Kalanchoe pinnata, also called cathedral bells, is a succulent plant in the stonecrop family. It’s known for its vigorous growth, bell-shaped flowers, and ability to grow baby plantlets along the scalloped edges of mature leaves. Kalanchoe pinnata grows best with warm temperatures, well-drained soil, minimal watering, and at least six hours of bright sunlight per day. Note … Read more
A crevice garden feels like a piece of wild mountain terrain captured in your backyard. It’s where art, ecology, and patience come together, a landscape built from stone and life. Instead of layering soil and mulch, this style uses upright rocks arranged closely together to form narrow gaps, known as crevices. These spaces become the … Read more
Sugar cane is a tall, fast-growing perennial grass known for its long, thick stems filled with sweet sap. While it’s primarily cultivated for producing sugar and molasses, sugar cane is also an appealing choice for home gardens as an ornamental plant. It can serve as a privacy screen, border, accent, or focal point due to its lush … Read more
Queen Elizabeth rose (Rosa ‘Queen Elizabeth’) was the first Grandiflora rose, which is a cross between a hybrid tea rose and a floribunda rose. It was bred in 1954 by the American rose breeder Walter Lammerts to commemorate the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1952. Grandiflora roses combine the long, tall, upright stems of hybrid … Read more
There are hundreds of varieties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), from soft and delicate bibb lettuce to crisp and colorful rouge d’hiver. This easy-to-grow annual is a classic for beginner and expert gardeners alike. Most types of lettuce grow quickly, maturing in five to eight weeks. Many are suitable for cut-and-come-again harvesting, so you can snip off a … Read more
Rambutan, often referred to as hairy lychee, is a tropical broadleaf evergreen tree prized for its juicy and flavorful fruit. Its successful growth hinges on consistently moist, well-drained soil, and abundant sunshine, as it thrives in the warm climates of its Southeast Asian origins. Like its relatives, longan and lychee trees, rambutans belong to the soapberry … Read more
Springtime often brings with it a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings, but for homeowners with basements, it can also introduce a host of moisture-related challenges. As the snow melts and rain showers become more frequent, the dampness and humidity in basements can rise significantly. This increase in moisture not only affects the comfort level … Read more
The common grape (Vitis vinifera) is grown to make wine and is European in origin. It is also known as the “European grape” and “wine grape.” There are thousands of varieties of Vitis vinifera, although only a small portion of these are commercially important. On the other hand, a large portion of popular grape wine is produced … Read more
Every spring, my mother-in-law shows up to Easter with a big white bowl of these southern 3-ingredient honey glazed carrots, and I swear the pan is always scraped clean before the ham is even carved. They’re the kind of no-fuss side dish you can throw together after work but still feel proud serving on a … Read more
Gardening is a passion of mine, a serene escape into the lush green world right outside my door. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a vibrant garden that brings joy with each blooming season. However, like many gardeners, I sometimes overlook the tools that help bring my oasis to life, such as my trusty garden hose. … Read more