruschetta. But getting to that point in the season requires getting one thing right first: good soil. Whether you are…
If you’re looking to bring classic beauty and year-after-year blooms to your garden, perennial white flowers are a must. Their soft, creamy hues provide the perfect contrast to bold-colored blooms and lush greenery, making them incredibly versatile for any garden style, from cottage charm to minimalist modern. White perennials also play a key role in creating…
We are building a new home for our family, and I’m dreaming of a garden at our new place. With so much to do when you build, I’m afraid we won’t have time for a garden this year, and I can’t imagine life without a garden. So, I’ve been reading up on no-work gardening and…
The stunning evergreen leaves and intoxicating aroma of its creamy white flowers make the gardenia a favorite in many gardens throughout the country from early spring until early summer. With their pleasing, glossy, dark green foliage and powerful aromatic flowers, gardenia bushes make the perfect choice for beds near windows, patios, and entryways. The gardenia…
If you’re a new orchid parent, congratulations! What a beautiful addition to your home garden (indoors or outdoors). As an orchid mom or dad, you will need to learn how to repot an orchid so that it stays healthy and happy. Orchids can usually live in the same pot for at least a year or two…
If you love to keep houseplants and you also have cats, you may find yourself wondering, “Is kalanchoe poisonous to cats?” Responsible pet parents will take time to educate themselves on which houseplants are safe and which are toxic to their beloved animals. It’s important to know that, yes, kalanchoe can be poisonous to cats….