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...
Peas are one of my favorite cool-season crops—those tender green pods and sweet, starchy peas are a joy to harvest straight from the vine! Native to the Mediterranean and Near East, garden peas (Pisum sativum) have been cultivated for millennia, and while they’re hardly invasive, they can volunteer enthusiastically if you let dried pods fall....
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...
Chard’s bold, colorful stems and glossy, crinkled leaves are a joy to behold—and a treat to harvest! Native to the Mediterranean, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) has been cultivated since Roman times, and it thrives in both cool springs and mild autumns. I know how frustrating it can be when your chard patch produces...
Summer container gardening is a fantastic way to enjoy homegrown produce even if you’re short on space. There’s nothing quite like stepping onto your patio to harvest sun-warmed cherry tomatoes or snipping fresh Swiss chard leaves for dinner! Yet, I know how challenging it can be to coax big harvests from pots and troughs—especially when...
Melons—Cucumis melo—have delighted gardeners since antiquity, with wild ancestors hailing from Africa and Southwest Asia before spreading worldwide! I know how tempting it is to envision crisp cantaloupes and juicy watermelons spilling over your harvest basket, but a few missteps can leave you with underwhelming fruits. Whether you’re a first-time melon enthusiast or a seasoned...
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,...
