• Gardening

    Grow These Types Of Black Flowers For A Moody Spring Garden

    The arrival of spring marks a period of rebirth and rejuvenation. Many of us are drawn to traditional pastel shades, classic whites, or vibrant pops of color in celebration of new plants and new life. That said, dark flowers continue to gain popularity and can add sophistication, mystery and depth to both classic and contemporary garden themes. Many types of black flowers, dark burgundies and deep purples are especially well-suited to supporting growth in the spring garden. When we think about growing plants for color, these darker tones are capable of high impact, drama and intensity. They can also help…

  • Gardening

    7 Companion Planting Mistakes No One Talks About (And How to Fix Them)

    Introduction Most companion planting guides focus on the perfect pairings—tomatoes with basil, beans with corn, marigolds with just about everything. But here’s the truth: knowing what not to plant together is just as important as knowing the “good” combos. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of gardens fail not because of pests or poor soil, but because of simple companion planting mistakes. These errors are easy to make, especially for beginners, and they can quietly sabotage your harvest. In this guide, we’ll uncover the bad companion plants and overlooked pitfalls that no one really talks about—plus the quick fixes that…

  • Gardening

    7 New & Improved Cultivars Of Old-Fashioned Plants

      Old-fashioned perennial plants are getting new life with exciting cultivars. Old-fashioned plants grown as annuals are also seeing new and interesting developments with their modern varieties. These old-fashioned flowers have been used in gardens for years for good reasons. They are reliable, attractive, and popular. These new cultivars are not your grandmother’s plants. They’re even better! These improved cultivars bring stronger colors, longer bloom times, and better resistance to pests and diseases. They allow gardeners to enjoy the charm of traditional flowers while benefiting from modern breeding advancements. 👉 For more inspiration, check out our guide on Meadow Flowers…

  • Gardening

    5 Simple Steps to Transform a Less Than Perfect Landscape

    Everyone has a wish list when looking for their new home and I was no different. Of everything on my list, I had to have some type of yard. It didn’t matter if it was small or in disarray, it just had to have the space for a garden and I’d do the rest. Even with limited space or a yard that isn’t ideal, you can still plan ahead and slowly shape it into a perfect landscape that reflects your vision. The yard of the house I finally found was, meh. It had some barberry bushes, a rose mallow, a…

  • Gardening

    10 Meadow Flowers & Grasses For A Low-Maintenance Landscape

    Meadows are casual, easy and lovely, like windblown hair and dappled sunshine. Unlike formal gardens, meadow plantings require little maintenance, often including native meadow flowers and grasses. If you are considering planting a meadow lawn or turning a flower garden to a meadow, careful selection of landscape plants is an important first step. If you are considering planting a meadow lawn or turning a flower garden to a meadow, careful selection of landscape plants is an important first step. The visual appeal of meadows lies in their diversity, mixing easy-care flowers with grasses in a wild, wonderful botanical collage. To…

  • Gardening

    Garden Shed Mistakes – Backyard Shed Ideas You Need to Know

    A shed can be a great hardscaping feature to enhance your yard and garden. It can create great storage opportunities, aesthetic potential, and even support for plants. However, it’s easy to make mistakes you’ll regret. Don’t let careless planning, execution or maintenance compromise the integrity and longevity of your shed. With careful planning, a few sensible backyard shed ideas can help you maintain a garden feature you can be proud of, which will keep going strong for years. From size and location to materials and preparation, there are a lot of decisions that can go awry as you begin sifting…

  • Gardening

    Edible & Functional Landscapes: Creative Edible Landscaping Ideas for Stunning Garden Design

    Introduction: Why Settle for Just Pretty When You Can Have Pretty and Productive? Most home gardeners dream of a space that’s both beautiful and useful. Imagine a garden where your flower beds are lined with herbs, your hedges are made of berry bushes, and fruit trees frame your patio. This is the essence of Edible & Functional Landscapes—gardens that nourish the body while delighting the eye. For beginner and intermediate gardeners, the idea of combining design with food production can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: with the right edible landscaping ideas, you can transform any space—whether it’s a…

  • Gardening

    How I Turned Trash Into Garden Treasure – And You Can Too!

    When I moved into my current home, I was a little shocked when I arrived to find a home that hadn’t been entirely cleared out. Evidence of the previous occupant was everywhere, but it was mostly small stuff that we donated or repurposed. This turned out to be my first step in learning how to turn trash into garden treasure, a simple but creative way to give new life to discarded items. The interior of the home yielded few treasures (though it was mostly junk), but the exterior…oh what bounty! While the yard was fairly devoid of plantings, there were…

  • Gardening

    Companion Planting for Raised Beds: A Month-by-Month Guide to Boost Yields & Prevent Pests

    Introduction If you’ve ever wished your raised bed could practically take care of itself—producing more vegetables, attracting pollinators, and keeping pests at bay—then companion planting for raised beds is your secret weapon. This time-tested gardening method pairs plants that help each other thrive, making the most of your limited space. In this guide, we’ll walk through a month-by-month planting calendar designed for small-space gardeners. Whether you’re working with a 2’x4’ box on your patio or a 4’x8’ bed in your backyard, you’ll learn exactly what to plant, which companions to pair, and how to keep your soil healthy all year…

  • Gardening

    What’s A Melon Pit? Optimize Your Garden & Boost Produce

    Unlike some trends that don’t work, this viral gardening hack actually has something to it. A melon pit can help you grow healthier plants that need less tending. It can even help you find more space to grow! Though it is named after melons because they are heavy feeders, this hack can be used for other crops, as well. This type of composting can boost your yields and grow the best tasting produce. Use this method in addition to or as a replacement for traditional raised bed vegetable gardening. Melon pit gardening is an easy, low‑maintenance way to turn kitchen…