Periwinkle (Vinca minor and Vinca major), native to the woodlands of Europe and the Mediterranean, is prized for its glossy evergreen foliage and cheerful, star-shaped blooms. Although some varieties can naturalize aggressively in moist, shaded areas—becoming invasive in parts of North America—keeping them contained in defined beds or containers helps you enjoy their low-maintenance charm...
Summer’s heat is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to settle for wilting foliage and spent blooms. With a few smart selections, you can still sow or transplant sixteen-week wonders that will bloom well into autumn’s first chill. These flowers, many native to warm regions around the globe, thrive when planted...
Monsteras (Monstera deliciosa), native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico through Panama, are celebrated for their dramatic, fenestrated leaves and ease of care. While they’re not generally invasive, in regions with year-round warmth and humidity they can naturalize if left unchecked. One of my favorite houseplants, I’m always amazed by how its aerial roots...
There’s nothing quite like watching a pothos (Epipremnum aureum) cascade its glossy heart-shaped leaves from a hanging basket or climb a moss pole—no wonder one of my favorite houseplants has graced windowsills worldwide! Native to the lush forests of Moʻorea in French Polynesia, pothos thrives in well-draining mixes and bright, indirect light. In its natural...
Jade plants (Crassula ovata), native to the dry regions of South Africa and Mozambique, are beloved for their plump, glossy leaves and easy-going nature. Despite their hardy reputation—and the fact that they’re not considered invasive—these succulents can surprisingly be quite finicky. One of my favorite succulents to share with friends, I’ve seen even the most...
Growing cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), native to the Mediterranean and southwestern Asia, can feel like catching lightning in a bottle—one minute you have tender, lacy leaves, the next it surges into bloom! While cilantro isn’t truly invasive, it self-seeds readily, popping up in spots long after you’ve forgotten where you planted it. I’ve learned the hard...
Nothing beats the welcome of fresh herbs greeting you at the threshold—imagine snipping fragrant basil for dinner or brushing past mint leaves that release a cool, uplifting scent! Placing herbs by your front door not only offers kitchen convenience but also creates a sensory delight for visitors and passersby. Plus, many herbs are magnets for...
Getting your onions off to the right start—and keeping them thriving all season—can feel like a balancing act. Onions (Allium cepa), native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, have been cultivated for millennia and, while they’re not generally invasive, they share a lineage with wild Allium species that can pop up in unexpected corners...
Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a cool-season treasure, prized for its crisp white stems and tender green leaves that elevate stir-fries, soups, and salads alike! Native to the river valleys of Yunnan, China, bok choy has adapted worldwide without becoming invasive in most home gardens. Its rapid growth cycle and attractive rosettes also...
Growing your own leafy greens means stepping into a world of vibrant flavors, textures, and colors right in your backyard (or on your windowsill)! From peppery arugula to delicate mache, each leaf brings something special to the salad bowl—and knowing exactly where they come from and how to care for them only deepens the joy....
Microgreens—those tender, nutrient-packed seedlings of vegetables and herbs—have taken the culinary world by storm! Originating from the same diverse family of plants as full-grown lettuces, kale, radishes, and peas, these miniature greens trace their lineage back to centuries-old sprouting traditions in Asia and Europe. In a controlled indoor or sheltered outdoor setting, microgreens aren’t invasive,...
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) often get a bad rap as stubborn weeds, but these cheerful, golden blooms are actually powerhouse plants with a lot to offer! Native to Eurasia, they’ve naturalized across North America and beyond, sometimes earning the “invasive” label—yet their resilience and versatility make them invaluable allies in the garden. I’ve grown to appreciate...
