A common early spring weed, purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is a member of the mint family and grows in large clumps in lawns and in disturbed fields. Since it starts growing as early as April, it is often the only green (well, purplish green) thing in the lawn. Its tiny flowers serve as an early source of food for bees. Native to Europe …
Garden Plant Information
Information about how to grow, where to plant, how to propagate, soil and sun requirements, and more for garden plants and flowers. Discover new plants for your garden or learn more about plants already in your garden.
Echinacea species – Flowering plants for bees, butterflies, and birds
Butterflies and bees love coneflowers in the genus Echinacea. You are probably familiar with purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), but many cultivars are now available in various colors: red, pink, white, orange, yellow, cream, green, and gold. There are even Echinacea flowers with double blooms. Natives vs Cultivars Echinacea is native …
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Bee Balm Attracts Hummingbirds and Butterflies
If you’re looking for a native, perennial plant to add to your garden that will be easy to care for, add great color to your garden, and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, bee balm (Monarda sp.) is a good choice. Bee balm is in the mint family; its leaves are aromatic and both leaves and flowers can be made into a tea. There are …
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Coleus: Colorful Shade Plants Easily Grown From Seed or Cuttings
Coleus are known for their colorful leaves and are a great addition to shaded or part-sun areas of your garden. Some cultivars are more tolerant of sun, so be sure to read the labels on your selected varieties. Here is a list of some of the sun-loving varieties. Cultivars can have wavy, smooth-edged, or serrated leaves and come in many colors, …
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Hardening Off Seedlings the Easy Way
This winter, and even into the spring, I started some seeds in my garage under my new commercial grow light. It worked really well and I am growing marigolds, coleus, tomatoes, African daisies, basil, and more from seeds. It’s a whole lot cheaper than buying plants and I have a much higher success rate with this new light. When you grow …
Cactus in the Garden
Cacti make very interesting additions to an outdoor rock garden or as an indoor plant. Cactus plants add color and interest to your garden and do well in bright direct sunlight and drier, well-draining soils. These are photos of some of the interesting and unusual cacti that I have grown. This is Notocactus (Notocactus ubelmannianus), but it …