Posts in category: Yard & Garden

A Frequent Contributor Shares Highlights from This Year’s Midwest Growing Season

Today we’re visiting a diverse garden located in the central region of the Midwest for a seasonal update. This garden, a frequent feature in past submissions, is known for its rich variety of plants and thoughtfully curated landscape. From Japanese-inspired corners to vibrant pollinator beds, the space offers year-round interest—and this year’s display has already delivered an impressive range of spring blooms and lush textures.

Spring came early, bringing with it a cascade of flowering trees and fresh foliage. A standout scene included a blooming weeping cherry tree alongside a purple-leaved beech, creating a striking spring contrast.

One path winds from sunlit beds into a tranquil, shady area near a Japanese-style garden. Along the route, a clematis with vivid magenta blooms was a springtime highlight, thriving in the early warmth.

In the shade, a cobra lily caught attention with its exotic form and full bloom. Not far away, the dramatic foliage and blossoms of mayapple were also at their peak, adding to the garden’s woodland charm.

The Japanese garden remains a calm retreat within the property—a perfect place to sit, reflect, and take in the peacefulness.

Beyond ornamentals, the garden also supports wildlife with a large area devoted to pollinators. Bees and butterflies benefit from the thoughtful planting, which emphasizes ecological value as well as beauty.

The property includes expansive formal gardens, filled with rare and unusual plantings collected and cultivated over decades. One particularly eye-catching scene featured a colorful canvas artfully integrated into a shaded area, flanked by climbing vines and mature flowering plants.

The garden continues to evolve after more than 25 years of dedicated work—an inspiring example of how gardening is both an art and a lifelong journey.

What’s happening in your garden this year? Whether you’ve had wins or setbacks, this is the perfect time to reflect and share what the growing season has brought so far. A garden is more than plants—it’s a record of memories, effort, and joy.

If you’d like to share photos or stories from your garden, you’re always welcome to do so. Whether it’s a special collection, a favorite spot, or a garden you’ve visited that made an impression, every green space has something to offer.

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When we think of food crops, the image that often comes to mind includes juicy red tomatoes or spicy peppers—annuals that require a lot of work each year. But what if we could enjoy fresh, homegrown food without the constant planting cycle?

Perennial vegetables are a wonderful, low-maintenance addition to any garden. Unlike annuals, they return each season with minimal intervention. These crops produce during a specific part of the year, then rest, forming a natural rhythm in your garden. The result is a garden that yields dependable harvests while saving you time and effort. In this article, we’ll explore four favorites: rhubarb, asparagus, sorrel, and artichoke.

Rhubarb

Zones: 3–8
Size: Medium to large, with wide spreading leaves
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

This hardy plant is a gardener’s dream—low effort and long lived. Often passed down through families, rhubarb has a place in many homestead gardens and will thrive for decades if properly cared for.

To harvest, pull the stalks from the base with a twist and tug motion. Only the stems should be eaten, as the leaves contain a compound that is toxic. Use rhubarb in sauces, jams, or desserts—green or red stalks are both tasty, though red offers more visual appeal.

Asparagus

Zones: 2–9
Size: Tall, upright growth with feathery foliage
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, sandy soil

Asparagus is one of the earliest vegetables you’ll harvest in spring. It takes patience—plants shouldn’t be harvested for the first two to three years—but the payoff is worth it. Once mature, the shoots emerge quickly and must be picked while still tender. After the season ends, the plants are left to grow their fern-like foliage, storing energy for the next year.

Sorrel

Zones: 3–7
Size: Compact and mounded
Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil

A tangy leafy green, sorrel adds a lemony brightness to dishes and can be used either raw or cooked. It’s easy to grow, hardy, and among the first greens to appear each spring. Though it loses color when cooked, the flavor holds strong. It’s also very adaptable in terms of water needs and will thrive with occasional irrigation once established.

Artichoke

Zones: 7–9 (may survive in colder zones with protection)
Size: Large, bold, architectural foliage
Conditions: Full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil

Artichokes are slightly more temperamental in colder regions but grow well in milder climates. While typically grown as annuals in cooler areas, some newer cultivars can flower in their first year. Watch for the large, spiny buds and harvest before they begin to open. Even when left unharvested, they provide ornamental appeal with striking flowers.

Why Grow Perennial Vegetables?

These crops are not only productive—they’re beautiful. Their bold shapes and textures add interest to garden beds and borders. Plus, most are incredibly resilient, with few pest problems and great adaptability. They are especially useful in cooler regions or areas with short growing seasons where traditional annual vegetables may struggle.

A little mulch helps keep the soil healthy and reduces the need for watering. Choose organic mulches like straw or leaf litter to retain moisture and improve soil over time.

If you’re aiming for a more sustainable and less labor-intensive vegetable garden, these perennials can be both functional and attractive additions to your space.

When it comes to planting design, one principle stands out: “planting big to small.” Trees give structure to a garden. They anchor views, define space, and influence everything around them—especially when they cast shade. But if your ground space is limited or already full, there’s another way to introduce trees: grow them in containers.

Why Grow a Tree in a Container?

A container is simply a movable box of soil, which opens up many design possibilities. Consider a few reasons why this can be a great approach:

• No ground? No problem. Trees in containers are perfect for balconies, rooftops, and patios.

• Instant elevation. Containers raise a tree 2 to 3 feet above ground level, giving quick impact or temporary privacy screening.

• Artistic focal points. Placing a small tree in a beautiful pot instantly elevates it to the level of sculpture—especially when paired with uplighting.

• Flexibility. You can move the tree seasonally to create shade, hide a view, or refresh a vignette. Just make sure the pot is movable—or get help!

If bonsai artists can grow ancient forest trees in small pots, you can certainly grow a modest tree on your patio for a few years.

Which Trees Work in Containers?

With the right care, nearly any tree can grow in a pot—at least temporarily. What matters most is your goal. Are you creating shade? Adding height or texture? Seeking a statement piece? Think about how long you want the tree to live in a container, then choose accordingly.

Here are a few beautiful small trees and evergreens well-suited for pots:

Japanese Maple

Zones: 5–9
Size: Varies by cultivar; typically compact and elegant
Conditions: Sun to part shade; moist, rich, well-drained soil

Japanese maples are prized for their shape, foliage, and seasonal color. Dwarf and lace-leaf types are especially container-friendly. Some varieties have dense green leaves that turn orange in autumn, while others offer delicate red or variegated foliage. Their slow growth and refined form make them ideal for pots.

Weeping Redbud (White-Flowering Variety)

Zones: 5–9
Size: Small, arching form; perfect for tight spaces
Conditions: Sun to partial sun; average, well-drained soil

For something less expected, consider a compact redbud with white blooms and weeping branches. Its soft shape and spring flowers make it a living sculpture. Look for compact or weeping forms in nurseries—they’re often available in specialty tree sections.

Compact Evergreen Cedar

Zones: 5–9
Size: Medium height, dense form
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

If you want an evergreen option that stands out from typical boxwoods or yews, try a dwarf cedar. These trees offer soft texture, interesting shape, and a whimsical feel—plus they make fantastic hosts for seasonal lighting.

Tips for Success

Containers restrict root growth, which naturally limits the size of the tree. Depending on the species, it may live in a pot for several years before needing a new home in the ground. Some trees thrive for decades in containers; others might outgrow them in just a few seasons.

• Container size matters. For small trees, choose pots with a diameter of 24–36 inches.

• Think ahead. Will you need to move the pot? Consider weight and access.

• Soil and feeding. Use quality potting soil and apply balanced fertilizer twice a year.

• Water wisely. Like all container plants, trees will dry out faster—monitor closely.

If you’ve had your eye on a small tree but thought you lacked space, consider the container route. You can enjoy beauty, flexibility, and impact—without breaking ground.

Palms tend to divide opinion. Some see them as graceful architectural elements, while others view them as underwhelming trees that offer little shade. But for those who didn’t grow up with palms lining every street, the sound of rustling fronds and the visual of tall, exotic silhouettes can bring a touch of the tropics to the garden—especially in dry climates.

In the arid regions of the Southwest, with its wide range of microclimates, there’s real potential to experiment with palm species. While growing conditions can vary dramatically from one zone to the next, a handful of well-adapted palms thrive in desert environments and can even tolerate some cooler temperatures.

Here’s a look at several outstanding palms for desert gardens:

California Fan Palm

Washingtonia filifera
Zones: 9–11
Size: Tall with a wide crown
Conditions: Full sun; sandy or loamy soil with good drainage
Water Needs: Low to medium

This native palm of the Southwest is slow growing but well suited to dry conditions. Its thick trunk distinguishes it from its more slender cousin, the Mexican fan palm. Though found naturally in scattered oases, it can be a bold native accent in home landscapes with occasional watering.

Mexican Blue Hesper Palm

Brahea armata
Zones: 9–11
Size: Medium-tall with a narrow crown
Conditions: Full sun; rocky soil with good drainage
Water Needs: Low to medium

Native to Baja California, this palm features stunning silvery-blue fronds that fade to blue-green as the plant matures. Mature specimens produce long, cascading sprays of creamy-white flowers. It thrives in hot, dry spots—especially where water can be collected from rain events.

Waggie Palm (Windmill Palm Variant)

Trachycarpus wagnerianus
Zones: 7–9
Size: Compact with a tidy crown
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average soil with good drainage
Water Needs: Medium

Ideal for cooler climates, this small, slow-growing palm has refined, symmetrical fan leaves and a neat trunk. It’s perfect for smaller spaces or groupings and performs well with moderate watering.

Mule Palm

× Butiagrus nabonnandii
Zones: 8–10
Size: Medium-tall with a wide crown
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average soil with good drainage
Water Needs: Medium

This hybrid palm brings the graceful, arching fronds of tropical species to more temperate gardens. It combines the hardiness of one parent with the elegance of the other, offering feather-like leaves and reliable performance in warm regions. While not suitable for tight spaces, it’s excellent for larger gardens where its broad canopy can shine.

Rock Palm

Brahea calcarea
Zones: 9–11
Size: Medium height with a rounded crown
Conditions: Full sun; rocky or loamy soil with good drainage
Water Needs: Low to medium

An underused gem, this palm features circular green fronds on smooth petioles and a slow growth habit. It can take many years to develop a trunk, making it an attractive low-growing palm for many seasons before it matures. Ideal for creating a calm “oasis” feel in dry gardens.

Senegal Date Palm

Phoenix reclinata
Zones: 9b–11
Size: Tall and spreading; clustering growth habit
Conditions: Full sun; sandy or loamy soil with good drainage
Water Needs: Low to medium

This palm thrives in warm climates and develops into a dense, multi-trunked canopy over time. Its feathered fronds and spreading habit create a lush, tropical atmosphere, though it requires ample space to grow. Once established, it offers beautiful form and gentle shade with minimal water needs.

Bring the Tropics to the Desert

With the right selection, palms can thrive in the challenging climates of desert gardens. Look for species that suit your local conditions and garden size. Whether you seek a compact showpiece or a towering canopy, palms bring movement, structure, and a sense of escape to arid landscapes.

Self-sowing plants often get a bad reputation for being unruly or invasive—but when chosen carefully, they can be garden allies. They show up in surprising places, fill awkward gaps, and often blend into existing designs better than anything you could plan. Yes, there’s a fine line between charming and chaotic, but here are a few self-sowers that have proven to be well-behaved and truly rewarding.

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata
Zones: 3–8
Size: Low growing, modest spread
Conditions: Partial to full shade; rich, moist soil

This woodland native spreads not only by rhizomes but also seeds itself generously. Seedlings often appear in new pastel shades, making each season’s bloom slightly different. These volunteers can even naturalize into semi-shaded lawns, adding gentle spring color.

Flowering Dogwood

Benthamidia florida (formerly Cornus florida)
Zones: 5–9
Size: Medium tree
Conditions: Sun to partial shade; average soil
Native Range: Eastern North America

It’s hard to remove a baby tree, especially one as iconic and beautiful as this. Left undisturbed, seedlings can be transplanted to wilder garden edges. Be aware, though, that similar trees in the same genus may also self-sow and be difficult to distinguish when young—some with less desirable traits.

Welsh Poppy

Papaver cambricum
Zones: 4–8
Size: Compact
Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist soil
Native Range: Western Europe

These shade-loving poppies surprise with bright yellow or orange flowers and finely divided foliage. Their self-sown pattern is modest, and they never overwhelm surrounding plants. For best results, move seedlings while young, as they don’t transplant easily once established.

Flowering Spurge

Euphorbia corollata
Zones: 3–9
Size: Upright, airy habit
Conditions: Full sun; average to dry soil
Native Range: Eastern and Midwestern regions

With delicate white flowers in summer and red-orange foliage in fall, this perennial blends beautifully with tougher, taller neighbors. It thrives in difficult, dry spots and supports pollinators. Seedlings are easy to identify and relocate, though it often performs best where it seeds itself.

Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum
Zones: Annual (cool-weather)
Size: Upright, lacy habit
Conditions: Full sun; rich, moist soil
Native Range: Northern Africa, parts of Europe and the Middle East

Once allowed to seed, cilantro returns year after year—whether you enjoy the taste or not. Its delicate flowers attract pollinators and complement spring planting schemes. It germinates early and grows best when sown directly into the soil.

A Note on Self-Sowers

Even plants that behave well in one garden can become a problem in another. Always research unfamiliar species for their seeding tendencies, and avoid anything listed on invasive plant lists for your region—or neighboring ones. Favoring regionally native plants can help reduce risk, though even some natives can become aggressive outside their local range.

Ground covers are a powerful tool in any gardener’s kit. They suppress weeds, help retain moisture, reduce soil erosion, and add beauty to otherwise blank spaces. Whether you’re aiming for bold drama or subtle elegance, there’s a ground cover out there that can fit the role.

Let’s explore some standouts that break away from the ordinary—bringing texture, color, and structure to gardens in unique ways.

Variegated Butterbur

Petasites japonicus ‘Variegatus’
Zones: 3–8
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 5 feet wide
Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist to wet soil

This isn’t your typical low-profile ground cover. With its bold umbrella-like leaves and dramatic variegation, it offers serious presence. Ideal for boggy, shady spots, it stabilizes soil while providing a lush, architectural display. Though it can be assertive, it’s manageable when given defined borders, such as paths or stone walls.

Trifoliate Bittercress

Cardamine trifolia
Zones: 5–9
Size: 3 to 6 inches tall, 9 to 12 inches wide
Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, rich, well-draining soil

This delicate-looking plant adds charm along shady paths or beneath airy shrubs. It stays evergreen in mild climates, offers sweet white blooms in spring, and quietly spreads without aggression. Despite its name, there’s nothing bitter about this plant—it’s all grace.

Alpine Water Fern

Austroblechnum penna-marina
Zones: 7–9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, up to 3 feet wide
Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, rich, well-draining soil

If you’ve ever wished for a fern that doubled as a ground cover, this is it. Forming a dense, evergreen mat, this little fern delights with delicate fronds and colorful new growth in spring. It thrives in alpine-like conditions and makes an excellent low-maintenance filler.

Colorful Self-Sowers for Sun

Examples: California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata)
Zones: Variable (typically Zones 4–10)
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, up to 3 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun; rocky or well-drained soil

For a more naturalistic or drought-tolerant approach, flowering self-sowers like poppies and mallow offer seasonal ground cover with bright colors and cheerful form. Though they may go dormant in the summer, their roots help suppress weeds, and they self-seed reliably without being invasive.

Rethinking Ground Covers

Ground covers don’t have to be dull or purely functional. They can be showy, sculptural, whimsical, or rugged—playing a vital role in garden design while meeting practical needs. Whether you’re managing erosion, filling in shady corners, or creating seasonal color, these lesser-known selections can add personality and performance to your landscape.

In a Flower-Filled Landscape, a Gardener Pauses to Appreciate the Promise of Buds

Gardens often dazzle us with bursts of color and lush blooms—but between the greenery and full floral display lies a quiet stage of growth that deserves its own spotlight: the pre-bloom.

Today’s submission focuses on that overlooked moment, where buds are quietly gathering energy for their big debut. While flowers in full bloom may steal the show, buds hold a different kind of beauty—one that speaks of potential, transformation, and anticipation.

“Even though many plants are currently blooming, I wanted to take a moment to highlight their pre-bloom stage. Much like early spring’s sprouting, the formation of buds signals that something is about to happen. This stage is more dynamic than I realized when I first started gardening. Watching buds shift in color, shape, and size gives a deeper sense of connection to a plant’s seasonal rhythm.”

One image captures a lily plant filled with buds in various stages of development—from tightly wrapped green tips to those just beginning to show their colorful petals. Their forms are sleek and architectural, and they rise above the garden bed like elegant sculptures.

In another view, creamy green buds become a design element of their own, adding form and depth to an already colorful backdrop. The contrast between these subtle, pre-bloom shapes and the surrounding flowers creates an unexpected harmony.

There’s also a stunning cluster of orange buds glowing like tiny lanterns—proof that color exists in pre-bloom too, not just in the flowers they will become.

Wherever color has already begun to flourish, buds are a hopeful reminder that more is on the way. In quieter corners of the garden, even a single pink bud nestled in foliage adds anticipation—and balance.

In one final scene, a dense collection of nearly-open buds reads like the overture to a grand floral performance, each poised to burst open in unison. The show hasn’t begun, but the stage is set.

Thank you for this thoughtful reminder to admire not just the bold and blooming, but also the waiting, the becoming. Buds are more than just a sign of what’s to come—they’re a celebration of the season in progress.

Whether your garden is budding, blooming, or winding down, each phase has its own magic. And if you’ve captured a moment worth sharing—quiet or colorful—there’s always a place for it here.

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Happy Monday!

For many of us who grew up surrounded by gardens and nature lovers, certain summer flowers stir up feelings of nostalgia and tender memories of those we’ve loved. That’s the case for one gardener who recently shared their story, reflecting on how their garden is filled with plants connected to family and cherished moments.

“Walking through my yard brings back memories of loved ones who are no longer with me. Family members inspired my love for gardening and shared some of their plants with me. When they bloom, they remind me of joyful times spent together. One relative had a small yard, but something was always blooming. Another relative shares their favorite plants with me often. Gardening is more than tending to flowers—it’s about honoring the people who helped plant that love in us.”

To celebrate a family member’s love of birds, the garden includes birdhouses, birdbaths, and feeders, creating a haven for feathered visitors. One birdhouse is framed by vivid coral honeysuckle, a favorite climber known for attracting hummingbirds.

Purple petunias bloom in memory of a loved one who once planted them with great care. Daylilies and clematis passed down from relatives return each year, blooming with memories as much as color. A particular daylily stands out with its elegant pink tones and sentimental value.

Another flower, a tiger lily gifted just last season, has bloomed for the first time—marking the start of new memories in the making.

Thank you to this gardener for opening their heart and garden. While the blooms are beautiful in their own right, it’s the personal stories tied to each one that make the garden truly unforgettable.

What flowers hold meaning in your garden?
Do you have a plant that reminds you of a loved one or a special moment every time it flowers? Consider reflecting on those connections, or even sharing photos and stories to celebrate the deeper roots behind your garden.

Every plant tells a story—what’s yours?

When I see my favorite summer salad on a menu, I can’t resist. Roasted beets, creamy cheese, mixed greens, and a light dressing—it’s simple and satisfying. But the best part? You don’t need a restaurant to enjoy this. With a small garden bed or even a large pot, it’s easy to grow the main ingredient yourself.

Beets are cool-season root vegetables loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re mostly water and low in calories, making them a healthy addition to your meals. While many people remember beets as having a strong earthy flavor, especially when boiled, modern varieties offer a surprising range of tastes and colors. And the greens? They’re delicious too.

Starting Beets from Seed

Beet “seeds” are actually clusters that contain multiple seeds. This means when you sow one, you may get several sprouts. Beets prefer direct seeding in the garden, as they don’t like to be transplanted. Sow them in rows or blocks, making sure to thin them later to allow enough space for each root to form properly.

Once seedlings reach 4 to 5 inches in height, thin them to 3 to 4 inches apart by cutting—not pulling—the extras to avoid disturbing the roots of nearby plants.

Which Beets to Grow?

There are many beet varieties, each with unique shapes, colors, and flavors. Here are some worth trying:

Red Beets

• A classic globe-shaped variety with deep red flesh is known for its rich flavor and good storage potential.

• Another red variety matures quickly, tolerates cool weather, and is often harvested young for both roots and tender leaves.

• A widely grown type offers sweet, dark red flesh and does well across a broad growing season if seeded in succession.

One heirloom red variety has a long, cylindrical shape, making it easy to slice and cook evenly. Its fine texture and sweet flavor are favorites among cooks.

Another, one of the oldest varieties still cultivated today, is prized for its deep, earthy taste and storage longevity. It’s a challenge to grow but rewarding for adventurous gardeners.

Yellow Beets
Golden types tend to be sweeter and don’t stain your hands or cutting boards. These varieties have smooth, orange skin and rich yellow interiors that keep their color when cooked. Some are mild and tender with bright green tops.

Pink and Striped Beets
A striking heirloom variety has alternating red and white rings inside and is often used raw in salads due to its mild sweetness. When cooked, the rings fade, but it remains visually appealing and tasty.

It’s hard to choose just one beet to grow. That’s where farmers markets come in—to fill the gaps in what your garden might not yield. And if you’re short on space, try growing beets in a large container. They don’t need much room, and the results are worth it.

Found a favorite variety not listed here? Share it with others—we’d love to know what’s working in your garden.