Deadheading—removing faded blooms—is often touted as a must-do gardening chore to encourage more flowers. And for many annuals and perennials, it really works! But not every plant benefits from this snipping ritual. In fact, some flowers are self-cleaning, meaning they drop spent blooms on their own. Others have an indeterminate bloom pattern, and cutting their…
While there’s no doubt that the mere sight of sunshine-yellow Daffodil blooms is pure joy, their decaying foliage is an eyesore that necessitates beautiful companion plants. Companion plants for Daffodils include hyacinth, tulips, muscari, bluebells, iris, crocus, alliums, Virginia bluebells, forget-me-not, pasque flower, hellebore, rhododendron, brunnera, roses, amsonia, peonies, coral bells, echinacea, catmint, lilies, astilbe,…
Late summer tastes like heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, and sweet corn- if you planted it with good companions in the spring, that is. Corn is a popular vegetable garden crop, though pests can make it difficult to grow. Whether you’re trying to fit many plants into a small space or would like to interplant for the…
Eggplant stars in a wide range of international dishes, from eggplant parmesan to moussaka, and it can even be grilled for a fun addition to a summer cookout. Its meaty texture is delicious, no matter which style of cuisine you choose. Plus, you can’t beat fresh garden-grown eggplant (over the chewy stuff you find at…
Red shade perennials can add a striking touch of color to gardens with limited sunlight, creating an attractive contrast to the green foliage that typically dominates shady areas. These eye-catching plants not only bring life to your garden, but they are also low maintenance and able to thrive in partial shade without much fuss, making…
We all have that one problem tree in the backyard around which nothing will grow. The ground under the branches displays little more than patches of bare soil. If you’re reading this post, your problem tree might be a spruce, or perhaps you’re simply searching for inspiration on landscaping for under your spruce trees. Whatever…
If your garden has shady spots, you don’t have to settle for dull, colorless plants or bare patches of ground. While they were once limited to the usual suspects—hostas, ferns, impatiens, and elephant ears—today’s gardeners have a much more vibrant palette to work with. Yes, it’s true that some classic shade plants like impatiens are now…
Transform your backyard into a breathtaking oasis with these stunning ground cover ideas! If you’re stumped on how to revamp that neglected patch of land, we’ve got you covered – quite literally. Whether you’re looking to add some color to a shady spot, fill in gaps between stepping stones, or create a living carpet in…
Ground covers are infinitely useful plants when it comes to landscaping and gardening. They can fill in any empty spaces, provide a low-maintenance solution for hard-to-reach places, and even replace grass as a sustainable lawn alternative. For example, evergreen ground covers provide winter color, while flowering types offer a pop of springtime excitement to your…