Blog

The Fiddle-leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata for us nursery folk, is a houseplant that has risen in popularity over the last few years. Its tree-like form, sculptural habit, and large, waxy, violin-shaped leaves have made it a popular houseplant for indoor gardeners and interior design enthusiasts alike. Despite the high praise, Fiddle-leaf Figs can be … Read more

I don’t know what area of the United States does not have predominantly clay soils, but it’s no where that I have lived. But that hasn’t stopped me from planting gardens and even fruit trees. There are many important steps to take at planting time to ensure the good health and growth of fruit trees … Read more

Mint is easy to grow and there are many different types, offering an array of exciting and unusual flavours, from traditionalpeppermint tolime mint or chocolate mint and many more. Mint thrives in most soil types, in sun or light shade, and usually forms large leafy clumps up to 1m (3.3ft) tall and wide. Most mints … Read more

Have you ever had a blue hydrangea turn pink? Here are things you need to know about hydrangea color change so you can keep or change the color of your hydrangea. A reader emailed me asking why her gorgeous blue mophead hydrangea was turning pink one year after she planted it. This happened with my … Read more

This website is reader-supported – thank you! This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. As the first hints of spring begin to soften winters chill, our gardens start to awaken. Among the earliest signs of this seasonal shift are the cheerful … Read more

Mention the word “lily” to someone, and it likely will conjure up an of Lilium longiflorum, a fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flower sold as a potted plant around Easter. The fact is, however, there are over 100 species classified into nine different divisions of the plant genus Lilium which makes it a much more diverse than … Read more

The Elizabeth magnolia (Magnolia x ‘Elizabeth’) is a deciduous hybrid magnolia prized for its early spring flowers and upright, pyramidal form When allowed to mature over 10-15 years, an Elizabeth magnolia transforms into a breathtaking small, flowering tree that becomes a focal point in any landscape Overview of Elizabeth Magnolias The Elizabeth magnolia is a … Read more

AMES, Iowa — Tuberous begonias are available in upright and trailing types, single and double flowers and a wide variety of vibrant colors and flower forms and are a gardener’s favorite for easily brightening a shady corner of the garden. Unfortunately, they will not survive harsh winter weather outdoors and must be dug in the … Read more

Bonsai is the ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees in containers. The practice originated in China over a thousand years ago and was later adapted by the Japanese. Bonsai trees are regular trees that are pruned and trained to remain small through a variety of techniques. With proper care, bonsai trees can live for … Read more

Agaves are striking succulents that add dramatic form and texture to gardens. As agaves mature, their growth may outpace their container size or garden space. When this happens, it’s time to transplant the agave to a new location. Transplanting these sculptural plants takes a bit of skill, but the reward is a revitalized, healthy agave. … Read more