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And yes, there is – or at least there was, for a long time – one of these plants in the Oval Office. Plectranthus coleoides, P. purpuratus, and P. verticillatus Do you want to grow one of the most famous houseplants in the world, often photographed sitting on the marble mantel across the room from a certain important desk in a certain office of national significance? Then Plectranthus verticillatus, otherwise known as Swedish ivy or Swedish begonia, is the plant for you....

In my child’s mind, that houseplant seemed like some mysterious and otherworldly creature – and it always stands out in my memories as the ideal representation of all that a houseplant could be. Chlorophytum comosum If you’re interested in adding a lot of greenery to your home quickly, and want a houseplant that is both easy to care for and nontoxic, the spider plant should be at the top of your list – I know it’s always at the top of mine....

by Jennifer Poindexter I don’t know about you, but anything with chocolate in the name, I’m curious how I can grow it in my yard as quickly as possible. You’ve probably guessed that a chocolate mimosa tree doesn’t actually produce chocolate or mimosas. (We can dream, right?) However, it is a splendid tree which could grow well in specific environments. If you’re curious if a chocolate mimosa tree would be a good fit for you or how to go about growing it, you’re in the right place....

By Matt Gibson Leeks look sort of like a green onion on steroids. They are twice as tall as scallion plants and much fatter, ranging from one to three inches wide, but though they are much larger than scallions, their look is otherwise remarkably similar. It is not a great surprise, therefore, that leeks are in fact related to onions, and they are often used culinarily in a similar fashion, as a seasoning component in a number of recipes....

By Jennifer Poindexter Raising calming herbs right at your backdoor can prove helpful when you can’t sleep or have had a stressful day. One herb, with calming effects, you should keep nearby is valerian. It’s usually harvested for its root but is known for making a soothing herbal tea that calms an anxious mind and helps to sleep more soundly. If this intrigues you, it should make you happy to know valerian is easy-to-grow as well....

Propagating basil is a great way to multiply your supply and get even more of your favorite herb. In this post, I’ll share the most common methods to try, and show you step by step how to propagate basil by cuttings or division. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, learning how to propagate basil is a great way to ensure you always have it when you need it....

Read on to learn how to monitor and control this garden menace. Delia radicum Cabbage maggots are small insects that can have a huge impact on cole crops, such as cabbage, broccoli, turnips, rutabaga, radishes, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. The larvae live in the soil, feed on the fibrous roots, and then tunnel into the roots and stems. These insects can totally destroy a crop. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products....

By Jennifer Poindexter Have you ever considered growing black-eyed Susan flowers around your home? This plant also goes by the scientific name of rudbeckia hirta. No matter what you call it, these flowers are low-maintenance and hard to miss thanks to their brightly colored petals and dark centers. As you’ll learn, these plants come in different varieties (both annual and perennial). However, most people tend to lean towards the perennial options....

Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are surprisingly easy to care for and grow. In this article, I’ll show you all you need to know in order to keep yours thriving for decades. Known for their braided trunks, and delicate looking umbrella-shaped leaves, money tree plants are very popular. They look like they’d be fussy and difficult to grow, but they’re actually pretty easy. These lovely plants flourish with the proper care, and can grow to become large trees....

by Jennifer Poindexter Do you need easy-to-grow, flowering perennials? I have great news for you! Fortunately, most flowering perennials are simple to grow. If you plant them in the right growing conditions and provide the right care, you should have few problems. If you’re in search of inspiration for a beautiful perennial garden, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to provide you with a list of flowering perennials....

Turn Your House into Mini Forest with these Ideas and add a green appeal to your room that simply stands out! Check out these indoor jungle posts for houseplant lovers here Turn Your House into Mini Forest with these Ideas 1. A Summer Jungle Right in Your Room! Take inspiration from this post and design a summer jungle in your home using a variety of huge, small, trailing, and climbing houseplants....

QUESTION: Is broccoli worth growing? What is broccoli good for? Is it worth taking up space in my garden? -Gerry A ANSWER: When it comes to great taste and nutrition, there is no vegetable that compares to broccoli. Broccoli has a long list of health benefits and is low in calories and rich in essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Broccoli is a fantastic source for vitamins C and K, as well as folic acid, potassium, and fiber....

Although most gardeners love removing unwanted plants from their yards to keep the place safe and clean, they may miss out on some white beauties. Read on to find out the Best Weeds with White Flowers that you can keep! Check out our article on the best edible weeds here Best Weeds with White Flowers 1. White Clover Botanical Name: Trifolium repens This lawn weed is easily recognizable with tiny white blooms and three round leaves....

Information Did you recently plant hydrangeas in your garden, but aren't quite sure how to identify the most common diseases that may attack them? There are many different hydrangea diseases that may attack your plant, but knowing how to identify, prevent, and treat them is critically important. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through the different hydrangea diseases that are most likely to strike. By Jill Drago Last updated: November 22, 2022 | 7 min read Are you wondering what those brown spots are on your hydrangea leaves?...

Citrus scents are known to uplift mood and spirit. Also, they stimulate the nervous system, making you more alert, attentive, and happy. A study that supports this claim is here. So having plants that bear lemon scented flowers or orange scented flowers in your garden or home is a great way to enhance your mood. Check out our article on orange houseplants you can grow here 1. Lemon-Scented Geranium Botanical Name: Pelargonium crispum...

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular flowering houseplants in the world. They have had a meteoric rise in popularity over the last 20 years due to their exquisite beauty, falling prices and wider availability. They’re fairly well suited to indoor climates and are surprisingly easy to care for. This article covers 15 phalaenopsis orchid facts for your enjoyment and education. 1. Phalaenopsis Orchids Are Also Called Moth Orchids Phalaenopsis orchids are often known as Moth Orchids....

Flowers Have you always wanted roses, but feared losing them to harsh winters? If you thought you couldn’t grow roses due to your winter climate, this article is for you! Even gardeners with extreme winter temperatures can plant and enjoy roses. In this article, gardening expert and rose enthusiast Danielle Sherwood lists her favorite cold-hardy rose varieties, with names and pictures of each! By Danielle Sherwood Last updated: January 13, 2023 | 11 min read Do you live in a region where temperatures drop below -50 degrees Fahrenheit?...

Bananas are the most popular tropical fruit that offers great taste and nutrition. There are around 1000 different types of bananas all over the world, and each of them comes with unique color and flavor! Here are some of the best Types of Bananas you can have! Botanical Name: Musa acuminata USDA Zone: 4 Check out our article on growing Bananas in pots here! Types of Bananas Bananas are divided into two main categories: Dessert and Plantains....

By Bethany Hayes Elephant ears are a showstopping plant to add to your garden bed; the foliage makes everyone who sees it stop and do a double-take. It’s easy to mistake plants with large leaves like elephant ears, but they are tropical region native plants. There are different types of elephant ears available for growing in your garden. Elephant ears originate in the United States’ tropical region; you can only grow them outside in the ground if you live in USDA zones 10 and 11....

A refreshing cup of tea is all you need after a hard day’s work, and what could be more beneficial than having healthy ingredients in it! Here are the Best Tea Herbs to Make a Tea Herb Garden for good health! Have a look at the best herbs for women here Best Tea Herbs to Make a Tea Herb Garden 1. Lavender A post shared by NGB Garden Experts (@national_garden_bureau)...