Planting for Fall Color: Shrubs, Perennials, and Grasses That Shine in Autumn

Extend your garden’s colorful splendor until frost with late-season bloomers and fruiting shrubs. Try these two standout plants for a kaleidoscope of autumn color. Foliage isn’t the only star. Viburnum opulus ‘Compact

Ornamental Grasses That Thrive in Partial Shade

While most grasses prefer full sun, several tolerate or even thrive in part shade. Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), bottlebrush grass (Hystrix patula), variegated hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)

Beekeeping for Beginners: Equipment, Timing, and Community

More than Just Honey Honeybees are essential pollinators for countless crops—apples, oranges, lemons, limes, broccoli, blueberries, cucumbers, cantaloupes, carrots, avocados, almonds, and more. Without them, our food

Problem-Solving Perennials for Tough Garden Conditions

Think of Perennial Possibilities Explore perennials that thrive in challenging sites—dry shade, wet soil, heavy clay, or deer pressure. The right plant can turn a problem area into a garden highlight.

Growing Amaryllis: Planting, Care, and Year-Round Reblooming

When amaryllis blooms, its 2-foot stalks crowned with 8–10 inch flowers command the room. Each bulb produces 1–3 stalks with 3–4 blossoms each. Colors range from red, orange, pink, yellow, white, in single or double for

Native Prairie Plants for Birds and Butterflies

Ohio Spiderwort This native perennial attracts pollinators with its vibrant blooms. Ideal for naturalistic plantings and pollinator gardens.

Butterfly Window Box Recipe: 6 Plants for an 18-Inch Box

Sun-loving, easy flowers that butterflies adore. For an 18-inch window box: A: Verbena ‘Aztec Purple’ — 1 B: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) — 4 (host plant for caterpillars) C: Zinnia ‘Profusion White’ — 2 D: Pentas ‘Ne

Complete Guide to Growing Daffodils (Narcissus)

Daffodils or Narcissus? Both names are correct—Narcissus is the botanical genus. “Jonquil” technically refers to one type with clustered blooms and rounded, pointed leaves. All 13 daffodil divisions share the same cul

Maintaining a Perennial Garden: Less Work, More Beauty

A reasonable-sized garden with good soil and low-maintenance perennials needs 2–3 hours weekly. Tasks split into health (watering, pest control) and appearance (staking, deadheading, mulching, color editing). Free Perenn

How to Grow Paperwhites Indoors for Winter Blooms

Paperwhites (daffodil family) force easily indoors anytime. No soil needed—just water covering the lower bulb portion. Or use decorative media (pebbles, marbles) for root support; leave half to three-quarters of bulb exp

Bedding Plant Calculator: How Many Flowers to Buy

Size of flower bed: sq. ft. Spacing range (choose one): 8″–12″ (Begonia, Browallia, Coleus, Scabiosa) 9″–1′ 1′–2′ Number of flowers to buy: flowers Important: Verify calculations with suppliers before purchasing.

Three Steps to Stunning Cut Flower Bouquets

Create endless arrangements with three garden elements: filler, focal point, and accent. Example shown: ‘Piedmont Gold’ hosta, ‘Tropicana’ rose, ‘Navigator’ penstemon. Slide Shows: Best Perennial Cut Flowers | Best Annua

20 Underused Annuals to Refresh Your Garden

1. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) Late-season savior: 6-foot plants with fiery orange 2-inch blossoms that illuminate the autumn garden. Plant 2 weeks after last frost; needs full sun, dislikes cool, rainy

Planting Perennials in Patios, Paths, and Walls

Hardscape elements—patios, stone walls, paths—are the “bones” of a garden. Alpine perennials from rocky regions naturally colonize cracks and crevices. Rockcress (Aubrieta), garden pinks (Dianthus), and soapworts (Sapona

Caring for New Perennial Transplants: First Week Critical

Pay Special Attention Transplanted perennials are in shock—degree depends on handling. They need watchful care to recover. Click for 10 stunning perennials to add. Water Adequately New plants must get enough water. Da

Annual Care Guide: From Seed to Stunning Blooms

Whether from seed or transplants, proper planting ensures a beautiful display. Starting from seed saves money—direct-sow sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, bachelor’s buttons, poppies, balsam, morning glories, castor beans,

How to Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs for Maximum Impact

Plant hardy bulbs in fall before soil freezes—early enough for roots to establish before deep cold. In mild climates, planting can continue until Thanksgiving or Christmas; late-planted bulbs root in spring and bloom lat

Dividing Hardy Bulbs: Multiply Your Spring Blooms

Overcrowded bulbs show crowded foliage and fewer flowers. After foliage dies back, dig clumps and gently separate offsets (baby bulbs) from parents. Replant immediately or store cool and dry until fall planting. Plant of

Perennial Problem-Solvers: The Right Plant for Every Tough Spot

Perennials solve landscape problems. Steep slope? Swap turf for a groundcover. Wet low spot? Plant moisture-lovers. Dry, water-restricted area? Choose xeriscape plants. Acidic soil? Grow acid-lovers. Shade under trees? P

Perennials for Wet and Dry Gardens: Match Plants to Moisture

Know Your Garden’s Moisture Assess your site: normal, dry, or wet? Choose plants suited to prevailing conditions, then plan defenses. For dry areas, ensure sharp drainage—dig 1½–2 feet deep, install drain pipe, refill