Skip Hydrangeas: The Alternative That'll Look Beautiful All Year Long
This evergreen flowering shrub keeps its leaves through winter and reblooms from spring to fall, making it a colorful hydrangea alternative.
Read MoreEllen Douglas
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Stories By Ellen Douglas
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The Hosta Companion Plant That Creates A Fragrant And Lush Look
Hostas are perhaps the first plant that comes to mind when you think of a shade garden, but to really make the space pop, consider adding this companion.
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Plant This Hydrangea Lookalike For More Butterflies, Pollinators, And Shade In Your Yard
Hydrangeas are beautiful, especially during their blooming season, but they're not popular with pollinators. Get the same look with this resilient shrub.
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The Drought-Tolerant Plant With Velvety Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds In Summer & Fall
You and your local hummingbirds can enjoy vibrant, fascinating plants even if you live in a drought-prone area. This Australian native is a great example.
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The Pungent Root Vegetable That Could Be The Solution To Repelling Pests In Your Garden
If you're trying to protect your potatoes or fruit trees, this flavorful root vegetable has a smell that pests can't stand. Plant it nearby to ward them off.
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The Fast-Growing Compact Tomato You Can Plant In A Pot That Thrives In The Sun
If you're looking for big tomato flavor, but you don't have a large space for a row of toms, this compact cultivar produces loads of slicing fruits quickly.
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Not Hostas: The Striking Plant That's Great For Shaded Flower Beds
If you have shaded flower beds but aren't sold on hostas, consider this striking, variegated cultivar of another popular shade-loving ground cover.
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The Simplest Way To Get Rid Of Crabgrass Is Also The Cheapest
Eliminating crabgrass can be a struggle, but with this method, you can get the job done without having to spend any money or rely on harsh chemicals.
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Plant This Ornamental Shrub For Delicious Berries & A Yard Full Of Pollinators
This shrub is the perfect addition to a pollinator garden thanks to its early-season blooms, bird-attracting fruits, and easy-growing nature.
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Why Are My Lilac Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellowing leaves on your lilac shrub can be alarming, and there are many possible reasons it could be happening. Here, we break down the common causes.
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The Perennial Grass With Gorgeous Feathery Foliage That Tolerates Infertile Soil
Native grasses add year-round interest to gardens. It's quite the bonus if you find a species that will grow in even the most inhospitable spots in your yard.
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What To Do If There Are Holes On Your Hosta Leaves
Holes in your hosta's leaves aren't just unsightly signs of damage — they can also cause the eventual death of the plant if they're severe enough.
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Plant This Fresh, Citrusy Herb Once And It'll Return To Your Garden On Its Own Each Year
As long as you live in USDA zones 3 to 7 and follow routine maintenance tasks, this citrusy herb will reliably return to your garden season after season.
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The Perennial Shrub Perfect For Borders That's Deer-Resistant & Attracts Butterflies
This shrub is a perfect choice for borders. Its sweet fragrance and abundant nectar attract butterflies and other pollinators, but deer won't come near it.
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The Low-Growing Perennial Alternative To Ferns That Makes An Excellent Ground Cover
Ferns are stunning additions to the garden, but they can grow much taller than many expect. Get a more low-profile effect with this unique lookalike.
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The Type Of Butterfly Bush That's Noninvasive With Long Lasting Blooms For Pollinators
The butterfly bush is popular, but it's also considered invasive in many U.S. states. Replace it with this compact cultivar that's also a butterfly magnet.
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The Beautiful Flowering Perennial That Is Highly Attractive To Birds And Pollinators
To bring winged critters into your yard, whether birds or butterflies, you need an easy-grow plant with prolific blooms and seeds. This perennial fits the bill.
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Give Garden Tomatoes A Boost With A Nourishing Fertilizer You Can DIY On The Cheap
Do your tomato plants have yellowing leaves? Is there a noticeable lack of flowers or fruit? They likely need a good dose of this easy-to-make fertilizer tea.
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The Award-Winning Perennial Bleeding Heart Variety That Thrives In The Shade
Bleeding heart perennials have a very unique style. One particular variety is so unique that it even received honors from the Royal Horticultural Society.
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The Colorful Lily Variety Hummingbirds Love That Blooms From Spring Into Summer
Hummingbirds can be a boon for your garden, so you'll definitely want to read about this lily that will attract those beautiful birds to your home.
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Add Summer Color To Your Flower Beds With A Low-Maintenance Annual
Colorful flowers look great in your yard during the summer. If you are not a great gardener, there is an annual that doesn't need much maintenance.
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The Pretty Perennial With A Long Flowering Period That Pollinators Can Enjoy All Season
If you love to set-it-and-forget-it, perennial blooms are the way to go. This low-maintenance plant will keep your garden buzzing from June through September.
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Say Goodbye To A Plain Fence By Growing This Climbing Plant For Beauty
Add privacy and character to your backyard by growing this gorgeous vine along your fence. Pollinators will also love this plant's yellow blooms.
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The Hardy Perennial Herb That Will Flourish In Your Shady Garden
While options like rosemary and basil are often the first herbs that come to mind, lesser-known picks like this pretty flowering option shouldn't be overlooked.
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The Compact Azalea Variety You Can Grow In A Pot For Colorful Blooms
This very hardy compact azalea variety works well as the thriller in your pots. Its delicate purple-pink blooms appear in spring to add life to your patio.
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The Ancient Paint Technique That Pests Can't Stand
While normal paint doesn't do much to attract or deter pests, this ancient wall coating is both stylish and great for keeping away annoying bugs.
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Keep Deer Out Of Your Garden With An Easy To Grow Flower They Can't Stand
If you've got a shady spot in your garden that wildlife can reach, plant these colorful and carefree flowers that are attractive to humans but not to deer.
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