Plant Care & Maintenance

Planting Azaleas in Clay Soil: A Complete Guide

Azaleas are prized for their striking flowers that come in a rainbow of colors. However, these shallow-rooted beauties require specific growing conditions to thrive. Azaleas prefer acidic, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Dense, heavy clay soil poses some challenges when planting azaleas. With the right preparation and care though, you can help … Read more

st johns bush vs wort

St. John’s Bush vs St. John’s Wort: What’s the Difference? St. John’s bush and St. John’s wort – two herbs with remarkably similar names yet very different purposes and uses! Their names often cause confusion, so let’s break down exactly what sets these two plants apart. First, St. John’s bush (scientifically known as Justicia pectoralis) … Read more

How to Preserve Sunflowers in a Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Display one large or several smaller sunflower head inside the shadow box, depending on its dimensions. Gardeners grow sunflowers for their beauty and their sweet-tasting seeds. Instead of devouring the seeds and destroying the flower, turn these ornate reminders of summer into a family heirloom. Shadow boxes, which are enclosed cases that many use to … Read more

Complementing Penstemon Husker Red: The Best Companion Plants

Salvia is a fantastic companion for Penstemon Husker Red due to its similar care needs. Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect match for your garden. Additionally, Salvia attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. This not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to a vibrant garden ecosystem. Echinacea brings … Read more

hardy water lily for small pond

Selecting the Best Hardy Water Lilies for Small Ponds A glistening pond filled with lush green lily pads and vibrant blooms is a charming addition to any garden. However not all water lilies are right for small ponds. To enjoy success growing water lilies in petite ponds focus your search on compact, dwarf varieties. What … Read more

Do Burning Bushes Have Berries?

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub that is popular in North American landscaping. The dense, multi-stemmed, rounded shrub gets its common name from the transformation of its medium-green elliptical leaves into brilliant red fall foliage. Best planted in the fall or spring from a container-grown nursery plant, burning bush grows at a moderate … Read more

The Complete Guide to Growing Petite Delight Bee Balm

Petite Delight bee balm (Monarda ‘Petite Delight’) has become a beloved addition to many gardens thanks to its compact size, abundant blooms, and ability to attract pollinators. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to successfully grow this floral powerhouse. Petite Delight is a dwarf cultivar of Monarda didyma that typically … Read more