Plants & Bulbs
- Native Plants Making a Comeback
- Container Plants Blooming Again
- Growing Tomatoes Upside-Down
- The Bounty of Spring
- The Flowers of the Month
- Time for Spring Flowers and Blooms
- Japanese Garden Tips and Tricks
- Perennials for Difficult Gardens
- A Romantic Moonlight Garden
- Informative Gardening Books
Native Plants Making a Comeback
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
Once these stunning plants were only found in wild prairie gardens, native plant gardens or other specialized themed gardens. Now many are part of mixed borders!
Writing my most recent plant profile about perennial Penstemons I started thinking about how these beautiful native wildflowers are now more readily available for average gardeners. Plant hybridizers are producing new and useful cultivars to provide more choices for home gardeners to add to their container plantings, mixed flower borders and foundation planters around the house to increase curb appeal.
There are several new introductions available recently from gardening companies and catalogs that feature plants who were once outcasts and not so readily available or widely used. Other native wildflowers that are increasing in popularity are Columbines, Echinaceas (no long just purple coneflowers), Penstemon as I mentioned, and Coreopsis. As more gardeners are increasingly looking for water-wise flower choices or non-invasive native plants I expect to see this trend continue.
There are several new introductions available recently from gardening companies and catalogs that feature plants who were once outcasts and not so readily available or widely used. Other native wildflowers that are increasing in popularity are Columbines, Echinaceas (no long just purple coneflowers), Penstemon as I mentioned, and Coreopsis. As more gardeners are increasingly looking for water-wise flower choices or non-invasive native plants I expect to see this trend continue.
Container Plants Blooming Again
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
This morning I cleaned out my gardening containers and found several plants that are re-appearing after a winter dormancy. Lovely, long-lived plants for containers!
Yesterday, Sidney and I purchased several vegetable and herb plant starts from a local gardening nursery and today I spent the entire morning cleaning out my containers in preparation for planting a few of the herbs out.
I already knew one of my containers had reseeded pansies in it because they bloomed out several weeks ago. Last year it was a mixed planter with asparagus fern, vinca and pansies but this year in late winter it was filled to overflowing with creamy yellow pansies edged in violet! What unexpected charm!
When I cleaned out the old asparagus fern stems this morning I noticed that several of the pansies had already gone to seed ensuring another lovely crop of flowers this fall and early next spring since pansies are cool weather flowers.
My chocolate mint and peppermint survived another winter so I cleaned the weeds out of their container and added an extra layer of mulch and organic soil ammendment since this will be their third year in that pot.
The burgundy dianthus is coming back again, as is my trailing rosemary and lavender plants so I should have plenty of summer flowers and aromatic herbs to get my container garden off to a good start this year.
I already knew one of my containers had reseeded pansies in it because they bloomed out several weeks ago. Last year it was a mixed planter with asparagus fern, vinca and pansies but this year in late winter it was filled to overflowing with creamy yellow pansies edged in violet! What unexpected charm!
When I cleaned out the old asparagus fern stems this morning I noticed that several of the pansies had already gone to seed ensuring another lovely crop of flowers this fall and early next spring since pansies are cool weather flowers.
My chocolate mint and peppermint survived another winter so I cleaned the weeds out of their container and added an extra layer of mulch and organic soil ammendment since this will be their third year in that pot.
The burgundy dianthus is coming back again, as is my trailing rosemary and lavender plants so I should have plenty of summer flowers and aromatic herbs to get my container garden off to a good start this year.
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
Even small-space gardeners can enjoy a balcony or patio vegetable garden by growing tomatoes in this creative and fun way.
After starting several tomato seedlings we had several plants ready for planting before the danger of frost (and thunder storms!) had past in our area. So what to do - what to do?
My husband and I had seen pictures of the tomatoes you can plant in the hanging bags so we decided to try our own hanging tomatoes with recycled bottle containers. One is a large 3-liter pop bottle, the other container we recycled was a large Sunny Delight juice blend bottle!
Here's how we built them:
My husband and I had seen pictures of the tomatoes you can plant in the hanging bags so we decided to try our own hanging tomatoes with recycled bottle containers. One is a large 3-liter pop bottle, the other container we recycled was a large Sunny Delight juice blend bottle!
Here's how we built them:
- Sidney cut the bottom off the bottles so they were open on top.
- I placed the seedling and dirt ball into the bottle with the leaves and stem DOWN so the tomato plant came through the neck of the bottle while the root ball stayed in the bulk of the main bottle itself.
- We filled the ug container full of organic potting soil mix, leaving enough room at the top to create a hanger.
- Sidney drilled some holes in the sides of the bottle and we used old coat hangers to create the hanger.
- We watered the entire tomato plant slowly to keep the soil from coming out and hung them in the shelter of our sunny patio spot.
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
With spring in full bloom, bulb gardens are adding brightly colored splashes of beauty to garden landscapes everywhere.
Last year I enjoyed my first layered bulb garden which has returned this year bigger than ever. The tulips especially put on quite a show! Their orange red color looked beautiful with the yellow daffodils and deep purple grape hyacinth flowers.
In the fall I planted not only a lovely redbud tree, but also layered some crocus and iris bulbs around the yard where I planted the ornamental, spring blooming tree. This spring the tree is leafing out well and should have a strong root system to survive the sometimes harsh summer in this area. That is one of the benefits of planting shrubs and trees in the fall.
The extra tulips I planted this past fall were gift-with-purchase specials so I wasn't sure what I would end up with. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find large red tulips and dwarf yellow tulips that lit up the yard by the mailbox with a cheerful splash of color. Even with all the mud and rain we've been dealing with recently those bright flowers look great and give me a reason to smile.
In the fall I planted not only a lovely redbud tree, but also layered some crocus and iris bulbs around the yard where I planted the ornamental, spring blooming tree. This spring the tree is leafing out well and should have a strong root system to survive the sometimes harsh summer in this area. That is one of the benefits of planting shrubs and trees in the fall.
The extra tulips I planted this past fall were gift-with-purchase specials so I wasn't sure what I would end up with. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find large red tulips and dwarf yellow tulips that lit up the yard by the mailbox with a cheerful splash of color. Even with all the mud and rain we've been dealing with recently those bright flowers look great and give me a reason to smile.
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
Each month has a flower associated with it, just like each month has a birth stone associated with it. Why not use your birth month flower in your garden?
One of the Plants & Bulbs departments Contributing Writers, Melissa Howard has recently begun writing a series of articles about the flowers of each month. I love historical folklore about herbs and flowers and thought my readers might enjoy seeing her series as well.
Planting the flower that coincides with the birth of a child, special event or wedding anniversary can be the perfect way to begin Creating a Memory Garden.
In order of January through December the plants of the months are:
Planting the flower that coincides with the birth of a child, special event or wedding anniversary can be the perfect way to begin Creating a Memory Garden.
In order of January through December the plants of the months are:
Time for Spring Flowers and Blooms
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
A celebration of spring blooms and flowers on perennials, shrubs, bulbs, annuals and trees. A riot of color that welcomes warmer weather for gardeners.
Have you seen the signs of spring around you yet? We have - despite several inches of snow just a few days ago. My tulips are about to burst open and the crocus bulbs I planted last fall are blooming a bright, cheery yellow that I so enjoy seeing in the spring.
Here are a collection of articles about spring blooms and flowers for your gardening delight - including one about bulbs you can plant now in the spring for blooms to enjoy later this year!
Bulbs to Plant in the Spring
Here are a collection of articles about spring blooms and flowers for your gardening delight - including one about bulbs you can plant now in the spring for blooms to enjoy later this year!
- Spring Blooming Trees
- Favorite Spring Flowering Perennial Plants
- Spring Blooming Deciduous Shrubs
- Spring Flowering Annual Plants
Bulbs to Plant in the Spring
Japanese Garden Tips and Tricks
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
A visit to the Japanese inspired garden at a friend's house set me researching and planning a beautiful Japanese Meditation Garden of my own.
I recently visited a friends house and was struck by the quiet beauty of her entry way courtyard - simple raked sand, attractive Japanese maple and carefully placed rocks caught the eye. Her Japanese garden invited you to sit and soak it all in with a rock bench and wall-hanging water fountain to delight your senses.
While her Japanese garden had been professionally designed, it isn't necessary to spend a lot of money to have professional results when planning your Japanese inspired, meditation garden. Here are some design tips to help you get started:
I think the trickiest thing for me in designing my Japanese inspired garden will be the simplicity of the style. Each plant is given room to grow and be enjoyed individually for it's own unique beauty rather than crammed in right beside another plant. My tendancy leans more towards a Cottage Garden feel in that I usually want to try so many different plants at the same time!
Here are some stunning plants that are perfect for a Japanese Garden. Even collectors and cottage gardeners like me can find some amazing accent pieces from these plant lists:
While her Japanese garden had been professionally designed, it isn't necessary to spend a lot of money to have professional results when planning your Japanese inspired, meditation garden. Here are some design tips to help you get started:
I think the trickiest thing for me in designing my Japanese inspired garden will be the simplicity of the style. Each plant is given room to grow and be enjoyed individually for it's own unique beauty rather than crammed in right beside another plant. My tendancy leans more towards a Cottage Garden feel in that I usually want to try so many different plants at the same time!
Here are some stunning plants that are perfect for a Japanese Garden. Even collectors and cottage gardeners like me can find some amazing accent pieces from these plant lists:
Perennials for Difficult Gardens
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
Many perennials are tough and hardy and can be used to make even poor garden areas look bright and cheerful. Windy gardens, sandy soil, and other tough spots still bloom.
What do you do when your garden area, like mine, is a less than ideal situation? I battle sand, clay and shade so my trial and error with perennials that stick it out in tough situations is your benefit. Take a look at some of these solutions for tough garden areas.
Perennials for Sandy Soil: Plants for Poor Garden Landscapes with Fast Drainage - Sandy soil can be difficult to deal with in the landscape. These perennials all thrive in sandy soil that drains water quickly and work well for tough garden areas.
Flowering Shrubs for Shade: Large Ornamental Plants for Shady Garden Areas - Ornamental and flowering shrubs are usually thought of as sun-loving plants but these large, blooming plants all do well in part shade or full shade areas.
Wind Tolerant Perennial Plants: Perennials for Windy, Unsheltered Garden Spots - Gardens located in exposed areas, near the ocean shore or on the plains, are subject to lots of wind that can damage some garden plants.
Perennial Plants for Cold Climates: Perennials for Northern Zones 3 and 4 - A frequent frustration of gardeners in cold northern zone climates is hearing about perennial plants that their Southern neighbors enjoy. What plants will survive the short growing season of zone 3?
Perennial Plants for Dry Shade: Plants for Gardening in Dry Shaded Soil - The soil under trees can be dry even with regular watering because the roots use the moisture quickly. See seven perennials that thrive in difficult shady conditions.
Perennials for Sandy Soil: Plants for Poor Garden Landscapes with Fast Drainage - Sandy soil can be difficult to deal with in the landscape. These perennials all thrive in sandy soil that drains water quickly and work well for tough garden areas.
Flowering Shrubs for Shade: Large Ornamental Plants for Shady Garden Areas - Ornamental and flowering shrubs are usually thought of as sun-loving plants but these large, blooming plants all do well in part shade or full shade areas.
Wind Tolerant Perennial Plants: Perennials for Windy, Unsheltered Garden Spots - Gardens located in exposed areas, near the ocean shore or on the plains, are subject to lots of wind that can damage some garden plants.
Perennial Plants for Cold Climates: Perennials for Northern Zones 3 and 4 - A frequent frustration of gardeners in cold northern zone climates is hearing about perennial plants that their Southern neighbors enjoy. What plants will survive the short growing season of zone 3?
Perennial Plants for Dry Shade: Plants for Gardening in Dry Shaded Soil - The soil under trees can be dry even with regular watering because the roots use the moisture quickly. See seven perennials that thrive in difficult shady conditions.
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
A moonlight garden has a delicate and subtle beauty that is best enjoyed by the light of the moon...perfect for a romantic evening rendevous.
Have you ever noticed how many romantic love scenes in plays and stories take place in a garden? And often by the light of the moon? A scented arbor......secluded sitting spot.....
A moonlight garden is a great garden space to create for a romantic spot to sit and talk and enjoy the beauty of a night time garden paradise.
Here are some tips for creating a moonlight garden with ideas for plant selection.
Scented flowers and fragrance garden plants are great choices for plants in a nightime garden since the fragrance can be enjoyed even when the flowers can't be seen. Fragrant plants can be used as ground covers or ornamentals and include perennials, bulbs and annual plants.
Another of my favorite tricks for a moonlight garden is using silvery foliage or foliage that is fun to touch, fuzzy or bold and spiky.
I would love to hear any tips or ideas you might have for creating a moonlight garden. Stop by the discussion forum and share how you create your romantic garden spot.
A moonlight garden is a great garden space to create for a romantic spot to sit and talk and enjoy the beauty of a night time garden paradise.
Here are some tips for creating a moonlight garden with ideas for plant selection.
Scented flowers and fragrance garden plants are great choices for plants in a nightime garden since the fragrance can be enjoyed even when the flowers can't be seen. Fragrant plants can be used as ground covers or ornamentals and include perennials, bulbs and annual plants.
Another of my favorite tricks for a moonlight garden is using silvery foliage or foliage that is fun to touch, fuzzy or bold and spiky.
I would love to hear any tips or ideas you might have for creating a moonlight garden. Stop by the discussion forum and share how you create your romantic garden spot.
Posted by
Angela England
Angela England
One of the few things I enjoy almost as much as tinkering about the garden is reading. What better way to combine my loves than reading a good gardening book.
Here are a few of the gardening books I've been reading lately. Perhaps some would be beneficial to you and your next gardening project.
Heirloom Country Gardens by Sarah Wolfgang Heffner
A must-read for anyone who is interesting in historically based garden ideas or heirloom, cottage garden plants. I love the old-fashioned artwork in the book and the full color photos.
Autumn Bulbs by Rod Leeds
A treasury and encyclopedia of the hidden gems in the late-season garden this book details and pictures several varieties of flowering bulbs to plant in the spring and enjoy flowers in the fall.
Creating Beds and Borders by Fine Gardening Magazine
A compilation of some of the most popular articles from the Fine Gardening Magazine writers about plants, designing, preparing, filling and maintaining creative and beautiful landscape beds and borders.
Camellias: The Gardener's Encyclopedia by Jennifer Trehane
One of the most popular articles here in the Plants & Bulbs section has been theCamellia Growing Guide and so it's no wonder that one of my favorite gardening books is this Camellia Encyclopedia by an expert Camellia gardener, Jennifer Trehane. Worth the price of the book for the stunning camellia photos alone.
The English Roses by David Austin
Another gardening book with stunning plant photography is this tome about English Roses detailing their history and development as well as the categorization of the roses.
Do you have a favorite gardening book you would like to see reviewed? Visit the Plants and Bulbs discussion area and leave me a message detailing the book's information and I'll add it to my reading list.
Heirloom Country Gardens by Sarah Wolfgang Heffner
A must-read for anyone who is interesting in historically based garden ideas or heirloom, cottage garden plants. I love the old-fashioned artwork in the book and the full color photos.
Autumn Bulbs by Rod Leeds
A treasury and encyclopedia of the hidden gems in the late-season garden this book details and pictures several varieties of flowering bulbs to plant in the spring and enjoy flowers in the fall.
Creating Beds and Borders by Fine Gardening Magazine
A compilation of some of the most popular articles from the Fine Gardening Magazine writers about plants, designing, preparing, filling and maintaining creative and beautiful landscape beds and borders.
Camellias: The Gardener's Encyclopedia by Jennifer Trehane
One of the most popular articles here in the Plants & Bulbs section has been theCamellia Growing Guide and so it's no wonder that one of my favorite gardening books is this Camellia Encyclopedia by an expert Camellia gardener, Jennifer Trehane. Worth the price of the book for the stunning camellia photos alone.
The English Roses by David Austin
Another gardening book with stunning plant photography is this tome about English Roses detailing their history and development as well as the categorization of the roses.
Do you have a favorite gardening book you would like to see reviewed? Visit the Plants and Bulbs discussion area and leave me a message detailing the book's information and I'll add it to my reading list.
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