grow

There are certain areas in a garden that beg to be covered with climbing plants: chain link fences and trellises come to mind.  A pretty vine can disguise an unsightly fence or provide more privacy.  Plants climbing up and across a trellis can provide shade or shelter in the garden.  And many fast-growing vines also have a lovely fragrance!  Really, there’s no good reason NOT to include them in your garden—as long as you pick the right variety.

Coreopsis is a member of the family Asteraceae or Aster family of the genus Coreopsis L. or tickseed P containing thirty-four species. The plant is native to North and Central America and was recorded in the journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition that took place from 1804 to 1806.

When you’re planning your garden, one thing to consider is the size the plants will be when they bloom.  Some plants are pretty unassuming most of the year, but when their blooms sprout, they reach great heights or sizes.  These oversized blooms can add striking drama to your garden décor, whether they serve as a focal point or stand out in the background.

Wondering which big blooms are best for you?  Here are some favorites.

Love-lies-bleeding is a member of the family Amaranthaceae or Amaranth family of the genus Amaranthus L. or pigweed containing the species Amaranthus caudatus L. or foxtail amaranth. The plant is native to South America, India, and Africa and its nomenclature was derived from the Greek word amarantos, translating to “unfading,” due to the long-lasting blooms of some species.

Lavender is a member of the family Lamiaceae or Mint family of the genus Lavandula L. or lavender P containing four species. The plant is thought to be native to the Mediterranean basin east of India and has been used in many ways for approximately 2500 years.

Bougainvilleas are a member of the family Nyctaginaceae or four o'clock family of the genus Bougainvillea Comm. ex Juss. or bougainvillea. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not list any species for the genus. The plant is native to Brazil and other regions of South America.

Farmers have been saving their own seeds for ages. There are many reasons you should save your own seeds too. For starters, it can save you money, but there are many more reasons than this. Here's why you should start saving your seeds, and how to do it. 

Getting children into the garden at a young age can be a great way to start a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, nourish oneself with healthy food, and develop a new skill—in this case, growing flowers. Unfortunately, not all flowers are easy to grow and many require wait times that outlast a child’s patience. 

The daylily is a member of the family Liliaceae or Lily family of the genus Hemerocallis L. or daylily P containing six species. The plant is believed to have been in existence since the Cretaceous period approximately 100 million years ago and is thought to originate in Asia from India east and as far north as Siberia.

Plumeria are a member of the family Apocynaceae or Dogbane family of the genus Plumeria L. or plumeria P. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not list any species for the genus. Though it is commonly thought that the plant is native to Hawaii, DNA testing has proven that its origin is in the southern forests of Mexico.