I’m so excited you’re looking to add a rosy pop of color to your entryway! There’s nothing more inviting than a burst of pink blooms greeting guests as they arrive. Pink flowers carry a sense of warmth and joy—whether it’s the delicate petals of impatiens or the bold clusters of bougainvillea—each plant brings its own...

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) are one of my favorite aquatic plants, with their serene blooms rising above glassy waters like floating lanterns. Native to Asia and Australia, they’ve been cultivated for millennia in temple ponds and water gardens. Yet, I know how disappointing it is to sow those velvety rhizomes only to see spindly leaves, algae-choked...

Summer’s warmth invites us to reconnect with nature’s vibrant tapestry—and what better way than through blooms imbued with spiritual symbolism? Whether you’re seeking solace by a water feature, aiming to attract pollinators, or simply craving a deeper connection to the seasons, planting spiritually significant flowers can transform your garden into a sanctuary. In this article,...

Creating a warm, welcoming entrance sets the tone for everything that follows, and nothing brightens a doorway like a riot of summer blooms! I know how frustrating it can be to wander into garden centers, pick up dozens of tempting plants, and then end up with drooping containers or a patchy flower bed. Whether your...

Milkweed is one of my favorite plants to welcome visitors with a burst of summer beauty and wildlife activity! Native to much of North America, this versatile perennial offers not only clusters of sweetly scented flowers but also vital habitat for monarch butterflies and a host of other pollinators. I know how frustrating it can...

Poppies—whether the delicate field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) of European meadows or the bold Oriental varieties—bring an irresistible splash of color to the garden. Native primarily to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, these charming annuals (and some perennials) flourish in well-drained soil and full sun. I know how disappointing it can be to sow poppy...

Lantana camara’s jewel-toned clusters light up any sunny corner of the garden, making it one of my go-to favorites for summer color! Native to the tropical Americas, these scrappy shrubs thrive in heat and humidity, turning even the stingiest soil into a pollinator playground. I know how disheartening it can be when your border looks...

There’s nothing quite like the sight of a rolling carpet of lupines swaying in the breeze, their spiky blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white drawing the eye across your garden. I know how frustrating it is to sow seeds with high hopes only to end up with sparse stalks or leggy plants that...

I still get butterflies—literally—every time I see a “flying bouquet” of pollinators flitting around my Butterfly Bush at the gate! Placing this shrub by your entrance not only creates a vibrant welcome, but also offers a front-row seat to nature’s dazzling aerial show. If you’ve ever wished your porch or pathway could buzz with life,...

I still remember the first time I breathed in the heady scent of jasmine wafting through my garden—it felt like nature’s own perfume! Yet I also know how frustrating it can be when those delicate buds refuse to open or vines languish without a single bloom. If you’ve ever sighed at bare branches or impatiently...

There’s nothing quite as breathtaking as a swath of irises unfurling their elegant, ornate blooms in late spring—but I know how frustrating it can be when those anticipated blossoms never materialize or arrive looking lackluster. It’s such a bummer to envision that cathedral of color, only to find weak shoots, floppy stems, or sparse flowers...

I still remember the first time I crafted a cascading wall of petunias—those trumpet-shaped blooms felt like a living fireworks display! Yet I also know how frustrating it is when your petunias sulk, become leggy, or fail to flower consistently. If you’ve ever sighed at drooping blooms in the midday heat or scratched your head...