Aaron’s beard, also known as Hypericum calycinum, is a popular evergreen flowering shrub with beautiful yellow blossoms that bloom from summer into fall. This versatile plant thrives in zones 5-9 and appreciates moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. However, even when cared for properly, aaron’s beard can sometimes struggle with a variety of issues that … Read more
African daisies, with their vibrant colors and cheery disposition, are a must-have flower for any garden. Their wide array of bright hues like pink, purple, orange and yellow add a pop of color and texture to both outdoor beds and indoor planters. Though commonly grown as annuals, these beauties are actually tender perennials that can … Read more
Master the art of pruning Island Mallow for a healthier, more vibrant bloom with our expert guide! With its vibrant red stems and stunning leaves, the African mallow shrub (Anisodontea capensis) makes a striking addition to any garden However, without proper care and pruning, these ornamental shrubs can become unruly and lose their aesthetic appeal … Read more
A unique American native with beautiful hibiscus-like flowers and unusually large purple and pink berries, the American beautyberrys nicknames are many: elegant beautyberry, French mulberry, and my favorite: Sour-bush. Its easy to see these beautiful plants and wonder if you could spruce up your garden with them. However, when it comes to the care of … Read more
Alliums are one of those plants that offer a huge amount of gorgeousness in return for the littlest amount of effort – you simply put them in the ground and they magically return spring after spring. They are hands down the bulbs that give me the greatest sense of achievement because they consistently provide weeks … Read more
Amaranth is an annual ornamental plant that has been grown for its edible grain-like seeds for millennia. Amaranth are characterized by large, broad leaves with prominent veining. Each plant produces a single flower at the end of the tall reddish stem. Colors are usually burgundy, red, pink, or salmon. Amaranth grows best in average, well-drained … Read more
2024 was named The Year of the African Violet by the National Garden Bureau and I am so here for it. The cheerful, compact, easy-care African Violet is a plant Ive always had a few of for the last 30+ years. They should come with a warning though. Theyre very addictive! As well as my … Read more
Alocasia plants, often referred to as elephant ear plants or African mask plants, are a diverse and striking group of perennial plants belonging to the Araceae family. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Eastern Australia but have gained popularity worldwide due to their distinctive appearance and ornamental appeal. The Alocasia … Read more
Known for its vibrant foliage and long bloom times, the Abelia genus consists of about 30 species of both deciduous and evergreen shrubs. There has been much discussion about the Abelia genus itself, since modern DNA testing has proved that some previously recognized members of the genus were substantially different. Various horticultural experts recognize different … Read more
Spending a big chunk of my youth in the West and desert southwest, the Yucca brings back memories of riding my banana seat bike, warm humidity-free evenings, and arid gardens. So I was quite surprised to find it recently here in New England. I took on a new project to restore a historic landscape, and … Read more