Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a fragrant perennial herb from the mint family that grows as an evergreen shrub with slender, needle-like leaves. In spring and summer it carries light blue to white flowers, and in the kitchen its earthy, citrusy, peppery flavor makes it one of the most-used herbs in the garden. With a moderate […]
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are among the easiest houseplants to multiply. Their fleshy leaves store water, their stems root readily, and they frequently shed leaves that can be turned into new plants. With 30 minutes to an hour of work, one healthy jade can become several, whether you start with a stray branch, a fallen
Purple shamrock, also called false shamrock or Oxalis triangularis, is a compact perennial with deep purple, nearly black leaves that look like a cluster of resting butterflies. Each triangular leaf grows in threes and folds shut like an umbrella at night or on cloudy days, then opens again in the morning. The plant stays small
Peppers grow better with the right neighbors. Companion planting pairs crops that share water, light, and nutrient needs, and the result is a healthier planting with fewer pest problems. The practice is not a guarantee, but it is a low-cost way to improve a vegetable garden. For a full rundown of how the system works,
Rex begonias, also called painted-leaf or fancy-leaf begonias, grow for their leaves, not their flowers. The foliage comes in greens, reds, silvers, and purples arranged in swirls and bands, and a mature plant reaches 8 to 12 inches tall over several years. The plants are not difficult so much as demanding: they want consistent light,
Rosemary is one of the most reliable herbs a gardener can grow, and part of its value comes from what it does for the plants around it. The aromatic oils in its foliage repel a range of insect pests, and its flowers draw in pollinators during the spring flush. Those traits make rosemary a strong
A garden path pulls beds, lawn, and seating areas into one connected yard, and building one does not have to strain a renovation budget. Pea gravel sells for about $1 to $3.15 per square foot, shredded bark mulch costs even less, and salvaged brick or concrete step stones are often free from demolition sites. A
Planting grass seed looks like a simple spring chore, but the timing decides success more than any other factor. Seed sown too early sits in cold soil and rots or gets eaten by birds. Seed sown too late competes with summer weeds and heat stress. The right date depends on your region, your grass type,
Geraniums are a spring nursery staple, but starting them from seed is simpler than most gardeners assume. The catch is time: expect several months from sowing to bloom. Buy seed early, start plants in January or February, and the flowers will be ready when warm weather arrives. The same early-season discipline that produces a strong
Tulips are among the most widely planted flowers on earth, with a history that reaches back nearly ten thousand years and more than half of today’s 120 known species still found wild in Central Asia and Turkey. Every one of those species, from the earliest early bloomers to the latest late-season doubles, follows the same
