Hydrangeas are among the most spectacular flowering shrubs available for gardens and containers. Their enormous flower heads in blues, pinks, whites, and purples make a dramatic impact in any garden, and they bloom for weeks or months from early summer through autumn. They are also one of the most versatile shrubs: some tolerate deep shade, … Read more
Few flowers combine beauty and fragrance as magnificently as the gardenia. The pure white, waxy blooms against the glossy, deep green leaves create a visual contrast that is simply stunning, and the intense, sweet fragrance is one of the most celebrated in the plant world. Gardenia jasminoides has been cultivated in Asia for centuries and … Read more
A cutting garden is one of the most joyful forms of gardening: you grow flowers specifically for the pleasure of cutting them and bringing them indoors. There is something deeply satisfying about arranging a vase of flowers you grew yourself from seed, knowing every stem, the variety of each flower, and the care that went … Read more
Roses are the most iconic flowers in the world, with a history of cultivation spanning over 5,000 years. From the simple five-petaled wild rose to the extravagantly ruffled blooms of English roses, the genus Rosa encompasses extraordinary diversity. Modern breeding has produced varieties that combine classical beauty with disease resistance, repeat flowering, and adaptability that … Read more
Lavender is one of the most beloved plants in the world, and for good reason. Its silvery foliage, violet flower spikes, and intoxicating fragrance make it a standout in any garden. Beyond beauty, lavender is deeply practical: its dried flowers repel moths in wardrobes, its essential oil is one of the most widely used in … Read more
Orchids have an undeserved reputation for being impossibly difficult. In reality, Phalaenopsis orchids, by far the most commonly grown and sold orchid, are remarkably adaptable to indoor conditions and, once you understand their specific needs, are easier to care for than many popular houseplants. The key to orchid success is understanding that orchids are not … Read more