It’s sad to say goodbye to the colourful, cheery blooms of the garden when the seasons change. Flowers just make everything feel lighter and happier. That’s why I make an effort to keep flowering houseplants around, especially during the colder months when the garden has been put to bed and I need my flower fix. Design an indoor garden space with these stunning flowering houseplants, and you will hardly miss the summer garden at all.
Houseplants are a wonderful way for anyone to get a little garden therapy, no matter what the circumstances. Maybe you live in a small apartment with no outdoor space. Maybe it’s the dead of winter and you miss seeing green, living things. Maybe your home is dark and needs brightening up (if that’s the case, check out the best houseplants for low light here).
Houseplants are also a great option for those who are brand new to gardening or don’t think they have a green thumb (EVERYBODY has a green thumb, I promise). Once you see your first houseplant grow and bloom because of the care you give it, you’ll go from identifying as a black-thumb gardener to a proud plant mama in no time!
The Best Flowering Houseplants
Here are my favourite indoor bloomers and some basic care instructions for each one. I hope you create a magical, flower-filled haven in your home with these beauties.
Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Orchids are among the most stunning flowers available. Orchids like to dry out between watering and have plenty of air circulation at their roots. They like a humid environment, so make a simple humidity tray to keep them happy.
Prolong the blooms by keeping the orchid in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. When the blooms have faded, clip off the flower stem and be sure not to overwater. It will make an attractive green houseplant until the next flowers appear.
Orchids can be tricky to get to rebloom, but watering is key.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Named for their flowers, which are similar in shape and colour to violets, these low-growing plants produce beautiful frilly blossoms which come in various shades of purple, pink, and white.
African Violets like lots of indirect sunlight, so place them in a bright window. Water them from the bottom with lukewarm or room-temperature water and remove wilted flowers to promote new blooms.
Water from the bottom to avoid getting the fuzzy leaves wet.
Cyclamen
Usually pink, purple, or red, these sweet little flowers have delicate upward-facing petals and pretty variegated leaves. Cyclamen need to be watered regularly (every day or so), but they are also sensitive to overwatering, so check the soil’s moisture level before you water. Cyclamen also like good air circulation, so be sure to remove any dropped blooms and leaves from the top of the soil.
Note: Cyclamen are poisonous to pets.
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) and Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Bromeliads and air plants are often brought home when they are flowering, as they are the most striking when the vibrantly-hued flower is in its full glory. That being said, a flowering bromeliad or air plant is at the end of its life cycle.
These epiphytic plants propagate by producing pups at the base of the plant after flowering. The mother plant will then die back and allow the pups to grow, flourish, and bloom.
Bromeliads will only bloom once.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are among the easiest flowering houseplants to grow, and they will produce blooms all year long. The bloom consists of a spadix (this is the long, skinny piece that sticks up) surrounded by a white or colored spathe (the large spade-shaped “petal”). The little bumps on the spadix are technically the flowers! This plant likes shade best and should be watered only when soil is dry, about once a week.
Note: Peace lilies are poisonous to pets.
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Cacti
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi), Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), and Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) are succulents that bloom near the holiday that they are named for. These plants produce gorgeous star-shaped flowers that are red, pink, purple, white, orange, or yellow. For in-depth care instructions, see this post.
These can be prolific bloomers if grown right.
Flowering Maple (Abutilon)
Flowering maples, so called because their leaves have a shape similar to maple leaves (they are actually a type of mallow), can grow anywhere from 1.5 to 10 feet tall. You can control their size by pruning regularly and selecting an appropriate indoor flowerpot. The bigger the planter, the bigger the flowering maple will get. Place in a sunny area and water only when the soil feels dry.
Hibiscus
There are hundreds of hibiscus varieties, but the most common one grown as a houseplant is the Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). This is the tropical variety that you see plastered all over Hawaiian shirts.
To get them to flower, you want them in a bright location. They should get lots of water in the spring and summer. Indoor hibiscus can suffer from bud drop if they don’t get enough water or humidity. Mist them regularly or set up a humidity tray to help keep things humid.
Have fun creating your indoor flower garden, and remember that garden therapy can happen anywhere, from tiny apartments to big outdoor spaces.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Flowering Houseplants
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
“Everything I do is inspired by Japan, but I’m deliberately not making it all Japanese,” explains Hobson. “There’s no koi pond or red bridges.” Not only does Hobson eschew any decorative Japanese elements, he avoids ornaments altogether. “For me, a Japanese garden is creating a sense of a landscape—an idealized landscape—within the plot. If you bring in ornaments, you ruin the magic of scale. Whereas, if all you’ve got is plants, you can create a sense (if you squint and after a couple of drinks) that maybe you’re looking out into a deep forest.”
Hobson has successfully created this illusion of landscape within his small space. Looking out the windows of the home he shares with his wife, Keiko, and their son, or gazing at photographs of Hobson’s green, layered garden, it’s hard to believe that it’s not much bigger than a tennis court.
When Hobson and his wife bought the house, the backyard had four sheds, a mismatched bunch of overgrown conifers, and a ton of concrete paths. They ripped it all out, leaving just the evergreen hedge that blocks the view from a neighboring building. Hobson commissioned a local carpenter to build a single new shed inspired by a Japanese “summer house” at the back of the plot. Then he planted dozens of evergreen and coniferous shrubs and trees that he has been training and pruning for the last fourteen years. The result is a garden that feels like its own miniature world, full of living sculptures.
Let’s take a tour of Hobson’s garden, which he photographed himself. (You can follow him on Instagram @niwakijake.)
Above: Every year Hobson lets the grass grow long and mows a new path through it. “Zigzagging through the garden is a really Japanese thing,” he notes. “You never just go straight into a house.” At right are some of Hobson’s undulating boxwood and a Phillyrea latifolia, which Hobson calls a “cloud-pruned tree.” (He had been growing it for years at his parents home before moving it to the garden.)
I hope we find you happy and warm on this November day. Yesterday, I mentioned I would have some more images for you from my wedding/honeymoon in Costa Rica back in 2021 so that is what you will find below. We were in Costa Rica in August during the rainy season but really only faced a couple of days of drizzle and got stuck in one downpour. I’ve shared images from our trip to Costa Rica before, specifically of the Monteverde Orchid Garden. This post will focus mostly on foliage we found in Costa Rica in and around the cloud forests.
We began our trip in La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal volcano, then made our way to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast before finishing in the cloud forests of Monteverde. Every place we visited was beautiful and fascinating in its own way, but La Fortuna will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only is it where we got married, but the volcano itself felt astonishingly majestic—its presence in the landscape was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
This spot might just be my favorite place we visited. The photo was taken at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa outside La Fortuna—and honestly, it almost looks too beautiful to be real. The entire resort feels that way. Built around volcanically heated springs that cascade down the hillside, Tabacón is a maze of plant-lined pathways leading to a series of naturally warm pools, each one fed by its own waterfall. In this shot you can see:
Heliconia (likely Heliconia rostrata or H. latispatha) – Large, broad banana-like leaves on the left side. These plants are extremely common ornamentals in Costa Rica and frequently planted along paths.
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) – – The multicolored, leathery foliage with reds, oranges, and yellows. A standard tropical landscape shrub.
Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.) – Low, leafy plants with pale green mottling. Often used as shady understory ornamentals in tropical gardens.
Ginger (Alpinia purpurata) – Big upright leaves with a slightly glossy finish on the right-hand background.
Costa Rican bamboo palm (Chamaedorea costaricana) – There are over 100 species of palm native to Costa Rica so your guess is as good as mine, but this species is known for forming dense clusters of thin, green, ringed stems that resemble bamboo. Does that ID look right to you?
Costa Rica’s cloud forests are famous for their astonishing plant diversity, and Monteverde is no exception. During a treetop excursion— crossing suspension bridges and ziplines through the canopy — we saw firsthand how life layers itself in these misty heights. In this photo, every surface is alive: the host tree (species unknown!) is draped in mosses, epiphytes, and ferns, while philodendrons, monsteras, and anthuriums climb and compete for space and light. Epiphytes are plants that grow on top of another without taking nutrients from that plant. Species such as bromeliads, orchids, and many ferns are epiphytes. Epi means “upon” or “on top of’ and phyte means “plant”.
Here we see a large-leaved aroid, possibly Philodendron giganteum, climbing up a tree. Cloud forest trees are often draped in hemi-epiphytic aroids. A hemi-epiphyte is a plant that spends only part of its life as an epiphyte, shifting between growing on other plants and rooting in the soil. Species such as philodendrons and monsteras use this strategy to reach better light in the canopy while still accessing nutrients from the forest floor when possible.
Looking down from the walkway, you get a clear view of the lower canopy—a perfect study in how powerful texture can be in garden design. The giant tree fern (Cyatheaceae sp.) spreads its lacy fronds above the soft, needle-like foliage that resembles a Caribbean pine (a best guess—feel free to correct me if you recognize it). Around them, the broad, paddle-shaped leaves of banana (Musa sp.?) and the palmate foliage of Cecropia add even more contrast and visual interest. Do you recognize any other of the plants in this shot?
Clusia trees are abundant in cloud forests and can be epiphytic when young. Monteverde has several species, including Clusia alata, C. palmana, and C. minor.
This close up is of a plant in the Cecropia species — likely Cecropia insignis or Cecropia obtusifolia. Cecropia is one of the most iconic Neotropical trees. The features are textbook large palmately lobed, silver-backed leaves, central clusters of long, fingerlike catkin-like inflorescences, hairy red/brown bracts at the petiole base. Cecropia trees are keystone species in Costa Rica — home to Azteca ants and many epiphytes.
Another example of the diversity viewable in even the smallest of spaes. Here, this is a tree fern frond (Cyatheaceae sp.) is covered by mosses, lichens, and possibly small filmy ferns.
This is a cultivated banana (Musa × paradisiaca / Musa acuminata group), which is common in Costa Rican gardens, farms, and smallholdings. A mature banana bunch can be seen towards the top of the tree, and below it, the large purple inflorescence bract (the banana flower or “banana heart”) hangs down.
This amazing looking plant is Heliconia rostrata, known commonly as Hanging Lobster Claw or False Bird of Paradise.
Utilizing tropical plants in your garden design is one of the best ways to ensure a unique-look to your landscape. We have some wonderful articles on how best to achieve this look, no matter what your winter is like. Check out some of those articles, linked below. Tomorrow, we’ll be headed back to North America! Thank you for taking this trip with me. I hope someday I’ll be able to return to Costa Rica, there is no shortage of things to see and learn about there.
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, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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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.
Buffalo-Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs
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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.
Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG
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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
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· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
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There are many reasons to visit South Africa, but for anyone whose heart beats faster for flowers, there is this hint: Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and book a trip any time from late August through September, when the summer-dry expanses of the West Coast region and its hinterland erupt in spring’s wildflowers after soaking winter rains.
Because of the staggering diversity of floral displays spread across the country’s Western and Northern Cape provinces, the choices of destinations can be overwhelming. The tiny town of Darling in the Western Cape, just an hour’s drive north of Cape Town, is at once accessible, hospitable, and bursting with a variety botanical hotspots. Waylands Wildflower Reserve is just one of them.
Above: Wild arum lilies—Zantedeschia aethiopica— at Waylands Wildflower Reserve, near Darling.
Waylands Wildflower Reserve, about three miles southeast of Darling, is one of several local reserves open to visitors during peak wildflower season. Last September I visited with my evolutionary-biologist friend, Jacqueline Bishop, who loves flowers as much as I do, but who knows more about them as well as the creatures with which they co-exist. (It’s like walking with Google, except more fun.) Our destination that day was the town itself, and the Darling Wildflower Show, held annually over the third weekend of September. But at Waylands we became side-tracked, in the best possible way.
Above: A flock of Lachenalias. Above: Heliophila africana tilting on slender stems. Above: Shaggy monkey beetles are important pollinators of spring’s ephemeral wildflowers. Above: Geissorhiza radians.
Created in 1922 by Frederick Duckitt, Waylands is one of the oldest wildflower reserves in South Africa. This pocket of critically endangered Renosterveld remains on land farmed by the Duckitt family since 1865. (Closer to town vast greenhouses accommodate their orchid business, which exports exotic orchids globally. It is open to the public during this weekend, and we were sustained there by some very good pannekoek, crêpe-like pancakes filled with cinnamon and sugar and served with lemon.)
Above: Common butterfly lily—Wachendorfia paniculata—thrives after fire.
Over 300 species of wildflowers have been recorded at Waylands, whose farming methods help conserve one of the most threatened habitats in the Cape Floristic Region (which is smallest of the world’s six plant kingdoms, but the mightiest in terms of diversity). Grassfed cattle and sheep are allowed to graze here after the flowers have set seed, from November—early summer—to the end of April before the wet, Mediterranean winter sets in. This ancient seasonal grazing strategy, predating colonial history, allows these hoofed animals to actively spread seed, and to turn bulbs. And every four to seven years, intentional fires are set in autumn, ahead of rain, to help regenerate plants that thrive after fire.
There are many reasons to visit South Africa, but for anyone whose heart beats faster for flowers, there is this hint: Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and book a trip any time from August through September, when the summer-dry expanses of the West Coast region and its hinterland erupt in spring’s wildflowers after soaking winter rains.
Because of the staggering diversity of floral displays spread across the country’s Western and Northern Cape provinces, the choices of destinations can be overwhelming. The tiny town of Darling in the Western Cape, just an hour’s drive north of Cape Town, is at once accessible, hospitable, and bursting with a variety botanical hotspots. Waylands Wildflower Reserve is just one of them.
Above: Wild arum lilies—Zantedeschia aethiopica— at Waylands Wildflower Reserve, near Darling.
Waylands Wildflower Reserve, about three miles southeast of Darling, is one of several local reserves open to visitors during peak wildflower season. Last September I visited with my evolutionary-biologist friend, Jacqueline Bishop, who loves flowers as much as I do, but who knows more about them as well as the creatures with which they co-exist. (It’s like walking with Google, except more fun.) Our destination that day was the town itself, and the Darling Wildflower Show, held annually over the third weekend of September. But at Waylands we became side-tracked, in the best possible way.
Above: A flock of Lachenalias. Above: Heliophila africana tilting on slender stems. Above: Shaggy monkey beetles are important pollinators of spring’s ephemeral wildflowers. Above: Geissorhiza radians.
Created in 1922 by Frederick Duckitt, Waylands is one of the oldest wildflower reserves in South Africa. This pocket of critically endangered Renosterveld remains on land farmed by the Duckitt family since 1865. (Closer to town vast greenhouses accommodate their orchid business, which exports exotic orchids to Europe and the East Coast of the US. It is open to the public during this weekend, and we were sustained there by some very good pancakes, filled with cinnamon and sugar and served with lemon.)
Above: Common butterfly lily—Wachendorfia paniculata—thrives after fire.
Over 300 species of wildflowers have been recorded at Waylands, whose farming methods help conserve one of the most threatened habitats in the Cape Floristic Region (which is smallest of the world’s six plant kingdoms, but the mightiest in terms of diversity). Grassfed cattle and sheep are allowed to graze here after the flowers have set seed, from November—early summer—to the end of April before the wet, Mediterranean winter sets in. This ancient seasonal grazing strategy, predating colonial history, allows these hoofed animals to actively spread seed, and to turn bulbs. And every four to seven years, intentional fires are set in autumn, ahead of rain, to help regenerate plants that thrive after fire.
Los Angeles might be known for its film studios, sunny beaches, and celebrity sightings, but beyond the glitz, there’s another side to the city that’s equally exciting. LA is quietly becoming a powerhouse for science, technology, and education. For young people fascinated by how the world works, it’s one of the best places to grow into a future scientist.
A city that breathes innovation
Los Angeles thrives on creativity – not just artistic creativity, but scientific innovation too. It’s home to some of the world’s top institutions like Caltech, UCLA, and USC, all of which are driving discoveries that change the way we live. From studying black holes to developing sustainable energy solutions, these schools make LA a living classroom for curious minds.
Students here don’t just learn from textbooks. They’re surrounded by real-world examples of science in motion. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, located in Pasadena, gives students glimpses into space exploration. Tech startups across the city are working on everything from climate tech to AI.
And LA doesn’t wait for students to reach college before getting them involved. Dozens of programs, internships, and science camps are available for middle and high schoolers. It’s not uncommon for teens to be working on coding projects, robotics challenges, or research experiments before they even finish high school.
STEM in everyday life
Science in Los Angeles isn’t confined to classrooms or research centres. Walk into a library, a museum, or even a weekend workshop, and you’ll find kids building robots, learning to code, or doing mini experiments. Initiatives like STEM Advantage and Project Scientist give students from diverse backgrounds a chance to explore science hands-on.
And because this is LA – a city that loves mixing art and imagination – STEM often blends with creativity. Students learn geometry through architecture design, explore motion through skateboarding physics, or dive into biology through art projects. They’re encouraged to imagine, question, and experiment. The intersection of creativity and science keeps learning exciting.
The power of one-on-one guidance
Even in a city buzzing with opportunity, students sometimes need extra support to make sense of challenging subjects. Let’s be honest, not everyone falls in love with maths or physics straight away. For many, those subjects can feel intimidating at first.
That’s where the right mentor can make all the difference. Working with a Los Angeles math and physics tutor can turn confusion into clarity. Instead of memorising equations, students learn why those equations matter – how they explain everything from the path of a rocket to the energy in a skateboard jump. Suddenly, science becomes less about passing a test and more about understanding the universe.
A great tutor doesn’t just teach formulas; they build confidence. They break down complex ideas into relatable examples and create space for students to ask questions without fear of being wrong. Over time, students realise that struggling with a concept isn’t a failure, it’s just part of the process of learning deeply.
This personal, encouraging approach is one of the quiet strengths of LA’s academic landscape. It helps students see that maths and physics aren’t abstract or unreachable – they’re tools for exploring and shaping the world around them.
Learning beyond the classroom
LA is full of places that bring science to life in ways that stick.
Take the California Science Center, where students can walk under a real space shuttle or design their own experiments. Or the Griffith Observatory, where a night under the stars turns into a lesson in physics and astronomy. Even a simple weekend at the beach can become an impromptu science lesson about waves, motion, and gravity.
Many tutors and educators in Los Angeles weave these experiences into their lessons. They encourage students to connect what they’re learning to the world they see every day. It’s one thing to learn about force and acceleration in theory. It’s another to watch how it plays out when you drop a surfboard in the sand or throw a ball across the field. This kind of practical, hands-on education helps students truly understand, not just memorise, what they’re studying.
Creativity: the heartbeat of scientific discovery
One of the most powerful things about Los Angeles is its creative pulse. This city celebrates imagination, and that same energy drives scientific discovery. Innovation isn’t just about knowing the right answer; it’s about asking the right questions.
In LA, students are constantly encouraged to think differently. They grow up in an environment where diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideas collide in the best possible way. That diversity of thought fuels creativity, and creativity, in turn, fuels science.
A student inspired by animation might discover a love for physics while studying motion. Another who enjoys filmmaking could dive into acoustics or optics. Here, creativity and science don’t compete; they collaborate. And that’s what makes LA such fertile ground for future scientists.
Stories that inspire
Ask any local educator or tutor, and you’ll hear story after story of students who found their spark through personalised learning. A teen who once dreaded algebra now aces calculus. A middle-schooler who thought physics was “too hard” suddenly can’t stop asking questions about space and energy.
These transformations often start with the right kind of support, encouragement, and real-world connection. When students start believing they can understand, everything changes. Their confidence builds, their curiosity grows, and their love of learning takes off.
That’s why LA’s approach to education works so well. It’s not just about improving test scores. It’s about helping students see themselves as capable scientists, engineers, and problem solvers.
A city that sparks possibility
Everywhere you look in Los Angeles, there’s inspiration. From aerospace engineers grabbing coffee downtown to research students presenting their findings at local expos, science is part of the city’s everyday rhythm.
Students here aren’t just surrounded by opportunity; they’re surrounded by examples of what’s possible. They can visit observatories, attend tech fairs, and even volunteer at science museums. The city gives them the chance to see what their future could look like, not as a distant dream but as a real, tangible goal.
From curiosity to career
Los Angeles has all the ingredients to turn curiosity into a calling: top universities, a thriving innovation scene, and mentors who care. It’s a place where students can explore, experiment, and evolve – all while being surrounded by people who understand their passion for discovery.
It’s also a place that recognises learning is personal. It’s not just about finding the right school; it’s about finding the right guidance. Whether through hands-on science programs or the individualised attention of a maths and physics tutor, the city offers countless paths for students to unlock their potential.
Where tomorrow’s scientists are born
So, what makes Los Angeles the best city for aspiring scientists? It’s not just the universities or the museums — though those certainly help. It’s the spirit of the city itself. The creativity, the innovation, the openness to new ideas.
In LA, science doesn’t feel distant or dull; it feels alive. It’s in the stars above Griffith Park, the waves along Santa Monica, and the energy of classrooms filled with curiosity. For every student who’s ever looked at the world and wondered “why?”, this city has an answer: come find out.
Christine here, the Fine Gardening/AIM Garden Group Executive Digital Editor. I’m taking over the GPOD this week while Kaitlyn is on a much deserved vacation – hopefully she’ll be bringing back some photos to share with us!
I’ve been in and out of the GPOD over the years, but I thought I’d take this week to post some of the images I haven’t had time to share with Kaitlyn and to introduce myself a bit more. I’ve been working with Fine Gardening since 2017, and it has been a great pleasure to be able to serve our subscribers and online members and work with the team at FG in creating and delivering excellent gardening and garden design advice over the last 8 years.
My gardening journey is fairly circuitous – from starting my own vegetable garden as a pre-teen to exploring herbal medicine in my teens and twenties, foraging for wild native plants as a wilderness guide to trying to grow my own wedding bouquets. Most recently, I’ve been slowly working on designing a long border for privacy along my front fence line (while also parenting two rambunctious toddlers).
I love starting seeds, and my setup has changed dramatically over the years, from windowsill attempts to a more successful setup with lights and heating pads. I’ve learned so much from Carol Collins, our Editor in Chief, with whom I shot the video 15 Tips to Make Seed Starting Easier and who is always a huge help with all things gardening.
If you are interested in seed starting, but are not sure where to start, I highly recommend our course Seed Starting Made Simple with the incomparable Niki Jabbour, which you can purchase or get as part of joining the Fine Gardening membership along with our other gardening courses.
In 2020, we got a simple greenhouse that I actually recommend if you are looking for a simple setup that can withstand snowy conditions. You would want to reinforce it if you live in a windy environment though, as it is fairly light. That March, my husband proposed and I decided I wanted to grow my own wedding bouquet. The wedding was set for July 2021, so I began selecting and purchasing seeds for my bouquet that fall and starting them the following spring.
I was going for a romantic bouquet of dark reds and creams, and I think it would have (mostly) turned out ok had we been able to have our wedding on the original date. In these images you’ll find:
‘Black Beauty’ scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Beauty’, USDA Zones 3–7)
Red spike amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Spike’, annual)
‘Stargazer’ Oriental lily (Lilium orientalis ‘Stargazer’, USDA Zones 4–9)
‘Café au Lait’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’, USDA Zones 8–11; grown as a tender bulb in colder regions)
Unfortunately, due to Covid, we ended up delaying our big wedding. Here’s how the bouquets might have turned out, though, had we kept our original date.
These didn’t come together quite the way I had hoped so maybe it was for the best. Some of the seeds I was really hoping for didn’t end up making it and some of the ones that did, didn’t tie in well with the arrangement in my opinion. On the bright side, I ended up having two more opportunities to design my bouquet.
We ended up eloping on what would have been our honeymoon to Costa Rica in August of 2021. With the help of Blue Butterfly Events, who handled everything, we planned an impromptu wedding within a week of our departure date. It was an amazing trip and such a fun way to turn our postponed wedding into something unique and memorable. I’ll be showcasing more of the beautiful flora from our wedding/honeymoon trip to Costa Rica tomorrow. This one may have been my favorite bouquet of the bunch, though its a tight race. This bouquet features tropical anthurium, monstera leaf foliage, and variegated croton as well as orchids, celosia, heliconia, and passion fruit vine. If you love tropical plants, you should definitely check out this article by Irvin Etienne.
My third bouquet was designed by Country Gardener Florist in Millerton, New York and was also so beautiful. At this point, I was 5 months pregnant, making our second wedding in May of 2022 a celebration in multiple ways. I was too tired to try to do my own bouquets at this point. Thankfully, Country Gardener saw my vision and created a beautiful bouquet with all of the things I wanted for a spring wedding. This bouquet had pampas grass, protea, supernova thistle, ranunculus, shimmer roses, and eucalyptus foliage.
Three years later, we’ve got two babies, a new home, two dogs, and two cats. Everything is overgrown, but we’ve got big plans for the future of the landscape. I’ll make sure to keep everyone updated as we tick off projects!
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, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
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Cut flower garden. This is a sub-category of garden that, if you had asked me about three years ago, I wouldn’t have even understood, let alone imagined someday having. But three years ago, when we moved from New York City to eight-plus acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and set about not only caretaking but working to improve the gardens that were now part of our domain, our super-gardener friend Stephanie declared in a tone that conveyed obviousness, even inevitability, “Well, of course you’ll have to plant a cut flower garden.”
For the uninitiated like myself, a cut flower garden is like a vegetable garden but for flowers—not for decoration but for service. I suppose that more elaborate cut flower gardens are meant to service florists or weddings or even roadside stands. But in our case, our cut flower garden services our dining table and our bedside tables and my desk and anywhere else we need that bump of indoor summery joy around our home.
Fast-forward to a year after Stephanie’s suggestion and, indeed, we planted a cut flower garden—resplendent with zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, bells of Ireland, snapdragons, gomphrena, purple hyacinth beans, and more. But there was a problem: Cut flowers are supposed to grow tall—for, ahem, those big tall giant vases that we don’t have—and that means you have to support the plants. And the way that most people create cut flower garden supports, according to our gardening friends as well as the internet, is with a combination of heavy green garden stakes and twine. You pound the garden stakes into the ground at regular intervals, say, three to four feet apart, and then wind twine between the stakes so that you end up with a series of twine boxes with Xs crossing diagonally. Do this lower to the ground and higher up along the stakes and, Bob’s your uncle, that’s that.
Except Bob is apparently not my uncle, and the twine grid method, for me, wasn’t that easy or workable for three reasons. First, as a baseline, I’m not fantastically skilled at winding or tying twine in such a way that it stays taut and in place. So what initially looked like a sharp twine outline of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich expertly cut into triangles by a very anal retentive parent on school lunch duty inevitably looked, just a few days later, like said sandwich had been left at the bottom of a knapsack for weeks. Second, it never looked good. Even where I occasionally managed to get the twine taut, the giant green metal stakes stood out like sore industrial-ish thumbs pocking the landscape of the otherwise lovely natural-looking flowerscape. And third, hard though it had been to achieve this deeply imperfect twine-stake situation—and, indeed, I had spent hours setting it up—I was gutted by the realization that I’d have to eventually take it all down. And then do it all again next year. And so on and so on. Ad infinitum. Forever.
All this effort for something that didn’t work, that looked garish, and would require repeating every single year? Nope. And this is why I built a series of custom flower support grates and bases for them to rest on. Here’s how I did it.
ONCE UPON A TIME, the seed catalogs came out around the start of the New Year, but these days the very first ones may arrive by Thanksgiving, and their listings may be posted online even earlier. So I guess what I am saying is: It’s not too early to start talking about seed shopping … and it’s never too early to start scouting out new seed sources that you might not know about!
My guest today is the adventurous seed shopper Joseph Tychonievich, who has called himself a “plant-crazed garden nerd,” and we connected on the podcast to share some of our favorite places to track down unusual goodies of all kinds, from alpines to native perennials.
Joseph is a writer, a plant breeder and of course a gardener, based in South Bend, Ind.—and the author of the books “Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style,” plus a graphic novel on growing food called “The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food.” You may recall past conversations we’ve had on the show about other passions of his such as snapdragons, and gladiolus and more. (Photo above, Joseph grew Lewisia ‘Tutti Frutti’ from Jelitto Perennial Seed.)
Read along as you listen to the Nov. 17, 2025 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify (and browse my archive of podcasts here).
Margaret Roach: Hi, Joseph. I had a little snow last night. How about you?
Joseph Tychonievich: I had a lot of snow [laughter]. We have about a foot on the ground.
Margaret: Oh, sorry. Happy early November.
Joseph: Diving into winter with a bang here?
Margaret: O.K. So much for those spring-like or early fall, like days of a few days ago. O.K. [Laughter.] So seed shopping, first of all, I’m just going to, you have to confess, have you already ordered some things?
Joseph: Yes [laughter].
Margaret: O.K. Truth be told, he has already. I think the rarer the items on your wishlist and the more obscure your sources, it’s kind of a race to get there before they’re gone. These are not giant factory-type places we’re talking about, right?
Joseph: Yeah. And also sometimes because seeds, you can store them, I’m a little bit sometimes if I get a bee in my bonnet about something, I’m ordering seeds all the time, even if I’m not going to sow it till the spring. Sometimes if I start thinking about it, then anytime you order it, it can sit in my seed box until I get around to it. So I’m kind of always ordering seeds if I’m honest [laughter].
Margaret: O.K. Now we have the full confession. The seed box: Where does it live? Is it live in a special cool, dry place or what’s where? Is it in your house or-?
Joseph: I keep it in my basement, which is pretty cool. And then they’re like Tupperware tubs, and I put a little bit of silica gel, which absorbs moisture and that you see in those little packets in shoes and stuff in the bottom, to keep them nice and dry. So that’s kind of my system. They used to be in the refrigerator, but my husband thought that maybe we should keep refrigerator space for food [laughter]. So now they’re in the basement.
Margaret: He’s so boring, he doesn’t understand at all. Are there some things that you order every year that you can’t sort of live without? I mean, for me, I like to make this particular vegetable soup, and I have this one bean, this pole bean called ‘Aunt Ada’s, Italian’ pole bean that just… It’s one of those ones, it’s like a greasy bean from the South. It’s one of those ones where the shell stays on and the beans are plump inside, but the beans are tender and the shell stays tender. So it’s like you get the green and the bean in your soup and it’s rich and wonderful. And so I get that from Turtle Tree Seed every year. And that’s in the Hudson Valley of New York near me. And it’s like I have to have that. Is there anything like that that you absolutely have to have?
Joseph: I think I usually end up ordering different things. I mean, there’s stuff I grow every year. There’s a few tomatoes I have to grow every year, but usually I save seeds from them myself. And then I’m often, yeah, so I’m always ordering some kind of kale and I’ve the one, it’s like an Asian broccoli, the cultivar’s ‘Happy Rich,’ that is my must-have with a vegetable garden that I get from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. It’s almost like a broccolini, but I love it because you can plant it once it makes a big bush and it just keeps a harvest about once every one or two weeks, all summer long. [Photo of ‘Happy Rich’ from Johnny’s catalog.]
Margaret: It’s interesting. There’s one, and I don’t know how to pronounce it, it has a Latin American name, ‘Piracicaba,’ and that is one that it will keep yielding, not giant heads, but florets again and again and again and again and again over many weeks. And it’s great.
Joseph: Yeah, I kind of don’t want the giant heads. It’s so impractical. I know that’s what in the grocery stores you’re used to seeing. But one big head, if you plant them all at once, you just get this deluge of broccoli and then nothing. So I like the ones that send off some offsets.
Margaret: Oh, interesting. I don’t know that one.
O.K, so you hunt for other kinds of seeds. You have a lot of plant passions. You’re an alpine gardener, you breed plants. You have all kinds of, I think I said in the introduction, you call yourself a “plant-crazed garden nerd.” What kinds of places do you scout out? What are some of the things you’re looking for?
Joseph: I really love some kind of small, eclectic company that’s one person with a passion who’s collecting unusual seeds. I would love stumbling on them. Usually if the website looks like it hasn’t been updated since the internet, since it was AOL or something [laughter], that’s always a great sign. And one I really love, there’s a company called Seedhunt, which is run by a woman named Jenny Hunt in California, which is all California native seeds. And it’s just their singular passion. And it’s just fascinating because the whole list of stuff I’ve never heard of, which is catnip for me [laughter].
Margaret: Got to try it. Right.
Joseph: Yes, got to try it. Got to try it. Yeah.
Margaret: California natives, interesting.
Joseph: Yeah, and what’s interesting is she has a lot of California native annuals. Obviously the perennials I can’t grow because it snowed yesterday. But there’s a lot of California native annuals that germinate when the rains come, I guess in the fall and, are kind of winter, spring, fall cool-season annuals for California that actually do pretty good in my Midwestern summer. So Clarkia is a huge genus, and every year I just have to order new species of Clarkia from Seedhunt, just to see which ones are going to do well for me here in the Midwest. [Above, a Clarkia williamsonii from Seedhunt at Joseph’s.]
Margaret: That’s great. So Seedhunt. O.K, so that’s one, and that’s one I’ve never heard of. So that’s interesting. And then people who are listening who of course are from the West may wish to indulge in some of the perennials and so forth as well [laughter].
Joseph: Yes, for sure. Yeah, if you are out on the West Coast, I’m sure they hopefully have heard of it already. But yeah, it’s such a really tons of stuff that I don’t think you’re going to find in any the traditional catalogs.
Margaret: Any other sort of ones from other regions of the country?
Joseph: So the other one that’s also out West is called Alplains. And again, it’s this one guy who goes and collects seeds, and he’s somewhere, I think he’s in Colorado, so he’s kind of in the Mountain West. And again, it’s all these, I would say 90-plus percent native species from that region. But really fascinating.
I really like it because this huge list of all these species, again, I’ve never heard of, but he also, each listing has a lot of information about where the native population that the seeds originally came from is from. So I’m really into hardy cactus right now. And there’s a species, Echinocereus reichenbachii, which ranges really widely through the West to high elevations and up north and south. And so there’s forms that are from zone 4, and there’s forms that are from zone 7, and he has all these different listings. So I can kind of pick out the ones from the higher altitude or the northern range that are most likely to survive my winters.
Margaret: Now, of course, that genus of cactus just sort of flowed off your tongue and I have no idea what you said because I don’t think…what?
Joseph: Echinocereus reichenbachii[above].
Margaret: Interesting. Don’t know it.
Joseph: So they’re sometimes called hedgehog cactus. So the typical hardy cactus for us in the East are the prickly pears, Opuntia.
Margaret: Yes.
Joseph: And I hate them so much because they have the little glochids, the little hairs that stick in your skin for what feels like days afterwards. So Echinocereus is a really beautiful genus, lots of very hardy species. They’re spiny, but they don’t have those little hairs. So they don’t embed themselves in you. I find them much-
Margaret: Friendlier [laughter].
Joseph: Yes, friendlier, and really, really, really fun to grow.
Margaret: And so when you grow a cactus from seed it’s a perennial. So is it a winter-sown thing or how long an investment is that before you see something come up?
Joseph: They actually germinate really fast. They don’t need any kind of cold treatment or anything. Some species do, I think Opuntia do, but they germinate pretty fast. So their seed is surprisingly teeny and the seedlings actually don’t want to dry out because they’re so small at first. But they germinate within matter of a few weeks. And when they first germinate, they’re the cutest little… because they come up and they’re already succulents. So the little tiny cotyledons are all fat and swollen and they’re like little flowers all round. I don’t know, they’re so cute. And they’re really slow. The first six months they just look teeny. But then they start growing pretty fast, and they start getting up to flowering size and even three years after sowing.
Margaret: So it was an investment plant, but it’s not something you’re going to find otherwise unless you did it.
Joseph: No, no, there’s really not. I mean, especially you can find the species for sale, but often what you’ll find for sale are the southern forms or the lower-altitude forms that are not going to be as hardy. And then I also like that I can grow a packet, I can grow a hundred of them, and that gives me some variation, because with seed, you get this wonderful genetic diversity. And so the first winter I plant them out and I usually lose a quarter of them that are not quite as hardy, but the rest survive. And I kind of get to do almost like a little bit of mini-plant breeding just by growing a big seed population and finding which survive the winter. The winter just kills off the weaklings [laughter].
Margaret: Oh, cool. So Alplains—and there’s like alpine plants and so forth there.
Joseph: Alpine plants, a lot of desert plants, all from the Mountain West. But just all kinds of things like Phlox, which I think I know, but I only know some of the Eastern species really. There’s all these Western species that I’ve never heard of and I’m like, “Ooh, I want to try all of them.”
Margaret: Any other catalogs that you’re looking at right now? When I say catalogs, of course, that’s what we always called them: seed catalogs. And a lot of these, there’s no paper version anymore, you know what I mean? Or there never was in some of these cases; it’s a website usually.
Joseph: Yeah, I don’t think anything I had on my list to talk to you about has a paper version. Actually, the postage for these little, well, maybe one, but another one I really love is Hayefield Seeds. This is Nancy Ondra’s. She had a garden blog for a long time. She’s in the Philadelphia area, I think. And on her website, she has this wonderfully eclectic list of seeds, many collected from her own garden, a few of her own selections of things like variegated sunflowers or morning glory with yellow leaves, or a lot of old-fashioned annuals that are too tall so you’re not going to find them at the garden centers. It’s a lot of interesting old-fashioned annuals off-the-beaten-path stuff. You never quite know what you’re going to find in her list; there’s vegetables, there’s flowers, it’s perennials. It’s just a very personal kind of list of plants that she loves. And she’s a fantastic gardener. [Above, Nemophila ‘Penny Black’ from Hayefield at Joseph’s.]
Margaret: Oh, that sounds like such fun.
Joseph: It’s really fun because I feel like you get this little window into what she loves to grow, and often it’s something that a variegated form popped up in her garden and she’s saved for years. So it’s really fun, I feel like I’m getting a little piece of her gardening spirit every time I order from her catalog.
Margaret: You remind me about the selections and the oddballs that show up. And my friend Ken Druse sent me some. He likes, as you do, to get unusual things and then grow them out from seed and see which are the best ones. I love pokeweed, which maybe a lot of people don’t like, but I love it. And he has various yellow-leaved and variegated-leaved forms that he had some seedlings of. And so he sent me some of those and it’s really fun. It’s just fun to see what they’re going to grow up into.
Joseph: Yeah, that’s very the type of thing that you’re going to find. She almost certainly has variegated pokeweeds. It’s the type of thing you’re never going to find it at the big box store.
Margaret: No, definitely not.
Joseph: But it is a really cool and actually really beautiful native plant. So she has a lot of those types of things that are maybe a little off the beaten path, but really, really fun to grow [laughter].
Margaret: So where do we go next to spend some more money [laughter]?
Joseph: Well, my next list… So the ones I’ve talked about so far are kind of most likely one person, their personal passion. But my “you can find anything you want” is Jelitto Perennial Seed, which probably people have heard of.
Margaret: Oh sure. In Germany, yes.
Joseph: Yeah, based in Germany and probably one of the biggest perennial seed producers in the world. So it’s pretty much exclusively perennial seeds. It’s a huge list. They do sell a lot of wholesale, so a lot of wholesale growers are buying from them, but they sell retail. And really nice: They do have an office in the us. So despite tariffs and everything else, you can still get seeds from them.
Margaret: Oh, he said the T word. Oh dear [laughter].
Joseph: Oh dear. Yeah. But Jelitto is, I mean, one, it’s the most comprehensive list of any kind of perennial you can imagine from seed probably you’ll find anywhere. So all kinds of things, which is really, really fun.
They also have a really interesting line of what they call their Gold Nugget seed line, which are their pretreated seeds. So they take seeds that normally would take a cold period and all this kind of stuff to germinate, and it’s their trade secret, how they do it, but treating it with some kind of plant hormones probably so that they’ll germinate in two weeks. So if you don’t want to fuss with, “Well, I have to take the Lewisia seeds [photo top of page] and put them outside for the winter and then bring them in and all, dah, dah, dah, dah,” you can just order the Gold Nugget form, and they germinate like your Zinnia would.
Margaret: So they’ve been conditioned already.
Joseph: Yeah, yeah. They’ve given all the pre-treatments you need. And it can really simplify if you’re kind of like, oh, do I want to fuss with this thing needs sandpaper, and then soak them-
Margaret: Right to stratify or scarify or whatever.
Joseph: All those kind of things for a lot of seeds, they have these nice shortcuts, which can be really a fun, an easy way to get into some weird things since you don’t want to mess with all the seed treatments.
And I love Jelitto, too, because despite being a German-based company, they have a really great list of U.S. North American native plants.
Margaret: Yes. Well, and of course the German gardeners, German designers, well, a lot of European designers, had an appreciation of our native perennials and so forth long before we did [laughter], horticulturally speaking.
Joseph: When I was in college studying horticulture, all the selections of native plants were from Germany, our native plants, the first selections of Echinacea and all these things. So I think they actually started appreciating our native prairie plants in particular before we did.
Margaret: Yes. And celebrating them.
Joseph: So they still have really great… I mean, now we have more great native plant nurseries and seed sources in the U.S., but they still are a really great option if you’re looking for a lot of native perennials where they’re going to have great selections and really very high-quality seed, because they do often sell to wholesale growers. So they have been germination-tested, they’re very clean. You can really rely on high reliable germination from them, where sometimes if it’s a backyard operation, maybe sometimes you wonder how, but it’s a very high-quality, high germination rates and really, really extensive list.
Margaret: You also shop at plant societies and so forth. And when I say shop, it’s not like they have stores or again, like a printed catalog or whatever. There are like seed swaps and online seed exchanges and things like that. Various plant societies have that. And you do that as well, don’t you? I mean, it’s sort of an alternative method to get really special things.
Joseph: So a lot of plant societies have seed exchanges where the members collect seeds from their plants, send them into the society, and then there’s an option for other members into get those seeds. And I do think that’s probably, if you really want to get the rarest, most unusual things, the seed exchanges are usually we can find the most off-the-beaten-track plants. And it’s also, though, there’s something dangerous about it, because if I see something in Jelitto and I’m not sure if I want to buy it, I know it’ll be there next year because they’re a big company. But if you see it on the seed exchange list, you’re like, it may never be there again because somebody donated this year. And there’s this sense of so many things. I’m like, “Why did I order that?” But there’s that sense of, “Oh, if I don’t get it now, I’m going to miss out.” [Laughter.]
Which makes it fun. But also is interesting to see what species you can get. So my top society seed exchange is the North American Rock Garden Society, which I work for. I edit their journal, and I’m very involved in. And it’s obviously because the rock garden society is a great seed exchange for alpine plants, but I think rock garden society people are just, they’re like the alpha plant nerd [laughter]. They just love everything.
And so I’ve found one year I grew some weird species of cosmos that I’ve never heard of that, some from Mexico I literally never seen it before or since. So it’s just, you never know what you’re going to find. All kinds of a good representation again of native species. The people are collecting seeds from a lot of alpine species, a lot of really unusual things. And it’s really fun; the seed exchange opens in December every year, and it’s first-come, first-serve, and some of these things are very limited quantity. So there’s kind of this fun sense of marking it on your calendar. And I have to get up that morning, get on the seed exchange and quickly figure out what I want and try to get my order in fast to make sure I get the cool things before they’re gone.
Margaret: So with something like this, like North American Rock Garden Society or the Gesneriad Society, the Peony Society, the Primrose Society, there’s a lot of these places, and I actually have a list of plant societies. Do you have to be a member? I think your members get first dibs, so to speak. [Above, Iris dichotoma that Joseph sources from NARGS.]
Joseph: I think most of them, you have to be a member to participate; it varies by society. I think the Primrose Society, the first round is only open to members, and then they have a second round that’s open to everybody.
Margaret: That’s what I remember. That’s the one I’m remembering.
Joseph: So it depends on the society. Most of them do need to be a member. And then usually if you’re a member, you can then order seeds and there’s a small fee to cover the postage and everything for ordering the seeds. So you’d have to have a membership. And then usually if you donate seeds, then you’re allowed to order even more. So there’s a limit of, in the first round, you can order 10 packets of seeds or something. But if you donated to the exchange, you can order, I don’t know, it’s going to depend on the society, 15. So if you don’t have seeds to share to the exchange, you can still order seeds. But if you do have something in your garden you can collect seeds from and send in, then you can you get more plants from the exchanges.
Margaret: And one that’s not a plant society that’s very famous, was the original part of Seed Savers Exchange, is now just called The Exchange. And most of us know the commercial catalog, the retail catalog, that they create every year. But The Exchange was the hub, the beginning of it. And it’s what you’re talking about, it’s sort of, it’s a virtual seed swap, and you can go on and see who’s got what. And in that case, I don’t believe you have to also offer anything; you can purchase from all the listers, I think, as they’re called.
And it’s really wonderful because it’s a phenomenal number of things [laughter]. I mean, you’re just not going to see them anywhere else. So it’s just fun. And you can find people in your region if you’re looking for things that are appropriate for your region or whatever. I mean, all these heritage varieties and hand-me-downs with provenance, with great stories to tell and so forth. So The Exchange at Seed Savers is kind of a fun way to get into that world, too. Not a plant society per se.
Joseph: Yeah. Yes. Certainly for vegetables, if you’re into vegetable growing.
Margaret: Oh, absolutely. And they have flowers and stuff, too. But I think the vegetables is amazing.
Joseph: The tomato selection is-
Margaret: It’s unbelievable.
Joseph: Hundreds and hundreds of tomatoes, and it’s really, yeah, and it is really fun. I love, like you said, the stories. I think there’s something really fun about not just, well, “I bought this thing,” but getting a sense of the connection of somebody collected this and donated it and shared it, and they have some of the background and stuff. It adds another dimension to enjoying the plant beyond just its function in your garden when you have a little bit of that backstory. And the other people who loved it and donated it to The Exchange.
Margaret: Is there another one that you want to mention or anything that you’re hunting down? Any project you have going? I mean, you’re always into some plant or other [laughter].
Joseph: The one I’ll mention is Silverhill Seeds, which is based in South Africa and is amazing. But they’re a little bit, right now, they’re taking a pause because they don’t with the tariff situation, they’re not sure how they can import. I think they will start importing to the U.S. again. So they’re on a pause right now. But I’ve gotten involved with my local conservatory, and so I’m thinking about South African plants that may be good for them. But certainly if you live in Southern California, which is a similar climate to South Africa, or you have a greenhouse place, there are really cool to get really unusual South African species.
Margaret: Yeah. Oh my goodness. Some of the bulbs!
Joseph: Oh my God, amazing.
Margaret: The bulbs alone, just the bulbs—the diversity of bulbs in South Africa is just beyond belief.
Joseph: Astonishing.
Margaret: Well, Joseph, I’m glad we’re going to have to do more seed shopping together, I think, because I suspect there’s even more. And maybe some seed starting [laughter]. I might need some of your tips, but thank you so much for making time, and I’m sorry about the foot of snow.
Joseph: Yeah, well, thank you so much for talking. This was a great distraction from all the tree branches that broke off in this storm.
Margaret: And the T word and all that.
Joseph: Yes.
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MY WEEKLY public-radio show, rated a “top-5 garden podcast” by “The Guardian” newspaper in the UK, began its 16th year in March 2025. It’s produced at Robin Hood Radio, the smallest NPR station in the nation. Listen locally in the Hudson Valley (NY)-Berkshires (MA)-Litchfield Hills (CT) Mondays at 8:30 AM Eastern, rerun at 8:30 Saturdays. Or play the Nov. 17, 2025 show using the player near the top of this transcript. You can subscribe to all future editions on iTunes/Apple Podcasts or Spotify (and browse my archive of podcasts here).
If you are in North America, you likely have pine needles all around you! Did you know that these needles offer a host of benefits? From aromatherapy to cleaning to medicinal benefits, learn how to use pine needles in daily life.
When I think of winter gardening, I think of evergreens. For those who live up north, evergreens are some of the only greenery you will see for months.
However, what most people don’t know is that the evergreen family of pine trees, Pinaceae, are edible and medicinal! Pine is easy to find year-round, making it extremely accessible for most people. It has many useful benefits (I use it for aromatherapy and cleaning!) and is ideal for a selective herbal cabinet.
Pine is also good for respiratory health, making it very useful for this cold and flu season! With all that being said, this herbal guide to pine will cover how to forage for needles, the health benefits of pine, and useful ways to utilize one of winter’s best plants!
LoriAnn’s Green Blessings
This article was reviewed by herbalist LoriAnn Bird. This is not to be used as personal medical advice; always consult your health care professional for individual concerns.
Here is what LoriAnn had to say:
The taste and flavour of pine is an indicator of its’ healing properties. One of the ways I love to engage with pine is to put the resin or fresh needles into honey. This infusion is great for sore throats and for flavouring my homemade tea blends. Anything sour-tasting lets us know it is full of vitamin C. The resin is anti-microbial therefore helping with inflections. Note the ascorbic acid is found to be higher when harvested in the winter months vs the warmer months!
History and Meaning of the Pine Tree
The beacon of green during the winter, pine trees have been around a LONG time. The pine species originated about 150 million years ago in the mid-Mesozoic Era and spread during the Cretaceous Period. As the trees evolved in response to new plants and trees, the family found its way into low nutrient soil, extreme cold or heat, and into fire-prone landscapes.
Christians and Pagans have been using the evergreen tree for thousands of years during winter festivals. During the winter solstice, Pagans used branches to decorate their homes and remind them that spring was on the way. In Northern Europe, people planted evergreen trees in boxes inside for the winter. Over time, this and other practices led to the tradition of decorated Christmas trees.
Pine has been used since the Middle Ages for its medicinal benefits and was a favourite healing plant for Native Americans. They taught early settlers how to utilize the needles, bark, and sap for their health.
The Eastern White Pine in particular was useful to settlers in the winter as it is high in Vitamin C and was used to treat scurvy. The needles also contain Vitamin A. Native Americans have been using pine for centuries to help with the respiratory system and for healing wounds.
Identifying Pine Needles
What you may think is a pine tree, may not in fact be a pine tree! Pine, fir, and spruce trees are often confused as not all conifer trees are pine trees and not all evergreens are coniferous. It doesn’t help that common names of trees can be misleading. For example, a Douglas Fir is not a fir tree and is actually a pine tree. My first advice for identifying pines is to look at the scientific names of the tree and not their common names.
To define pine trees (Pinus spp), look at their needles. Pine needles come in clusters of 1-6, most often found in 2-5. These clusters are called a fascicle and will have a papery sheath at the base, as well as an attached pinecone.
Most pine species will have long needles but there are a few with shorter ones. Meanwhile, spruce or fir needles will be attached to the branch rather than a cluster.
When foraging, be sure to look for local species in your area. Research them ahead of time so you know what to look for. It is also important that you do not harvest any yew, a conifer often mistook as pine, but its needles are poisonous.
Since pine trees are around every corner in North America, you could forage for them in the forest. However, if you’ve never foraged before or are inexperienced, be sure to consult with someone who has some experience. A great resource is the online foraging course from Grow Forage Cook Ferment for those who are interested in learning more about safe foraging.
Common pine varieties along the west coast include:
Douglas Fir
Ponderosa Pine (not suitable for use by pregnant women)
Blue Spruce
Coastal Redwood
Health Benefits of Pine Needles
There are many health benefits of pine needles, making it a great basic selection for your herbal cabinet. Pine needles contain a compound called alpha- or beta-pinene, which is a natural decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic.
When ingested, pine can be used to treat colds and coughs, reducing phlegm and helping with sinus infections. It is an expectorant, which means it thins mucus to help you cough and draw phlegm up from the lungs.
As mentioned earlier, pine needles are high in Vitamin C and are especially helpful in preventing scurvy. Younger, fresh needles called pine tops contain the most Vitamin C and are an effective survival plant.
Traditionally, these pine tops are boiled in water to make a tea used to treat fevers and coughs, as well as increase urination. Essential oils are collected specifically from pine needles for remedy use, but the needles can also be used for crafts and food.
When applied topically, pine can be used to draw out toxins or objects from the skin. Pine pitch is especially helpful in removing splinters, glass, and toxins from bug bites. This can help to avoid infections.
You can also bathe in it to help with joint inflammation and to ease sore muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine used infused pine in wine to apply topically for joint pain. Pine bark is especially convenient for topical uses.
Using Pine Needles
Given the range of benefits, there are many ways to incorporate pine needles. First, forage for them well away from roadsides where there might be constant vehicle exhaust, and the same if you live in a rural area that is subject to roadside herbicides, pesticides, or other contaminants.
The flavour of the needles can vary quite a bit based on the season and species. Spring is the best time to harvest needles as they are a little tastier and more sour than older needles.
It is also best to harvest the bark in the spring. Try to choose a tree that could use some thinning or has fallen from a winter storm. While spring is the optimal time for harvesting, you can do it year-round.
Before using the needles, you will want to thoroughly wash and dry them. Cut the brown ends off and trim the rest of the needles into small pieces. Let them dry in a basket or gently bruise the needles with a spoon to release the compounds, which will also produce more flavor for immediate use.
Now that we have discussed all things pine, let’s use them!
Pine Needle Vinegar
Infusing vinegar is one of the easiest ways to amp up your cooking. I often use different combinations of herbs to get different palettes for dishes. Infusing with pine needles will provide a balsamic flavour. Check out my guide on herbal-infused vinegars for step by step instructions on how to infuse your own vinegar. Be sure to use only clean and dry pine needles to avoid spoilage.
Pine Needle All-Purpose Cleaner
I like to infuse alcohol and vinegar cleaners with pine for use around the house. It adds a refreshing, winter scent that makes the space feel clean instantly. To make your own all-purpose cleaner, combine the pine-infused vinegar above with baking soda and castile soap. You will likely want to use a basic, white vinegar as your base for cleaning purposes. This can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, on the floors, and anywhere else that needs some pine action.
Pine Needle Tea
Pine needle tea is the most traditional way to utilize the herbal benefits of pine. To make your own cup, add a small handful of pine needles to a mug and pour boiling water over top. Allow the needles to steep until they turn a light brown or sink to the bottom of the cup. You may wish to place a saucer over top to keep the essential oils in. Peppermint, catnip, and thyme also compliment the flavours and benefits of this tea well. Add honey for some sweetness!
Pine Needle Salve
Making a healing salve is an effective way to use pine needles topically. I recommend the Peppermint Pine Salve from Reformation Acres. Apply to your temples or chest for headache relief, or on your body for sore muscles and joints.
There are many ways to use pine needles, making it a great addition to your remedy list and your herbal cabinet. The health benefits alone are worth the time spent learning to identify pines from other conifers and to forage from your local forest.
More Herbal Guides:
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
Colder temps call for wreath workshops, ceramics sales, quilted stamps, and lights inspired by pastry. Read on: More grocery stores like this, please. “Barn as canvas.” “Maybe I should show this video to my neighbors, so they don’t think I’m being lazy,” says Fan. “Okay, maybe just a little bit lazy.” The most beautiful wreath? PSA: Get your […]
Creating a garden that can withstand the unpredictable British weather requires more than careful planting. Structural features such as pergolas, raised beds, and play equipment must endure months of rain, wind, and shifting temperatures. These elements face constant wear, so choosing durable materials is essential.
When you invest time and energy into your outdoor space, you deserve results that last. Weather resistance begins with strong foundations, reliable fixings, and sensible material choices that support both safety and longevity.
The importance of durable hardware in garden construction
A well-designed garden structure depends on the quality of its hardware. Fasteners, bolts, and rods are the hidden elements that determine how long a pergola or planter will survive. Inferior fittings can corrode quickly in damp environments, weakening the entire framework. This is particularly important in family gardens where children play and safety is non-negotiable.
For example, using materials such as a stainless steel bar with thread provides strength and flexibility in construction. This type of hardware supports garden projects exposed to the elements, offering a long-lasting solution that resists rust and surface degradation. Once installed, it provides a reliable connection that stays firm despite repeated rain or seasonal temperature changes.
Garden fixtures like climbing frames, benches, and raised beds benefit from high-quality metal fittings. The use of stainless steel threaded rod allows builders to create strong joints that don’t loosen over time. This strength reduces the risk of wobbling structures and ensures outdoor spaces remain safe for family use.
Why garden structures often fail in British weather
British gardens experience persistent moisture and temperature variation. Standard steel fasteners are prone to deterioration under these conditions, as humidity causes rust and repeated cycles of expansion and contraction can loosen joints. Over time, screws lose grip and wooden components start to split. Once rust sets in, it spreads quickly through untreated metals, weakening attachments and creating potential hazards.
The difference between short-lived and long-lasting garden structures often lies in the type of metal used. Stainless steel threaded bar provides superior performance because it naturally resists corrosion. Its protective surface layer keeps it intact even when exposed to rain, soil contact, and changing weather. The result is hardware that continues to function properly after years of outdoor use, unlike standard steel, which can deteriorate after one or two seasons.
Timber components are particularly vulnerable to poor fastener choices. Moisture absorbed by the wood can cause it to expand, while the metal fixings contract. This imbalance places stress on the joints, eventually leading to cracks and instability. Using rust-resistant materials minimises these effects and helps keep the structure stable.
Choosing the right materials for weather-resistant projects
Selecting materials that match the challenges of the UK climate is the foundation of any lasting garden design. Stainless steel is widely regarded as the best option for outdoor fastenings due to its ability to withstand rain and humidity. It creates reliable joints for both timber and metal structures, making it ideal for pergolas, planters, and decking supports.
A stainless steel threaded rod is particularly effective for building strong load-bearing structures. Its continuous threading allows for adjustable tension and even distribution of pressure, which prevents weak points from forming. Builders can fine-tune the fit during installation, ensuring components stay aligned and secure through seasonal changes.
When selecting grades of stainless steel, A2 or 304 is suitable for most gardens, while A4 or 316 provides enhanced resistance in coastal or high-humidity areas. Regardless of grade, using compatible nuts and washers made of the same material avoids galvanic corrosion, which occurs when dissimilar metals come into contact. Keeping all components consistent ensures the full assembly remains durable.
Practical applications in family gardens
Once the right materials are chosen, families can build outdoor features that combine functionality with strength. Raised beds are one of the simplest and most rewarding garden projects. Reinforcing them with stainless steel threaded bar prevents the side panels from bowing under soil pressure. This reinforcement keeps the structure square and stable through heavy rainfall and repeated planting cycles.
Threaded rods can also support plant frames, enabling gardeners to adjust heights as plants mature. This flexibility means families can reuse materials each season rather than replacing entire structures. It reduces waste, saves money, and creates a sense of adaptability in the garden.
Safety is essential in every garden design. Threaded rods should be finished with domed nuts or protective caps to cover sharp ends. This simple precaution reduces the risk of injury, particularly in play areas.
Installation tips for long-lasting results
The performance of stainless steel hardware depends on correct installation. Each cut of a threaded bar should be made cleanly with a fine-toothed saw, and the edges should be smoothed with a file to prevent sharp surfaces. Taking time to prepare hardware correctly helps ensure smooth assembly and minimise the risk of thread damage.
When drilling timber, make holes slightly larger than the diameter of the rod. This allows for natural expansion of the wood in wet conditions, reducing internal stress. Treating drilled holes with a wood preservative adds another layer of defence against moisture and decay.
Regular checks are equally important for long-term durability. Inspect fasteners twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn, to confirm everything remains tight. Look for early signs of corrosion or wood cracking. Fixing small issues immediately prevents larger problems later, saving you time and money on repairs.
Designing for function and safety
Good garden design is about more than appearance. A truly family-friendly garden must also be functional and safe. Using high-quality hardware throughout ensures that every feature, from pergolas to planters, stays reliable through years of seasonal changes. It also reduces the workload for busy families, allowing them to enjoy outdoor spaces without constant maintenance.
Combining strong materials with thoughtful construction techniques results in a garden that grows and adapts with the family. Whether it’s a vegetable bed that withstands repeated harvests or a play structure that endures years of activity, the right fasteners make all the difference.
Create a garden built to last
Durability begins with smart choices. Selecting materials such as stainless steel threaded rod and stainless steel threaded bar helps your garden structures stay stable, safe, and weather-resistant. By using the right hardware and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy your garden all year round without worrying about rust, loose joints, or costly repairs. Build with longevity in mind and you’ll create an outdoor space that’s designed to stand the test of time.
You know who deserves a treat? The garden protectors. Well, they may also be the garden destroyers at times—digging holes, burying bones, trampling plants, and eating the snow peas—but they are pretty darn good at keeping critters from running amok. So let’s make them some easy, homemade dog cookies!
How do I thank the garden protectors? First, I bark “Hey! Quit all that barking!” and then I (sheepishly) realize that they have done their jobs oh so well by keeping the squirrels away from the veggie garden.
It’s not a perfect system. They probably eat more veggies than the critters could ever stomach. My fig tree and strawberry patch get stripped of all the ripe fruit before I can even pull out my harvest basket. I suppose that it’s my fault for introducing them to the delights of garden-fresh food.
My current dog, Ozzie.
Guarding the garden is a thankless job, mostly. The crows taunt them by stealing their bones and leaving them on the roof of the garage. Skunks spray and raccoons hiss. Overall, they are under-appreciated for standing guard. The least I can do is I make up a batch of these yummy squirrel cookies. They drive them almost as insane as the real thing, but in a good way.
Meatball, whom I originally designed this recipe for, has since passed.
Homemade Dog Cookies
Note: the squirrel cookie cutter was part of a set that I bought at Ikea. Here is the whole set, though I don’t think it’s available anymore. Here is an alternative cookie cutter you can use.
Ingredients
Makes approximately 48 squirrels
2 cups rolled oats
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 eggs
1 cup low-sodium beef stock
Cinnamon
Crunchy bits from leftover dog cookies, crushed kibble, or bacon bits (optional)
Make It!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grind rolled oats in a food processor until you get a coarse flour. Add all ingredients except the crunchies to a large bowl and mix until combined. It may be easier to use your hands to mix the dough because it is very stiff.
I like to add something with a different flavour kneaded into the dough at the end, but it isn’t necessary. You can use the crumbs leftover in the pooch’s cookie jar or kibble bag, or even some bacon bits. They would LOVE that, right?
Form a ball with the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to 1/2″ thick. Use a cookie cutter to make cookies shaped like squirrels, bones, or whatever you choose.
Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes.
Let the cookies cool, and they’re ready to treat the pups for protecting the garden. Or package them up for your furry ones’ pals. They will be a welcome treat for any canine family members!
More Tips and Recipes for Dog Owners
Homemade Dog Cookies That Make Dogs Go Squirrely
Treat your four-legged friend to a treat they will adore, shaped after their arch nemesis…the squirrel!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Dog treats
Cuisine: Pet food
Keyword: dog treats
Servings: 48squirrels
Calories: 46kcal
Cost: $6
2cupsrolled oats
3cupswhole wheat flour
3eggs
1cuplow-sodium beef stock
cinnamon
Crunchy bits from leftover dog cookies, crushed kibble, or bacon bits(optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grind rolled oats in a food processor until you get a coarse flour. Add all ingredients except the crunchies to a large bowl and mix until combined. It may be easier to use your hands to mix the dough because it is very stiff.
Form a ball with the dough and roll on a floured surface to 1/2″ thick. Use a cookie cutter to make cookies shaped like squirrels, bones, or whatever you choose.
Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes.
Let the cookies cool, and they are ready to treat the pups for protecting the garden. Or package them up for your furry ones’ pals.
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 46kcal
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Surfaced from the archives: a favorite DIY, which originally ran on Remodelista in April 2020:
Like so many of us, Anthony Watson and Benoît Rauzy of Atelier Vime are finding reassurance and inspiration right now in nature. The couple make and sell some of France’s loveliest rattan furniture, new and vintage: see Rattan Revival. They’re currently at work on their next collection while “in containment in our farmhouse on the west coast of France.”
Via Instagram, Julie and I fell in love with Anthony’s latest household improvement: a pine bough door surround for their already extraordinary-looking home office. Anthony told us how he made it.
Above: It all started with a beloved 100-year-old pine tree in their garden with some pinecone-covered dead branches that needed clearing. Above: “I saved the curving branches—I love their lines,” says Anthony. “I put them on the floor and made several testings to find the most harmonious arrangement. Then I attached them around the door with nails and cords.”
Winding nature motifs continue in the room on the kilim and the antique Moroccan suzani.
Above: Anthony finished the frame with additional clusters of pine cones tied with twine. The results: rakishly chic, no?
Also note the wall curtain: that, too, was a DIY. Anthony made it out of “some old thick cotton fabric found in the attic. I painted it a strong yellow that was in the workshop here, and draped it with little nails. It’s inspired by French Empire fabric wall coverings adapted to the style of this humble country house.”
Some other favorite DIYs made from natural supplies (go to our DIY archive for many more):
I would like to thank everyone that has submitted their garden photos over the past several months. When I took over GPOD last year, I had some work ahead of me to inject new life and engagement on the blog. While I hope to see even more gardeners and plant enthusiasts join our community, I think this summer and early fall submissions have been a testament to how this community continues to change and grow.
In 2024 I started the GPOD Vignettes series, showcasing the smaller submissions we occasionally get at Garden Photo of the Day, and did a handful of these posts throughout the year. The last GPOD Vignette was published in January of this year. But we received such a steady flow of submissions, which often ran long, that I haven’t had the space in the schedule to do another installment until today.
Here are the photos we’ve received to the GPOD inbox that couldn’t exist as stand-alone posts but were worthy of a moment in the spotlight. From early summer straight through the end of October, enjoy these garden moments, and consider sharing your own garden highlights with Garden Photo of the Day.
Check out previous GPOD Vignettes:
Valarie LeSeure in Springfield, Illinois (June)
Coneflowers and lupines keeping their cool in the hot weather: We may be suffering in this early summer heat wave, but coneflowers and lupines are thriving. I’ve been gardening in this space for over 25 years, and it has been the home to vegetables and an allium takeover, but it has never been as beautiful and thriving in this heat as it is this year.
Too hot to enjoy the sweltering summer garden? The nighttime garden beats the heat. The sun powers this nighttime garden with solar lighting, and then there are the cooling sounds of the pond.
Maria’s garden in August is full of flowers, especially lots of bright orange nasturtiums.
Jodi MacDonald in Littleton, Massachusetts (August)
Hi, my name is Jodi MacDonald. I live in Littleton, Massachusetts, and am happiest when in my garden. I try to plant mostly natives and have seen a wonderful increase in insects and birds as a result.
Here’s a black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) and a hummingbird moth(Hemaris thysbe) sharing the swamp milkweed(Asclepias incarnata, Zones 3–6). Hydrangea in the background is not a native plant, but it is hard to live in Massachusetts and not have hydrangeas!
Margaret Woltjer in Olympia, Washington (September)
This shows how our garden is a habitat for wild critters—my zinnias grown from seed host pollinators from spring to late autumn.
This photo shows a honeybee that happened to be pollinating when this tiny Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla) tried to climb aboard. The frog quickly got down, hanging from the fingernail(?) and twisting in the breeze for the better part of a minute until going to the next flower. I took a whole series of shots over 20 or 30 seconds, but this shows them best. Not the finest resolution, but I’m making a metal print of it for my “gallery.” (Taken Sept. 11, 2025 in Olympia, Washington)
Laurel Slaney (October)
A drone fly (Eristalis tenax) visiting a coreopsis
Beth Tucker in Waxhaw, North Carolina (October)
Although not as spectacular as the past few submissions, I thought I’d share my front porch and one of my fig harvests this season.
A fall display doesn’t need to be elaborate to be festive and fun. A bright yellow-orange mum ensures that classic autumn flare, while an agave and a mangave give it a warm-climate twist.
Just a few pieces of decor add a bit more personality and pizzazz to this simple trio, while amping up the fall vibes in Beth’s Southern garden.
Thank you again to all of the contributors who have graciously shared slices of their garden sanctuaries this year. It has been a pleasure showcasing the plant beauty you have cultivated, and I hope we are lucky enough to receive more updates from these special spaces.
If you’re new to the GPOD community or have long enjoyed the blog as a viewer but never a contributor, please consider sharing your garden photos this year. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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, 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
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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.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
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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.
Buffalo-Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs
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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.
The rose family (Rosaceae) is one of the most useful plant families around. It includes over 3,000 different species, from flowering plants to fruit trees and shrubs. This family gives us way more than just roses. It’s also where we get apples, strawberries, and many other fruits that have been part of our food supply for thousands of years.
The Rose (Rosa)
Roses come from the Rosa genus, which has about 300 species. Most are native to Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Wild roses grew here naturally before Europeans arrived. Settlers brought cultivated varieties from Europe in the 1600s. People have been growing roses for around 5,000 years, starting in China. They do well in mild climates and represent love and beauty in many cultures.
Strawberry (Fragaria)
The strawberries we grow today came from mixing two American species together in France during the 1700s. Wild strawberries grew in North America long before that, and Indigenous people ate them regularly. The Chilean strawberry also played a part in creating modern types. People started growing them commercially in the U.S. in the early 1800s. These low plants spread by sending out runners and produce fruit in late spring and early summer.
Cherry (Prunus avium)
Sweet cherries originally came from the area between the Black and Caspian Seas. They spread through Europe over time. Settlers brought cherry trees here in the 1600s. By the 1800s, commercial growing took off, especially in Michigan, Washington, and Oregon. The trees lose their leaves in winter and put on white flowers each spring before making fruit. They need cold winter weather to produce well.
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
This blackberry comes from Europe, but many similar types are native to North America. Wild blackberries grew all over the continent. Indigenous people used them for food and medicine. European types arrived with colonists in the 1600s. Blackberries grow on thorny canes that live for two years. They make white or pink flowers, then berries that go from red to dark purple-black. These plants spread easily through their roots.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Red raspberries started in Europe and Asia Minor. Related types grew naturally in North America, and Indigenous people picked them for food. European varieties came over with settlers and became commercial crops by the 1800s. Raspberries have roots that live for years and canes that live for two. They like cool weather and soil that drains well. Some types fruit in summer, others in fall.
Pear (Pyrus communis)
European pears came from Western Asia and Europe. People grew them as far back as ancient Greece and Rome. Colonists brought pear trees to North America in the early 1600s. Commercial orchards showed up during the 1800s, mainly in California, Oregon, and Washington. Pear trees live a long time and lose their leaves in winter. They need pollen from a different pear tree to make fruit. They bloom early in spring with white flowers. Pears ripen better after you pick them.
Apple (Malus domestica)
Apples originally came from the mountains of Central Asia, specifically Kazakhstan. Colonists brought apple seeds and trees here starting in the early 1600s. Johnny Appleseed helped spread apple growing across the frontier in the early 1800s. Apple trees lose their leaves in winter and need a cold dormant period. They need pollen from different apple varieties to produce fruit. There are thousands of types worldwide, good for cooking, eating fresh, and everything in between.
Peach (Prunus persica)
Even though the scientific name suggests Persia, peaches actually started in China over 4,000 years ago. Spanish explorers brought them to North America in the 1500s through Florida and Mexico. By the 1600s, they grew throughout the colonies, doing especially well in the Southeast. The trees make pink flowers before the leaves come out. They need cold winters and regular pruning. Some types have pits that come out easily, others don’t.
Plum (Prunus domestica)
European plums came from near the Caspian Sea, probably as a mix of two wild types. Settlers brought plum trees here during colonial times and started growing them by the 1600s. Native American plum species already grew wild across the continent. Plums do well in mild climates on small to medium trees that lose their leaves. They make white flowers in early spring and produce more fruit when they get pollen from another tree.
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricots started in China over 4,000 years ago and spread west through Central Asia. Spanish missionaries brought them to California in the 1700s, where the weather suited them perfectly. Commercial growing really got going in the 1800s. These small trees bloom very early, which means late frosts can damage them. Apricots can pollinate themselves and make fragrant pink or white flowers. California still grows most of America’s apricots.
The rose family really does offer a little bit of everything—beautiful flowers and plenty of good fruit. These plants traveled across the world over many centuries to end up in our gardens and on our tables.
Learning when to prune can be confusing when there are different rules for many different plants, and even differing rules that vary by cultivar! This guide takes away all of that confusion by looking at the basics of how plants grow and using that as your foundation. With just a bit of logic, you can take these basics and apply them to most of the jobs in the home garden.
There is a “best” time to prune various plants, and it’s not always the same. If you are trying to decide when to prune a particular plant in your yard, I suggest you look up your plant’s particular pruning guidelines in a garden book or online.
If you are looking for a guide that you can use throughout the year to help you know what and when to prune with your specific garden in mind, then you will look at your grouping of garden plants as workers and decide where they are putting their energy. Let me explain!
A Plant’s Yearly Lifecycle
Plants, big or small, live their lives working towards the same goal: to grow to mature height, set fruit, then set seeds and continue the species. That’s their job.
Think about plants doing their job in terms of energy.
In spring, the plant’s energy is in the soil, moving its way up through the trunk and branches and forcing life in new growth. In summer, the energy exists in the trunk, branches, leaves, and flowers as it works to produce fruit. In the fall, the energy gives the tree a final push to set seeds, then drop leaves and head back down to the roots. In winter, the energy is stored in the roots, while what is above ground faces winter cold.
The same Japanese Maple as above, but in the winter!
A Deciduous Example
Let’s use an unnamed deciduous tree as an example. This particular tree is dormant in the winter. In spring, it buds and leafs out. It sets flowers and fruit in summer and ripens to seed. The seeds are planted elsewhere by squirrels caching food for the winter. And in the fall, the plant drops its leaves to prepare for energy-saving winter dormancy again.
Now, think of what response this plant will have to pruning based on where it is putting its energy.
In winter dormancy, the plant’s energy is stored below the surface in the roots. Pruning branches at this time will result in less space above the ground for all the energy stored in the roots, therefore, it will encourage vigorous new spring growth.
In the spring, when the flower buds and leaves are forming, pruning could cut off new buds and reduce or eliminate flowering for that year.
In the summer, after flowering and before fruiting, pruning off some of the flowering branches will direct the plant’s energy into the remaining fruit, making them more robust.
In the fall, when the fruit has turned to seed and the tree is losing its leaves, pruning reduces the amount of energy held in the branches, sending less down to the roots for winter dormancy.
Now, of course, not all plants flower, fruit, set seeds, or go dormant at the same time of year. Some flower in the fall and fruit in the winter, others flower in winter and go dormant in the summer. And some plants skip various stages or go semi-dormant, like certain evergreens. Regardless, you can still think of where the energy is when pruning as a guide for when to prune.
Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’
When To Prune: How Pruning Affects Plants at Different Stages
Pruning during dormancy results in enthusiastic growth after dormancy. This can be good for plants requiring invigoration, but bad for trees that will send up a bunch of unsightly water sprouts with all that extra energy coming from the roots in spring.
Pruning before buds form can increase the vigour of deciduous suckering shrubs and roses.
Pruning after buds form can eliminate flowering, which is good for invasive plants but bad for ornamentals.
Pruning after flowering is a good way to manage the overall shape and size of ornamental plants. It can also encourage bigger, sweeter fruit, which is great for fruit trees.
Pruning after fruiting is good for setting the stage for the next year. The plant’s energy is now in its mature stage above ground, and cutting off the branches at this stage will not encourage more growth to be sent to replace them.
Pruning after the fruit sets seed can be stressful for the plant because it has worked tirelessly to do its job and is now it is at its lowest point of energy. It can also encourage disease, as the plant will be slow to heal.
Pruning coniferous evergreens can be done at any time of the year, but the best time to prune them is in the cooler weather when the sap is less likely to cause a mess in the garden. Sap flows steadily in the spring as the weather warms up.
Pruning in the summer or during dry spells can be beneficial if your plants are prone to disease. Warm, dry summer weather is less likely to spread diseases than wet weather.
Pruning deciduous plants in winter is convenient, as you can more easily see the structure.
Thinking about when to prune in this way has greatly helped me in my quest to garden in a way that supports proper plant growth. It helps me to work with the plants and not against them, ensuring that they are healthy and well-loved, and most importantly, requiring less maintenance.
If you have any tips, ideas, questions, or notes to share, please add them to the comments section. We can never have too much pruning help from wise gardeners!
Pruning FAQ
Is there a best time of day to prune?
It would be similar thinking to the time of year. When will it cause the least stress to the plant? First thing in the morning, before the heat of the day, would be my choice. But I also choose based on the most efficient time for me to do it correctly.
Is there a wrong time to prune?
You never want to prune when the plant is under stress, unless you’re removing diseased, pest-ridden, dead, or damaged branches (as pruning can be how you SAVE your plant in this instance).
Make sure the plant is hydrated and the weather conditions are good. For instance, you might not want to prune if there’s going to be extreme cold, or on the opposite end, a large heat wave.
You also want to avoid pruning before the tree blooms, as you’ll remove the chance for new buds, flowers, and fruits.
More Helpful Tips on Pruning
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
The aesthetics of a bathroom can dramatically influence the entire feel of a home. In Dallas, where modern designs often blend with traditional Texan charm, frameless shower doors have emerged as a prominent choice for homeowners. Not only do they create an illusion of space, but they also offer a sleek, contemporary look that’s hard to resist.
If you’re considering an upgrade, here are the top five frameless shower door designs currently captivating Dallas homes.
1. Straight hinged doors
One of the most classic designs is the straight hinged door. This style operates just like a regular door and is perfect for larger shower spaces. Designed with a straightforward elegance, these doors can be customised to various heights and widths to accommodate different shower layouts.
Benefits:
Ease of access: The hinged mechanism allows for easy entry and exit.
Versatile styles: They can be designed with various glass types and handle options, from minimalist to ornate.
Those looking to discover the right glass door for your Dallas home would find these functionally appealing and stylistically versatile. Homeowners appreciate that they can choose frosted or clear glass options, allowing for different degrees of privacy while maintaining that open feel.
2. Bi-fold shower doors
For bathrooms with limited space, bi-fold shower doors are a brilliant solution. These doors fold inwards, creating an expansive entryway without compromising precious square footage. Instead of swinging outwards, they conserve space and can seamlessly fit into tight corners.
Benefits:
Space-efficient: Ideal for smaller bathrooms where every inch counts.
Sleek design: They offer a modern aesthetic while being highly functional.
Bi-fold doors can also be fitted with various glass styles, allowing for a range of finishes that can complement the greater bathroom design seamlessly.
3. Corner shower doors
In homes where space is at a premium, corner shower doors have become increasingly popular. These frameless models utilise the corners of a bathroom, providing a stylish yet practical solution. They come in various configurations but typically include two adjoining glass panels that create a seamless entry.
Benefits:
Optimises space: Utilises corners effectively, making the most of available areas.
Elegant look: The geometric lines associated with corner designs add to a contemporary feel.
Homeowners often find this design fits perfectly with other bathroom aesthetics and allows for creative tile work around the shower space.
4. Curved shower doors
For those looking to inject a little flair into their bathroom, curved shower doors are an excellent choice. These designs can soften the look of a space and blend beautifully with round or oval baths, making them ideal for more luxurious settings.
Benefits:
Visual interest: Curved designs can soften angular bathroom features, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Flexible sizing: They can be made to fit a variety of shower setups, accommodating personal preferences.
These types of doors can often make a small shower appear larger and airier, enhancing the overall bathroom experience.
5. Sliding shower doors
Sliding frameless shower doors are a dynamic option, especially for larger showers. These doors glide open on tracks, eliminating the need for swing space. This versatility makes them a good choice for contemporary spaces or bathrooms where a seamless look is desired.
Benefits:
Maximises floor space: With no need for door swing, they keep the area uncluttered.
Ease of use: The sliding mechanism offers a practical solution, especially for individuals with mobility concerns.
Sliding doors are also available in numerous configurations, ensuring that they can fit perfectly into almost any shower space.
Choosing the right design for your home
Selecting the right frameless shower door design can greatly enhance your bathroom’s comfort and style. As you explore options, consider the following factors:
Space: Assess the dimensions of your shower and bathroom. Designs like bi-fold or corner doors may be necessary for smaller areas, while larger bathrooms can accommodate straight hinged or sliding doors more easily.
Material: Frameless doors offer various materials and finishes. From clear tempered glass to tinted or frosted options, consider how each type complements your existing fixtures and decor.
Style: The design of your shower door should match the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Whether you lean towards modern minimalism or traditional cosy styles, there’s a frameless shower door that will work perfectly.
Dallas families should also consider local climate when selecting glass. Proper installation and sealing techniques are essential to avoid issues with steam and moisture. Consulting professionals specialising in frameless shower doors can help ensure you make an informed decision.
Summing up
Frameless shower doors are more than just a stylish addition; they can transform the functionality and feel of a bathroom. The wide range of designs cater to different tastes and practical needs, making them a popular choice in Dallas homes. Each style – from straight hinged to sliding doors – has its unique advantages, allowing homeowners to choose what best suits their space.
If you’re ready to invest in a quality shower door, carefully considering the options will pay dividends in comfort, cleanliness, and looks. After all, the bathroom is one of the most visited spaces in your home, so ensuring it meets your standards is crucial. By evaluating your preferences and the practicalities of your space, you can find the perfect frameless design to elevate your Dallas home.
