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The enchanting beauty of tulips: Blossoms that captivate hearts
With their vibrant colors and elegant forms, the tulips have captivated people for centuries and their enduring appeal continues to make them cherished spring blooms. Tulips have evolved from the humble origins of the genus Tulipa in Central Asia to the more than 3,000 registered cultivars available, each with its
Foxtail lily, the giant spring-flowering Eremurus
Eremurus, also called foxtail lilies, are clump-forming perennials native to the arid grasslands of Afghanistan and Iran. In their natural habitat, they thrive in rocky slopes and meadows, making it a sight to behold amidst the rugged landscape. They are relatively cold tolerant if grown in very well-drained soil and
Fall in the peony garden: vivid foliage and care tips
The colorful world of fall foliage in peonies is worth discovering while you are preparing them for the upcoming winter. As summer fades and the air turns crisper, nature’s paintbrush transforms the landscape in my area into a mesmerizing spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows. While many associate these vibrant
The HVX virus: A hidden threat to your hostas
Two years ago, I noticed a strange mottling on the leaves of one of my cherished hostas. Last year, it became worrisome and I started asking myself: could it be infected with HVX? If you’re a shade gardener who grows hostas, it’s important to be aware of the HVX virus.
Blooming once, blooming twice: Reblooming bearded irises
What if I told you that you can enjoy the beauty of bearded irises not just once, but multiple times a year? Thanks to reblooming bearded irises, a remarkable subset of this beloved plant species, this is entirely possible. In my USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where winter temperatures can be
Blooms of swamp rose-mallow: My first experience growing successfully Hibiscus moscheutos
Sometimes, the most wonderful things in life come as unexpected gifts. Such was the case when a dear friend surprised me two years ago with a swamp rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), also called hardy hibiscus. What followed was a delightful journey of rediscovery and wonder, especially considering that I had tried
Splendid panicle hydrangea varieties: Exploring Hydrangea paniculata cultivars in my garden
Hydrangea paniculata, commonly called panicle hydrangea, offers a myriad of cultivars awaiting discovery – each boasting its own unique allure and personality. Gardening enthusiasts, myself included, know that certain plants have an uncanny ability to transform ordinary landscapes into breathtaking havens of beauty. Among these floral enchantments of late summer,
Pineapple lilies: How to add a touch of the tropics to your garden with Eucomis
Eucomis comosa, also known as the pineapple lily or the pineapple flower, is a stunning plant native to Southern Africa with a tropical flair. The common name of Eucomis comosa comes from the resemblance of its floral stem during development to a pineapple when it is in bloom. The pineapple
Same flowers, different styles: One arrangement, three unique containers
To demonstrate the importance of the vase in which I place a floral arrangement, I crafted a zinnia and sunflower arrangement and showcased it in three different containers. The vibe or mood that can be created with a container for a floral arrangement largely depends on the characteristics of the
Cascading beauties: Ornamental amaranths as cut flowers
The rope-like tassels in coral, lime-green, bronze, and red of cascading amaranths sure make a statement in my arrangements. Receiving numerous inquiries whenever I showcase them in my Instagram posts, I’ve made the decision to write a dedicated blog post about them, from growing to harvesting and styling them. When
Flowing lines: 12 steps for using a garden hose to design curvy plant borders
Follow these 12 steps for creating a plant border with harmonious contour. Designing the shape of a plant border can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you want to create a natural and flowing look. One easy way to do this is to use a garden hose to
Oriental x asiatic lilies (OA): New hybrids worth discovering
Oriental x Asiatic lily hybrids, often referred to as OA lilies, are a type of hybrid lilies that result from crossing two distinct lily species: Lilium auratum (oriental lilies) and Lilium species in the asiatic lilies’ botanical division. These hybrids combine the desirable traits of both parent species, creating lilies
Containing the beauty: Understanding and learning to control invasive species used as ornamentals in your garden
Some ornamental species , such as bishop’s goutweed, creeping bellflower and butterbur, are invasive and can quickly overtake a garden, causing ecological damage and posing a threat to native species. Gardening is a popular hobby enjoyed by many people worldwide, and it is no wonder why. The beauty of a
Lady’s mantle: A perennial plant with alchemical secrets
Lady’s mantle, Alchemilla mollis, is an appealing ornamental perennial in my shade borders, especially after rainfall, when the leaves retain droplets of water. Cultivating lady’s mantle as a perennial offers the joy of its long-lasting presence and the convenience of a plant that comes back year after year. Its delicate,
The lily and cat conundrum
Understanding the risks and precautions for cat owners and lily lovers. Most lilies are toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of the lily plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbs, can be extremely dangerous to cats and can lead to acute kidney failure, which can be fatal if not