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The 7 Best Perennials for Shade Gardens – Garden Therapy
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Many of us have at least a section of garden that is shady most of the time. Shade gardens can be bor-ring unless you spice them up with plants that have interesting colors, shapes, and textures. These hardy beauties are made for the shade. That is to say, these plants all thrive in shady spaces while adding color and interest. Pop a few of these into your shady space and it just might become your favorite part of the garden.
When planting your shade garden, be sure to include a variety of plants with different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Dark corners of the garden often go unnoticed, but if you intentionally fill up the space with plants that draw the eye and have visual interest, the shadiest part of your garden can become an eye-catching focal point!
Some of my very favorite gardens are shade gardens. When the summer sun gets so hot that it feels oppressive, it is a wonderful feeling to retreat to a cool, softly lit part of the garden full of lush, beautiful plants. Traditional Japanese gardens are just gorgeous, and they often incorporate shade into the design. For some serious shade garden inspiration, head over here to take a virtual tour of the Nitobe Memorial Garden at the University of British Columbia.
Here are my favorite plants to add to shady areas. If your garden is in full sun, take a look at this post on the best perennials that love the sun!
Helleborus (Hellebore)
Hellebores have beautiful, delicate, bell-shaped flowers in the late winter and early spring, but many varieties also have very pleasing decorative foliage. Enjoy their beauty in the garden or cut the flowers and float them in a dish of water for a gorgeous table centerpiece. See more about hellebore growing and care here.
Geranium macrorrhizum (Big Root Geranium)
This geranium grows in large clumps of white or light pink flowers that bloom prolifically from spring until autumn. Cut back when the blooms begin to fade and watch even more appear. It also deters deer, so it’s a great choice if you have local deer who love to munch on your precious garden plants. Makes a great groundcover.
Hosta
Hostas are known for their large, attractive leaves that come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and textures (I love the leaves so much that I captured their image in these DIY stepping stones). They produce small flowers in the summer as well but the foliage is the main event. Hostas are also edible! Learn how to cook and eat them in this article.
Lamprocapnos spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)
An old garden standby for a reason! The little chains of pink, heart-shaped flowers on this perennial are stunning in spring and early summer. The plant goes dormant after that and is not particularly interesting, but if you want spring interest in your shade garden, don’t skip this plant.
Astilbe
Astilbe have dark, dramatic foliage with jagged edges that create interest. In summertime a tower of pink-to-purple, feathery flower spikes will bloom and steal the show. A pretty way to attract beneficial pollinators to your shade garden.
Ajuga (Bugle)
Bees love the bright blue-to-purple flowers of this glossy, low-growing ground cover (see what other plants attract pollinators). Its foliage is also impressive, with dark leaves variegated with white or pink. A great filler plant!
Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forestgrass)
This decorative grass has a gorgeous sculptural shape, and the bright greens and yellows of the variegated blades of grass bring some much needed vibrancy to a dark, shady part of the garden.
That covers shade gardens, but what about sunny gardens? Check out this post for the best sun-loving perennials.
More on Perennials here:
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose
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Lessons Learned: Gardening My Rewilded Front Yard – Gardenista
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It wasn’t a field when we bought the house in Massachusetts, but that’s what it ended up being. At first, there were massive junipers that lined the circular driveway—a presumed early attempt at formalism that had grown gargantuan due to neglect and caused frequent ice dams on our northern-facing roof by blocking out the sun. Once they were gone, it was just a barren plain, and the nakedness created by the newfound sunlight made us do what most young, dumb homeowners do: panic-buy a tree. We placed a three-inch caliper London plane slightly off-center in the giant green oval of lawn just to add some form of life, even if it was entirely too close to the house. By the time we actually knew what we wanted to do with the space, the tree had just settled into place. So, of course, we uprooted it again to its final home on the western edge of the property, and we had the clean slate we were finally ready for.
I’m not a big fan of the term “rewilding,” not because I don’t believe in the cause, but because I don’t think that’s what’s actually being done. If I were actually doing that here, I’d let it return to woodland. Still, it’s the best term we’ve got, so it’s what we’ll use for the sake of this story. About five years ago, we lined its central axis with an allée of crabapples (Malus ‘Indian Summer’), mowed formal paths, sowed perennial seed, and got to work rewilding. While it’s still nowhere near where I’d like it to be, there are several lessons I’ve learned throughout the process.
Photography by Nick Spain.
Rewilding is still gardening.
Above: A rewilded landscape still needs maintenance. I’m fortunate that most of my garden clients are curious about and open to letting some part of their property go more natural, because it will also be easier to maintain. I’m quick to tell them, however, that low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Regardless of how you go about it, whether that’s sowing seed on freshly turned earth, utilizing plugs, planting containerized plants, or some combination of all three, you will have to get your hands dirty and manage whatever you’ve installed. I find the real joy comes from the gardening style being more laissez-faire—whether that’s haphazardly slinging around lupine heads in July so they will create more stands in coming years, or knowing that I don’t have to get every single last strand of vetch out each time I weed since there are plenty of other plants it will have to compete with.
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GPOD on the Road: Parc Marie-Victorin – Fine Gardening
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Happy Friday, GPODers!
Garden planning for 2026 is well under way, but there is another activity I love to plan this time of year: travel. As I consider what destinations I want to cross off my bucket list next, I also contemplate the public gardens I might be able to include in each trip. Thankfully, Garden Photo of the Day has long been a source for inspiration and ideas, and today Maria Nieuwenhof from Richmond, Québec, Canada (Zone 5a), has shared another public garden I’m adding to my list of must-sees. Maria has shared her gardening highlights a few times in the past (check out her previous submissions: Maria’s Québec Garden, A Year of Bouquets From the Garden, and Maria Passes Down a Passion for Gardening), but today she is sharing photos from a trip she made to Parc Marie-Victorin in Kingsey Falls, Québec.
Hi. I am Maria from Richmond, Québec. My husband and I had the privilege to visit the magnificent Parc Marie-Victorin in Kingsey Falls. This park is close to our home and celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. This park is dedicated to Brother Marie-Victorin, born in this village, a grand botanist of his time in our province and the founder of the Montreal Botanical Garden. He is also the author of the 1935 garden book Flore laurentienne, which is still a reference today.
Flower beds as you enter the gardens celebrating 40 years this year
A pavilion to stop for a rest and observe all the lovely flowers out of the sun
A flower bed full of annuals
An example of the sculptures in the gardens
There was a collection of different silphiums. Pictured: cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum, Zones 3–9)
A big beautiful hydrangea
The humid area with lots of insects flying around
A reflecting pool in the water garden
An example of the plants in the greenhouse, a ‘Bug Bat’ pitcher plant (Sarracenia ‘Bug Bat’, Zones 5–9)
Another carnivorous greenhouse plant: Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula, Zones 5–9)Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous public garden with us, Marie! There are so many incredible garden institutions around the world, but there is always room to add another must-see plant destination to the bucket list.
Did you visit any great public gardens for the first time last year? Or have you made a wintertime visit to your favorite local botanical garden in the past couple of months? We would love to hear about what you saw and see photos from your trip. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, fill out the Garden Photo of the Day Submission Form.
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Lee Valley Mini Garden Shear Set
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These shears have a distinctive finger rest that not only aids grip but allows greater freedom of movement than a conventional handle design. They have a durable powder-coat finish to resist rust and wear, and a simple clasp that locks the spring-action stainless-steel blades closed. The set includes one pair of round-nose shears measuring 5 1/2″ overall with 1″ blades for cutting stems up to 3/8″ in diameter, and one pair of 6 1/2″ needle-nose shears with 2″ fine-tip blades for precise work.
Ho-Mi Digger – Korean Triangle Blade
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.
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DIY Conditioner – Rosemary Mint Hair Care Recipe – Garden Therapy
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Get healthy and shiny hair with this homemade DIY conditioner recipe. It uses rosehip seed oil, rosemary, and peppermint for amazing results that look (and smell) incredible!
I love all-natural conditioners—they have helped make my hair healthier than it’s ever been. I have thick, wavy hair that is prone to drying out and breaking. So, I need a conditioner that is thick and nourishes my hair while making it stronger at the same time. The natural ingredients in this rosemary conditioner have been essential for transforming the look and feel of my hair in the best way!
When I make my own conditioner, I am able to choose the options that work best for my hair. There are so many ingredients straight from the earth that do amazing things for my hair. I was truly shocked at how much better my hair looked once I switched to a natural hair care routine.
After a few different tries, I perfected a recipe that both smells and feels amazing. It uses a combination of pure essential oils and vegetable glycerin. It’s not overly complicated to make, and you’ll get some aromatherapy benefits from those heavenly oils as you make it, which is always a benefit!
By the way, if you need something to help keep your hair looking nice in between washes, try this DIY dry shampoo recipe too!
What is DIY Conditioner?
DIY conditioner will replace any conditioner that you use in the shower. This isn’t a leave-in recipe, you just use it as you normally would any other kind. This particular version will protect your hair from breaking, and provides some excellent benefits for your scalp too.
Here’s a closer look at the essential oils that I used and what they do for your hair and scalp. It’s fascinating how powerful and gentle they are. All of these essential oils have properties that have been used for skin health for years.
Benefits of Rosemary for Hair
Rosemary essential oil is one of my favorite oils to use in hair care products. I adore the light, clean scent and how it helps with scalp and hair issues too.
Some of the things it helps with includes:
- Increases circulation on the scalp
- Stimulates hair growth
- Relieves flakes and itch
Plus, you just can’t beat the uplifting scent of rosemary. It’s sure to perk you up when you feel drained after a long gardening session.
Read even more about the benefits and uses of Rosemary in this post.
Peppermint Hair Benefits
Speaking of uplifting and energizing scents, peppermint oil is also super beneficial for hair.
Not only is this oil filled with fatty acids that will nourish your hair, but it also has lots of minerals and nutrients too. There is calcium, copper, folate, iron, and vitamins A and C. It’s kind of like a multivitamin for your hair.
There are also antiseptic and antimicrobial properties in it that will cool the scalp and fights dandruff. I love putting it in my conditioner because it makes my hair so shiny!
Rosehip Seed Oil Benefits
Rosehip seed oil also has lots of fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also has antioxidants that will boost your collagen and moisturize your scalp.
It’s known that a healthy scalp means healthy hair, and rosehip oil is so good for your skin. Additionally, rosehip seed oil can also increase the strength of your hair, preventing it from breaking.
Benefits of Macadamia Nut Oil for Hair
The smell of macadamia nut oil reminds me of the beach. It has lots of the same properties as rosehip oil, but it has additional phosphorus and sodium too. It is a very nutritive, reconstructive, and hydrating oil.
What is Biotin?
Another ingredient in this DIY conditioner is biotin. Biotin is a naturally occurring vitamin that is found in eggs, milk, and bananas. It is an important part of enzymes that break down fats. All those natural fats from the oils need biotin so your body can use them effectively.
You can find these capsules online or at any store where vitamins are sold.
How to Make Your Own Conditioner
When you make your own bath and beauty products, it’s very important to disinfect your tools and workspace. Even if all of your ingredients are organic, you can still contaminate your conditioner from your clothes, hands, or even your water. That’s why I use distilled water and disinfect everything very carefully.
There are three phases: the aqueous (water) phase, the oil phase, and the cool phases. Each phase describes when to combine the ingredients.
You will measure all of the aqueous ingredients into one heatproof container. Then, measure the macadamia nut oil, BTM, and cetyl alcohol into another heatproof container. Finally, measure the ingredients that can be damaged by heat – like the preservative and essential oils – into a third container for the cool phase.
Ready? Let’s make some conditioner!
Natural Rosemary Mint Conditioner Ingredients
Makes 1 x 200g bottle
Aqueous Phase Ingredients
Oil Phase Ingredients
Cool Phase Ingredients
Make It!
Before you start, sterilize everything with alcohol. This is extremely important, so be thorough.
Next, use a kitchen scale to measure the oil ingredients in a heatproof container like a beaker.
Then, measure all of the water ingredients in another heatproof container.
Now we’ll heat both of these ingredient sets. Create a double boiler and heat both the oil ingredients and the water ingredients until they reach 160 degrees.
Keep both the water ingredients and oil ingredients at 160 degrees for 20 minutes. Similar to canning, this helps to kill off any bacteria, which is definitely crucial
Add the oil ingredients to a mixing bowl first and then pour in the water ingredients.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients. They should thicken up quickly and cool down.
Once the ingredients have reached 80 degrees, you can add the cool phase ingredients. Remember, these ingredients are heat-sensitive and will break down at higher temperatures, which is why they’re added at this time.
Continue mixing until it’s thick and fluffy. Now you can add it to a sterilized container.
That’s it! You’ll need to use this conditioner within six months.
How to Use DIY Conditioner
Use this in the shower after you use your shampoo. I like to let it stay in my hair for about five minutes to permeate. Then, rinse it off completely and then follow up with your normal hair-drying routine.
More Natural Beauty Recipes with Rosemary
Rosemary Mint Conditioner
Make your own conditioner with rosemary, peppermint, and rosehip seed oil.
Aqueous Phase Ingredients
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Sterilize your equipment and workspace with alcohol.
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Use a kitchen scale to measure the oil ingredients in a heatproof container like a beaker.
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Measure all of the water ingredients in another heatproof container.
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Create a double boiler and heat both the oil ingredients and the water ingredients to 160 degrees.
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Keep both the water ingredients and oil ingredients at 160 degrees for 20 minutes. Similar to canning, this helps to kill off any bacteria.
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In a mixing bowl, add the oil ingredients first and then pour in the water ingredients.
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Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, they should thicken up quickly and cool down.
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Once the ingredients have reached 80 degrees, you can add the cool phase ingredients. Remember, these ingredients are heat-sensitive and will break down at higher temperatures, which is why they’re added at this time.
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Continue mixing your conditioner until it’s thick and fluffy.
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Pour it into a sterilized container.
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Use the conditioner within 6 months.
More Plant-Based Beauty Recipes to Try
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose
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‘A Little Bit of Paradise’: A Small Backyard in Napa Valley Bursting with Beauty and Patina – Gardenista
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Cara Davies remembers the day the city inspector came to take a final look at her garden before signing off on the building permit: “He came around the corner and he was quite surprised—and he said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s a little bit of paradise.’” The garden shed gets the credit.
No one would have described the .3-acre property in downtown St. Helena as paradise in 1999 when Davies and her husband, Tom, moved into the Napa Valley house. “There wasn’t much here, just a little lawn with a deck, so we completely redid the backyard,” she said. Landscape architect Josh Chandler designed the garden as well as the galvanized shed, which owes its charm both to its unusual proportions and facade of corrugated steel panels salvaged from old chicken coops.
Photography by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.
Above: Chandler designed the 10-by-10-foot square shed to sit alongside Davies’ edible garden, next to the swimming pool. The shed’s unusual height–it’s 20 feet tall–and peaked roof make it the center of attention. 
Above: The shed’s siding is vintage galvanized steel panels, salvaged from a former farm with chicken sheds that dated to the 1920s. Growing next to the shed is salvia whose deep purple color is intensified by the gray backdrop. 
Above: The shed sits on a solid concrete pad etched with lines to evoke the look of pavers. A path of permeable pea gravel leads to the shed. (For more ideas about how to use pea gravel in the garden, see Hardscaping 101: Pea Gravel.) [ad_2]
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Damien and Debbie’s English Garden in Maryland – Fine Gardening
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Hi GPODers!
Gardening, in some ways, can be a lot like cooking. It’s satisfying to make yourself a delicious meal, but it’s much more rewarding to share your culinary creations with a loved one. Even better than that is working in the kitchen together, making memories as the dish comes together. The same can be said for our outdoor spaces, with the joy of togetherness making even the most beautiful landscapes that much more meaningful. Damian Smigocki in Germantown, Maryland, embraced this concept when he set out to create a garden that his wife, Debbie, would most enjoy. Through this process, a bland backyard has transformed into a colorful and flourishing English-style garden that is deeply meaningful for both of them.
In 2002, when I got married and moved into my wife’s house here in Germantown, Maryland, I asked Debbie what kind of garden she would like for me to create. The backyard had only two trees: a maple and a Colorado spruce tree (Picea pungens, Zones 2–7), which was bought as a Christmas tree. Debbie said she would like an English garden. The first order of business was to replace the wooden rail fence and gates with two arbors and a white picket fence I built. Then I created flower beds around the perimeter and later, three more beds, a paved walkway, and a small pond. Shrubs and evergreen trees were added to complete the garden.
English gardens are always abundant in soft, romantic blooms, and Damian made a point to include plenty of pollinator-attracting selections. Here, an Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) enjoys a marvelous mass of lavender-pink wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa, Zones 3–9) and might make its way to the bright pink garden phlox (Phlox paniculata, Zones 4–8) in the background.
An English garden is not complete without some meandering paths that lead you through the lush design. This section of the garden is a fabulous tapestry of vibrant and diverse foliage that looks cool and calming. A dwarf pink lilac in the foreground adds a pretty pop of color.
While Damian’s plantings are delightfully diverse, he also smartly employs some massing to create layers of color. Large clusters of even more garden phlox create an attractive pattern of pink and white.
Damian has also created gorgeous color combinations throughout the beds and borders. ‘Golden Mop’ false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’, Zones 4–8) on both sides of a cherub statue create the basis for a chartreuse and purple design with spirea and alliums.
This landscape is so glorious and inviting that a variety of birds visit the garden and add even more color to the space. A northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) appreciate the shelter of this open birdhouse.
Flowering trees add to the layers of color and interest. A pink flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra, Zones 5–9) is the perfect addition to this bright green spring garden.
Another view of the chartreuse and purple beds reveals more of the alliums—potentially the cultivar ‘Purple Sensation’ (Allium ‘Purple Sensation’, Zones 4–9)—that pop against this mix of green.
Did you ever see a garden border so lovely that you wanted to nestle inside of it? Damian made that fantasy a reality when he stuck an Adirondack chair in this spot, and made an interesting focal point in the process.
Lastly, another photo of those pretty chartreuse and purple beds. Some English gardens get the bad rap of being chaotic or messy, but Damian has managed to establish patterns and organization among the garden abundance.Thank you so much for sharing your stunning garden with us, Damian! Your space would have been inspiring if you built it for your own enjoyment, but the love that went into its creation makes it something truly special.
Do you garden for someone special in your life? Did you design a garden you knew your spouse would also love, like Damian, or do you save a bed for plants that children or grandchildren will find delightful? Let us know in the comments, or consider sharing your garden with the blog. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, fill out the Garden Photo of the Day Submission Form.
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
SERWALL 7-Piece Patio Dining Table Set
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Host stylish outdoor gatherings with this outdoor dining set in 7 finishes and as 6 configurations. The set shown has a spacious table with an umbrella hole for sunny days, and six ergonomic chairs with armrests offer comfort for family meals or entertaining guests. Made from durable, weather-resistant HDPE, this set is low-maintenance, elegant, and designed to enhance any patio or garden setting.
Razor-Back Potato/Refuse Hook
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Gardener’s Supply Company Summerweight Fabric Plant Cover
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Ideal for summertime pest control, this garden cover effectively screens out Japanese beetles, potato beetles, cabbage worms, leaf miners, carrot flies and most vine borers. It transmits 97.6% of the light to your plants without allowing heat build-up, and it provides cold protection down to 41° F, to extend your growing season.
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Tropical Sage and Other Delights | The Survival Gardener
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The weather has warmed up after a deep freeze last week, and we look to be frost-free for at least the next ten days.
This morning we started moving some new plants over to the store, including some of the useful and interesting species we’ve collected over the years, like Gynura procumbens (longevity spinach):
And this very good-tasting nopale cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera):
And “leaf of life,” AKA Kalanchoe pinnata:
And this beautiful “Rachel” mulberry tree, which I don’t think will last long:
I have very few decent-sized “Rachel” mulberries. They are rather hard to start from cuttings, so last summer my son R and I started this one as an air-layer.
We also just put some Chain Mei 60 mulberries out on the lot. They are just one-gallon sized but they grow very fast. It’s a crazy productive variety.
But the prettiest thing we added today was some Salvia coccinea:
Salvia coccinea, also known as “tropical sage,” is a self-seeding perennial native. I started these from seeds this fall and overwintered them in the greenhouse so we could put them out in spring.
They are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, plus they are just pretty all around.
As the University of Madison-Wisconsin notes:
Each inch-long tubular flower has two parts: a colorful tube (corolla) protruding from the calyx. The showy flowers produce a lot of nectar so are highly attractive to hummingbirds, giving rise to yet another common name of hummingbird sage. They are also visited by butterflies and bees. In addition, salvias make great cut flowers, with S. coccinea bringing an airy appearance to arrangements.
They come in multiple colors, of which red is the most common. My variant is coral pink, and it seems to seed true to type. At least in the one generation we have grown it.
I can’t find any solid info on its edibility, but it’s definitely popular with the pollinators and that’s good enough for me.
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David The Good
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Ask the Experts: How to Tap Into Your ‘Mind of Winter’ – Gardenista
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This is part of a series with Perfect Earth Project, a nonprofit dedicated to toxic-free, ecological gardening, on how you can be more sustainable in your landscapes at home.
“One must have a mind of winter,” wrote Wallace Stevens in “The Snow Man” and after blizzards and record-breaking frigid temperatures in the Northeast this past month, it’s been hard to think of anything else. But for many gardeners, winter is often the neglected season—the one spent mostly indoors, flipping through seed catalogs, dreaming of spring. But there’s so much to be learned—and enjoyed—from the winter landscape. We spoke with Leslie Needham of Leslie Needham Design; Rashid Poulson, director of horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park; William (Ned) Friedman, director of Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum; Edwina von Gal, and landscape designer and founder of Perfect Earth Project about what they love about the season, and what it can teach us all.
Let the winter vibe be your guide.
Above: “Winter is the time to slow down, reset, and get in sync with nature. I think it’s just as beautiful as spring and summer. It just requires a slight shift on what constitutes beauty,” says Needham. “There is such beauty in the structure of a tree or a seedhead in winter. You really notice them when they’re set against the white snow.” For landscape designer Leslie Needham, winter is a time to rest, slow down, and engage with the garden. “I really love the quietness,” she says. “When plants are blooming, there is so much action. It’s go, go, go all the time, but in winter, I can really appreciate the small things.” She notices the structure of the garden and loves the beauty of seed heads framed against a bright blue sky. It helps her rethink how she approaches gardening. “I’d love to shift the way we think about nature. We should be less controlling and try not to manage it so much,” she says. And winter, when there is less to do, teaches us this. “It is a time for quiet engagement, to sync up with nature, and appreciate its beauty and embrace it throughout the year.”
Look out for where the wild things are.
Above: An eastern gray squirrel eating acorns from its winter stash. Just a couple of weeks ago the horticulture team at Brooklyn Bridge Park noticed the squirrels making use of the subnivean zone (the area between the snow and the earth) while they were pruning native Carolina roses. Photograph by Alexa Hoyer. It may seem quiet but there is life all around. Insects are overwintering beneath leaf piles and in stems, some emerging when the temperature rises, others waiting until spring. Winter birds and animals are foraging seeds and berries from plants and taking shelter. While tending to the Carolina roses a few weeks ago, Rashid Poulson, the director of horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and his team observed the subnivean zone, the insulated area between snow fall and the ground that is an important habitat for mammals, in action. “A colleague was standing on banked snow along the berm, pruning the native rose, when all of a sudden the snow gave way and he fell in to his knee,” Poulson recalls. “A few minutes later, four squirrels came dashing out of the hole he made in the snow. We were all in awe.”
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Chris Gardens on the Wild Side in Colorado – Fine Gardening
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Hi GPODers!
No matter where you garden, you have to contend with wildlife. Deer, rabbits and even squirrels can cause all kinds of garden mischief in just about every corner of North America. However, some of us have a wider range of wild garden visitors to contend with. Chris in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Zones 4-5) has to deal with some extreme climate conditions, but it is the wildlife that make frequent appearances in his landscape that would raise most gardeners’ eyebrows. Despite all of this, he manages to maintain a lush landscape with lots of lively blooms.
My garden is located at the foothills of Colorado Springs. It is next to the Pike National Forest. Many wild animals are in the yard. Always on the watch out for mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and bears. I am a Master Gardener here in Colorado. My yard is fully on drip system to conserve water, All areas of my yard is covered with Gorilla Hair mulch, about 5 to 6 inches deep.. to help conserve water.
Garden tour for two years in Colorado. Such a challenge to grow in Colorado.
Bighorn visit almost everyday wanting to see the gardens.
Gate opening to the lower yard
Amazing how green the yard is being in a desert like area.
Even peonies grow here!
The beautiful fall colors of sneezeweed
Begonias baskets fill the sky with colors!
Container gardening with lots of spillers
David Austin roses grow well here.
Even my pups get into gardening… Dog days of summerThank you so much for sharing all of this spectacular color from your garden, Chris! It is incredible to see the traditional garden plants you’re able to grow alongside your very non-traditional garden visitors.
It’s always fascinating to see the different kinds of wildlife that visit gardens in different regions and climates. From the critters that like to sample our latest plantings to the birds that add beautiful songs to our landscapes—what wildlife have you photographed in your garden? Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, fill out the Garden Photo of the Day Submission Form.
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Lee Valley Garden Obelisks
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Sturdy yet lightweight, these obelisks provide ample support for climbing plants while being easy to install and move. The medium obelisk stands 68 1/2″ high overall with a diameter of about 9 1/2″, compact enough for smaller containers indoors or out. The large size stands 86 1/2″ high with a diameter of 15 3/4″, ideal for larger outdoor spaces and containers.
Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.[ad_2]
GPOD Contributor
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How to Plant and Grow Summer Savory | Gardener’s Path
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How to Grow
Savory grows best in rich, well-drained soil amended with organic matter, and requires a full sun location. The plant makes an attractive, fragrant edging for garden beds.
It can tolerate both dry or moist soils, but not soaking wet conditions, and is also drought tolerant.
Fertilizer usually isn’t required if the soil has been enriched with well-rotted compost or manure.
If left in the garden, savory will reseed itself, but this isn’t the most reliable method of propagation – it’s best to start seeds in a controlled environment.
Summer savory is one of the most trouble-free herbs you can grow, its aromatic oils naturally repel many common garden pests, and it has no serious disease problems.
The main issue to watch for is root rot caused by waterlogged soil, which will show up as wilting and yellowing leaves – simply ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Where to Buy
Inexplicably, this tasty herb can be difficult to find in both grocery stores and garden centers.
Look for nurseries that carry a good selection of herbs to find seedlings, or pick up some seeds and start your own.
Seeds are available in garden centers in early spring, or you can shop online.
Seeds in a variety of package sizes are available from True Leaf Market.
Harvesting
Begin to harvest leaves as soon as the young plants are five to six inches tall. Pinch the stems about halfway down, just above a leaf node, and use the trimmed leaves for the kitchen.
Photo by Lorna Kring. Pinching in this way also encourages new branches to form, and prevents leggy plants.
Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer, but the flavor is sweeter and more intense before flowering begins.
Pick leaves in the afternoon when the essential oils are strongest.
Flavor is best in fresh leaves, but they can also be dried and frozen. Or, you can always grow some of the winter variety for year-round supply of evergreen leaves.
Or, you can freeze fresh leaves in a zip-top bag, rolling the bag from the bottom up to squeeze out excess air before sealing.
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Lorna Kring
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Why design-forward homeowners are choosing OUTERclé’s luxury exterior patio tiles – Growing Family
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Collaborative post
Most homeowners will spend months debating a kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor. The patio, meanwhile, tends to get a lot less thought; often a safe, generic choice that works fine, but doesn’t match the house you’ve invested in.
That’s changing. In 2026, outdoor tile for patios is being treated like a true design surface. It has to look intentional, feel good underfoot, and hold up through sun, rain, and real use.
Exploring OUTERclé for patio tiles makes it immediately clear why the collection has attracted a following among homeowners who hold their outdoor spaces to the same standard as their interiors. As an exterior-focused counterpart to clé’s design-led tile world, OUTERclé brings the same curatorial standard to outdoor surfaces, especially through the gather collection, a dedicated edit of OUTERclé’s luxury outdoor patio tiles.
What sets it apart is the balance of design and performance: a wide material mix and refined palettes paired with outdoor-specific specs (like slip resistance, UV resilience, and freeze-thaw suitability) so you’re not choosing between a beautiful surface and one that actually holds up outside.
While patios often lead the conversation, many homeowners are also treating vertical surfaces as part of the same design language, using weatherproof tiles to bring the same durability and material intention to façades, outdoor kitchens, fireplace surrounds, and sheltered exterior walls.
Outdoor patio tiles are no longer “leftover budget” decisions
Patios used to be treated as utility zones: somewhere to put furniture, host friends, and accept weather. But outdoor living has moved from “extra space” to true living space; a place to eat, read, reset, and spend time daily, not seasonally.
This matches a broader home-and-garden shift: homeowners want the garden to feel connected to the home, not like a separate zone. Even simple design moves, like extending the same surface language or visual palette can make the outdoors read as an intentional extension of the interior.
When the patio is used like a room, it starts to get designed like one. Flooring becomes the anchor. And once flooring matters, the conversation changes from “Will it work?” to:
- Will it still look good in five years?
- Does it match the home’s interior language?
- Will it perform in this climate?
- Will it feel elevated without being fragile?
That’s where a curated exterior tile collection starts to matter.
What “Design-Forward” really means in patio tiles
The term “Design-forward” gets thrown around a lot in interior design. In practice, it means the tile contributes something beyond coverage. It carries texture, depth, and character, and it keeps that character after seasons of sun, rain, foot traffic, and temperature swings.
OUTERclé’s Gather Collection operates at that level because it’s not one material category. It’s a range covering cement, ceramic, terrazzo, stone, terracotta, glass, and brick; each with its own aesthetic payoff and performance profile.
That breadth matters because outdoor design has more variables than indoor design. Sun exposure, water, thermal expansion, substrate movement, and seasonal cycling all change what “good” looks like over time. A tile that photographs beautifully isn’t automatically a tile that performs. Our guide to creating an outdoor family entertainment area reinforces that same principle: plan the zones first, then choose the materials that support how you’ll actually live outside.
What properties exterior-grade outdoor tiles actually need
There’s a common misconception that anything labeled “outdoor” is suitable for any environment. It isn’t. The most important technical criteria for exterior patio tiles typically include:
- Freeze-thaw resistance (critical in cold climates)
- UV stability (to prevent fading or surface breakdown)
- Slip resistance in wet conditions
- Heat tolerance for sun-exposed zones
- Thermal expansion compatibility (movement without cracking)
In real life, a covered terrace in a mild climate is not the same project as a pool-adjacent patio under full sun, or a courtyard that sees freezing nights. Choosing correctly is how you avoid the most painful category of renovation: ripping out a “finished” surface because it wasn’t designed for the site.
A curated edit of luxury outdoor patio tiles with OUTERclé
Standard outdoor tile retail tends to be arranged by price tier and inventory volume. The range is often limited – safe neutrals, predictable textures, and limited formats – because the goal is to move product, not support design intent.
Gather is curated differently. It’s an edit that treats outdoor surfaces like architectural surfaces. The selection spans:
- expressive texture (not just printed lookalikes)
- materials that age with integrity
- finishes that balance refinement and grip
- formats that let you compose the surface, not just fill it
And because outdoor tile needs to be both aesthetic and technical, a collection like this becomes less about “what looks good today” and more about “what’s right for this home.”
Surface as sanctuary: the indoor-outdoor principle that makes patios feel expensive
The best outdoor spaces don’t feel like a separate zone. They feel like a continuation of your home. When patio flooring aligns with the interior palette, your home feels larger and more cohesive. The threshold becomes seamless, and the patio becomes “another room,” not “the outside.”
Gather supports that approach because it gives homeowners range without forcing them into the usual outdoor defaults. You’re not locked into the standard beige-and-broom-finish exterior vibe. You can extend a colour story, a texture story, or a material story outdoors in a way that feels intentional.
Beyond standard: why format and finish matter more outdoors
One of the most underrated differences between commodity exterior tile and design-led exterior tile is format range.
A patio isn’t just a surface; it’s a composition. And composition requires choices: field tile size, border logic, transitions, step edges, drain zones, wet zones, and the visual rhythm across the area.
With a broader format range, from small mosaics through large-format slabs, you can design a patio the way you’d design a room. For example, you might include:
- a calm, continuous field tile that makes the space feel expansive
- a border detail that frames the seating zone like a rug
- a change in scale to subtly “zone” the layout
- a finish change near water or steps for safety without visual disruption
Specifying with confidence
Premium tile isn’t only defined by what it is; it’s defined by how it’s supported.
Outdoor tile projects fail for a variety of reasons:
- the substrate wasn’t prepped correctly
- movement wasn’t accounted for
- the wrong adhesive/grout was used
- wet zones weren’t treated like wet zones
- slip resistance was assumed instead of verified
No homeowner wants surprises after the tiles arrive. They want to make decisions with full visibility, especially when outdoor tile choices are expensive to reverse. That’s why you need a collection that communicates clearly ratings, performance properties, finish guidance, and real installation considerations.
The patio is the first outdoor room
The patio is where a home’s quality either extends or abruptly stops.
If you’ve already invested in an interior that feels intentional, material-led, and lasting, choosing luxury exterior patio tiles isn’t indulgence. It’s the logical next step in building a home that looks coherent, performs well, and feels designed in every direction you live. OUTERclé is one of the few exterior tile resources that treats outdoor surfaces with the same seriousness as indoor ones.
FAQ: Luxury outdoor patio tiles
What is the best outdoor tile for a patio?
Most homeowners look for outdoor-rated tiles with strong durability, low water absorption, and finishes suited for wet conditions, especially in rain, snow, or pool-adjacent areas.Do exterior patio tiles need to be freeze-thaw resistant?
If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures, yes; freeze-thaw resistance helps prevent cracking and surface damage over time.How do I choose slip resistant outdoor tile?
Prioritise outdoor-rated finishes designed for traction in wet conditions, especially for steps, entries, and pool or fountain-adjacent zones.Can you tile over an existing concrete patio?
Often, yes, if the concrete is sound, properly cleaned/prepped, and the correct exterior installation system is used.[ad_2]
Catherine
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Meanwhile, on Remodelista: Past Lives – Gardenista
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We have a taste for design (whether interior, architectural, or landscape) that’s lived-in, a little wild, and a lot poetic. Seems like Remodelista is on the same page. Recently spotted over on our sibling site, four projects that honor the past in artful ways. See also: Meanwhile, on Remodelista: Color in the Kitchen Meanwhile, on […]
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Alana’s Plant Playground in Ohio – Fine Gardening
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Hi GPODers!
Many of us are still dealing with snowstorms and below-freezing temperatures, but even if you’re looking out at a white landscape it’s time to start daydreaming and planning for this year’s garden. No matter how many years you’ve been perfecting your landscape there is always more to be done, and Alana Muhlberger in Columbus, Ohio (Zone 6b) knows that’s a great thing. Her landscape is a lush collection of lovely colors and tantalizing texture, but she is still finding room for improvements and reasons to try something new.
My garden is an ongoing experiment and playground. My style transitioned from cottage-ish flower bonanza to something a little quieter with more solidity in the last few years. Last spring I dug out large numbers of daylilies and similar plants that look like an undistinguished green mass when not flowering. This fall I also focused on adding nativars with colorful fall foliage since November needed some more bling.
I think of May as iris-time. I divided and moved this one around while it was still blooming to find spots where the color is echoed. The iris is called Autumn Encore (Iris ‘Autumn Encore’, Zones 4–9), although it doesn’t rebloom like the name implies. The purple plant behind it is a Winecraft Black smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘NCCO1’, Zones 4–8) I keep small, and the other dark plant to the right is a Fireside ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘UMNHarpell’, Zones 3–7). For the foreseeable future, I’ll be fighting with myself over how large I can stand to let the holly next to the iris get. It came from my parents’ land and they’re substantial in the wild.
The rootstock of a grafted rose is on the left with Peaches and Cream honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum ‘Inov86’, Zones 4–9) on the right. Weirdly, I think the honeysuckle smells like sunscreen. The rose only blooms once but I love its exuberance after the grafted part failed to perform. I probably planted it incorrectly.
This area in July is still pretty flamboyant. This is Primal Scream daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Primal Scream’, Zones 3–9) with phlox, a canna, bee balm and what I think is a primrose that the birds must have planted.
I’m working on blocking the view here. There’s a young Spartan juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’, Zones 4–9) peeking out that will eventually fill in the middle of the “wall”. The while foliage in front is a Vanilla Brandy abelia (Abelia × grandiflora ‘Bailbeliaone’, Zones 6–9) that I planted in January two years ago. I like the contrast here of the fountain and feather reed grasses (Calamagrostis × acutiflora, Zones 4–11).
A foliage scene in November. The young dogwood is also from the woods at my parents’ house. The yellowing shrub behind it is a sweetshrub (Clethra alnifolia, Zones 4–9) I’ve pruned to stay more oval and upright. There’s also a Gro-Low fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’, Zones 3–9) on the left with orange-ish leaves. In the next bed, a Sweet Drift rose (Rosa ‘Meiswetdom’, Zones 4–11) is still blooming – the Drift series are pretty amazing and get taller than described here.Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous garden highlights with us, Alana! It’s absolutely true that the best part about gardening is that the garden is never truly done, and it’s incredible to see the beauty you’re able to create from the endless experimenting.
What goals do you have for your garden for this year? Are you planning for exciting new additions or tackling a project you’ve been putting off for a bit now? We would love the chance to see your space before it goes through its next evolution. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, fill out the Garden Photo of the Day Submission Form.
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Corona® Multi-Purpose Metal Mini Garden Shovel
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Longer Service Life: The blade of this round small shovel is made of carbon steel, which can effectively improve the hardness by high temperature quenching, and the surface has anti-rust coating to avoid rusting. In the process of use when encountering hard objects will not bend and deformation.
Sturdy Structure: The small garden shovel with D-handle, ergonomically designed grip can increase the grip of the hand when using, the handle is made of strong fiberglass, will not bend and break under heavy pressure. Quick Digging: Well-made digging shovel has a sharp blade, and the round shovel head is designed to easily penetrate the soil and cut quickly while digging to enhance your work efficiency.Johnny’s Selected Seeds Connecta® Cultivation Kit
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Choose the right tool head for the job and switch out quickly with a simple push-button release. Includes the Connecta receiver, Connecta Collinear 4 head, Connecta Collinear 7 head, Connecta Contour Wire 4 head, Connecta Contour Wire 6 head, a sustainably harvested oiled ashwood handle, and a stainless-steel carrying clip.
The Crevice Garden: How to make the perfect home for plants from rocky places
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A crevice garden replicates the environmental conditions of mountain tops, deserts, coastlines, and other exposed or rocky places on earth. These striking garden features provide perfect conditions for the plants native to these far-off places, bringing the cultivation of these precious gems within everybody’s reach.
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21 of the Best Japanese Holly Varieties to Grow at Home
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12. Mariesii
‘Mariesii’ is a pillar of green standing tall in the garden.
This female cultivar can top out at 20 feet while remaining a compact six feet wide, though it takes decades to reach that size.
The tiny leaves are dark green and thick, with a narrow band of white around their margins.
13. Patti O Box
Those in Zones 6 to 8 are lucky enough to be able to grow Patti O Box® (I. crenata ‘FARROWSK6’), which is a cross between ‘Sky Pencil’ and an unnamed cultivar.
It maintains a dense, compact pyramid shape that is extremely distinct.
It almost looks like a tiny Christmas tree at four feet tall and two feet wide at the base. Best of all, it maintains this shape with little or no pruning!
When I say little, that’s no joke. You may have to clip off one errant branch here or there that sticks out just a touch further than its neighbors.
Otherwise, it almost looks like you have carefully shaped the plant into a topiary, when in reality you have pretty much forgotten about maintaining it entirely.
Place it in a large container to add some interest to a patio.
Dreaming about this low-maintenance stand-out? Nab one at Nature Hills Nursery in a #3 container.
14. Sky Box
Sky Box® (I. crenata ‘Farrowone’) looks similar to the classic ‘Sky Pencil,’ but it’s shorter and slightly wider.
It stands about five feet tall and grows up to three feet wide, though it’s usually narrower.
It’s tolerant of pruning if you want to create an architectural focal point, or you can allow it to take its natural columnar shape. This male plant has flat leaves.
Hurry over to Nature Hills Nursery to pick one up in a #3 container.
15. Sky Pencil
If you want a stunning, upright plant with an extremely thin shape, ‘Sky Pencil’ is it. With little or no pruning, it maintains an upright, pencil-thin form that stretches up to eight feet high.
Even at that height, the plant will only be about 18 inches wide.
You can grow these close together to form a hedge, or separately as statement specimens. This is a female cultivar.
Pick up Sky Pencil plants in a variety of container sizes from Perfect Plants Nursery.
16. Steeds
‘Steeds’ has a compact pyramid shape that requires little upkeep to maintain, topping out at eight feet with a spread of six feet at the widest point.
The leaves on this female cultivar are deep, shiny, dark green.
You can find ‘Steeds’ in one- and three-gallon containers at Fast Growing Trees.
17. Snowflake
If you’re looking for a female plant, Snowflake, aka I. crenata ‘Shiro-Fukurin,’ is a slow-growing cultivar that reaches six feet tall within about 10 years, but eventually it can grow to 10 feet tall.
Photo via Alamy. The foliage has creamy white margins with gray-green centers. Some leaves might have splotches of creamy white in the centers, and others may even be entirely creamy white.
Grow these in partial shade, as the foliage can tend to scorch in full sun.
18. Soft Touch
If you’ve ever planted a holly near a sidewalk or driveway, then you know the pain they can inflict. Those stiff, spiny leaves can be unpleasant if you brush up against them.
I. crenata ‘Soft Touch’ lives up to its name. The leaves are soft and completely devoid of spines, and the new stem growth is soft and flexible as well. Not only will you not need to avoid them, but you might also actually find yourself reaching out to brush your hand along these plants.
You’re probably thinking to yourself that Japanese hollies never have spines on the leaves, and that’s true. But not all of them are this flexible and velvety to the touch.
And the benefits don’t stop in the tactile world.
They’re pretty to look at because each leaf has a distinct silver vein running down the middle, which almost gives them a shimmery appearance when they dance in the wind.
To make this sweet beauty a part of your garden, head to Nature Hills Nursery.
19. Stokes
‘Stokes’ is another dwarf cultivar, but it’s slightly less cold tolerant than the similar ‘Helleri.’ Don’t grow this one anywhere below Zone 6b.
Photo via Alamy. It tops out at three feet and spreads up to four feet wide, making it ideal as a hedge next to your home or patio.
The spreading habit on this male cultivar is elegant and open, with small, glossy, dark green leaves.
20. Straight & Narrow
If you want a columnar Japanese holly that maintains a dramatic pencil-like shape, Straight & Narrow® (I. crenata ‘PIIIC-I’) is the one.
With mature dimensions of eight feet tall and just two feet wide, it makes a perfect hedge when planted in a row, or it can fill in a narrow space.
This male cultivar is not as tolerant of cold or heat as some other cultivars. It’s best for Zones 6 to 8, or if you plant it in a spot in Zone 5 that offers a little protection.
Bring this tall beauty home from Nature Hills Nursery.
21. Touch of Gold
Also labeled as ‘Adorned,’ ‘Touch of Gold’ originated as a sport of ‘Hoogendorn.’
Like its parent, it is wider than it is tall and requires no pruning to maintain its shape. ‘Touch of Gold’ grows to be about 18 inches tall and five feet wide in 10 years.
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Kristine Lofgren
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Smart timekeeping for modern parents: style and structure in a growing family – Growing Family
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Collaborative post
As family life expands and routines become more layered, investing in reliable accessories becomes less about luxury and more about practicality. For parents exploring refined yet durable timepieces, collections such as tudor watches often stand out for their balance of heritage craftsmanship and everyday resilience. In a growing household where schedules overlap and responsibilities multiply, the right watch can quietly support both organisation and personal style.
When family life gets busier, precision matters
The early years of parenting revolve around nap schedules and feeding times. As children grow, calendars fill with school activities, appointments, sports clubs, and social events. Time stops being abstract and becomes a structural pillar of daily life.
Relying solely on a smartphone might seem convenient, but it often introduces distraction. Notifications interrupt focus, and quick time checks can turn into prolonged scrolling. A wristwatch offers immediate clarity. A simple glance provides what you need without pulling you into digital noise.
For parents juggling professional commitments alongside family responsibilities, this small distinction is powerful. Meetings, school pick ups, and after school activities demand punctuality. A dependable watch becomes a quiet partner in maintaining structure.
Choosing a watch that grows with your lifestyle
Family life evolves, and so should the accessories you rely on. A well chosen watch is not just for special occasions. It must transition seamlessly from weekday routines to weekend outings and formal events.
Everyday strength meets refined design
Parents need durability, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sophistication. Look for models that combine strong case materials with timeless aesthetics. Stainless steel construction, high quality finishing, and robust crystals provide reassurance against daily wear.
Design versatility is equally important. Neutral tones and classic dial layouts ensure your watch pairs easily with both casual and professional attire. This eliminates the need for multiple accessories and simplifies decision making on busy mornings.
Comfort for long, active days
Parenting rarely involves sitting still. From carrying toddlers to attending school events and commuting to work, your watch must feel comfortable throughout extended wear.
Consider the following elements when assessing comfort and practicality:
- A case size that suits your wrist without feeling bulky
- A secure clasp that stays in place
- A bracelet or strap that remains breathable and smooth against the skin
- Clear, legible markers for quick time checks in any lighting
Understanding movements and maintenance
Beyond design, the internal mechanism of a watch plays a major role in long term satisfaction. Parents often prefer solutions that align with their tolerance for upkeep.
Mechanical watches offer craftsmanship and tradition, appealing to those who appreciate intricate engineering. They reflect movement and precision, qualities that resonate with structured family life. However, they may require occasional servicing to maintain optimal performance.
Automatic movements, powered by wrist motion, provide convenience while preserving mechanical appeal. If worn regularly, they operate smoothly without daily winding.
For families who prefer minimal intervention, certain modern movements are designed for reliability and ease. The key is understanding your routine. If you rotate between several accessories, choose a mechanism that matches how frequently you will wear the watch.
Creating small rituals in a busy household
In the midst of raising children, personal rituals often disappear. A watch can reintroduce a subtle sense of identity and routine. Putting it on each morning signals the start of a structured day. Removing it in the evening marks a transition into family time.
These small cues support mental clarity and can help separate work responsibilities from home life, even when both happen under the same roof.
A consistent storage habit also prevents damage or loss. Establishing one designated place for your watch encourages organisation, something especially valuable in households with curious young children.
Simple protective habits can extend longevity:
- Keep the watch away from harsh chemicals and strong magnets
- Wipe your watch clean after exposure to moisture or sweat
- Ensure crowns and pushers are properly secured before contact with water
These steps require little effort yet significantly reduce unnecessary wear.
Long term value in a growing family
As families expand, financial decisions often become more intentional. Investing in a well crafted watch can represent both practicality and lasting value. Rather than purchasing multiple lower quality accessories over time, selecting a durable and versatile piece supports sustainability.
A thoughtfully chosen timepiece can also carry emotional significance. It may accompany you through milestones such as a child’s first day at school, family celebrations, or career achievements. Over the years, it transforms from an accessory into a marker of shared history.
For parents in the United Kingdom balancing professional ambitions with family priorities, understated elegance combined with reliability is often the ideal combination. A watch that embodies these qualities adapts as children grow and routines shift.
Timeless confidence for every stage of parenthood
In a growing family, time feels both precious and scarce. The right watch does more than measure hours. It reinforces punctuality, supports daily structure, and reflects personal confidence.
By selecting a design that merges durability, comfort, and enduring style, parents can rely on a single piece through multiple life stages. As responsibilities evolve and children become more independent, that steady presence on your wrist remains constant.
A well chosen timepiece ultimately becomes part of your family story, quietly accompanying you through the busy, rewarding journey of raising children while maintaining your own sense of identity and purpose.
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Catherine
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Fenugreek Microgreens: How to Grow Methi Sprouts in 14 Days on Your Counter (No Soil Required) – Gardenista
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My fenugreek may be your methi. The aromatic, cuboid seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum—a clover-like legume whose botanical name translates as Greek hay—are used as a spice in food traditions spanning South and West Asia, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Sprouted, the seeds are an accessible and easy way of growing your own fenugreek microgreens, and allow you to enjoy its friendly aroma and nuttily bitter, green-tonic flavor, even if you don’t have a garden, or if it is the middle of winter. A lush tray of fenugreek seedlings on a windowsill is a satisfying thing when the world is frozen.
Above: Fenugreek microgreens. Methi is a pan-South Asian term for the plant, and hilbeh is transliterated from Arabic. The Turkish name is çemen. The plant is probably native to the broad region encompassing Southern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and West Asia. Fenugreek smells, to me, like the Westernized commercial Indian curry powders I grew up with, long before learning that “curry” is a catchall for a complex array of dishes in a flock of cultural traditions. The smell of fenugreek is often described as strongly reminiscent of maple syrup—compelling.
Above: Fenugreek growing in-ground. Fenugreek makes a good cover crop, since the legume fixes nitrogen in the soil, as well as a green vegetable: the well-known Indian aloo methi combines the tender stems and leaves of fenugreek (methi) with potatoes. (Years ago, it was Madhur Jaffrey’s memoir, Climbing the Mango Trees, that gave me a longing for fresh fenugreek greens.)
Above: Fenugreek microgreens with warm potatoes, eggs and turmeric butter. And it is with potatoes that I like to deploy my own microgreens: with warm baby potatoes, eggs, and vivid turmeric butter. The fresh greens add their powerfully sweet aroma along with their much-appreciated trace of bitterness to a plate that brims with functional food goodness.
Above: Fenugreek seeds for microgreens—I use store-bought spices for sprouting. To make your own fenugreek microgreens no special equipment is required. No soil, no pot with drainage. I use a ceramic tray, but a shallow soup bowl, or enamelware would work, too.
The seeds are soaked, covered for three days (to create a dark environment), and then uncovered and placed somewhere bright. You only add water when it threatens to dry up, keeping the sprouting seeds very lightly moist. As to where to find fenugreek seeds for growing the microgreens, I have been very lucky with store-bought spices—100 percent germination rate, in fact, which surprised me. They are also available online especially for sprouting.
Above: Fenugreek seeds have sprouted after 48 hours in a shallow tray with water, covered. 
Above: A school slate is the cover for my microgreens. [ad_2]
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Marty’s 2025 Garden Highlights, Part 4 – Fine Gardening
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Happy Monday GPODers!
We’ve seen a spectacular assortment of eye-catching plants, creative combinations and sublime scenes from Marty Oostveen’s garden in Douglassville, Pennsylvania (Zone 7a), but today we’ve got one last batch of photos showcasing her 2025 highlights. Be sure to check out the other 2025 highlights she shared, if you missed them: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
I finally got around to getting some more pictures from my gardening year 2025. We started out dry, after a very dry 2024, but then it started raining in spring, when suddenly the garden really came back to life.
‘The Yellow Garden”, which was made in memory of my mom, who loved everything yellow. A bit of pink snuck in when some yellow and orange coneflowers reverted to pink. In early summer the lilies take off and my garden turns into a fragrant yellow garden.
Beds near the She Shed. I grow the celosia from seed or buy a tray with small plants. Before planting, I cut every plant in half, making them bushier and fuller.
Clouds reflecting in my pond
These are the beds facing away from the She Shed. You can see the raised bed in the middle of the front garden. Around the raised bed are gravel paths and then one more bed facing the walkway in front of the house.
The bed at the sidewalk. This is the blue and yellow “Ukrainian Garden,” so named for my husband whose parents came from the Ukraine following WWII.
This is the bed near the She Shed with the celosia, now all grown in.
Baby ferns are growing in all the nooks and crannies of the old wood I use as edging for the beds. Ever so often I put a call out on my Facebook page to get more wood as pieces disintegrate into nothingness or birds pull them to pieces to search for insects.
A collection of hostas and pulmonaria around my yellow magnolia and summersweet (Clethra alnifolia, Zones 4–9).I could go on and on, but there is always the upcoming season. Meanwhile I have digitalis and celosia seedlings growing in the basement, keeping me busy. In case anyone is interested, you can follow my garden on my Facebook page: Marty Oostveen
Happy gardening everyone!
Thank you so much for sharing all of these stunning photos of your gorgeous gardens with us, Marty! I hope 2026 provides you with just as many marvelous garden moments, and that we continue to see your inspiring updates and highlights.
The 2026 growing season will be in full swing before we know it, even if it still feels painfully far away for some, so consider sharing your garden highlights from last year before new flowers and fresh foliage steal our attention. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
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Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, fill out the Garden Photo of the Day Submission Form.
You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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35 of the Best Strawberry Varieties for Home Gardeners
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What does this mean for planning and planting?
Well, it all depends on where you live.
In cold USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and lower, strawberries should be planted in the spring. This gives them enough time to become established before the cold winter weather sets in.
Growers in warm Zones 7 and up typically plant around Labor Day for harvests beginning the following spring.
In addition to our descriptions of the best cultivars and what they have to offer, we’ve included a selection of strawberry seeds, bare roots, and live plants that are available from our trusted affiliates.
It’s time to pick your favorites and start planning the berry patch of your dreams!
1. AC Wendy
A vigorous early-season ‘Evangeline’ cross developed at the Kentville research station in Nova Scotia, ‘AC Wendy’ is known for its runner production and high fruit yields.
This variety isn’t picky – it does well in full sun and can be planted in both light and heavy soils.
Conical to wedge-shaped large fruits ripen early on this cold-tolerant June-bearing variety, which thrives in Zones 4 to 8.
The berries have a firm texture and are known for holding up well to freezer storage after harvest.
But since they produce their white flowers early, this also means there’s a potential for frost damage. Be sure to protect your crops in the case of a late freeze.
Vigorous growers with a prostrate habit, a mature height of 12 inches, and a spread of 24 to 36 inches, these plants are moderately resistant to powdery mildew and red stele fungal disease.
But they are susceptible to verticillium wilt and angular leaf spot.
Packages of 25 bare root plants are available from Burpee.
2. Albion
These day-neutral sweeties have a high sugar content and they’re sure to please in terms of flavor.
A cross of ‘Diamante’ and ‘Cal 94.16-1’ developed at the University of California and released in 2006, ‘Albion’ produces long, conical fruit with a firm texture.
Resistant to verticillium wilt, Phytophthora crown rot, and anthracnose crown rot, this type is known for producing high yields of one to three pints of fruit per plant.
‘Albion’ does best if grown in full sun in Zones 4 to 8 (though some claim there’s some wiggle room here, expanding that range to Zones 3 to 9).
Fragrant white flowers are attractive to pollinators.
With a mounded growth habit, height of 12 inches, and spread of 24 to 36 inches at maturity, 500 chill hours are required for good yields.
With a moderate to fast growth rate, expect 90 days to harvest.
Packages of 25 bare root plants are available from Burpee.
3. All Star
A reliable cultivar developed by the USDA and plant breeders at the University of Maryland, this cross of ‘US 4419’ and ‘MDVS 3184’ was first released in 1981.
‘All Star’ (or ‘Allstar’) has white flowers, and large fruit with a sweet and mild flavor. A firm texture means your harvest will hold up well to freezer storage.
This midseason June-bearing variety is highly resistant to red stele, and moderately resistant to verticillium wilt. It can even be planted in clay or sandy soils.
Plants are suited to Zones 6 to 8, where they will grow to a height of about 10 inches with a spread of 18 inches.
Bare root plants in packages of 25 are available from Nature Hills Nursery.
4. Alpine Alexandria
An heirloom alpine type, ‘Alexandria’ is a cultivar of F. vesca. It produces white flowers and teeny-tiny berries known for their delicious and distinct flavor and texture.
High yielding, runnerless, everbearing plants are happiest with some room to spread out, at least 18 inches between plants, and this type is also suited to growing as a ground cover.
Grow it in containers if you don’t want it to spread.
Planted in full sun to partial shade in Zones 6 to 8, you can expect this type to reach a height of eight to 10 inches.
Plants are available from Burpee.
5. Alpine Yellow Wonder
Looking for something a little different? How about strawberries that ripen to a pale yellow color?
With their gourmet flavor and an aroma reminiscent of pineapple, these tiny treats are less attractive to birds than their red counterparts, so there’s sure to be plenty left for you when harvest time rolls around.
This everbearing F. vesca cultivar produces white flowers, and is known for its high yields of small berries that are easy to pick from the stems.
‘Yellow Wonder’ does best in full sun in Zones 6 to 8. It has a prostrate growth habit, height of eight to 10 inches at maturity, and a spread of 14 to 18 inches.
Plants are available from Burpee.
6. Alpine White Soul
Not only does this F. vesca cultivar boast a ghostly white color when ripe, it has an unusual flavor as well. Some say these taste like tropical fruit, others note hints of grape or rose.
If you’ve tried them before, please let us know in the comments what you think they taste like!
You won’t need to worry about protecting your crops with netting since birds won’t typically go after the colorless fruits, but you may want to lay out some shade covers to prevent sunburn.
These vigorous everbearing plants produce white flowers, and they do best in full sun in Zones 6 to 8.
They have a prostrate growth habit, with a height of eight to 10 inches at maturity and a spread of 14 to 18 inches.
Plants are available from Burpee.
All three types of alpine strawberries described above are also available as live plants in a convenient three-pack. You can find Burpee’s Alpine Collection here.
7. Berries Galore Pink Hybrid
Mature in 75 days, this hybrid everbearing variety produces sweet, medium-sized, pinkish-red fruit that can typically be harvested every three days or so throughout the season.
This type is hardy in Zones 5 to 9 with large, early, pink flowers. It has a height of six to 12 inches at maturity and a spread of 18 inches.
Packages of 100 seeds are available from True Leaf Market.
8. Camarosa
An early midseason June-bearing cultivar, ‘Camarosa’ does well in warmer climates.
In fact, this type is well-adapted to southern California in particular, and other hot areas at low latitudes.
Large and flat wedge-shaped fruits, similar to those you will often see at the grocery store, have a firm texture and good flavor.
A cross of ‘Douglas’ and ‘Cal 85.281-605’ bred at the University of California and released in 1992, it’s a relatively heat-tolerant variety, but best grown in Zones 5 to 8.
‘Camarosa’ produces white flowers and loves full sun. Mature plants reach a height of 10 to 12 inches with a spread of eight to 12 inches and a prostrate growth habit.
Plants are available from Burpee.
9. Chandler
A midseason June-bearing cultivar, ‘Chandler’ produces firm, large, flavorful berries with that classic conical shape that you know and love.
Best suited to full sun conditions in Zones 5 to 8, this cultivar has a prostrate growth habit with a mature height of six to eight inches and a spread of 12 to 18 inches.
Bred at the University of California and released in 1983, this is a cross between ‘Douglas’ and ‘Cal 72.361-105.’
‘Chandler’ produces good yields in southern states, and it is adaptable to eastern regions of the US as well.
It has white flowers, and it’s also worth noting that this cultivar is susceptible to anthracnose disease.
Plants are available from Burpee.
10. Charlotte
You’ll appreciate multiple harvests of sweet berries from June through first frost in the fall with this everbearing variety, even during the heat of the summer.
And pollinators love the magenta-pink flowers.
This cultivar has good cold tolerance, and is tolerant of mites and powdery mildew as well.
A French cross between ‘Mara des Bois’ and ‘Cal 19,’ ‘Charlotte’ is a vigorous grower that does best in full sun in Zones 3 to 8.
It reaches a mature height of eight to 10 inches with a spread of eight to 12 inches.
Five hundred chill hours are required for good yields, and you can expect 75 days to harvest.
You can find packages of 10 plants available from Home Depot.
11. Delizz
Noteworthy as the first strawberry to be chosen as an All-America Selections Winner back in 2016, this type is great for growing in containers.
Very sweet, medium-sized conical berries grow on strong stems – so they won’t fall off before they’re ripe.
This everbearing hybrid produces white flowers. Best suited to full sun locations in Zones 3 to 8, this cultivar has a mounding habit, with a height and spread of 10 to 24 inches.
Plants are available from Burpee.
12. Delizzimo
If you’re looking for fruit that’s ready for harvest early in the season right through to early fall, ‘Delizzimo’ does not disappoint.
With small, white flowers, this compact everbearing variety has a mounding habit, and it’s known for high yields of fruit with a sweet flavor.
Grow it in full sun in Zones 3 to 8. Plants have a height and spread of 10 to 24 inches at maturity.
Plants are available from Burpee.
13. Earliglow
Possibly the earliest cultivar to produce a harvest during the growing season, ‘Earliglow’ is an early-season June-bearing variety.
It produces high yields of sweet, medium-sized, cone-shaped berries with a firm texture, so they’ll hold up to processing and freezing.
With a height of 12 inches and a spread of 24 to 36 inches at maturity, and a prostrate growth habit, this cultivar grows best in full sun in Zones 4 to 8.
With excellent resistance to red stele, and moderate resistance to root rot and verticillium wilt, this type is regarded as a good option for beginners.
Fragrant white flowers are attractive to pollinators, and it has a mounded habit.
For the best harvest, 500 chill hours are required. Berry size tends to decrease as the season progresses.
Plants and bare roots ready for planting are available from Burpee.
14. Elan
A late season everbearing variety that produces yields from July to October, shiny biconical berries are known for being easy to pick – the calyx breaks easily when fruits are ripe.
Another F1 hybrid, ‘Elan’ grows true to seed and has white flowers.
Grow these vigorous plants in full sun in Zones 5 to 8. You can expect a height of eight to 10 inches and spread of 14 to 18 inches at maturity, with a prostrate growth habit.
Plants are available from Burpee.
15. Eversweet
With cone-shaped berries that are particularly flavorful, this cultivar is known for being exceptionally heat tolerant.
In fact, it was bred specifically for growing in the southeastern US.
Expect the best yields in full sun locations in Zones 5 to 8. It does well in containers and small spaces, and is even known for producing quality fruit in its first year.
This everbearing variety has white flowers, and plants reach a height of 12 to 16 inches with an equal spread at maturity.
Deer and disease resistant, it has no chill hour requirements and a prostrate growth habit. Expect 90 days to harvest.
Bare root plants in packages of 25 are available from Burpee.
16. Evie-2
If you just can’t get enough strawberries throughout the growing season, you can expect three crops of flavorful fruit in the spring, summer, and fall with this day-neutral cultivar.
Developed by Edward Vinson Ltd. in the UK and released in 2006, this cross of ‘Everglade’ and ‘J92D12’ is best grown in full sun in Zones 4 to 8.
‘Evie-2’ is less sensitive to warm summer temperatures than other day-neutral varieties that may produce a smaller summertime harvest, with a prostrate growth habit.
In fact, it’s known for producing one of the highest yields of all the day-neutral cultivars.
This type produces white flowers. Expect a mature height of 12 to 15 inches and a spread of 12 to 24 inches.
Packages of 25 bare root plants are available from Burpee.
17. Flavorfest
A mid-season June-bearing variety developed by the USDA’s Agriculture Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland and released in 2012, this one’s big on flavor with high yields of large, plump berries.
Vigorous plants with white flowers, they’re resistant to red stele and resistant or tolerant of most stem and leaf diseases known to plague strawberries.
‘Flavorfest’ is not susceptible to anthracnose crown and fruit rot.
Grown in full sun in containers or beds, ‘Flavorfest’ has a prostrate growth habit, with a height and spread of 12 to 16 inches at maturity.
It’s best suited to the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions of the US in Zones 4 to 7.
For the best yields, 600 chill hours are required, with only 30 days to harvest.
Plants and bare roots ready for planting are available from Burpee.
18. Galletta
A super hardy and vigorous cultivar that’s particularly disease resistant, this option is excellent for organic gardeners.
You won’t have to worry about black root rot, black vine weevils, or red stele with ‘Galletta.’ And it can be grown in heavy soil as well.
An ‘Earliglow’ and ‘NCH 87-22’ cross developed by Jim Ballington at North Carolina State University and released in 2010, this is an early-season June-bearing cultivar with white flowers and large, firm, aromatic berries.
Best in Zones 4 to 7 in full sun, you can expect a height and spread of 12 to 16 inches at maturity and a prostrate growth habit.
Bare root plants are available from Burpee.
19. Grande Berried Treasure Red
With stunning rose-colored semi-double flowers, trailing runners, and medium-sized red berries, this is an excellent option for containers.
Grow it in full sun in Zones 4 to 9.
You can expect a height of 12 to 16 inches and spread of 18 to 24 inches at maturity.
This type has a mounded habit, no chill hour requirements, and you can expect about 28 days to harvest.
Live plants are available in four-packs from Proven Winners via Walmart.
20. Honeoye
This cultivar was developed at Cornell University by plant breeders at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) and released in 1979.
A cross of ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Holiday,’ it was a top seller for decades, and remains popular among growers today.
Early midseason June-bearing plants produce white flowers and very high yields of medium-sized, bright red berries.
These are known for their relatively firm texture and for holding their color in processing, so they’re great for home canning.
Grow ‘Honeoye’ in full sun in Zones 3 to 9. This type is relatively adaptable, but it does best when planted in loamy, light soil and makes a lovely addition to raised beds.
You can expect a maximum height of eight to 10 inches with a spread of 12 inches.
Unfortunately, this cultivar does not exhibit any particular types of soil disease resistance, and it is susceptible to black root rot.
Bare root plants in packages of 25 are available from Burpee.
21. Jewel
Producing large, juicy, wedge-shaped berries with a solid red hue inside and out, ‘Jewel’ berries are known for freezing well, and harvested fruit resists rotting in storage.
This late midseason June-bearing variety has fruit that’s easy to pick, with a low-growing prostrate habit, a max height of 12 inches, and a spread of 24 to 36 inches.
Developed at Cornell/NYSAES and released in 1985, ‘Jewel’ is a cross of ‘Senga Sengana’ and ‘NYE58’ with ‘Holiday.’
Best grown in full sun in Zones 4 to 8, plants are moderately winter hardy. This cultivar is susceptible to leaf spot, red stele, powdery mildew, black root rot, and verticillium wilt.
It’s not the toughest variety out there, but with a little extra TLC, you’ll love its pinkish white flowers and tasty fruit.
Provide 500 chill hours for best yields, and expect 75 days to harvest.
Plants and bare roots are available from Burpee.
22. Mara Des Bois
This is a day-neutral French variety first introduced by plant breeder Jacques Marionnet in 1991.
It is a cross between ‘Gento’ and ‘Osara’ with ‘Red Gauntlet’ and ‘Korona’ that’s great for growing in containers or raised beds.
You’ll love the small-to-medium-sized, sweet, conical berries that this cultivar produces.
Yields are sure to be plentiful from June until first frost, if grown in full sun in Zones 4 to 8. In fact, this type is sometimes said to be the most flavorful and aromatic of all cultivars.
‘Mara Des Bois’ has a prostrate habit and produces white flowers, with a mature height of 12 to 15 inches and spread of 12 to 24 inches.
Packages of 25 bare root plants are available from Burpee.
23. Mignonette
This heirloom French F. vesca cultivar has white flowers and tiny, sweet, gourmet-quality berries.
The bushy, runnerless plants are great for growing in containers in Zones 4 to 9, in full sun conditions.
With a height of just six to eight inches and a spread of 12 inches, this is an everbearing variety with a somewhat mounded growth habit that’s perfect for smaller spaces.
Frost tolerant, this type also exhibits resistance to fungal disease.
Seeds in packages of 125 are available from Burpee.
24. Montana
Its extra-large, showy white flowers are attractive to pollinators.
And trailing runners bearing conical, medium-sized fruits make this hybrid cultivar excellent for containers and hanging baskets.
With a compact mounding habit, this everbearing variety can reach a height and spread of 10 to 24 inches, if given the room. Growth is fast, once this cultivar becomes established.
‘Montana’ does best in full sun in Zones 3 to 8. Expect 75 days to harvest, and provide 500 chill hours for the best yields.
Plants are available from Burpee.
25. Ozark Beauty
Developed by J. B. Winn in Arkansas and released in 1955, this best-selling cultivar is a cross between ‘Red Rich’ and ‘Twentieth Century.’
With a large initial yield of extra-large, sweet, and juicy fruit, berries have a uniform shape and can grow up to four inches in size. Smaller harvests follow throughout the growing season.
This everbearing variety is a vigorous grower that’s resistant to leaf spot and leaf scorch. But ‘Ozark Beauty’ is susceptible to red stele, verticillium wilt, and anthracnose.
Expect a height of six to eight inches and spread of 12 to 24 inches at maturity. You can grow this type in full sun in Zones 4 to 8, or push your luck and give it a try in Zones 3 and 9.
This cultivar is known for being highly adaptable.
It is well-suited to northern climates and locations at a higher elevation in the south. It’s also very cold hardy if well cared for, reportedly able to survive low temperatures of -30°F.
Since this cultivar loves the cold, it’s not surprising that 1000 chill hours are required for the best yields.
With a mounded habit, ‘Ozark Beauty’ requires 90 days to harvest, and white, fragrant flowers are attractive to pollinators.
Bare root plants in packages of 10, 20, and 50 are available from Eden Brothers.
26. Purple Wonder
Strawberries are red, and sometimes white, occasionally yellow, and maybe even a little pinkish… right?
Well, get ready because this is the first-ever purple variety!
Purple Wonder® is a June-bearing type bred by Courtney Weber at Cornell University and released in 2012.
The sweet and flavorful berries are a standout with their bold, deep color that appears throughout the fruit, inside and out.
Best grown in full sun in Zones 4 to 8 with a prostrate growth habit, Purple Wonder® will reach a mature height of eight to 12 inches and spread of 10 to 12 inches.
These don’t produce many runners and they’re excellent for growing in containers.
Plants are available from Burpee.
27. Ruby Ann
If you’re a fan of huge yields and your aim is to grow your berries in hanging baskets, give this cultivar a try.
‘Ruby Ann’ is a looker, with large, deep red flowers and bountiful ruby-red fruit on trailing runners.
Best grown in Zones 3 to 8, this everbearing cultivar has a mounding habit and it does best in full sun.
Expect a height and spread at maturity of 10 to 24 inches.
Plants are available from Burpee.
28. Rutgers Scarlet
A June-bearing variety named for the university breeding program from whence it came and released in 2015, this Jersey type is juicy with a particularly delicious sweet-tart flavor, and it was “solely developed for fresh picking.”
Best in Zones 5 to 8, with a mounding habit and white flowers, grow ‘Rutgers Scarlet’ in full sun for the best yields.
You can expect this type to reach a height of eight to 10 inches and spread of 10 to 24 inches at maturity.
Plants are available from Burpee.
29. Seascape
A high yielding day-neutral plant that does well in a variety of soil types, ‘Seascape’ has a prostrate habit with large, conical, bright red berries that weigh about two ounces each.
Developed at the University of California and released in 1991, peak production for this cross between ‘Selva’ and ‘Douglas’ can be expected in August and September.
Heat tolerant and very resistant to disease, this cultivar does best in full sun in Zones 4 to 8, and it’s known as a favorite among growers in California and the northeastern regions of the US.
With a height and spread of 12 inches by 23 to 36 inches, this type will also do well in containers, and fragrant white flowers are attractive to pollinators.
You can expect 90 days to harvest, and 500 chill hours are required.
Packages of 25 bare root plants are available from Burpee.
And if you want to keep strawberry season going in your garden for as long as possible, Burpee offers an All Season Collection of ‘Earliglow,’ ‘Jewel,’ and ‘Seascape’ bare root plants in packages of 25 each.
30. Sweet Charlie
Bred at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center with growers in the southern states in mind, this June-bearing early-season cultivar produces high yields of super sweet and flavorful medium-sized berries with a firm texture.
Expect one to two pints of fruit per plant, with larger berries produced at the beginning of the season.
‘Sweet Charlie’ will provide a second crop of large fruit at the very end of the season in some years.
These vigorous plants have a prostrate growth habit, and with a height of 12 inches and spread of 12 to 20 inches at maturity, they can be grown in containers.
Best planted in full sun in Zones 5 to 8, ‘Sweet Charlie’ is a cross of ‘FL 80-856’ and ‘Pajaro.’
Highly resistant to Collectotrichum acutatum anthracnose fruit rot, this cultivar is also resistant to Phomopsis fruit rot, crown rot, two-spotted spider mites, and powdery mildew.
But unfortunately, this type is susceptible to leaf blight and Botrytis fruit rot.
Plants are available from Burpee.
31. Sweet Kiss
High summertime yields with large, wedge-shaped berries on small plants? Yes, please!
‘Sweet Kiss’ is perfect for growing in containers in full sun in Zones 5 to 8.
With a prostrate habit, this everbearing cultivar maxes out at 10 inches in height (usually somewhere closer to six to eight inches) with a spread of 12 to 16 inches.
Bare root plants in packages of 25 are available from Burpee.
The Three Great Strawberries Collection from Burpee also features this cultivar, along with ‘Earliglow’ and ‘AC Wendy’ in packages of 25 bare root plants each.
32. Toscana
A standout known for its fruit as well as its flowers, this everbearing variety from Dutch breeding company ABZ Seeds has tons of ornamental value, with deep rose-colored flowers, a lush prostrate habit, and sweet, small, dark red fruit.
‘Toscana’ was a winner of the 2011 FleuroStar Award granted by Fleuroselect. And this F1 hybrid is frost tolerant and great for self-sowing.
Plant it in containers or hanging baskets, in full sun or partial shade, to decorate your outdoor space in Zones 4 to 9.
Expect a mature height of eight to 12 inches and spread of 12 to 16 inches.
Plants are available from Burpee.
33. Tristan
Another cultivar with equally impressive ornamental and edible value, ‘Tristan’ has deep rose-colored blooms and bright red berries.
These compact everbearing plants are known for being plagued with few problems, so they’re great for beginners. And kids will delight in harvesting their own sweet, homegrown berries.
Best grown in full sun in Zones 5 to 8, this type features a prostrate growth habit.
With a mature height of eight to 10 inches and spread of 14 to 18 inches, ‘Tristan’ is perfect for growing in containers as well as beds.
Plants are available from Burpee.
34. White Pineberry
You’ve probably seen photos of these floating around the internet, and they’re not a hoax. In fact, white pineberries are becoming incredibly popular among growers today!
Dutch breeder Hans de Jongh developed this type from French source stock, and it was released in 2009.
Known for their white color and red seeds, F. virginiana x chiloensis ‘White Pineberry’ is almost like an inside-out or photo negative version of your typical strawberry.
Deer resistant, this unique cultivar is aromatic with a mild pineapple flavor, and it produces white flowers. No chill hours are required, and you can expect your first harvest in the second year.
Since they are only partially self-pollinating, another cultivar (such as ‘Quinalt’) is often also included with purchase to cross-pollinate and increase yields.
Even though these two types differ in appearance, they won’t develop hybridized fruit.
Just keep in mind that seeds planted from either variety will not grow true if they were cross-pollinated.
Both are everbearing, vigorous varieties that produce lots of unrooted runners – so they’re great for hanging planters – and ‘Quinalt’ produces red fruit.
Grow ‘White Pineberry’ in full sun in Zones 5 to 8 and expect a mature height of 10 inches.
You can find ‘White Pineberry’ plants in two-quart containers available from Fast Growing Trees.
35. Whopper
If you’re looking for an impressively large strawberry, you’ve come to the right place!
‘Whopper’ produces berries that rival peaches in size, and these plants are extremely hardy and eager to multiply.
Unlike some of the other larger cultivars, these are sweet and juicy (because, as we all know, size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to homegrown fruit!).
This June-bearing cultivar is disease-resistant, hardy in Zones 5 to 10 with a mature height of eight to 10 inches and spread of eight to 12 inches.
With a medium growth rate, plants produce white flowers, and you can expect yields of one to three pints of fruit per plant.
Bare root plants are available in packs of 10 from Gurney’s via The Home Depot.
A Berry Patch Full of Luscious Fruit
In addition to several raspberry bushes, my grandpop always had a few strawberry plants growing in the beds alongside his house, and my uncle Norm actually grew up to be a strawberry farmer.
A passion for berries runs deep in my family.
Who knows – maybe planting a few of these tasty cultivars will encourage the children in your life to develop a love of the land as well, pursuing careers in the agricultural sciences or growing into green-thumbed gardeners themselves, proud of their homegrown harvests.
Whether you crave just a few tasty and colorful berries each summer, continual harvests throughout the season, or a big batch of bursting with juice that you can pick for an all-hands-on-deck canning session, we hope you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for among our favorites.
What’s your go-to strawberry cultivar? Any suggestions to share? We love hearing from our readers – feel free to drop us a line in the comments below!
And if you want to learn even more about growing your own berries at home, take a look at these guides next:
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Allison Sidhu
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