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.

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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 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

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, 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,

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

10 tips for choosing the perfect vintage Persian rug for your home. Persian rugs are known for their exquisite beauty and intricate designs that have captivated people’s hearts for centuries. They have been a part of Persian culture for over 2,500 years and continue to be a popular choice for

“I really love peonies, but I don’t like it when the flowers are too heavy and the plant droops…”. This is a common comment I get when I tell friends that I am passionate about peonies. My answer to them? There are certain types of peonies that are known for

The bearded iris or Iris germanica, also known as the German iris, is a popular and stunning perennial plant that is commonly found in gardens throughout the world. Known for their beautiful and vibrant flowers, cultivars of this iris species are well-known among gardeners and landscape designers alike. In this