The Strelitzia Giant Bird of Paradise, also known as Strelitzia nicolai, is an absolutely stunning tropical plant known for its incredibly large size and dramatic, bird-like flowers In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about caring for and enjoying this majestic plant An Overview of Strelitzia Nicolai Native to South Africa, the … Read more
Figs are a unique and delicious fruit that have been cultivated for thousands of years. Their sweet, honey-like flavor is loved by many, making fresh figs a highly anticipated treat during summer and fall. But with such a short harvesting window, it’s important to know exactly when figs will be ripe and ready for picking … Read more
Lavender is one of the most popular and beloved herbs for its incredible soothing fragrance and multitude of uses, But do lavender plants really smell as good as their reputation suggests? Let’s take a deep dive into the enticing aroma of lavender and find out With its sweet, floral slightly spicy aroma, it’s easy to … Read more
Violas and pansies are two of the most popular cool weather annual flowers. They are available in a wide range of cheerful colors and add a punch of color to gardens, containers and landscapes when many other flowers have faded. Though they look similar, violas and pansies are not exactly the same. They are closely … Read more
Forget-me-nots are delicate little flowers that pack a meaningful symbolic punch. With their light blue petals and sunny yellow centers forget-me-nots have stolen hearts for centuries. These blooms have quite the origin story. According to German legend, a knight and his lady were strolling along the riverside when the woman spotted a patch of exquisite … Read more
As an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, I frequently find myself covered in tiny green seeds that cling to my clothing after spending time outdoors. These pesky “hitchhikers” can be extremely frustrating, spreading invasive plants and ruining clothes. However, the more I learn about them, the more fascinating I find their clever methods of dispersal. … Read more
Tomatoes are often thought of as full sun plants that need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, too much sun can actually stress plants out, especially during the hottest parts of the summer. Finding the right balance between sun and shade is crucial for getting the best yields from your tomato … Read more
Landscaping a sloped or hilly yard can be challenging. Mowing steep hills is difficult and dangerous. Plus the incline causes soil erosion, exposes tree roots and creates runoff issues. Instead of leaving the slope barren or trying to force turfgrass to grow, consider ground cover plants. These low-growing perennials spread to form a dense, weed-suppressing … Read more
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a beautiful flowering evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. With its glossy foliage and showy spring blooms, it’s a prized ornamental plant. But purchasing mature specimens can be costly. Luckily, with some patience you can grow mountain laurel from seed at home. Here is a complete step-by-step guide … Read more
Lily of the valley is a classic spring-blooming perennial loved for its graceful, arching foliage and abundant, sweetly fragrant white bell-shaped flowers. While traditionally grown in flower beds and planters, did you know you can also cultivate this charming plant in hanging baskets? Suspending pots of lily of the valley enables you to appreciate their … Read more