Growing and propagating phalaenopsis orchids Phalaenopsis orchids are the most beginner-friendly orchid available, yet they reward experienced growers with years of repeat blooming and genuine beauty. Known as the Moth Orchid for the way their blooms resemble moths in flight, they are forgiving, long-lived, and well suited to typical home environments. Overview Phalaenopsis are monopodial … Continue reading Phalaenopsis Orchid
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Peony
Perennial bush. The peonies (Paeonia spp.) in my garden are cherished gems, weaving a tapestry of joy and beauty. With their lush, extravagant blooms, they transform the landscape into a paradise of colors, from soft pastels to bold hues. Each spring, their arrival is a breath of fresh air, a poetic dance that heralds the … Continue reading Peony
Begonia
Tender annual. Begonias are popular because they offer showy flowers or striking foliage, depending on the type, and many do well in containers, garden beds, and even indoors. The key to success is matching the begonia type to the light and moisture conditions you have. Main types of begonias Wax begonias - Small, bushy, rounded … Continue reading Begonia
Fern
Perenial. Ferns are among the oldest plants on earth, having thrived for more than 360 million years long before flowering plants ever existed. That ancient resilience translates beautifully into the modern northern garden, where ferns bring lush, layered texture to the shaded corners and woodland edges that so many other plants struggle to fill. Whether … Continue reading Fern
Blenheim Apricot
About the Blenheim Apricot The Blenheim (also called Royal Blenheim or Royal) is widely considered the gold standard of apricots. An heirloom variety originating in England and named after Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, it was brought to California in the mid-1800s and became the dominant commercial apricot of the Santa Clara Valley for over a … Continue reading Blenheim Apricot
Mandarin Orange
Mandarin oranges are one of the best citrus varieties for container growing. They stay compact, produce fragrant blooms, and reward you with sweet fruit even in cold climates like Minnesota, where they thrive indoors during winter and outdoors in summer. Best varieties for containers These dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties perform especially well in pots. Satsuma … Continue reading Mandarin Orange
Lime
Limes are excellent container citrus and, in some ways, even better suited to pot growing than lemons. They are compact, prolific, and extraordinarily fragrant when in bloom. Like lemons, they need to come indoors for northern garden winters, but with the right setup they reward you generously. Best varieties for containers Dwarf Persian Lime (seedless, the … Continue reading Lime
Lemon
Lemons are one of the most popular citrus trees for container growing, and they can thrive pretty well indoors during northern garden winters if we get our setup right. With the right setup, we can have a productive, fragrant lemon tree that lives happily on our patio in summer and in our home in winter. … Continue reading Lemon
Pomegranate
Growing pomegranate in a container. Pomegranates are surprisingly well-suited to container growing, and with my Minnesota cold winters, a pot is actually the smartest approach since we can bring them indoors. Here is everything we need to know. Choosing the right variety Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties perform best in containers. Wonderful (most common, full-sized fruit, needs … Continue reading Pomegranate
Rhubarb
Perennial. Delicious tart stalks for culinary delights. Planting rhubarb in my garden has been a rewarding choice for several reasons. This hardy perennial not only offers delicious, tart stalks for culinary delights but also adds ornamental value with large, vibrant leaves. Rhubarb thrives in various climates and is relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice … Continue reading Rhubarb