Plant Identification

The arrival of spring brings a sense of renewal and vibrancy after the bareness of winter. As temperatures warm and days lengthen, trees begin to bud and bloom in a spectacle of color. While many trees develop green leaves during spring, some varieties produce stunning red foliage that can add striking visual interest in your … Read more

Anthurium, also called flamingo flowers, are known for their unique, bright red, green, and white colors. The genus consists of around 1,000 perennial plants native to Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. Though they can easily be grown outdoors in tropical climates, they are more often kept as houseplants or in greenhouses due … Read more

Lilac bushes are treasured flowering shrubs known for their beautifully colored and sweetly scented blossoms. Among the many lovely varieties, purple and white lilacs with their striking two-tone blooms are especially prized additions to gardens and landscapes. With their romantic and nostalgic appeal, these classic spring-blooming bushes bring elegance and natural beauty to outdoor spaces. … Read more

This time of year is one of my favorites—the sparkling twinkle lights, the cozy sweaters, the tasty treats, and the art of finding the perfect gift for everyone on my list. The only downside? It can be seriously lacking in the live plants department, especially here in Minnesota. That’s where houseplants come in. They can … Read more

Yellow flower ground cover weeds are a common nuisance in gardens and yards. These spreading plants can quickly invade lawns, flowerbeds, and landscaped areas with their bright golden blooms. While some yellow flowering ground covers provide ornamental value, many are aggressive invaders that outcompete desirable plants. Learning to identify and control problematic yellow weed ground … Read more

Bushes with pink flowers are valued for their vibrant colors. In color theory, pink is a tint of red, and the color shares with red flowers the ability to draw attention to itself. The same can be said of fuchsia (pinkish-purple), magenta (reddish-purple), and similar shades. Shrubs that sport these colors make for eye-catching specimens … Read more

What Do Hollyhock Leaves Look Like? Identifying Features of This Classic Flower Hollyhocks are classic cottage garden flowers that have been grown for centuries. With their tall flowering spikes and vibrant blooms, they add drama and height to the landscape. But to properly identify hollyhocks, you need to pay attention to the leaves as well … Read more

Finding the perfect plant for your home and your furry friend is not always a simple task. Many plants contain or release chemical compounds that are extremely toxic to cats, causing illness or even death. Most cats will leave your houseplants alone, but if theres even the slightest chance that theyll take a nibble of … Read more

Stock flowers, also known as stock, are pretty cottage garden plants that come in a range of colors and have a delicate fragrance that many associate with heirloom flowers. It has been said that Thomas Jefferson had them imported to plant at his gardens at Monticello in 1771, thereby introducing them to cultivation in the … Read more

Go for a walk in the woods and you’ll see plenty of fungi growing on trees. Any old stump or deadfall is a potential home for a crop of them, whether it’s mushrooms or plate-like bracket fungus. The many fungi that appear on dead wood are an essential part of nature, helping to process old … Read more