Ornamental Gardening

Peperomias, also known as radiator plants, are wonderful houseplants for collectors. This genus is so vast and diverse that you can have two right next to each other and not …

When we published the article on low-maintenance lawn alternatives on Blooming Backyard, we had a great response from our online community on Facebook. It warms my heart to know that …

Succulents are beloved around the world for their geometric patterns and compact shapes. Thanks to their interesting look, this fascinating group of plants has been adopted by houseplant lovers everywhere …

A flower gardener’s dream! The colorful impact of annual bedding plants with the reliable longevity of perennials. Can it be done? Yes! Pick fast-growing perennials in the fastest seed-to-bloom varieties. …

If you’ve never had a plant break your heart, try growing a gardenia! Gardenias blooms are the work of a fairy tale, if that fairy tale is Goldilocks and the …

Of the many Ficus trees available to purchase as houseplants, Rubber Plants, also known as Rubber Trees, are certainly one of the most sought-after. Their large leaves are glossy and …

Peony flowers are undeniably stunning, looking wonderful in a vase and just as good out in the garden. With the right care and attention, they will put up masses of …

Alliums are fantastic additions to any ornamental garden. Not only are these bulbs some of the easiest to care for, but their fascinating flowers look good anywhere they are planted. …

Most houseplants come from tropical rainforest environments. They appreciate warm temperatures and high humidity between 75% and 90% in their native habitats. This applies to all the common favorites, like …

Summer is the season of alfresco dining, enjoying the heat and the sunshine while sharing a meal with the people you care about. Few things could ruin that wonderful image, …

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who actually bought irises to plant in their garden, like you would roses or rhododendrons. Come to think of it, every iris grower …

A crowded patch of irises is the most common reason for a disappointing show of flowers. If you’ve experienced a disappointing flush of iris blooms this spring, then it’s probably …

We love Foxgloves for their towers of flowers for weeks on end through late spring and early summer. Spotted, speckled, and dazzling varieties of Foxgloves are naturally biennial. Foxgloves grow …

One of the most widely grown ornamental flowers around the globe, gardeners are understandably obsessed with the Hydrangea. The massive clusters that pop up around summertime are cherished both indoors …

The luxuriously luminescent blooms of the Iris are one of springtime’s favorite gifts. Rising from stiff sword-like leaves, flower stalks hold up large flowers of 6 spreading or lobed petals. …

Plants that share beauty and interest year-round maximize precious garden real estate. Perennials, trees, shrubs, and even annuals that look stunning year-round give the best bang for your gardening buck. …

It’s been sixteen years since Heather Jo Flores published the book Food Not Lawns, and the #nolawn revolution is picking up pace faster than you can say “No Mow May.”  …

I don’t know about you, but I find it physically impossible to walk past dahlia patches and not stop and admire them. I’ve been known to travel far and wide …

Many of us have that one stubborn spot in the garden that refuses to drain well. After the rain, water collects there are just doesn’t seem to dissipate, making it …

The common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) has skyward stems smothered in giant 5-inch hibiscus-like blossoms that carry a whimsical zeal of times past. Beyond the impressive dramatic height of 5 to …

I’m not in the habit of checking the Guinness World Records website before I write a gardening article, but when my research uncovered that the world of competitive gardening is …

With their deep green glossy leaves and blooms that resemble cotton candy, rhododendrons never fail to add a good dose of curb appeal to gardens and public spaces alike. So …

In our previous growing guide, we talked about how begonias can brighten up your garden with their colorful long-lasting blooms and stunning foliage patterns. But begonias can be equally happy …

The secrets to fantastical towers of cascading tubular bell-shaped foxgloves are not as mystical as they may appear. These natives of Europe, Asia, and North Africa are mostly biennials, meaning …