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  • Budget-Friendly Garden Tips from Our Readers – Fine Gardening

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    Try these creative garden tips from our readers

    1. Winning reader tip: Movable fences hide garden supplies

    Without a shed or work area in my garden to store extra pots, bags of potting soil, and other gardening supplies, my shady wooded area became an unsightly mess. I solved this problem by creating movable fences, which allow me to easily get to my stuff and to hide it when access is not needed. All I did was purchase several sections of wood fence panels and staple black privacy-fence screen fabric to the back. Then I lean the fence panels against adjacent trees, but they can also be supported by large stakes.


    —Nancy Kressin, West Roxbury, Massachusetts

    2. Tiles as edging materials

    I had a few surplus wall tiles, which I added to some my neighbors were giving away, and created a border for my front garden. Not only did this give me an inexpensive edging material, but it also saved those gorgeous tiles from the landfill.

    —Caroline Lontoc-Diaz, Doraville, Georgia

    3. Prechilling perennial seed hack for snowbirds

    I have some insights about starting perennials that may be helpful to folks who don’t winter in their northern homes. We go from central New York to southwestern Florida from mid-November to mid-April. I order seeds while I’m in Florida, and when they arrive, I place them in the salad drawer of my fridge in a closed plastic bag. That gives them the cold three-month minimum to replicate what winter would do.

    When I get back north, I plant them in the house as directed on each package and cover all trays with a lightweight, clear plastic sheet that is supported by a frame. They sit on a table in a sunny area on heat mats, and germination happens within days. As they grow, I move them to individual cells or pots. I use a peat-free mix of coco bricks, chicken compost, and vermiculite or rice hulls. No fertilizer is needed, and the deer are less likely to chomp them without the salt residue. In mid-May, every pot goes into my pop-up 8-foot by 8-foot greenhouse and gets planted out after mid-June.

    —Nancy Hook, Cazenovia, New York

    Read More: Get a Head Start with Winter Sowing

    4. Overwintering leeks

    Leeks can be frustrating to remove from the soil in early summer when the weather is dry. Sometimes I hose the bed with water and that helps, but even then, some of the leeks split when I try to extract them. The split bulbs that are stuck in the soil continue
    to live and show themselves in late summer and early fall, but they are small and may have tiny bulbils hanging on. When the
    soil is damp, I divide some of the small leftovers and give them plenty of space to overwinter in the soil, where they will sprout and grow in the spring.

    —Mary Crum, Bonita Springs, Florida

    5. Bargain saucers for plant pots

    Instead of paying top dollar for special saucers under my ceramic flowerpots, I find inexpensive dishes at thrift shops or dollar stores. Dinner plates in matching colors work very well and look great.

    —Barb Coe, Newport, Kentucky

    See More Reader Tips: 5 Everyday Hacks for Garden Chores

    Garden speaker shelter courtesy of Jeffrey Steiner

    6. Shelter for a garden speaker

    An unfinished birdhouse set on a pot makes a fine protective shelter for a smart speaker in the garden. Add a sweet potato vine trailing down from a neighboring planting pot, and no one will know where the background ambient sound is coming from. The shelter protects the electronic device from the occasional summer rain shower or a wayward squirt from a watering hose.

    —Jeffrey Steiner, Albany, Oregon

    If you have a gardening tip, send it to fg@taunton.com. The prize for the winning tip is a one-year subscription to Fine Gardening with an All Access membership!

    Photos: courtesy of the contributors

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    Fine Gardening Recommended Products

    Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Featuring gorgeous photography and advice for landscapers, Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West is dedicated to the idea of a new nature—a hybrid of both the wild and the cultivated—that can nourish in our cities and suburbs.

    Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.

    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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  • Elevating your family holiday with a villa stay – Growing Family

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    Family holidays are more than just a break from routine. They’re opportunities to reconnect, create shared memories, and enjoy meaningful time together. Where you choose to stay is one element that determines how your getaway turns out.

    For the longest time, hotels were the go-to accommodation for families and other travellers. However, the industry now offers many alternatives that are redefining travel. Villas are perfect for families for several reasons. Read on to discover why a villa can be the difference between an average holiday and a dream getaway.

    holiday villa with swimming pool

    Space and comfort

    One of the most significant advantages of staying in a villa is space. With hotel rooms, you may have to squeeze your entire family into a single room or split across multiple rooms, which can mean increased costs and tedious bookings. In comparison, villas provide separate bedrooms, living areas and outdoor spaces. This layout allows everyone to be together while enjoying personal downtime when necessary.

    Villas come in all sizes, making it easy to find accommodation that suits your family. Discover Villanovo’s family-friendly villa collection and rent a place that matches your needs. Villa accommodation offers a sense of freedom, which can dramatically reduce stress and make your holiday feel more like a true retreat.

    Unrivalled privacy

    Sharing common spaces such as pools and dining areas can be lively, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for families with young children. A private villa allows your family to enjoy amenities such as pools, gardens and terraces exclusively. You don’t have to worry about sticking to a timetable, and children can play safely without you constantly fretting about supervision. Also, if you want to lounge in the sun or read under a tree, you don’t have to worry about intrusions.

    holiday villa in countrysideholiday villa in countryside

    Ultimate flexibility

    Staying at a villa affords you a lot of freedom to do what you want. You can set your own rhythm to match individual needs. Have breakfast when it suits you, plan spontaneous day trips, or enjoy relaxed evenings without worrying about not being on time for the all-you-can-eat buffet. If you have young children, then such flexibility can be invaluable. It allows you to accommodate nap times, picky eating habits and unpredictable moods.

    Personalised experiences

    Staying in a villa also enhances the feeling of a ‘home away from home.’ Most villas come with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and comfortable living spaces. This means you can prepare meals that cater to dietary preferences, and save money by eating out less. Cooking as a family can become part of the holiday experience. Visiting local markets, trying regional ingredients and sharing meals can create cherished memories of the trip.

    While villas are ideal for family holidays, they’re not one-size-fits-all. The perfect space means different things to different people. So, when searching for a place to stay during your trip, consider a few things. The first is space: how much room do you need? An extended family of ten demands more space than a nuclear one of four. So, get enough for everyone to be comfortable. Another important factor is location: you need a place that suits your itinerary. For example, if it’s a beach holiday, then a beachfront villa might be perfect.

    While ticking off these criteria, keep cost at the back of your mind. Find a villa that is within your travel budget. Remember that you may have to spend money on some services like laundry and cleaning. Decide from the get-go how much you intend to spend and then explore the collection of villas available in your desired destination.

    The comfort, luxury and freedom that villas provide can turn a mundane holiday into an unforgettable experience. You can find beautiful spaces with top-tier amenities that are guaranteed to take the stress out of your trip. Whatever your holiday plans, a villa provides more than a place to lay your head. It offers an environment where family members can enjoy each other’s company at their own pace.

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    Catherine

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  • Gardening 101: Opium Poppy – Gardenista

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    Opium Poppy, Papaver somniferum

    The notoriety of Papaver somniferum, the “sleep-inducing poppy,” is only partly to do with its outlaw family.

    Opium poppies are grown for their edible seeds and for pharmaceutical uses. The type that you see in gardens—whether your own or in the medicinal section of a botanic garden—is the legal relation, not toxic enough to be useful to anyone. The subversive beauty of P. somniferum is firmly rooted in its fabulous color and texture, and the way it can turn a vegetable patch into a Dutch painting.

    Photography by Jim Powell for Gardenista.

    Self-seeded opium poppy that has not been weeded out of a fennel, in my garden.
    Above: Self-seeded opium poppy that has not been weeded out of a fennel, in my garden.

    More correctly but prosaically called “breadseed poppy,” Papaver somniferum is an unknown quantity when in bud. A couple of nearby seeds may result in shades of profound magenta and desirable pink, like the wild opium poppies in our vegetable garden, at the top of this page. On the other hand, they could germinate into the tawdriest hues of clapped-out mauve, in which case you are perfectly within your rights to pull them out.

    Above: Double varieties of black opium poppy include Papaver somniferum ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Black Peony’.

    This is the great thing about self-seeding plants: If you edit them, they look purposeful. If you don’t, then they are weeds, run amok. Opium poppies grow well with other poppies, seen here, above, at the Oxford Botanic Garden, in the medicinal plant beds. But it’s more fun to allow them to pop up wherever they like. In soil that is rich, like a vegetable garden, they will grow stout and tall, with handsome glaucous foliage and green-gray seed heads on strong stalks.

    Single deep black opium poppies at Oxford Botanic Garden.
    Above: Single deep black opium poppies at Oxford Botanic Garden.

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  • GPOD on the Road: The Garden Fling, Part 1 – Fine Gardening

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    Hi GPODers!

    Social media can be a controversial place. Anonymity can bring out the worst in people, and the most polarizing points of view can often get unworthy attention. However, it can also be a beautiful place that allows us to express, share, and connect. I find that the latter is especially true in the gardening corner of our online spaces. Just as gardeners are apt to welcome fellow plant-lovers into their landscapes, I find they are just as generous in giving out inspiration, advice, and insight to their followers. So I was thrilled to learn about an incredible gardening event from Sue Webel that allows gardeners who share on social media to connect in person. Sue has shared her gorgeous garden in Canton, Connecticut with the blog several times (Check out her previous submissions: Exceptional Scenes From Sue’s 2024 Garden, Sue’s Favorite Foliage Plants, Making a New Garden in Connecticut, and Highlights from Sue’s 2021 Garden), but today she’s sharing highlights from her time at the 2025 Garden Fling in Memphis, Tennessee.

    And if you would like to get inspired by more of Sue’s gorgeous garden photos, be sure to check out her Instagram: @musabasjoosue

    Pictures are from The Garden Fling which was held this year in Memphis in June. I believe the hardiness zone is 8a. The Garden Fling is an annual garden communicators event open to anyone who has a public social media account devoted to gardening. For more information you can visit the website or any of the associated social media accounts. The majority of these photos were taken in private gardens. The 2026 Fling will be held in July in Buffalo, NY.

    The Fling itinerary offers a mix of public and private gardens with an occasional nursery tossed into the mix. This photo was taken in the Memphis Botanic Garden which was lovely and well worth visiting if you find yourself in Memphis.

    Annesdale MansionAnnesdale Mansion, garden and event venue, hosted the Fling banquet. It was recently purchased by a new owner who is renovating and expanding the gardens.

    front garden with small treeExperience Memphis Gardens is a six week garden event inspired by Garden Walk Buffalo and organized by the local Cooper-Young Garden Club. One of our mornings was spent wandering in and out of gardens all located in the same neighborhood. I wish I lived in a neighborhood like that! The next four pictures are from this same neighborhood.

    shady garden patioA shady nook in one of the neighborhood gardens.

    shady garden corner with unique hand garden artSo many of the neighborhood gardens had creative entries.

    concrete statue that looks like old tree stumpAt first I thought this concrete statue was an old tree trunk.

    mass planting of elephant's earA large mass of elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta, Zones 8–11).

    variegated canna in front of garden gateFor the second half of our Experience Memphis Garden morning we were bussed to some larger individual gardens. Unfortunately torrential rains dampened some of these visits but not the spirits of the visitors. The following two pictures are from these gardens.

    crepe myrtle trunkI took so many pictures of crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica, Zones 7–9) trunks. They are so common in Memphis. I gave up trying to grow them in my northern Connecticut garden even as die back shrubs. My high elevation summer season is just short enough and cool enough to prevent them from blooming well.

    southern magnolia flowersLike crepe myrtles, southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora, Zones 7–9) was everywhere. Be still my heart-another beauty I can’t grow.

    Check back in with GPOD tomorrow so you do not miss Part 2 of Sue’s garden-filled foray in Memphis.

    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 Large Gardener’s Wash Basket

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    This basket was designed to be used by gardeners to wash freshly harvested vegetables before taking them inside. You can gather your vegetables and then hose them off right in the same basket. However, you can also use it for fruit or add a cloth liner for serving bread or other baked goods. Measuring 16″ long, 11″ wide and 4″ deep, it is made of chrome-plated steel to resist rust.

    Dramm Revolution Adjustable 9-Pattern Metal Hose Nozzle

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    – 15 x 10 x 7 inches
    – Ergonomic insulated grip
    – Maximum pressure of 90 PSI
    – Fully adjustable spray pattern
    – No trigger lock

    XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    – Large and clear dial, including ten scales, plug and read
    – Simply insert the moisture meter into soil and you’ll get the test result instantly
    – Single probe, less hurts to the roots, doesn’t dig up too much soil after test

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  • Do Not Plant This Invasive Groundcover if you Live in North America

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    Avoiding English Ivy, An Invasive Groundcover in North America





























    Privacy & Cookies Policy

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    Tara Nolan

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  • Turn Off the News and Get Outdoors | Letter from the Editor – Fine Gardening

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    A great photo transports you to another time and place. While looking for an image to fill a two-page spread in Erin Schanen’s article, Three Styles, One Gorgeous Garden, most of us gravitated toward option 5, the one that made the cut. But something about option 6 kept drawing me in, and I couldn’t quite figure it out until I noticed our editorial director, Danielle Sherry, deep in the garden with her camera. That’s what made this photo feel like home.

    It’s easy to love this job when you’re photographing a glorious garden in perfect morning light, or choosing between eight amazing photos to fill a spread. Most of Danielle’s time is now spent on the less lovable aspects of publishing, such as budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating endless details across the print and digital products we produce. So it brought me immense joy to catch a glimpse of her out in the field, where she is still an absolute rock star of a garden photographer.

    Gardens have healing power, which is much needed when news from the outside world feels overwhelming. The bonds we form with other people who love plants can also be a source of immense strength. This is the spirit we try to capture with each Fine Gardening article. Often, our editors have traveled to the garden, met the author, and photographed the scenes that accompany the story. We want you to know how a garden feels, not just how it looks.

    This winter, I hope you will have a chance to get outside for some restorative garden adventures where you can meet new folks. Perhaps you could check out a show at a public garden, or organize an informal winter garden tour with friends. Author Michael Barbour, Create a Water-Wise Design That Isn’t Dry and Boring, got his start in horticulture by volunteering at Denver Botanic Gardens and joining a rock gardening group. Do you think you could find time in the coming year to make some similar connections?

    And don’t forget to enjoy your own dormant garden during the winter break. This is dreaming season, and it will be easier to visualize all those fabulous new plants you’ll be adding next year when you are out there, part of the scene, like Danielle taking photos in Erin’s garden.

    Carol Collins, Editor in Chief

    See Fine Gardening Issue #226 now

     

     

    Fine Gardening Recommended Products

    A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point – no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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    Carol Collins

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  • Diagnosing and treating common plant diseases to maintain a healthy garden – Growing Family

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    Few things frustrate gardeners more than watching healthy plants suddenly succumb to mysterious ailments that seem to appear overnight and spread like wildfire. Whether you’re nurturing a vegetable patch, tending ornamental beds, or caring for houseplants, knowing how to spot and tackle common plant diseases makes the difference between a thriving garden and a disappointing season. This comprehensive guide walks you through the most troublesome plant diseases, what causes them, and proven strategies to keep your green spaces flourishing. When you need the right treatments and preventive supplies, resources for garden and plant care offer the products and tools necessary to tackle these challenges head-on.

    leaf spot plant disease

    Understanding plant disease fundamentals

    Three main culprits lie behind most plant diseases: fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These microscopic troublemakers flourish when environmental conditions work in their favour – think excessive humidity, stagnant air, and wild temperature swings. Plants already under stress from poor care or harsh conditions become sitting ducks for these pathogens.

    Disease spreads through surprisingly diverse channels. Splashing water carries spores, contaminated soil harbours dormant threats, insects shuttle pathogens from plant to plant, and even your favourite pruning shears can become unwitting accomplices if not properly cleaned between uses. Understanding these transmission routes empowers you to build robust defence strategies.

    Catching diseases early hinges on developing a keen eye for trouble signs. Watch for leaf discolouration that doesn’t match seasonal changes, mysterious spots appearing on foliage, white powdery substances coating surfaces, or wilting that persists despite adequate watering.

    Beyond visual cues, pay attention to behavioural red flags. These include growth that suddenly stalls, leaves dropping before their time, or strange odours emanating from your plants. Regularly checking your plants will help you separate genuine disease symptoms from common issues like nutrient shortages or weather stress.

    leaf with powdery mildew plant diseaseleaf with powdery mildew plant disease

    Common fungal diseases and management strategies

    Powdery mildew ranks among the most recognisable plant ailments, coating leaves and stems with its telltale white, flour-like dusting. This persistent fungus loves humid, stagnant conditions where air barely moves. Combat it with time-tested organic remedies like neem oil or turn to conventional fungicides for severe infestations. Better yet, prevent it by spacing plants generously and ensuring good air circulation throughout your garden.

    Leaf spot diseases paint foliage with an artist’s palette of unwelcome colours; brown, black, yellow, or red spots that start small but can merge into larger lesions. While they might seem merely cosmetic at first glance, these spots can devastate plant health if ignored. Your defence strategy involves swift removal of affected leaves, maintaining scrupulous garden hygiene, and using targeted fungicides when the situation demands it.

    Root rot and damping off strike where you can’t see them, turning healthy root systems into mushy, blackened disasters. These underground assassins thrive in waterlogged, oxygen-starved soil conditions. Prevention beats treatment every time. Establish sensible watering routines, ensure your soil drains properly, and resist the urge to love your plants to death with too much water.

    Bacterial and viral plant diseases

    Bacterial infections like bacterial wilt and leaf scorch spread with alarming efficiency through water droplets, insect bites, and contaminated gardening tools. Unlike their fungal counterparts, bacterial diseases offer few treatment options once established, making prevention your primary weapon. When bacterial infections strike, removing and destroying affected plants – no matter how painful – protects the rest of your garden from disaster.

    Viral diseases create some of the strangest symptoms you’ll encounter. Leaves develop bizarre mottled patterns, surfaces show mosaic-like designs, and growth becomes grotesquely distorted. Viruses hitchhike on insects, contaminated tools, and even your hands as you move between plants. Since no cure exists for viral infections, your strategy centres on choosing resistant plant varieties and keeping insects under control.

    a hand making a heart shape while holding grassa hand making a heart shape while holding grass

    Integrated pest management approach

    Prevention trumps treatment every single time when battling plant diseases. This philosophy translates into selecting varieties bred for disease resistance, giving plants room to breathe with proper spacing, maintaining spotless garden hygiene, and nurturing soil health through thoughtful amendments. Always quarantine new additions to prevent introducing problems to your established garden community.

    Regular monitoring paired with record-keeping can help you identify patterns that might otherwise escape notice, and recognise when action becomes necessary. An IPM (integrated pest management) approach emphasises treating based on actual threat levels rather than following rigid spray schedules. This means intervening only when disease pressure justifies the effort and expense.

    Your treatment arsenal ranges from simple cultural adjustments, such as tweaking watering schedules or improving drainage, to organic solutions featuring beneficial microorganisms and copper-based fungicides. When circumstances call for conventional chemical interventions, it’s crucial to get the timing right and apply according to label instructions.

    a person gardening in a raised beda person gardening in a raised bed

    Disease management by plant type

    Vegetable gardens face predictable seasonal challenges that experienced growers learn to anticipate. Tomatoes battle various blights, cucumbers wage war against powdery mildew, and leafy greens fall victim to bacterial infections. Crop rotation becomes your secret weapon, breaking disease cycles by denying pathogens their preferred hosts year after year.

    Ornamental plants present unique management decisions where aesthetics and health intersect. Some cosmetic blemishes might be acceptable on flowering shrubs, while diseases threatening structural integrity demand immediate, decisive action regardless of timing or appearance.

    Houseplants navigate indoor environments that create their own disease pressures; low humidity, poor air circulation, and artificial lighting conditions. Successfully managing these factors without inadvertently encouraging fungal growth requires a delicate balance of environmental control and careful watering practices.

    Creating a disease-prevention calendar

    Effective plant disease management follows nature’s seasonal rhythms:

    • In spring, focus on pruning tasks and thorough cleanup efforts.
    • Summer demands constant vigilance and quick responses to emerging problems.
    • Autumn calls for comprehensive garden sanitation and preparation for dormancy.
    • Winter provides valuable planning time and tool maintenance opportunities.

    Tailoring your prevention calendar to local climate patterns and lessons learned from previous growing seasons will dramatically improve your success rate when it comes to disease prevention.

    The strongest gardens are built on solid disease prevention principles, not reactive treatments. By maintaining appropriate plant spacing, establishing sound watering practices, keeping impeccable garden hygiene, and nurturing healthy soil, you’ll slash disease pressure dramatically. When problems do surface, quick identification and prompt, appropriate action will save your plants and prevent spread throughout your garden.

    Plant diseases are simply part of the gardening experience, not evidence of your failure as a gardener. Even master gardeners encounter disease challenges regularly. What sets successful growers apart is their ability to spot trouble early and respond with measured, effective solutions. Each growing season strengthens both your garden’s resilience and your own problem-solving skills through accumulated experience and adaptation.

    Have you got any tips for dealing with common plant diseases?

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    Catherine

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  • Simple Front Yard Garden Ideas to Revitalize Community – Garden Therapy

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    The key to making friends with your neighbours starts with your front yard. Truly! By making your front yard garden a welcoming space, you’ll feel inspired to get outside more, spark conversation, and help to revitalize your community. I have a trove of front yard garden ideas to share with you.

    It’s no secret that gardening brings people together. I’ve seen it empower gardeners of colour, give people a place to get outside of the house and make new friends, improve food security, and teach the next generation how to decompress and reconnect to the earth.

    Front yard gardens are one of the main areas that people focus on maintaining, even those who aren’t into gardening. After all, it creates the first impression for your home.

    Front yard gardens don’t have to simply be a display for the house. They don’t have to be a place you walk through to get to your front door, or the patch of lawn next to where you park your car.

    No, front yards can be powerful players in building community…if you’re willing to put in the effort. Even rethinking the value and how you use your front yard can make a huge difference!

    Today, I’m going to try to convince you that your front yard is the key to making your neighbourhood thrive, and give you some front yard garden ideas to help inspire you.

    East Vancouver white bungalow painted with red polka dotsEast Vancouver white bungalow painted with red polka dots
    A fun house in my neighbourhood! The dots were originally designed to attract hummingbirds.

    Since we were all hanging out in our homes (you know when), I’ve been seeing a very gradual change in how the world sees technology. After seeing people only through screens on end, we crave actual, in-person connection.

    2026 feels like a major turning point; I’ve been feeling this air of change in the wind. And it’s not just me. In numerology, 2025 marks the end of a chapter as a 9-year (2+0+2+5=9). Meanwhile, 2026 marks the start of new beginnings as a 1-year (2+0+2+6=10, and 1+0=1).

    In February, we’ll also see the shift from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The snake sheds its skin, while the horse gallops towards the new horizon.

    Can you feel the inkling of change?

    The surge in AI this past year feels like the nail in the coffin. People have had enough. They don’t want to get their information from a chatbot. They want to find that knowledge by visiting a library, calling their grandmother, or taking a class from an actual expert. And in the process, losing that loneliness.

    Another indicator was when Pantone chose what I like to call landlord white as the 2026 colour of the year. I could practically hear the people in the street shouting, “We want green!”

    brick pathwaybrick pathway
    Add lots of foliage, and your yard instantly feels more welcoming.

    The Rise of Gardening

    How does this collective shift translate to our gardens? Gardeners are ahead of the curve and are already much more in tune with the world beyond the screen.

    Since the pandemic, more young people have turned to gardening. People had more time to get outside, were looking for ways to expand their living space, and wanted safe ways to meet up with people outside the home.

    I remember reports about plant sales booming and the increase in searches for gardening-related topics. One report says that in 2019, 33% of adults in the US grew some of the produce they consumed. By 2023, the number increased to 67%.

    To me, it’s no wonder that gardening became more popular. We’re part of nature, and this overarching isolation from each other can be regained by connecting to the earth.

    The Power of Front Yard Gardens

    Centuries ago, front yards were seen as a status symbol. Just look at Stinzen planting! While a beautiful thing to do, it started as a way to show off how many bulbs you could afford to plant in your lawn.

    In a way, this idea of the front yard has persevered for a long time. If you close your eyes and picture a front yard, chances are you see a perfectly trimmed turf lawn, some decorative flowers, a walkway to the front yard, and perhaps a driveway.

    The quirky gardens of East VancouverThe quirky gardens of East Vancouver
    An archway or trellis is a beautiful way to make your entrance more inviting.

    We think of front yard spaces as transitional spaces. When really, they’re underutilized spaces that can easily extend into more living space in your home.

    People are leaning away from these beautifully landscaped gardens that fit in with the neighbourhood.

    We want gardens, not landscapes, at home! We want individuality and gardens that evoke a feeling. Times are changing, and it’s exciting.

    front yard garden ideasfront yard garden ideas
    Native perennials are beautiful and low-maintenance, perfect for front yards.

    Meeting Your Neighbours

    There are fewer people biking, walking, and hanging out in neighbourhood streets. I would say my neighbourhood is not the norm; there’s very much a community feeling! But when I visit other areas, I notice how few people are out and about. Especially compared to my childhood, and I’m sure, many others.

    I want to bring back people actually using the neighbourhood. The more people you have outside and bringing liveliness to the neighbourhood, the more successful and safe the community will feel.

    By nature, front yard gardens are more public. We meet more of our neighbours when working in our front gardens. It starts with spontaneous conversations, but then it can evolve into more if you’re willing. Ask them to go for a walk, get coffee, have a playdate with the kids, or host a happy hour or BBQ.

    Being connected to my neighbours recently came in handy when Ozzie got out of the yard. He’s always escaping, but since he doesn’t go far, it doesn’t bother me much when I’m out in the front yard.

    But for whatever reason, I got distracted and forgot he was out exploring the sidewalk. I ended up LEAVING the house, and it wasn’t until ten minutes later that I remembered “Ozzie is still out there!”

    I immediately cranked my steering wheel around and called my neighbours. By the time I got home, not only was Ozzie found, but he had a gathering around him of all his favourite neighbours.

    ReThink How You Use Your Front Yard

    Hopefully, you’re now convinced of the potential power your front yard holds. To start making changes, consider how you are already using the space.

    What changes could you make that will encourage you to get outside more often? A few simple design decisions can really make a difference in how you use your yard, and in turn, foster community.

    Here are a few examples:

    • Extend your porch. Many porches are too small to really hang out in. If budget and space allow it, open it up to make it an extended living space.
    • Add a small courtyard or sitting area. Make it cozy and welcoming enough that you’ll actually want to use it!
    • Change up fencing. If you have tall fencing that obstructs views and makes your yard uninviting, could changing it open up the space?
    • Add a focal point. What can draw the eye of people passing by? Water features, sculptures, bird bath, garden art, unique and bright plants, etc.
    front yard garden with sitting area in front of yellow housefront yard garden with sitting area in front of yellow house
    Having somewhere to sit and have coffee in your front yard is essential!

    Putting work and time into your front yard makes your garden and community feel welcome. This is why I love decorating for Christmas and Halloween. I don’t see it as just décor, but a way to be a part of my community, celebrating.

    In one of my previous gardens, I had a circular design with a bench in the center of it. The shape of it was incredibly welcoming, so I would often find people sitting out on my bench or enjoying my garden as if it were a public space.

    Rather than shoo people out, I would invite them in. “Want to try my chocolate mint?”

    The sharing economy is such a huge component of community building. Sure, you can ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar, but you can also ask them for hedge shears.

    I love seeing little libraries or seed libraries, encouraging people to share what they have in excess.

    I’ve seen all kinds of versions of this, from mini art galleries, fibre arts sharing, tool lending, magazine collections, and more. What do you feel like sharing in your front yard?

    seed libraryseed library

    Attract those that you have in common with touches to your garden. Love art? Paint your fence with a mural? Looking for doggie friends? Add a “free stick” collection and a doggy bowl. Get creative!

    sign attached to street tree reading, "Welcome to the toy garden. Please take one. Donations welcome."sign attached to street tree reading, "Welcome to the toy garden. Please take one. Donations welcome."
    A toy garden is a great idea for parents to connect.

    Spend time in your front yard. To be a part of the community, you have to get outside. Add seating or other areas in your garden that you will want to hang out in.

    outdoor table and chairsoutdoor table and chairs
    A sitting area in my front yard when I was in my rental house.

    Change up what kind of plants you add to your front yard. If you spend a lot of time vegetable gardening, add vegetables to the front instead of just the back. You’ll automatically spend more time out there.

    blue grey house in East Vancouver with a flowering pink dogwood tree in the front yardblue grey house in East Vancouver with a flowering pink dogwood tree in the front yard
    This house features a beautiful dogwood tree that attracts the eye when in bloom.

    Decorate your garden. It’s so lovely to stop and see all the little details that people add to their gardens. From actual artwork hanging on fences to intricate bird houses to tiny fairy doors, there are lots of ways you can decorate your garden just like you would the inside of your home.

    Fence ArtFence Art
    Fence art is a perfect way to decorate.

    Make your garden yours. Adding personality to your garden is a huge way to invite community. Every part of it can become a talking point, and it makes the space feel infinitely more welcoming.

    Painted stones at entrance reading, "The rock project" "Know their names" and "Black lives matter"Painted stones at entrance reading, "The rock project" "Know their names" and "Black lives matter"
    Personality can even be political.

    Compare a cookie-cutter community with perfect lawns in contrast to homes that are abundant in greenery and artistic touches. Which feels more homey to you? The answer is clear to me!

    Iron head bust sculptureIron head bust sculpture
    The gardener’s son made this outdoor sculpture for her, inspired by Romanesco broccoli.

    I feel like I have so many front yard gardening ideas to make your garden feel more personal and inviting. I recently revamped my front yard patio, which I documented in The Wild & Free Garden.

    Please share how you’ve revamped your front yard below! People would love to see your ideas as well.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to make EV ownership straightforward for busy family schedules – Growing Family

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    Collaborative post

    Charging an electric vehicle at home introduces new routines for UK families. Storing, maintaining, and using EV charging cables quickly becomes part of daily life, especially for premium models requiring unfamiliar setups.

    The reality of family life with an electric vehicle involves more than the car itself, including the infrastructure supporting it. The number of public EV charging devices in the UK has been increasing, reflecting a growing interest in home charging setups among households. More families are establishing reliable home charging systems that fit around their schedules instead of causing disruption. Finding the right charging cable that balances durability, safety and ease of use is important for parents juggling responsibilities while maintaining environmental commitments.

    electric car charging socket

    Family-friendly EV charging setup for your home

    Creating a dedicated charging station at home is the first step toward hassle-free EV ownership for busy families.

    The ideal location should be easily accessible yet out of the main traffic flow of your household. For multi-car families, positioning near your electrical supply but with enough cable length to reach different parking spots will provide flexibility when you’re handling school runs and shopping trips.

    Safety remains important, especially with young children around. Cable management solutions like Voldt® EV Cable options keep cords off the ground, preventing trips and falls while protecting cables from damage. These simple additions can make a meaningful difference in daily use and cable lifespan.

    British weather presents unique challenges for outdoor charging setups. Weatherproof cable covers and water-resistant storage boxes will protect your investment from rain, snow and humidity. These protective measures are especially noteworthy for premium vehicles like Audi, where an Audi charging cable represents a considerable investment and should be shielded from harsh weather.

    A well-organised charging space reduces clutter and hazards. For families, using cable tidies in colours that match existing driveway features helps children notice cable positions and avoid trips. Adding motion-sensor lighting to the charging area will improve visibility on dark mornings or evenings.

    Selecting the right charging cable for family use

    Figuring out which charging cable suits your household makes a real difference to everyday life with an EV. The two most common types, Mode 2 and Mode 3, serve different needs for UK families.

    Mode 2 cables plug straight into standard home sockets, making them practical as a backup for unplanned top-ups or emergency use. However, they provide slower charging speeds, so relying on them for daily charging can disrupt routines when a car isn’t ready in time for school runs or work commutes.

    Mode 3 cables connect to dedicated wallboxes, which supply faster charging speeds for households who need regular, quick turnarounds. This arrangement helps ensure cars are ready on time, supporting busy mornings and weekend plans without long wait times.

    Picking the wrong cable type can result in slower charging, trip hazards if extension leads are used incorrectly, or equipment not working with certain EV models.

    a person charging an electric car outside their homea person charging an electric car outside their home

    Smart charging routines that fit around family life

    Building smart charging habits can make EV ownership an easy part of the family routine. Setting up scheduled charging during off-peak hours can help lower electricity costs and ensures your vehicle is ready each morning without active management. Overnight charging is a popular approach, as families aim to benefit from lower tariffs and maximise convenience.

    Smart home integration offers added convenience. Many modern charging systems connect to home WiFi networks, allowing you to monitor and control charging remotely via smartphone apps. This technology can prove very helpful when plans change unexpectedly, letting you adjust charging schedules while away from home.

    Creating clear charging guidelines helps when multiple family members share vehicles. A simple whiteboard near your charging point can track who needs the car when and at what charge level. This visual system prevents morning chaos and makes sure everyone gets where they need to go.

    Involving older children in the charging process can also be helpful and provide a learning opportunity. Teaching teenagers about EV charging safety, cable handling, and energy management gives them new skills while potentially lightening your workload.

    Troubleshooting common family EV challenges

    Cable storage presents a frequent issue for family homes. Wall-mounted cable holders or purpose-built storage boxes help to keep charging equipment organised and reduce tripping hazards. These solutions are especially useful in households with young children or elderly family members who might be more likely to fall.

    Limited driveway space calls for creative approaches. Retractable cable systems or ceiling-mounted reels in garages improve space efficiency while keeping cables tidy. For shared driveways, establishing clear charging schedules with neighbours prevents conflicts and ensures everyone has access when needed.

    Power cuts can interrupt charging routines and cause family stress. Having a backup plan, such as knowing the location of nearby public charging points, is always a good idea.

    For urgent journeys when battery levels are low, rapid charging stations can provide quick top-ups. Keeping a map of local rapid chargers in your car or saved on family phones ensures everyone knows where to go if needed. Teaching family members how to use public charging networks will build confidence and ease anxiety about running out of power.

    EV charging port on a carEV charging port on a car

    Family EV charging safety steps for the home

    Safety forms the basis of every reliable family charging routine. A thorough visual check of the charging cable for wear or damage helps spot issues before they become serious concerns. Keep an eye out for frayed sections or exposed wires.

    Regular maintenance of charging equipment helps keep risks low and can even extend the lifespan of these systems. Wiping down the cable every so often with a damp cloth stops grit, road salt or mud from building up.

    Cleaning regularly helps avoid corrosion, which could eventually affect performance and service life, especially during the wet, muddy months common across the UK. Storing charging cables loosely rather than tightly wrapping them reduces strain on the internal wiring.

    Storage using purpose-designed hooks or boxes helps prevent UV exposure, physical stress from being walked on, and deters curious hands from tampering with cables when left outside.

    Only unplugging the cable after charging is complete allows the electrical current to shut off through built-in safety software. This stops sparking and removes the risk of shock to anyone handling the connector.

    Keeping all electrical connections dry matters, because even small amounts of water near the plugs raise the chance of a short circuit or electric shock. Teach everyone to check the charging area for puddles before connecting cables.

    Families that follow these safety steps are more likely to enjoy equipment that works well through daily routines and unpredictable weather. Careful checks, smart storage and clear ground rules will make EV charging straightforward and stress-free for the whole family.

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    Catherine

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  • Resolutions Roundup: Garden Pros Share the 10 Ways They’re Changing Their Landscapes in 2026 – Gardenista

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    With the start of the new year, our minds are a-swirl with ideas for what we’ll do in our gardens come spring. For inspiration, we asked garden and landscape professionals to tell us the changes they’re planning for their own gardens this year. Their answers run the gamut from ecological resolutions to fixes for eye sores, but one common thread runs through them: landscapes are always changing—and these garden pros aren’t bothered by that. They simply have to keep up and change alongside them.

    Rethinking lawn removal.

    Above: One of Evans’ students, Rosa, hosted a spring planting party; she and her friends planted plugs directly into her lawn. By the following summer, native wildflowers had filled in the entire area (seen from the opposite side, right). Photograph by Heather Evans.

    Heather Evans, co-founder of Design Your Wild, a newsletter and online community, says she’s not removing gras—even though she’ll be decreasing the amount of lawn in her new yard by more than 50 percent. “Instead, I’ll be planting hundreds of native trees, shrubs, and perennials into the existing lawn. The turf will act like mulch while the natives grow in and will eventually be crowded out by them. After trying every method of killing lawn before planting, I realize it’s often not necessary and even harmful, inviting invasives, disturbing the soil microbiome, and causing compaction.”

    Trying a new palette.

    Above: These native flowers are all on Evans’s moodboard for her new garden. Clockwise from top left: Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (photograph via Texas Master Gardeners); Oenothera speciosa (photograph via Wildseed Farms); Lonicera sempervirens (photograph via Native Plant Trust); Salvia coccinea ‘Coral Nymph’ (photograph via Gardenia.net).

    Evans is also making an aesthetic change in her new Florida garden: She’s thinking in pink. “I’ll be planting species—and even cultivars!—from beyond my native range to execute my white-pink-coral floral palette,” says Evans. “I’m loving Texas natives like showy primrose, Drummond’s phlox, and pink Turk’s cap, in addition to Florida native trumpet honeysuckle, pink scarlet sage, and Pinxter azalea.” While maintaining her palette, Evans is planning to plant “two thirds for the birds” (at least 70 percent locally native species to support birds and butterflies). “I’m relying heavily on locally native shrubs and trees. I’m especially excited about white-flowering fringe tree, flatwoods plum, and Walter’s viburnum.”

    Dealing with an eyesore.

    Above: This photo shows the section of garden before Norris installed the heat pump. He says, “This project feels manageable, if not also challenging. How will we disguise this equipment without drawing more attention to it in the first place?” He plans to relocate some Joe Pye weed deeper into the border for a starter.

    The biggest change author, horticulturist, and garden designer Kelly Norris will embrace in 2026 is disguising an ugly addition to his yard: A newly-installed heat pump and exhaust vents. “It’s a reminder that home improvements, however necessary, can significantly change the experience of a home garden,” says Norris. “After lots of hand-wringing and probably much eye-rolling from our plumbers, we located it in a spot we deemed least visually consequential. It’s still a bit of an eyesore that will require reworking our prairie border, but the upside is that the old A/C condenser unit is no longer in our outdoor entertaining area.”

    Learning a new skill.

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  • Cherry’s 2024 Winter Wreaths and Swags – Fine Gardening

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    Hi GPODers!

    Last week I shared highlights from some of my favorite winter Garden Photo of the Day submissions (Reflections on Some Favorite Winter GPODs) to hopefully inspire some more fabulous winter garden photos, and I concluded that post with one of the many magical wreaths that Cherry Ong in Richmond, British Columbia has created and shared with the blog (See more of her creations: Wreath Making with Cherry, Cherry’s Fresh Winter Wreaths and Swags, Winter Wreath Making, and Holiday Decor From the Garden). I’m pleased to report that Cherry is back to pick up where she left off, and has shared the wreaths, swags, and arrangements she made in 2024.

    If you want to see the wreaths and swags that Cherry designed in 2025, as well as stunning photos of her garden and her travels, be sure to check out her Instagram: @cherry.ong

    Wishing everyone the best of the season and a Happy New Year! Sharing some photos of last year’s wreath and swags. Enjoy!

    First wreath of winter 2024: 22-inch Fraser fir (Abies fraseri, Zones 4–7) wreath with boxwood branches, small-leaved gum (Eucalyptus parvifolia, Zones 7–10), dyed seeded eucalyptus, pine branches, and Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica, Zones 6–8) flowers

    homemade wreath with fir and magnoliaSecond wreath with Fraser fir branches, boxwood branches, magnolia branches, seeded eucalyptus and Eucalyptus parvifolia.

    Magnolia and eucalyptus wreathMagnolia and eucalyptus wreath in the garden. I kept it until spring.

    wreath with red foliageAnother red wreath made from scratch.

    building wreathsOld wreath rings being recycled.

    Colourful and made with a mixture of foraged, recycled and purchased materials.

    Pepperberry (Drimys lanceolata, Zones 8–10) and sea lavender (Limonium platyphyllum, Zones 3–9) wreath (with leucodendron) for a dear friend. The clip on bird ornaments are an extra touch. My GF sent me this photo after it was hung on her door. She loved it!

    coiled cedar garland wreathA wreath made from a coiled cedar garland with different seeds and berries added.

    red wreath on door26-inch Fraser fir wreath made from scratch. You bet their favourite color is red!

    winter swag on garden gateSwag on my back gate. Love the shape of these foraged pine branches. There were so much to collect after the windstorm. I kept going back for more!

    winter cuttings in vintage duck containerForaged pine and pyracantha stems and yew cuttings from the garden are tucked into this vintage duck terrine.

    winter container arrangement in red wagonNoble fir branches (Abies procera, Zones 5–6) with Forever Goldy™ arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘4EVER’, Zones 5–8) and ‘Curly Red’ leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris ‘Curly Red’, Zones 6–9) from the garden comprise the base arrangement of his mini radio flyer container. Ilex berries and white pine cones and a stick bundle are the fun elements of this fundraising arrangement made for a friend.

    winter cutting arrangementWinter arrangements are just as fun to make as summer ones.

    green and gold wreath on doorLast winter’s backdoor wreath made with mossy branches, Japanese skimmia, Forever Goldy™ arborvitae and juniper berries.

    Thank you so much for sharing all of these gorgeous winter creations with us, Cherry! Your eye for texture and color combinations is always impressive and I’m endlessly inspired by your creativity each year.

    Do you make homemade winter decor for your garden? Winter is most often downtime for gardeners, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of projects that can add plant color inside and outdoors with free cuttings you can forage from your own garden. If you make wreaths, swags, garland, winter arrangements or containers, we would love to see them! 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

    Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Featuring gorgeous photography and advice for landscapers, Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West is dedicated to the idea of a new nature—a hybrid of both the wild and the cultivated—that can nourish in our cities and suburbs.

    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.

    Buffalo-Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Buffalo-Style Gardens is a one-of-a-kind, offbeat garden design book that showcases the wildly inventive gardens and gardeners of Buffalo – and offers readers “the best of the best” ideas to use in their own small-space gardens.

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    GPOD Contributor

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  • 6 Houseplants for Beginners — Seattle’s Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 – Swansons Nursery

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    Finally, a flowering indoor plant for beginners! The peace lily is known for its glossy green foliage and long-lasting, pure white flowers. The white part of the flower is actually a modified leaf called a spathe. It forms a sheath around the pale yellow stalk, called the spadix, which is covered in tiny flowers. The plant was given its name because the flower stalk and spathe combination look like a waving white flag of surrender.

    Peace lilies enjoy bright to medium, indirect light. The brighter the spot, the more flowers the plant will produce. In low light, you will still have a gorgeous foliage plant. Water thoroughly and then let the plant dry out quite a bit before watering again. If it starts to wilt, it’s definitely time to water.

    Tip: Most plants appreciate a regular watering schedule. One great method for determining how much a plant has dried out is the weight test: lift the pot after you have watered and feel the weight, then lift again every few days to see how much lighter it feels. As the soil dries out the pot should feel lighter and lighter. Adjust your watering accordingly.

    Ready to try one (or all) of these great plants for beginners and watch your confidence grow? Before you know it, you may have a veritable indoor jungle!

    We’d love to hear how your forays into houseplant parenthood are going. Message us on social media or email us. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have!

    See more posts about caring for your indoor plants. You can also get a peek at Swansons’ indoor plants and our decorative indoor pottery.

    Blog updated in January 2026.

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    Aimée Damman

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  • How to Start Annuals Indoors from Seed | Gardener’s Path

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    Seeds

    Be sure to purchase from a reputable grower that have been harvested and packed for the upcoming season.

    Annuals may be classified in one of three ways: hardy, semi- or half-hardy, or tender.

    A horizontal image of a gardener pouring seeds from a packet into an open palm.

    Hardy annuals can endure a fair amount of frost; some survive winter and grow again the following spring.

    Semi-hardy varieties may tolerate light frost. Tender plants are too fragile to survive any frost.

    Each may be started indoors and later transplanted to the garden per packet instructions.

    Tablespoon

    I find that the delicate work of filling cells with soil is much easier with a tablespoon than with a garden trowel.

    I recommend sanitizing your spoon with an alcohol swab prior to use.

    Tape

    Waterproof tape may be needed to secure the plastic wrap underneath the baking pans when making greenhouses.

    First aid tape or duct tape work fine. You may also use masking tape to label containers.

    Terra cotta Pots

    Terra cotta pots are good to have on hand. Sanitize them with a 10 percent bleach solution and rinse well prior to use.

    A close up horizontal image of seedlings sprouting from the soil.A close up horizontal image of seedlings sprouting from the soil.

    They’re useful when it’s still too cold for outdoor planting and you want to give seedlings more room to grow.

    Tweezers

    Tweezers are used to pick up the tiniest of seeds with ease. Sanitize them with an alcohol swab, rinse, and dry before use.

    Water

    Germination begins when a seed becomes moist, and must stay moist throughout its growth process.

    You can mist the soil with a spray bottle, or you can make a mat watering system.

    How to Make a Mat Watering System

    A mat watering system is one of the best ways to ensure that your plants never go dry. Here’s how to make one:

    1. Line an old one- or two-inch tall baking pan with newspaper that has been cut to fit. Use enough sheets to fill the pan to the top.
    2. Dampen the newspaper with water to the point of saturation.
    3. Place your planted egg cartons on top of the wet newspaper. They will absorb water as needed.
    4. Remember to mist or saturate the newspaper daily.

    Congrats! You’re really doing this. You’ve got your supplies, and you know how to make a mat watering system.

    That’s two thumbs up! Now let’s get into the seed packets.

    Prepare Your Seeds

    Seeds come in a range of shapes and sizes.

    Some, like lobelia, are so small and light, you don’t dare sneeze while you’re trying to separate them under a magnifying glass.

    Others are many times larger, like those of the lima bean.

    A close up horizontal image of a gardener tipping a large seed out of a packet, pictured on a soft focus background.A close up horizontal image of a gardener tipping a large seed out of a packet, pictured on a soft focus background.

    Many are ready to sow right out of the packet.

    As we noted above, others need to be chilled, soaked, or scarified before planting to replicate what would have happened to them in nature, had they not been harvested for sale.

    When a plant scatters seeds, they tumble about in all kinds of weather, roughing up their outer coatings, and preparing to take in air, water, and nutrients when they sprout in the spring.

    Gardeners must do what Mother Nature would have done, to enable the seeds to open and grow.

    A vertical image of a hand from the bottom of the frame holding up a plastic bag with seeds in water.A vertical image of a hand from the bottom of the frame holding up a plastic bag with seeds in water.

    Be sure to read packets thoroughly, and don’t skip chilling, soaking, or scarifying, if required.

    And now it’s time to sow!

    How to Start Seeds Indoors

    With all of your supplies assembled, you’re ready to go.

    Here’s what to do:

    1. Drainage

    Poke several drainage holes in the bottom of each cell of your egg cartons.

    2. Fill Cells

    Fill each cell three-quarters full of potting medium.

    A close up of a hand from the left of the frame filling eggcups with potting soil.A close up of a hand from the left of the frame filling eggcups with potting soil.

    Place a toothpick in the center of each cell.

    3. Prepare Mat System

    If you are making a mat watering system, stack sheets of newspaper in your baking pans and thoroughly dampen the newspaper.

    Place your egg cartons on top. One baking sheet may be able to hold multiple egg cartons.

    If you have purchased a capillary mat product, prepare it per manufacturer’s directions.

    A close up vertical image of egg cartons filled with potting soil.A close up vertical image of egg cartons filled with potting soil.

    If you’re going to skip the mat system and use a water bottle mister, simply place your egg cartons on top of baking pans that will serve as drip pans.

    4. Sow Seeds

    Sow one variety per baking pan so watering requirements will be the same for all. Use your tape and marker to label each tray’s contents.

    A close up horizontal image of seeds sown on the surface of the soil in biodegradable pots.A close up horizontal image of seeds sown on the surface of the soil in biodegradable pots.

    Sow as follows:

    For tiny seeds, mist the soil lightly. Use a magnifying glass, and tweezers if necessary, to place two or three in each cell. Do not cover with soil.

    For seeds large enough to measure with a standard ruler, plant at a depth equal to the size of the seed, and cover lightly with soil.

    Planting too deeply may deprive them of oxygen, and they will not germinate.

    5. Make a Greenhouse

    Start by cutting a piece of plastic wrap the length of each baking pan. Cut two to cover wide baking pans, and overlap them.

    Use a pin to poke about 10 tiny holes in the plastic at random.

    Lay the plastic wrap gently on top of the toothpicks to form a greenhouse. Tuck the ends and sides of the plastic firmly underneath each baking pan, taping as needed.

    Place it in a bright location out of direct sunlight.

    6. Record and Observe

    Save your seed packets and start a gardening journal. Note the planting date, and approximately how many days until maturity per package instructions.

    As plants grow, write down when they bud, bloom, and bear fruit.

    7. Monitor Moisture

    If you are using the mat watering system, keep the newspaper saturated.

    If you’re using a spray bottle to mist, make sure to keep the soil moist by misting it regularly.

    8. Acclimate Sprouts

    After they germinate, or sprout, lift the edges of the plastic wrap – but do not remove it for two days.

    A horizontal image of seedlings in seed trays.A horizontal image of seedlings in seed trays.

    Allow time for acclimation to the cooler air outside the mini-greenhouse.

    9. Move into the Sun

    After two days, remove the plastic wrap completely.

    Place the baking pans in direct sunlight, away from drafty places like exit doors.

    10. Rearrange and Fertilize

    Turn the baking pans periodically to prevent sprouts from leaning toward the light.

    After germination, cotyledons or seed leaves will soon appear. Above these, the first true leaves will follow.

    Miracle-Gro Quick Start Fertilizer

    If your potting medium does not already contain fertilizer, now is the time to apply a liquid plant food like Miracle-Gro Quick Start, available via Amazon, per manufacturer’s instructions.

    Thinning

    It’s best to sow more seeds than you really want because it’s rare that all of them will thrive.

    A few may simply fail to germinate, never sprouting at all.

    Some may grow to the seedling stage, only to succumb to a condition called “damping off,” which makes them to fall over and die.

    A close up horizontal image of a seedling emerging from the soil in a small biodegradable pot.A close up horizontal image of a seedling emerging from the soil in a small biodegradable pot.

    The best methods for prevention are not overwatering, and using sanitary soil and supplies.

    Others may grow spindly and weak, while their neighbors grow tall and strong. This is where you’ve got to get tough.

    Ideally, seedlings need an inch of space all to themselves.

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    Nan Schiller

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  • 2026 garden trends shaping how we garden now – Growing Family

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    Our gardens mean more to us than ever. They’re no longer just a backdrop to summer barbecues or somewhere to hang the washing; they’ve become spaces for calm, connection, creativity and, increasingly, conscience. As we head into the next growing season, the 2026 gardening trends are all about working with nature rather than fighting it, and creating gardens that feel personal, practical and restorative.

    Curious about what’s next for your garden? These 2026 garden trends celebrate eco-conscious planting, indoor-outdoor living, statement houseplants and smart solutions for changing weather. Whether you’re refreshing borders or rethinking your whole space, this article is packed with realistic, inspiring ideas for modern gardens.

    2026 garden trends revealed

    These latest gardening trends reflect how we’re living now: busier lives, unpredictable weather, smaller spaces, and a real desire to nurture our families while treading more lightly on the planet. From climate-smart planting to nostalgic whimsy and flexible indoor-outdoor living, 2026 garden trends are reassuringly achievable, even if you’re juggling work, kids, and a never-ending to-do list. Let’s dig in.

    english garden lavenderenglish garden lavender

    Climate-smart gardening

    Climate-smart gardening is no longer a niche idea – it’s fast becoming essential. With hotter summers, sudden downpours and long dry spells now part of normal UK weather, choosing drought-tolerant plants and designing for water efficiency is one of the biggest trends in gardening for 2026. Mediterranean-style planting is thriving, with lavender, rosemary, salvias and euphorbia proving they can cope beautifully with less water and more sun.

    Beyond plant choice, we’re seeing a renewed focus on rainwater harvesting, permeable surfaces and mulching to lock moisture into the soil. Gravel gardens, bark chippings and organic compost all help reduce evaporation while improving soil health. It’s about being smarter, not stricter, creating gardens that look lush without demanding constant watering or guilt during hosepipe bans.

    bee on echinacea flowerbee on echinacea flower

    Wildlife-friendly planting

    Wildlife-friendly gardening continues to grow, and for good reason. More of us are choosing native species, pollinator-friendly plants and perennials that offer long-lasting food and shelter for bees, butterflies and birds. Think foxgloves, achillea, honeysuckle and native hedging – all beautiful, all beneficial.

    The big shift for 2026 gardening trends is seeing the garden as a mini ecosystem rather than a collection of individual plants. Layered planting, seed heads left for winter interest, and perennial borders that evolve year on year all support biodiversity. The joy is that these gardens feel alive. They’re full of movement, sound and colour, proving that beauty and environmental responsibility can happily coexist.

    plants in terracotta pots with rustic watering canplants in terracotta pots with rustic watering can

    Earthcore

    Earthcore is one of the most soulful garden trends emerging for 2026. It’s all about grounding ourselves in the natural world, using warm, earthy tones and tactile textures that make the garden feel calm and timeless. Weathered terracotta pots, stone ornaments and planting that blends into its surroundings help create that sense of quiet connection.

    Muted colour palettes dominate here – think soft greens, dusky browns, clay pinks and silvery foliage – alongside ornamental grasses and richly textured leaves. Furniture leans rustic: weathered wood, reclaimed sleepers, gravel paths underfoot, and willow panels for privacy. It’s understated, soothing and utterly comforting, the garden equivalent of a deep exhale.

    a hand holding soila hand holding soil

    Regenerative gardening

    Regenerative gardening goes a step beyond sustainability, focusing on actively healing the soil, storing carbon and encouraging nature to thrive. This is one of the most important gardening trends for 2026, especially as awareness grows around soil degradation and biodiversity loss.

    No-dig gardening is at the heart of this movement, protecting vital fungal networks that help plants access nutrients and water. Composting kitchen and garden waste enriches the soil naturally, while diverse planting supports healthier ecosystems. It’s slower, more thoughtful gardening, and wonderfully rewarding.

    cottage garden flower bordercottage garden flower border

    Nostalgic gardening

    Nostalgia is blooming again, bringing charm, colour and character back into our gardens. This trend embraces whimsy; think scalloped-edge containers, hand-painted pots and quirky sculptures that make you smile.

    Planting is romantic and sensory, creating a rich blend of colour, shape and scent. English roses, sweet peas, lavender and foxgloves feel timeless yet fresh, while cottage-style borders encourage wandering bees and daydreaming humans alike. It’s gardening with heart – slightly imperfect, deeply personal and joyfully expressive.

    modern container plants on a patiomodern container plants on a patio

    Small space gardening

    Not everyone has a sprawling plot, and thankfully the latest gardening trends fully embrace small space living. Containers, compact plant varieties and clever vertical planting allow even the tiniest patios or balconies to feel lush and layered.

    Layering bulbs in pots extends seasonal interest without taking up more room. Wall planters, tiered shelving and hanging baskets maximise height, while dwarf shrubs and patio fruit trees deliver impact without overwhelm. Small spaces can still be big on personality.

    outdoor furniture on a patiooutdoor furniture on a patio

    Outdoor living

    Outdoor living remains a key focus for trends in gardening as we continue to blur the lines between inside and out. Gardens are now places to relax, entertain and spend quality time with the kids, whatever the weather.

    Pergolas with adjustable louvre roofs, solid-roof gazebos and weatherproof seating help us use the garden year-round. Outdoor lighting, heaters, rugs and decorative ornaments add warmth and comfort, turning patios into true outdoor rooms. It’s about creating a space that works as hard as we do.

    Mini meadows

    Mini meadows are perfect for anyone wanting to boost biodiversity without sacrificing order. These pint-sized wildflower patches can transform corners, borders and even containers into buzzing sanctuaries for pollinators.

    Using native wildflowers and grasses, mini meadows offer a softer, more natural look while supporting local ecosystems. They’re low maintenance once established and bring movement, colour and life into overlooked spaces – proof that even small changes can have a big impact.

    grow sign in a greenhousegrow sign in a greenhouse

    Greenhouse revival

    Greenhouses are having a serious moment. With unpredictable weather becoming the norm, more gardeners are turning to greenhouses to extend the growing season and protect crops.

    What’s new for 2026 garden trends is the aesthetic upgrade. Greenhouses are now design features, with painted frames, decorative shelving, vintage-style accessories and even seating areas. Practical and pretty, they offer control, creativity and a calm retreat from the chaos of daily life.

    Tabletop veggies

    Tabletop vegetables are perfect for busy households and small gardens. Dwarf varieties of chillies, cucumbers, aubergines and tomatoes thrive in pots, while herbs and microgreens deliver quick, satisfying harvests.

    These compact edibles are ideal for patios, balconies and even sunny windowsills, making fresh food accessible and fun. They’re also brilliant for getting kids involved. Nothing beats the pride of eating something you’ve grown yourself.

    flower garden borderflower garden border

    Relaxed planting

    Relaxed planting embraces a slightly wild, natural look – less clipped, more carefree. Plants are allowed to self-seed, borders feel asymmetrical, and patchwork planting replaces rigid schemes.

    This approach respects the garden’s natural rhythm, creating spaces that evolve organically over time. It’s lower maintenance, more forgiving and is a perfect antidote to over-styled perfection.

    potted plants on a wooden patio tablepotted plants on a wooden patio table

    Indoor-outdoor plants

    As summers get hotter and winters milder, indoor-outdoor plants are becoming increasingly popular. Houseplants like citrus, pelargoniums, ficus and succulents can enjoy the outdoors in summer before coming back inside for winter protection.

    Meanwhile, outdoor container plants such as agapanthus, fuchsia, coleus, bay trees and tender grasses will happily swap locations with the seasons. This flexibility adds value and longevity to your plant collection while keeping spaces feeling fresh year-round.

    potted indoor plantspotted indoor plants

    Statement houseplants

    Statement houseplants are all about individuality. Rare and unusual varieties allow us to showcase personal style while enjoying the well-being benefits plants bring: improved air quality, reduced stress and a genuine mood boost.

    Look out for Monstera deliciosa,  Fiddle Leaf Fig, Alocasia zebrina, Philodendron pink princess, Ficus audrey and Calathea orbifolia. Used sparingly, these plants become living sculptures: bold, beautiful and endlessly conversation-worthy.

    Which of these 2026 garden trends have inspired you?

    The garden trends shaping 2026 reflect how we’re growing – as gardeners, parents and people who care deeply about our homes and the world around us. From climate-smart choices and wildlife-friendly planting to nostalgic charm and flexible living spaces, these gardening trends 2026 are practical, heartfelt and full of hope.

    The best part? You don’t need to do it all at once. Pick what resonates, experiment gently, and let your garden evolve alongside you. After all, the most important trend in gardening will always be creating a space that makes you feel happy, grounded and at home.

    More garden inspiration

    month by month garden planting calendarmonth by month garden planting calendar
    month by month garden plannermonth by month garden planner
    25 easy houseplants to grow25 easy houseplants to grow
    the best low maintenance plants for outdoor potsthe best low maintenance plants for outdoor pots
    easy flowers to grow from seedeasy flowers to grow from seed
    50 drought tolerant plants50 drought tolerant plants

    Pin for later: 2026 garden trends

    Curious about what’s next for your garden? These 2026 garden trends celebrate eco-conscious planting, indoor-outdoor living, statement houseplants and smart solutions for changing weather. Whether you’re refreshing borders or rethinking your whole space, this article is packed with realistic, inspiring ideas for modern gardens.Curious about what’s next for your garden? These 2026 garden trends celebrate eco-conscious planting, indoor-outdoor living, statement houseplants and smart solutions for changing weather. Whether you’re refreshing borders or rethinking your whole space, this article is packed with realistic, inspiring ideas for modern gardens.

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    Catherine

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  • Secrets of an English Head Gardener: How to Transplant Shrubs and Perennials – Gardenista

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    Moving perennials or shrubs once they’re in situ can be daunting for a novice gardener. But when you are starting a garden or reinventing one, it’s almost impossible not to make the occasional planting error or realize that you’ve put something in the wrong spot. Yet many plants transplant well—some even require it as part of routine divisions—and the whole process is a lot less scary than you might think.

    We asked Edward Flint, who is head gardener at Tidebrook Manor in East Sussex and worked for many years alongside Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter, for his tips on how, when, and why to move plants—and which you should leave well alone.

    Here are nine tips to transplant shrubs and perennials:

    How to Transplant Shrubs

    Moving a shrub is always a risk; some will cope with the stress and trauma better than others but if you need to move it then there are some ground rules.

    1. Water before digging. “Water the plant really well the night before and then reduce its canopy,” says Ed. “This will lessen the stress on the plant (balancing the top growth with the roots) but will also make it easier to maneuver the plant.

    Bare Root Beech Plants (Fagus sylvatica) make good hedging plants are available in various sizes for prices from £1.29 to £49.99 depending on size from best4hedging.
    Above: Bare Root Beech Plants (Fagus sylvatica) make good hedging plants are available in various sizes for prices from £1.29 to £49.99 depending on size from best4hedging.

    2. Be gentle with the roots. Try to dig the plant out with as much root ball as possible, cutting into the ground around 12 to 18 inches from the base, says Ed.

    Reviving a historic parterre in Northamptonshire. For more of this garden, see Rehab Diary, Part 3: Uncovering the Past in Nancy Lancaster’s Garden at Wilderness House. Photograph by Jim Powell.
    Above: Reviving a historic parterre in Northamptonshire. For more of this garden, see Rehab Diary, Part 3: Uncovering the Past in Nancy Lancaster’s Garden at Wilderness House. Photograph by Jim Powell.

    3. Plan ahead and root prune before transplanting. If you’re planning to move an established shrub then you can root prune the plant a year before by digging down in a circle around the base, which will lessen the shock when you eventually transplant it. But as a rule, says Ed, shrubby things or woody-based things tend not to move very well.

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  • Eco-friendly gardening: 5 small changes for a greener family home – Growing Family

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    Collaborative post

    In a busy family home, the garden is more than just a patch of grass. It’s a place for children to play, a space to relax, and a small ecosystem that supports local wildlife. Creating a sustainable garden is a great way to make your home more eco-friendly while also encouraging a wide range of interesting and beneficial species.

    Many people think that eco-friendly gardening requires a lot of hard work or expensive changes. In reality, it’s often about making small, smart choices that work with nature instead of against it. These changes not only help the environment but also make your garden a safer and healthier place for your children and pets.

    Here are 5 easy ways to embrace eco-friendly gardening without lots of effort.

    1. Planting for pollinators

    One of the easiest ways to go green is to invite more life into your garden. Bees, butterflies, and birds are essential for a healthy environment. Without them, many of the fruits and vegetables we eat would not grow.

    You don’t need to turn your whole garden into a meadow to help. Start by planting a few native flowers in a sunny spot. Native plants are great because they have adapted to your local climate and soil. This means they usually need less water and no chemical fertilisers to thrive.

    According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), choosing a mix of plants that bloom at different times of the year ensures that pollinators have food from spring all the way through autumn. It’s a wonderful project for children to help with, as they can watch the different insects visit their flowers.

    2. Switching to electric tools

    The sounds and smells of traditional garden tools can be quite harsh. Petrol-powered lawn mowers emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants that are bad for the air your family breathes. They are also very loud, which can disturb the peace of a quiet afternoon or wake up a napping toddler.

    Moving toward electric garden tools is a big win for the environment. Electric tools are much quieter and produce zero emissions while you use them.

    The Navimow robotic mower is a great example of how technology can help you stay green. It’s a fully electric mower that runs on a rechargeable battery. Because it uses smart satellite navigation instead of petrol, it can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

    Since it’s so quiet, you can even let it work while the children are playing nearby or during the night. You can find the right robotic lawn mower for your garden size in the Navimow collection.

    hands holding grass in the shape of a hearthands holding grass in the shape of a heart

    3. Natural fertilising through mulching

    Many people use chemical fertilisers to keep their grass green. However, these chemicals can wash away into the water system or stay on the grass where children play. A greener alternative is to let your lawn feed itself.

    When you use a mower that mulches, it cuts the grass into tiny pieces. These small clippings fall back into the lawn and break down quickly. They return nitrogen and other important nutrients to the soil naturally.

    This process is sometimes called “grasscycling.” It keeps the soil healthy and helps the grass grow thicker, which naturally prevents weeds from taking over. Using a robotic mower like Navimow makes this easy because it mows a tiny bit every day. These micro-clippings are so small you can’t even see them, but they act as a constant, natural food source for your garden.

    eco friendly gardening - rain barrel in a gardeneco friendly gardening - rain barrel in a garden

    4. Saving water with rain barrels

    Water is a precious resource, and gardens can use a lot of it during the summer. Instead of using treated tap water for your plants, you can collect rainwater.

    Installing a rain barrel under your downspout is a simple DIY task. Rainwater is actually better for your plants because it doesn’t contain the chlorine or minerals found in tap water. It’s also at a natural temperature, so it doesn’t shock the roots of your flowers on a hot day.

    Using a rain barrel is also a good way to teach children about water conservation. They can help use the watering can to feed the vegetable patch or flower pots. It’s a small change that saves money and ensures your garden stays lush even during dry spells.

    homemade bug hotel for eco friendly gardeninghomemade bug hotel for eco friendly gardening

    5. Creating a “wild” corner

    In a family garden, we often want everything to be neat and tidy. However, leaving a small corner of the garden to grow a bit “wild” can provide a vital home for hedgehogs, frogs, and helpful beetles. These animals are a gardener’s best friend because they eat common pests like slugs, snails, and aphids, which means you won’t need to use harmful pesticides.

    You can pile up some old logs or leave a patch of longer grass behind a shed. This “bug hotel” area gives creatures a place to hide and hunt for food.

    By keeping the rest of your lawn neat with a smart tool, your garden still looks intentional and cared for. A robotic mower like Navimow is great for this because you can easily set “stay-out zones” in the app. This tells the mower to leave your wild corner alone while keeping the main play area perfectly trimmed for the family.

    Why a greener garden matters for families

    Making these changes does more than just help the planet. It creates a safer environment for your family. When you stop using petrol mowers and chemical sprays, you create a garden where children can crawl on the grass, and pets can roam safely.

    It also saves you time. Eco-friendly gardening is often about letting nature do the work. Natural mulching saves you from spreading fertiliser, rain barrels save you from dragging a hose around, and automated tools like a robotic mower can save you hours of heavy labour.

    A green family home starts in the garden. By choosing pollinator plants, saving water, and switching to smart, electric tools, you’re making a positive impact on the world. You’re also creating a beautiful, healthy space for your family to grow. Start with one or two of these changes and you’ll soon see that a greener garden is not only better for the earth, it’s a much happier place for your family to spend their time.

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    Catherine

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  • Luke and Toby in Tingshu’s Garden – Fine Gardening

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    Hi GPODers!

    Last July we received a beautiful submission from Tingshu Hu in Dunstable, Massachusetts that gave tribute to the trusted companions that lounge and frolic alongside her and her husband in their gorgeous garden. Particularly, the post was an homage to Deedee, the 19-year-old Havanese they lost on June 2nd, 2025 (Deedee, Lulu, and Luke in Tingshu’s Garden). Tingshu has shared countless photos of their colorful New England landscape over the years (Check out some of her previous submissions: Tingshu’s Garden in Winter, Tingshu’s Front Garden in Late Summer, Chickens in Tingshu’s Garden, Tingshu’s Low Maintenance Garden in Massachusetts, Flowering Trees in Tingshu’s Garden, and many more), but this submission was obviously extra special. Today she has returned with another fabulous garden update as well as an update on Luke and the newest addition to the family: Toby.

    Thank you very much for publishing a GPOD on July 3: Deedee, Lulu, and Luke in Tingshu’s Garden. Since then, a lot has happened to Luke. Here I would like to give an update on Luke’s life in the garden and his recovery from diabetes.

    In the afternoon of June 6, 2025, 4 days after Deedee passed away on June 2, Luke was very lonely in the garden. Both Deedee and Luke are Havanese dogs and they got along very well. Along the purple fence, the blooming flowers are oriental poppy (Papaver orientale, Zones 3–7), iris, catmint, white peony, yellow sedum and pink dianthus. Inside the fence, visible flowers are catmint, lady’s mantle, pink salvia and creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Zones 4–8).

    dog laying on bridge over garden pondIn the morning of June 9, Luke lied on the bridge across the koi pond. The flowers on the edge of the pond were several varieties of kalanchoe. A pot of ‘Red Sister’ cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Red Sister’, Zones 10–12 or as an annual) sat by the bridge. Far away along the fence, pink and red peony flowers were blooming. Since Luke looked very lonely and sad, we decided to get a baby brother for him.

    small dog in garden surrounded by flowersToby joined the family a few days later. He was just over 6 months old, also a Havanese. In the picture, Toby was all smiling, surrounded by flowers, salvia, roses, Johnny jump-up (Viola tricolor, annual), dianthus and several varieties of ground cover plants: dead nettle (Lamium maculatum, Zones 4–9), ajuga, ‘Baby Tears’ sedum (Sedum album chloroticum ‘Baby Tears’, Zones 4–9) and moss.

    dogs running along garden pathAlong the same walkway as in the previous photo, Toby and Luke walked side by side on June 15. We hoped that Toby would bring happiness back to Luke, but Luke still looked sad and miserable.

    dog laying in shady spot on brick garden pathOn the same day, Luke lied in the shade along the walkway, looking beyond the garden gate. The blooming flowers along the walkway were Flower Carpet® rose, coral bells and catmint.

    garden path surrounded by colorful flowersMoments later, Luke walked along a garden path, surrounded by low growing plants: ‘Ben Ledi’ rock rose (Helianthemum ‘Ben Ledi’, Zones 4–9), Pretty Polly® Lavender rose (Rosa ‘Zlepolthree’, Zones 4–10), sweet William (Dianthus barbatus, Zones 3–9), moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora, annual), creeping thyme, and sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima, annual). Even after the playful Toby joined the family, Luke still looked sad and lack of energy. He answered Toby’s invitation to play with grumpy growl or simply walked away. We were suspicious that Luke had some health problems and brought him to see a vet on June 19. The next day, he was diagnosed with diabetes and sent to the emergency room immediately.

    dog hiding in garden in bloomIn the afternoon after Luke was sent to ER (June 20), Toby played alone in the garden, surrounded by flowers: Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3–8), coral bells, geum, sweet Williams, catmint.

    dog sitting next to garden picnic benchLuke returned home on June 23 with medications and lots of instructions. We learned how to give him insulin shots twice a day. Two days later, he went blind due to diabetic cataract. In the morning of June 27, he sat on the patio at one of his favorite spots. He could smell the fragrance of roses, but could no longer see the flowers: Geranium, dahlia, roses, yarrow, penstemon, sweet William, and delphinium.

    dog walking in front of border gardenOn June 29, Luke stood in the garden, looking miserable and sad. His downward pointing tail shows that he was suffering from the illness. We had a long summer battling Luke’s diabetes, keeping his blood sugar under control, and getting him qualified for a cataract surgery to restore his vision.

    two dogs standing in garden, one wearing a protective coneLuke got his eye surgery on Sept. 30 and regained his vision soon afterwards. The picture was taken on Oct. 5, at the same spot as the previous picture. He looked very energized and spirited, with eyes bright and clear, tail holding up and high. Happiness has returned to Luke. The white disc on Luke’s back is a blood glucose sensor. We use it to adjust his diet and insulin dosage.

    Side note: Diabetes in dogs are always type1, that means Luke needs to rely on diet and daily insulin shots for life. We’ve developed a strict routine and diet for Luke and followed it precisely to the minutes. This has profoundly impacted our daily lives and gardening as well. 6 months into this new daily routine, something miraculous happened. We noticed from his continuous glucose monitoring, that his body seems to be able to produce insulin again. We stopped giving him insulin shots a few weeks ago, and his glucose level has been stable and improving. Our vet was surprised since she never saw such a case before, but confirmed Luke’s recovery with blood tests.

    We are so grateful for Luke’s surprising and unexpected recovery. We are cautiously expecting that Luke’s health will continue to improve and will never need the insulin shots. The two brothers are enjoying life in the garden, playing, chasing around and wrestling even in the winter snow.

    Thank you so much for this update, Tingshu! I’m so sorry to hear about the health struggles that Luke faced this year, but happy to hear that he is surpassing expectations and enjoying life with his new little brother. Plus, seeing new photos of your stunning garden is always a delight.

    What companions do you garden with? Kids, grandkids, dogs, cats, chickens and even pet turtles have been featured on the blog, and we’d love to feature your favorite garden helpers. 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

    The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area.

    The Crevice Garden: How to make the perfect home for plants from rocky places

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    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.

    Gilmour 811673-1001 Sprinkler

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    – 43-ft. spray distance (up to 5, 800 sq. ft. coverage)
    – Adjustable collar for partial- to full-circle coverage
    – Dial precisely sets spray distance
    – On/off switch eliminates trips from sprinkler to spigot

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  • How to Arrange Flowers and Foliage from Your Garden

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    If you have a garden (especially a cut flower garden), you have the makings of beautiful foliage arrangements at your fingertips.

    When you combine the seasonal leaves, flowers, and branches, the creative possibilities are amazing!

    With a few tips, you’ll be on your way to crafting centerpieces for your home and making thoughtful gifts to give to friends and loved ones.

    A close up horizontal image of a small flower arrangement on a wooden table next to a cup of tea.

    The art of floral arranging is an ancient and fascinating one.

    From the elegant simplicity of Japanese Ikebana to lush European designs, the sky’s the limit when it comes to expressing your creativity with nature’s bounty.

    In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to create your own arrangements.

    Define a Theme

    Take a walk through your garden and see what’s there for you to choose from.

    Do you have some nice leafy branches, English ivy, budding roses? Or are there mums, bittersweet, and mini pumpkins?

    A close up horizontal image of a beautiful flower garden in full bloom.A close up horizontal image of a beautiful flower garden in full bloom.

    Choose a decorative container that will reflect two things: the season and the atmosphere you wish to create.

    Maybe your mom is coming over for tea. How about some rosebuds and ferns, in a cute teacup on a saucer?

    Are the kids having a Halloween party? How about carving out a pumpkin, lining it with plastic, and filling it with sunflowers and berries?

    Containers can be as rustic as a tin bucket or as elegant as a crystal vase.

    Use your imagination!

    Flower Arranging 101

    A common artistic style includes greenery, focal flowers, and filler flowers.

    Greenery

    Greenery refers to plant material like ferns, ivy, ornamental grasses, and branches.

    This goes into your container first, to act as a supporting structure for the flowers you will then add.

    Focal Flowers

    Focal flowers are the largest, showiest flowers in your vase. These are the highlights of your garden.

    Filler Flowers

    Filler flowers are smaller. Place them decoratively among the larger flowers.

    A close up horizontal image of a bouquet of red roses.A close up horizontal image of a bouquet of red roses.
    Delicate gypsophilia complements eye-catching roses.

    Varieties like limonium, statice, or gypsophilia (baby’s breath), are light and airy, and serve to fill the gaps between the greens and focal flowers with a lacy accent.

    Choosing a Container

    Any vessel that can hold water is a candidate for a fabulous floral display. And once you’ve made your choice, ask yourself two simple questions:

    1. Is my container clear or opaque?
    2. Is it vertical – like a vase – or horizontal – like a soup bowl?

    This will inform what type of arrangement you can create.

    Clear and Vertical

    If you answered clear and vertical, you’ll see stems beneath the water in a vase that will support flowers and leafy greens and branches well.

    Clear and Horizontal

    If you answered clear and horizontal, you’ll see stems beneath the water in a vase that probably won’t support your display without assistance.

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  • All About Growing Mangave – Plant Trial Results – Fine Gardening

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    Every great origin story starts with a little mystery—and in the case of the mangave, it involves a desert rendezvous between two unlikely succulents. From seed wild-collected in Mexico in the late 1990s came the discovery of a natural hybrid between mottled tuberose (Manfreda variegata, Zones 7–10) and an agave, most likely Mitis agave (Agave mitis, Zones 8–11). The new hybrid genus was christened ×Mangave. The first named mangave cultivar, ‘Macho Mocha’, was introduced in 2004, inspiring plant breeder Hans Hansen to embark on a decades-long journey exploring mangave genetics. Hans has named nearly a hundred cultivars so far, with ongoing efforts focused on variegation and cold hardiness.

    | AT A GLANCE |

    x Mangave and cvs.

    Recent genetic analysis indicates that species formerly classified as Manfreda properly belong within the Agave genus. This means that mangaves are now all technically agaves, but the original nomenclature is still prevalent in the nursery trade. In the interest of clarity, we have continued to use xMangave as the genus name, and mangave as the common name to differentiate this unique group of plants from traditional agaves.

    Zones: 9–11, with a few cultivars hardy to Zone 7b

    Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, poor to average soil

    Native range: Hybrids of North American species

    Care: Avoid overwatering and poorly drained soil, which can
    lead to root rot.

    Propagation: New plants can be propagated from the bulbils or aerial plantlets that occasionally form on flower stalks, or by separating and potting up the pups that form at the base of a blooming parent plant.

    Pests and diseases: While quite rabbit- and deer-resistant, mangaves may be damaged by slugs and snails. In regions where agaves are commonly grown, keep an eye out for the agave snout weevil, an insect whose larvae burrow and feed on the core of the plant.

    Growing tips: Provided with full sun and moderate water, mangaves thrive in pots or in the ground. In regions with cold, wet winters, they can be overwintered indoors as houseplants.

    Click here to see trial results.

    TRIAL PARAMETERS

    The Chicago Botanic Garden evaluated 37 mangaves—all Walters Gardens introductions—in 2020 and 2021. Two individuals of each variety were evaluated.

    How Long: 2 years

    Zone: 6a

    Conditions: Full sun; grown in a standard potting mix in large planters. The plants were overwintered in greenhouses from October 2020 to May 2021.

    Care Given: Maintenance, consisting of weeding and watering when necessary, was kept to a minimum. In the first year of the trial, the mangaves were interplanted with annuals, which required more water than the mangaves. By the second year, the mangaves had grown too large to allow space for seasonal plants and were only watered when needed. Besides observing the mangaves’ ornamental traits, we monitored them to see how well they grew and adapted to environmental conditions, while keeping a close eye on any disease or pest problems.

    ‘Aztec King’

    Agaves (Agave spp. and cvs., Zones 5–12) are New World succulents adapted to survive in hot, dry regions. They have rigid evergreen leaves armed with vicious terminal spines. They are monocarpic, meaning they flower once after many years of growth, then die. Tuberoses, or spice lilies (Manfreda spp. and cvs., Zones 7–10), are also North American natives but often need more water to grow well. They feature rosettes of supple deciduous leaves and are polycarpic, meaning that they can bloom annually. Mangaves combine traits of each parent, although some cultivars look decidedly like agaves—right down to the wicked spines—while others favor the softer look and spotting of tuberoses.

    Some mangaves are quick to flower in a year or two, while others play it shy like agaves. The green, yellow, or pink flowers are quite lovely, borne on burly asparagus-like stalks that can grow 3 to 8 feet tall. Flowering often causes the plant structure to loosen up and become less architecturally refined. I suggest sharing with friends the pups that form at the base of the plant. Left on, they can unbalance the exquisite symmetry of the main rosette.

    With their capricious blooming habits, mangaves are really all about the leaves—colors, patterns, spines, and textures—and the strong architectural forms they create. Leaves may be stiff or fleshy, narrow or wide, patterned or solid, spiny or smooth. The architecture of the rosettes is due to the upright, arching, squiggly, or relaxed habits of the leaves and varies widely among cultivars. Shades of blue and green are the leaves’ base colors, but they are often speckled, mottled, or suffused with red or purple tints that become richer with plentiful sunlight.

    Mangaves are low-maintenance and versatile garden plants. They are drought tolerant, but will thrive and grow well with a moderate amount of water, with a growth rate that is much faster than most Agave species. When it’s time to bring them inside for the winter, remember the spiny ones can poke you. Enjoy them in a sunny window when possible, or overwinter them in low light in a cool basement, where watering about once a month will generally be enough. I recently discovered a mangave I’d forgotten in my basement for 20 months, and it was still alive, green, and plump! Never mind what this says about me as a gardener, or about the state of my basement.

    | ON THE HORIZON |

    Hardier cultivars are in the works

    If you can grow mangaves outside all year long, you are a lucky gardener. Most cultivars are cold hardy to Zone 9, withstanding minimum winter temperatures around 25o F. But Hans Hansen, who has overwintered mangaves outside at Walters Gardens in USDA Zone 6a, has observed that mangave hardiness is mostly about the plants surviving through winter wetness, rather than tolerating low temperatures. “In western Michigan, keeping wet, sloppy, lake-effect snow off mangaves gives them a better chance,” Hansen says.

    In his trials, the winter-hardiest mangaves released to date include
    ‘Whale Tale’, ‘Falling Waters’, and ‘Blue Mammoth’.

    ‘Redwing’, ‘Bad Hair Day’, and ‘Permanent Wave’ are the next hardiest
    selections. Work is currently underway to develop future introductions
    that are even hardier.

    Top Performers Worth the Investment

    ‘Aztec King’ has a commanding yet elegant form. Each whorl of the wide, silvery green leaves arches to form a broad and rigidly upright habit. At nearly 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide in the second year, it fell short of being the biggest plant—that honor went to ‘Navajo Princess’. We grew ‘Aztec King’ in full sun, so the burgundy mottling was quite pronounced. This mangave produced a few pups but did not flower for us.

    ‘Desert Dragon’

    Unlike the stout formality of ‘Aztec King’, ‘Desert Dragon’ has a more relaxed organic symmetry. The low-growing plant sported a sort of squashed habit. The squiggly, undulating lines of the leaves are tentacle-like, giving the impression that the plant could scuttle away at any moment. Its minty green leaves are generously freckled with burgundy spots and lined with small teeth. ‘Desert Dragon’ held its unique form because it did not flower or produce pups in the trial.

    ‘Dreadlocks’

    ‘Dreadlocks’ is a stouter and wavier version of ‘Desert Dragon’ but not a look-alike. Dark green leaves with strongly undulating margins arch downward, making it perfect for cascading over the edge of a pot. Purple spotting—strongest in full sun—coalesces into central stripes on the leaves. It boasted a low and broad habit after two years. Mottled ‘Dreadlocks’ paired wonderfully with the slightly unsettling yellow-and-purple button-like flowers of eyeball plant (Acmella oleracea, Zones 9–11), which both softened and accentuated the strong lines of the mangave.

    ‘Lavender Lady’

    ‘Lavender Lady’ is just the right combination of delicate and dangerous. Its habit has major agave vibes, due to the refined rosette and cinnamon brown terminal spines. The smoky lavender tone comes from subtle purple spots that pepper the broad blue-gray leaves. This soft, sophisticated complexion heightens the perfection of the water lily–like habit. Tiny white spines on the margins create a luminous shadow that further mellows ‘Lavender Lady’. The pups were as flawless as the mother plant but should be removed to preserve its form.

    ‘Purple People Eater’

    ‘Purple People Eater’ is a great name for a colorful mangave. But as with all plants in this genus, leaf color is not straightforward. Burgundy speckles blush the blue-green leaves, giving them an overall purple cast that intensifies in sunlight. ‘Purple People Eater’ looks like a pricklier ‘Lavender Lady’ with a similarly neat rosette habit. Here though, the rolled-up margins show off the colorful spines, which start out yellow, turn cinnamon, and finally become dark burgundy; the terminal spikes are cinnamon, too. Its strong architecture alone warranted a high score, but all the colors put it over the top. ‘Purple People Eater’ was pristine during the trial but flowered a couple of years later in the greenhouse.

    ‘Sponge Paint’

    The toothy, silvery blue leaves of ‘Sponge Paint’ are purple-flecked and tipped with an orange spine. The waxy coating on the short, broad leaves makes waterdrops sparkle like quicksilver when they pool in the rosette. It was the smallest of the mangaves in the trial—8 inches tall and 14 inches wide; ‘Moonglow’ and ‘Frosted Elegance’ were also under 10 inches tall. However, the nearly 5-foot flower stalk of ‘Sponge Paint’ was jarring rising out of the tight, compact rosette. A downside was the numerous pups that crowded the mother plant but not in the charming way hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8) nestle together.

    ‘Spotty Dotty’

    ‘Spotty Dotty’ looks freckled from any distance—the dark burgundy spots show distinctly and plentifully against the stiff green leaves. Its strong architecture is reminiscent of ‘Falling Waters’, which has leaves that are only faintly freckled. Lots of wide, curvy, and slightly undulating leaves give ‘Spotty Dotty’ its full habit. The leaf tips arch outward, while the margins fold up and are lined with rusty orange spines. Deeply red-leaved ‘Mission to Mars’ was a brilliant companion to the shorter ‘Spotty Dotty’—at 12 inches tall, it was about half the height.

    ‘Tooth Fairy’

    ‘Tooth Fairy’ favors agave in habit and texture, with eye-catching spines that turn from golden yellow to rusty orange to burgundy. It’s hard to escape the wicked teeth—there’s even a pronounced imprint left behind as each whorl of the gray-green leaves unfurls. Don’t get me wrong—the spines are so much of its charm, and that includes the prominent terminal spines too. The compact plants did not produce enough pups to ruin the exquisite form. Unfortunately, the thick leaves were brittle and easily damaged during planting and transplanting. The strong habit and colorful spines of ‘Tooth Fairy’ are a beautiful foil to the playful colors and soft strappy leaves of ‘Carnival’.


     

    Contributing editor Richard Hawke is the director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

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  • Protecting family homes with proper pipe and duct insulation – Growing Family

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    The concept of home protection typically conjures images of security systems and sturdy locks. While these are undoubtedly important, a significant threat to a home’s integrity, comfort, and financial well-being operates silently within its walls and under its floors.

    Inadequate insulation on plumbing pipes and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts can make your home vulnerable to damage and also increase your energy bills.

    Proper insulation is a fundamental strategy for safeguarding your home year-round. Uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes and ducts can impact everything from monthly utility bills to the very structure of your home.

    This article delves into how proper pipe and duct insulation can protect family homes.

    pipe and duct insulation

    Reducing energy waste and utility costs

    A primary function of pipe and duct insulation is to act as a thermal barrier.

    During winter, heated air travelling through ducts loses warmth to surrounding unconditioned spaces like attics and crawl spaces. Similarly, hot water pipes shed heat, forcing the water heater to work harder to maintain the temperature.

    In summer, chilled air from air conditioning systems gains radiant heat from hot attic spaces, and cold water pipes can sweat, contributing to latent cooling loads. This constant thermal exchange can force HVAC systems and water heaters to cycle more frequently and operate longer, leading to substantial energy waste. 

    Properly insulating your heating and cooling system can minimise thermal transfer, allowing it to operate efficiently. You should see a noticeable and sustained reduction in heating and cooling bills, with the insulation typically paying for itself over time through these accumulated savings.

    For those seeking high-performance materials, investing in modern solutions like thermal-clad.co.uk can offer options, including advanced polyisocyanurate foam insulation, known for its excellent thermal resistance in a relatively thin profile. 

    Preventing costly water damage and mould growth

    Perhaps the most direct form of protection insulation offers is against condensation and the subsequent water damage it can cause. When cold water pipes pass through humid environments, such as basements or ceiling cavities, moisture in the air condenses on their surfaces. This persistent dripping can rot wooden framing, damage ceiling tiles and drywall, and ruin insulation in walls.

    Uninsulated ducts can also sweat, dripping condensate onto attic insulation, rendering it ineffective and promoting structural decay. This damp environment is the ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew, which pose serious health risks, particularly to those with respiratory issues like asthma. 

    By insulating cold water pipes to prevent surface condensation and ensuring ducts are properly sealed and insulated, you can create a drier, healthier building, preventing expensive repairs and protecting indoor air quality.

    Close up of female hand turning on gas boiler for heating waterClose up of female hand turning on gas boiler for heating water

    Enhancing system performance and home comfort

    A proper insulation project can contribute significantly to consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures. Leaky, uninsulated ducts can lose conditioned air before it reaches living spaces. This can result in uneven heating and cooling, with some rooms feeling stuffy while others remain draughty. Insulating and meticulously sealing ductwork can ensure that the desired air temperature is delivered efficiently to each room. 

    Similarly, insulating hot water pipes can maintain higher water temperatures at fixtures, allowing for shorter wait times and less water waste. This can translate to a more comfortable living experience, with fewer complaints about cold spots or lukewarm showers.

    Safeguarding plumbing infrastructure from freezing

    In colder climates, the failure to insulate pipes in vulnerable areas like exterior walls, attics, and garages can lead to catastrophic freezing. When water freezes, it expands, exerting tremendous pressure on pipes, which can cause them to burst. The resulting flooding can cause extensive damage to drywall, flooring, and personal belongings. 

    Pipe insulation acts as a critical first line of defence, significantly slowing the heat loss that leads to freezing. For pipes in extremely cold zones, supplementary heat tape used in conjunction with insulation can provide an added layer of thermal protection. This preventive measure is far less costly than emergency plumbing repairs and the extensive restoration required after a burst pipe incident.

    Workers installing thermal insulation on the pipes of a home gas boiler.Workers installing thermal insulation on the pipes of a home gas boiler.

    Implementing effective insulation strategies

    A successful insulation project requires attention to material selection and installation quality. For plumbing, flexible foam sleeves are common for accessible straight runs, while moulded fibreglass or foam covers are used for elbows and valves. Duct insulation typically involves wrapping with fibreglass blankets or using pre-insulated flexible ductwork. The most critical aspect for air ducts is ensuring all joints and seams are properly sealed with mastic or metal-backed insulation tape before insulation is applied. 

    It’s also often advisable to consult with or hire a professional, especially for HVAC ductwork, as improper installation can compromise system performance and air quality. Homeowners should prioritise insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces and pipes in exterior walls and crawl spaces first for maximum impact.

    When protecting your family home, you should always include the building’s mechanical duct systems. Proper pipe and duct insulation is a proactive, cost-effective measure that delivers a compelling return on investment. It fortifies your home against energy waste, prevents moisture-related structural damage and mould, enhances everyday comfort, and protects against plumbing disasters. By keeping these tips in mind, your can protect the health, safety, and comfort of your family, so that your home remains a true sanctuary in every season.

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    Catherine

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