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Gardening Advice
I am always amazed when I see known invasives being sold at garden centers, online, and in catalogs. Here are 10 silent invaders you should never bring home to grow in your yard—plus, some substitute plants to grow instead.10 Common Invasive PlantsAutumn OliveAutumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is often sold in wildlife packages or for erosion control. Birds do love their berries,…
Want your seeds to sprout faster and grow stronger right from the start? Seedling heat mats really work—and they’re an easy, affordable alternative to a greenhouse. By providing gentle bottom heat, these warming pads help seeds germinate more quickly and evenly, giving warm-weather crops a serious head start. If you’ve ever enjoyed the comfort of heated car seats, you already understand the magic…
If you’re eager to get your hands dirty but don’t have a fully stocked garden supply kit, don’t worry! Many household and yard items can be repurposed into tools, containers, and mini-greenhouses to jump-start your garden. Here are some easy and budget-friendly ideas to get your garden growing.DIY Seed Starters and ContainersCollect plastic and waxed containers to start seeds in.…
Winter may seem quiet in the garden, but it’s the perfect time to start planning your next growing season. Seed catalogs are arriving, and before you get lost in glossy photos and tempting varieties, it helps to take stock of what you already have. With a little organization, some smart choices, and a dash of inspiration, you can map out your garden, select the best seeds, and get a jumpstart on…
Timing is everything when it comes to planting flowers. Whether you’re growing perennials, annuals, or bulbs, knowing when to start seeds indoors, transplant young plants, or plant bulbs in the ground can make the difference between a thriving garden and a struggling one. Your local frost dates play a big role, along with each plant’s hardiness and growth speed. This guide walks you through when…
Are you looking for ways to add a touch of happiness and compassion to your garden? Look no further than pink flowers! Pink blooms come in a wide variety of shades, from soft and calming to bright and bold. This article explores 20 beautiful pink flowering plants to add a pop of color to your garden.Why We Love Pink Flowers in the GardenPink flowers are a beloved addition to any garden,…
Every gardening season brings a fresh wave of new plants, and 2026 is no exception. I find that many of this year’s introductions feel especially well-suited to real gardens—plants that fit comfortably into smaller spaces and handle weather that doesn’t always follow the rules.From snack-size vegetables to flowers that thrive in heat and support pollinators, this year’s introductions offer…
If you grow rhododendrons, you must have noticed how the leaves curl up in response to the cold. Our weather has yo-yoed back and forth so far this winter, and the leaves on my rhodies have curled and uncurled to match the temperature swings. What’s that all about?The way plants can “predict” the weather is fascinating, and I’ve written about weather-predicting plants before. This winter, I…
The color of passion, power, and fire, red adds a spark of excitement to a drab garden. Plus, hummingbirds adore this color! We also share tips on how to use red sparingly in the garden—a little dab will do! Discover 20 of our favorite red flowers, from annuals to perennials to beautiful flowering shrubs.Why We Love Red Flowers in the GardenWhen it comes to hot colors, you can’t beat…
Primroses may be small, but they know how to steal the show. Bursting onto the scene in early spring, these rugged perennials light up shady gardens with carnival-bright colors—from sunny yellow to royal purple. Hardy, adaptable, and surprisingly long-lived, primroses (Primula) are beloved by gardeners who want dependable color when most flowers are still sleeping. With over 500 species to choose…
When there’s snow on the ground, it’s easy to see who has been visiting the garden when we’re not looking. This week, we discovered a number of white-tailed deer. Here are tips for identifying your winter visitors and coexisting with wildlife.How to Identify Deer Tracks and Signs in WinterDeer are on the move. The first inkling we had that they were in our yard was when the 7-foot-tall…
How do you start a flower garden from scratch? Start small with our expert flower design tips—plus advice for choosing, planting, and growing your flowers.We all dream of a lush, lovely flower bed full of colorful blooms all season. What we end up with is usually a different story. Does your color run out when the heat hits? Do the plants clash and give the impression of clown pants? Do…
