Don’t let shady spots go to waste or write them off! Some of the best summer blooms prefer them. I love perennials that don’t mind a mix of sunshine and shade. You can’t always count on sunshine, which means your garden is at Mother Nature’s mercy. If you’re planting in an area with a lot…
Spring has sprung, and it’s shining a light on those bare patches in your garden. Whether late frost got the best of your early plantings or you just have some empty spaces, you’re probably looking for a quick fix before summer hits. Horticultural experts have a simple solution: fast-growing annuals. Sowing seeds directly into the…
When you walk through your local garden center, you’re met with rows of beautiful possibilities. It’s easy to assume that every plant offered for sale is a good choice for your yard. However, some of the most attractive and popular plants are also highly invasive, capable of escaping your garden and causing significant harm to…
Adding a splash of purple to your garden can transform it into a regal and serene retreat. This versatile color, a blend of calm blue and vibrant red, comes in countless shades, from soft lavender to deep violet. Purple flowers create a stunning contrast with green foliage, making any outdoor space feel more dynamic and…
Ready to give your home a charming cottage vibe? Hanging planters and window boxes are a perfect way to add some beautiful dimension to your home’s exterior. When you add cascading greenery, it instantly softens the hard architectural lines of your house, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The visual appeal gets a major boost…
We might assume a beautiful outdoor space requires hours of heavy labor in the dirt. This can be true, since many popular plants demand frequent watering and heavy fertilizing just to stay alive. Thankfully, a select group of robust flowers completely ignores these difficult demands. Tough plants thrive in poor soil and dry conditions with…
Watching a hummingbird zip up to a flower is a magical moment. These tiny birds have a massive appetite, needing to drink half their body weight in nectar every single day. By planting trees that provide this sweet treat, you can turn your yard into a bustling pit stop for these energetic visitors. The best…
The colorful, adaptable wildflower bee balm plants make a great addition to flower beds, cottage gardens, tall borders, and herb gardens. But what should you plant with it? The list below includes some of the best companion plants for bee balm, whether for benefits to either plant or simply for well-matched beauty in the garden….
An eye-catching garden bed features plants of different sizes, shapes, and textures. While we often focus on the “thriller” plants, the show-stopping centerpiece blooms, a garden can feel sparse and disconnected without the right supporting cast. This is where filler plants come in. These hardworking plants are the secret to creating a full, lush, and…