The Carefree Perennial I Should’ve Planted Decades Ago
Meet Geum, the airy, apricot-orange perennial that delivers months of color with just the right soil, quick deadheading, and an occasional spring division.
Flowers
One Marigold Flower Can Hold Up to 100 Free Seeds—Here’s How to Save Them
A mature marigold flower can yield nearly 100 seeds. Learn exactly when to collect, dry, store, and plant them for free blooms next spring.
Don’t Throw Out Your Fall Mums: The Mistake That Stops Them Coming Back
The right fall mum can return for years—but planting it too late can ruin the odds. Learn how to identify, plant, mulch, and overwinter hardy mums.
Don’t Cut Everything Down This September: 7 Perennials Better Left Standing
Before you reach for the pruners, discover seven perennials that feed birds, shelter insects, and make the winter garden more beautiful.
Petunias Quit Blooming? Stop Making This Late-Summer Mistake
Leggy petunias often need a decisive trim, not more waiting. Learn how to cut them back, feed new growth, and restore late-summer flowers.
8 Free Flower Seeds to Collect in Early September (Before They Disappear)
Eight flowers are handing out free seeds in early September. Learn the exact signs of ripeness and how to collect, dry, and store each one.
Before You Fill a Large Pot With Soil, Try the Pinecone Trick—But Know the Catch
Clean, dry pinecones can lighten a large seasonal planter and reduce the amount of potting mix it needs—but the trick has an important drainage catch.
11 Tough Perennials That Handle Missed Watering Once Established
These 11 drought-tolerant perennials forgive an occasional missed watering once established—while delivering flowers, texture, pollinator value, and a much easier border.
When to Cut Back Iris Leaves (and How to Do It Without Losing Blooms)
Wondering when to cut back iris leaves? Learn the simple green-means-wait rule, the right fall cutting height, and how bearded, Siberian, Japanese, and Louisiana irises differ.
Why Your Hoya Isn’t Blooming: 5 Things to Get Right
A healthy hoya can grow for years without flowers. Fix these five common bloom blockers—light, maturity, watering, feeding and lost flower spurs.