Plants can bring beauty, shade, and biodiversity to your backyard, but not all plants are welcome. Some species are outright illegal to grow in parts of the United States due to their invasive nature, harm to local ecosystems, or direct danger to human and animal health. Many of these plants spread unintentionally through wind, water,…
After a long, gloomy winter, nothing can beat that first warm feel of spring, and the explosion of color that comes with it. While flowers are present all year round, spring has a magic that’s hard to describe. Flowers give the human soul a sense of joy and peace. Vibrant spring blooms hold a special…
The mint you tucked next to your tomatoes last summer? It might have been sabotaging the tomatoes. So might the dill. Some of the most popular plants gardeners are told to grow alongside tomatoes don’t just fail to help — they actively get in the way, and yet they keep showing up on companion planting…
Poor soil shouldn’t stop you from cultivating a thriving, beautiful garden. Many plants are tough enough to adapt to less-than-ideal conditions while still bringing life and color to your outdoor space. Whether it’s dry, rocky, sandy, or nutrient-poor soil, the following 24 hardy plants are well-suited to grow despite the odds. Plus, learn why each…
A mix of blue and white flowers can create a soothing, striking aesthetic in any garden. Whether you’re refreshing your flower beds, designing a new landscape, or adding container plants to your patio, these blooms will bring elegance and vibrancy. Here are 18 stunning blue and white flowers, complete with care tips to help you…
Why settle for just a pretty view when your garden can offer a delicious snack, too? Edible landscaping is the perfect way to make your outdoor space work double duty, providing stunning visuals while filling your pantry with fresh, homegrown produce. By integrating food-producing plants into your ornamental design, you create a landscape that is…
Having a garden that blooms year-round may sound like a dream, but with the right planning, you can enjoy continuous color from early spring through late winter. While no outdoor plant can flower through freezing temperatures in colder zones, a mix of seasonal perennials, long-blooming plants, and indoor container options can give you a steady…
Creating a haven for monarch butterflies in your backyard is more than just a joy for the eyes, it’s a crucial way to support these incredible pollinators. Monarch butterflies depend on diverse plants for nectar as adults and specific host plants while they’re caterpillars. To help you craft the perfect garden, here’s a list of…
If you’re waiting for warm weather to think about your garden, you’ve already missed the best window of the year. For gardeners who understand season extension, March is the most productive month on the calendar because the decisions made right now determine whether your harvest begins in April or June, and whether it ends in…