Stop Buying Mums in August

You know the scene. Flats of orange, burgundy, and gold mums glowing by the garden center doors while the parking lot bakes. It’s mid‑August. You grab one anyway. Six weeks later, the pot is a crisp brown puff on your steps. You didn’t mess up. The retail calendar did. Stores push “fall” in August even … Read more

The 15 Longest-Lived Perennials

When we think about planting a garden that truly stands the test of time, long-lived perennials are the stars of the show. These plants are the gift that keeps on giving, popping back up year after year with very little maintenance. Whether you’re designing a flowerbed for your forever home or simply tired of replanting … Read more

How To Fertilize Your Hydrangeas Right Now

Hydrangeas are garden favorites thanks to their big, showy flowers. But if yours aren’t blooming as much as you’d like, the right fertilization routine can make a big difference. Here’s how to feed your hydrangeas for lush growth and impressive blooms. Know Your Type Before you fertilize, identify what kind of hydrangea you have. Bigleaf … Read more

10 Flowering Perennials That Thrive on Neglect

We all love a fabulous flower-filled garden, but not everyone has the time to baby their plants. If you want color and life in your garden without constant care, these ten flowering perennials are tough enough to thrive on neglect. 1. Coneflower (Echinacea) Coneflowers are North American natives that handle heat, drought, and poor soil … Read more

Flowers You Can Direct Sow

Who doesn’t want easy-to-grow flowers that add a touch of beauty to your garden or allotment without too much hassle? Direct sowing flower seeds bypasses the need for seed starting indoors and transplanting, making it a perfect approach for busy or beginner gardeners. In this article, I’ll be sharing eight flowers that you can easily … Read more