If your desert rose has been sitting on the patio looking more “stubborn stick with leaves” than “showy tropical knockout,” July is the month I’d pay attention. Here in the Midwest, this is usually when the heat finally settles in, containers dry out at lightning speed, and my Adenium starts deciding whether it’s ready to … Read more
Every summer, I end up trying at least one garden trick that sounds a little old-fashioned and a little questionable. This year, it was a dry mix of cayenne pepper and ground cloves, buried in the soil around my June cantaloupe transplants. I’d heard versions of this advice from neighbors, seed-swap friends, and one stubborn … Read more
Hydrangeas are a beloved choice for gardeners, known for their lush blooms and vibrant colors. However, achieving those stunning summer flowers starts with proper care in the spring. Unfortunately, many gardeners make common mistakes during this crucial season that can jeopardize the health and beauty of their hydrangeas. In this article, we’ll explore eight common … Read more
The Viral DIY Garden Decoration Everyone Is Talking About! If you thought pool noodles were just for the pool… think again. This creative DIY trend is taking over social media: turning cheap pink pool noodles into adorable giant bunny decorations for your front yard. These eye-catching bunny sculptures are fun, budget-friendly, and perfect for Easter, … Read more
Sometimes the simplest DIY projects create the biggest impact. That’s exactly what happened when a creative homeowner decided to give ordinary terracotta pots a stylish makeover by painting only the bottom half while leaving the top portion in its natural clay finish. The result is a modern, designer-inspired look that has homeowners and gardening enthusiasts … Read more
If your bird of paradise has been stubbornly producing beautiful leaves but absolutely no flowers, July is the month I pay closest attention. I’ve grown these dramatic plants in warm gardens and in large patio pots, and in both cases I’ve learned the same lesson: blooms don’t come from luck. They come from timing, light, … Read more
The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular houseplant known for its hardiness and architectural appeal. With its striking upright leaves, it’s a favorite among indoor gardeners looking to add a touch of greenery without much hassle. However, even the most resilient snake plant can sometimes experience leaning or flopping … Read more
By July, my portulaca are either the happiest plants on my patio or they’re sending up distress signals by noon. These sun-loving bloom machines can look almost indestructible, which is exactly why gardeners sometimes miss the small problems that shut down flowering in extreme heat. When the forecast starts hovering in the 90s and the … Read more
By the time July rolls around in my little Midwestern town, my mandevilla is either starting to show off or starting to sulk, and there usually is not much middle ground. This is the month when the plant tells you exactly how happy it is. If the vines are stretching, the leaves are glossy, and … Read more
Transforming your patio garden into a lush and productive space can be both affordable and simple with the use of everyday items such as plastic laundry baskets. These inexpensive and readily available containers can be repurposed into perfect planters for growing a variety of root vegetables. Not only do they provide adequate drainage and depth … Read more