Shrubs are plants that work hard to fill mid-height positions in the landscape. However, when they are not blooming or sporting autumn hues, they often fade into the background. Not so with variegated types. Read on to discover 23 of the best variegated shrubs that make a bold statement throughout the growing season.
If you want to grow tall, dazzling clusters of color why not plant agapanthus in your flower beds? These beauties are available in a diverse array of shades in blue, purple, and white. Some boast trumpet-shaped upright blossoms while others resemble pendulous bluebells. Discover 25 of the best agapanthus varieties now.
To have healthy, beautiful roses, you need to grow varieties suited to your growing zone. And if you live where the ground freezes during the coldest months of the year, you may have to provide winter protection to get those beauties safely through to spring. Learn how to winterize your roses in this guide.
Poinsettias are colorful tropical plants that add vibrant color to your holiday decor. But how cold-hardy are they? Whether you want to grow these winter-blooming plants indoors or out, you’ll need to know their cold limits. Learn more about poinsettia cold hardiness and in what areas you can grow them outdoors.
Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and their flavor is improved by a light frost. But what about if a heavy freeze is in the forecast? Learn how to protect your brussels sprouts and enjoy a fresh winter harvest in this guide. Read more now.
Did you know you can grow collard greens in the winter months? Collard greens are very cold hardy and a touch of frost improves their flavor and texture. With just a few simple tips, you can enjoy fresh homegrown greens long after other crops have withered. Learn how to grow collards in cold weather in this guide.
From red to pink to green to yellow, poinsettias are available in a wide array of vibrant hues and a dazzling choice of intriguing patterns. We’ve made a list of 35 of our favorite poinsettia varieties including those in traditional holiday colors, and others that offer unique alternatives. Read more now.
Dahlias are spectacular, long-lasting flowers that add reliable color to the late season garden. But these plants are frost tender and don’t like wet feet. They need to lifted for winter storage and benefit from having their tubers divided in spring. Learn how to lift and store your dahlias during winter in this guide.
Did you know that you can regrow bok choy from kitchen scraps? With just a bowl full of water, a leftover stalk, and a few days to spare, you can easily regrow this plant from leavings that you might have thrown away otherwise. Read more to learn a quick and easy technique for growing bok choy from a stalk.
Want to grow your own poinsettias at home? Start with a live poinsettia plant and then follow seven steps for a brand new batch of beautiful, baby Christmas flowers. By taking cuttings from your established plant, you can grow others just like it. Learn how to propagate poinsettias from cuttings in this guide. Read more.
If you want an orchard of pear trees but don’t want to spend a fortune, why not try growing them from cuttings? It takes time but with a bit of effort you’ll be planting out your own newly propagated trees. Learn how to start pear trees from cuttings in this guide and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a thriving orchard.
If you’re growing vibrant geraniums, like cranesbill, garden, and ivy, learn how to propagate new plants from stem cuttings. Whether you just need more plants or want to keep your favorite annuals from year to year, taking cuttings is an easy and cost-effective propagation method. Get started now with easy how-to instructions.
Spinach is a delicious cool weather crop and an excellent leafy green to include in your backyard garden. Whether your plans for your harvest include fresh spring salads or warming autumn stir fries, picking spinach in the right way can ensure a continual harvest. Ready to learn when and how to harvest spinach? Read more now.
Garden, or zonal geraniums are popular herbaceous perennials in Zones 10 and 11 that grow as annuals in colder regions. Instead of letting them die at season’s end, you can overwinter your plants indoors for planting out the following spring. Learn all you need to know to winter over garden geraniums in this guide.
Asian pears are a treat for anyone who loves a crisp, crunchy pear. Deliciously firm when fully ripe, nashi pears can be difficult to find in the grocery store. Why not try growing your own? Discover how to plant and grow Asian pear trees in your garden now with this guide. Plus we’ll share our favorite recipe ideas!
Fresh pears are sweet, juicy, and delicious. But most varieties need to be picked green and ripened off the tree before they can be enjoyed. With the right environment your crop can be stored for several months to extend the goodness. Learn on how to store, handle, and ripen pears in this guide. Read more now.
Garden geraniums are easy to grow and come in an array of colors, bi-color combinations, and double-petal varieties. If you have a sunny spot, slightly alkaline, moderately rich soil that drains well, you can grow your own. Learn how to plant and grow this classic summer flower in your garden. Read more now.
European pear trees provide showy spring blossoms, beautiful fall colors, as well as delicious fruit with a soft, buttery texture and a sweet flavor. There are a number of different cultivars available for home gardeners. Learn about 11 of the best common pear varieties to grow in this guide. Read more now.