Ornamental Gardens

Learn how to cultivate beautiful ornamental gardens and how to troubleshoot common pests, diseases, and growing problems!

A composition of several growing, yellow colored dwarf plants, showcasing what to direct sow flowers May

Flowers

11 Flowers to Direct Sow in May

May brings warming temperatures and frost-free nights for most growing zones, which means it’s full-throttle warm-season planting time. The easiest and most budget-friendly way to achieve a diversity of blooms is to direct sow seeds this month. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores flower seeds to plant in May for a long season of colorful returns.

Vibrant pink azalea flowers bloom in zone 5, featuring clusters on a compact shrub, with glossy dark green leaves and slender stems.

Shrubs

When Do Azaleas Bloom? What to Expect in Your Zone

Azaleas are lovely landscape shrubs, especially when they bloom. Flowering time can vary between different climate areas and also depends on pruning. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to find out when you can expect those beautiful blooms in your zone.

Close-up of light pink flowers with elongated petals and green lanceolate leaves

Gardening Inspiration

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For ‘Jeana’ Garden Phlox

‘Jeana’ is the total package when it comes to perennials. This native cultivar has highly ornamental blooms that support pollinators and flowers for months. Superior disease resistance makes it a standout among more finicky varieties in the species. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores a new one to love among old garden favorites, ‘Jeana’ garden phlox.

Close-up of a woodland, pollinator shade plant with three broad, veined green leaves and a single white three-petaled flower atop a slender stem.

Ornamental Gardens

19 Best Pollinator Plants for Shade

Pollinators love flowers! They rely on fragrant blooms for nectar and pollen—help these hungry critters by planting as many productive wildflowers as possible. There are thousands of shade-loving plants for pollinators; native plant gardener Jerad Bryant shares 19 of the best ones.

zinnia flowers blooming

Flowers

The Lazy Gardener’s Guide To Direct Sowing Zinnias

Direct sowing zinnia seeds is one of the easiest ways to ensure vibrant rounds of color in the summer landscape. The reliable annuals become fast favorites for beginners and tried-and-true staples for experienced gardeners. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe reviews the lax way to direct sow zinnias for high returns.

A shot of a developing flowering shrub showcasing how to transplant lilac runners

Shrubs

How to Dig and Transplant Lilac Shrub Runners

If you have an old lilac, you’re probably familiar with the suckers that sprout from the roots! These suckers, or runners, can grow into new shrubs to fill your yard. Learn how to dig and transplant lilac runners alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

A shot of a bush of a flower that can show why lilac not blooming

Shrubs

9 Reasons Your Lilac Isn’t Blooming This Year

Lilacs fill sunny yards with gorgeous and fragrant blooms! The last thing you want to see is your leafy lilac without blooms. The main reason for planting one is to enjoy its incredible flowers, so you’ll want to ensure they appear. Learn these nine reasons why a lilac won’t bloom so you can find a proper solution!

A shot of yellow fruits and dark green colored foliage alongside branches of the Oregon grape, showcasing invasive plants native alternatives

Ornamental Gardens

11 Native Alternatives for Popular Invasive Plants

Invasive plants aren’t to be messed with! They readily infiltrate our forests, meadows, and hillsides, pushing out native plants and animals. Rather than helping these species spread, plant these 11 native alternatives instead. They’re easy to grow, great for pollinators, and perfect for home gardens.

A close-up shot of a pink flower with a monarch butterfly feeding on its nectar, showcasing milkweed growing tips

Flowers

When and How To Plant Milkweed: 5 Milkweed Growing Tips

As pollinators emerge this spring, it’s time to boost their resources with milkweed. A must-have in the pollinator garden, native species suited to our regions become valuable perennials. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores how to plant milkweed now for a thriving future colony.

A gardener in white gloves divides spring tulip bulbs with flat vertical green leaves on a flowerbed.

Bulbs

How to Divide Your Spring Bulbs After They Bloom

Have you wondered what to do with your spring bulbs as they fade each year? It may be time to divide them. Follow along with experienced gardener and Master Naturalist Sarah Jay cover how to divide your spring bulbs after they bloom.