Flower bulbs are akin to perennial flowers when it comes to garden design. Consider the flower color and foliage color and texture when including bulbs in a flower bed or border. The term flower bulb is loosely used here; it includes corms, tubers, and rhizomes as well as true bulbs. Botanically speaking, all are modified […] More
Perennials flowers might be considered the backbone of the herbaceous flower garden. They are long stayers in the flower garden—commonly three to five years, sometimes more. Perennial flowers, more than annuals, offer height and breadth and usually a longer season of color that will repeat next year and the year after. Perennials are usually the […] More
Annual flowers are a mainstay in the flower garden. They provide almost instant color in just about every season of the year. Annuals grow quickly to fill space where you need color. Annuals are available in every color. They are inexpensive so you can get a lot of color for your money. Annual flowers are […] More
Garden flower color throughout the year requires a bit of planning. If you want blooms in your garden from early spring through winter, here are a few quick steps to get started: If you were able to accomplish these three steps you are a long way toward realizing a year-round flower garden. And if year-round […] More
Flowers can bloom in the winter garden. Clear away the thought that winter is only about conifers and broad-leaved evergreens as the dominant feature in winter. Blooming flowers can give the winter garden a feeling of warmth. This list of winter-blooming flowers is aimed at gardens near 40 degrees North latitude (this latitude runs from […] More
Autumn has a special effect on all plants in the garden. Annuals and perennials are one part of the whole. Many trees and shrubs will be adding their own special effects in autumn. In selecting annuals and perennials for the autumn garden, it is necessary to know not only the overall effect your design will […] More
Summer is the time when the greatest number of blooms appear in the garden. Summer temperatures are warm enough to sow or transplant out all warm-season annuals, tender bulbs, and perennials. The summer garden will include some spring-planted flowers. Flowers planted in summer are likely to give a second and even third bloom if the […] More
Springtime is a season of bare earth as well as a season of flowers and abounding life. Whether it is an entire garden devoted to spring flowers that is being planned or just a small portion of the garden, spring bloomers can interrupt the sparseness of vegetation and a mix of color. Bulbs will usually […] More
Plants are the focus of most gardens. Combining plants effectively is the key to a good design. The basic elements of a planting design include bloom color, foliage color, bloom and foliage texture and shape, plant height and width, and the seasonality. Underlying these elements are the soil, water, and temperature requirements of plants selected […] More
Gardening in mountain regions and at high elevations can be a challenge. Sunlight at high altitudes is more intense than at lower elevations. Snow is a possibility in nearly every season in mountain regions. Mountain garden must often endure wide fluctuations in temperature from day to day and certainly between day and night. Plants in […] More
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy winters and dry, moderate summers. The climate is well-suited for gardening. A wide range of plants grows well in the Pacific Northwest including rock garden, mountain, and alpine plants. Many plants native to China and Japan grow well in the Northwest. Here are suggestions for getting the […] More
Florida and a good part of the Gulf Coast enjoy almost year-round gardening weather. Winters are mild and summers are hot and humid in Florida and much of the Gulf Coast. Monthly and seasonal advice for gardeners in most of the country often does not apply to gardeners in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. […] More
Stephen Albert