Even when summer gardens wind down, the hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) is still going strong in most shade gardens where it’s planted. In fact, this herbaceous perennial generally blooms from about midsummer through October until the first frost. This long bloom time is just one of many reasons gardeners appreciate the hardy begonia so much. Because the hardy begonia thrives in part shade, it’s perfect as an understory plant. (That means you could include hardy begonias around the base of your trees and shrubs or even plant them in the shade of taller perennials next season.)
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Arugula flowers: Tips to delay bolting and what to do with the blooms
Arugula seeds are always on my “to-plant” list. I enjoy the spicy, peppery flavor of the serrated leaves, harvesting them to add to salads and stir-fries, or to put on pizza. Arugula flowers are their own delicacy, adding a unique flavor to savory dishes. In this article, I’m going to share some tips on getting the most out of your arugula harvest, what to do with the flowers, and how to save the seeds to grow more.
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Types of kale: 14 of the best kales to grow
Kale is a popular garden plant that is easy to grow, vigorous, and yields a generous crop of tender leaves for the table. However flip through any seed catalog and you’ll quickly see that there are many types of kale you can grow with a range of leaf colors, textures, and shapes. While they have some similarities various types of kale also have a lot of differences. Certain ones are more cold hardy which is ideal if you want to harvest kale into winter, and others have colorful, showy foliage which is a great way to jazz up a front yard vegetable garden. Keep reading to learn more about the different varieties of kale and my 14 favourites ones to grow.
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Invasive garden plants: 10 shrubs, perennials, and vines to avoid
Many invasive garden plants find their way into our landscaping by accident, but there are others which we may inadvertently invite. It usually starts innocently enough with some exotic ornamental plant, imported to North America for its unusual blooms, striking foliage, or other specific use. But in no time flat our carefully selected new garden guests can go as rogue as kudzu. These invasive species may crowd out other cultivated plants or, worse, escape from our gardens altogether. Depending on their level of success in the wild, they can displace important native species and fundamentally alter environmentally sensitive natural habitat. Discover 10 invasive garden plants to avoid, and (if it’s too late) how to get rid of them.
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Planting succulent ground cover in gardens and as “lawns”
One of my favorite plants in my garden is a variety of Delosperma called ‘Fire Spinner’. This ground cover has spread around an otherwise exposed area of my front garden and features vibrant fuchsia and orange flowers. A succulent ground cover is a great option for a sunny, dry area of the garden. In this article, I’m going to share why succulents make good ground covers, some favorites, as well as some ideas on where to plant them and why.
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What to plant after potatoes: 10 delicious options
Wondering what to plant after potatoes? There are several factors to consider including crop rotation and the time of year. Crop rotation is a key strategy for reducing pest and disease problems, as well as nutrient depletion. The other point to keep in mind is timing. Potatoes can be dug in mid to late summer as a new potato crop or left to mature for a fall harvest of storage spuds. When you harvest your potatoes can influence what you next plant in the bed. Below I share my ten favorite vegetables to plant after potatoes to help you grow a healthy and productive garden.
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