flowers – Page 2 – Backyard Vitality

5 Ways to Create a Beautiful Edible Garden

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

There has long been an incorrect assumption in the garden community that ornamental plants are the only ones that can look good, while vegetables and fruits are strictly for practical purposes. Essentially the opposite of a mullet, gardens are viewed as “party in the front, business in the back”. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a large front yard for flowers and ornamental purposes and a spacious backyard that can be reserved for edible crops, however. And some people feel like they have to choose one or the other…practicaltiy or beauty. Thankfully, recent breakthroughs have turned this misconception on its head, and a new practice is rising in popularity…edible landscaping.

What to Plant in a West-Facing Garden

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Finding the right flowers or vegetables to plant on the west side of your house can be a real challenge. The morning sun is blocked, which means that your plants have to be able to withstand a little shade, but they will also be exposed to direct, hot sunlight in the afternoon. Stick to plants that can grow in full sun to partial shade. If you’re at a loss for what to plant in this tricky section of your garden, this helpful list could give you some ideas.

The One Herb Everyone Should Grow Now

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

During these uncertain times, fear and anxiety for the future are commonplace. If you’re struggling to relax and find that you can’t unwind, it may be time to plant a lovely, aromatic patch of chamomile in your herb garden to help ease your worries. Here’s why we love this useful herb and how you can grow some today.

How to Grow Perfect Peonies Like Your Grandmother

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Peonies remind me of my grandparents and my mother, who always had these beautiful anchor flowers in their gardens. My mother even had an offspring of one of her father’s best peony plants right outside of our living room window. Not only can peonies continue to grow and bloom for over 100 years, but they have a unique vintage look and feel that makes them such a joy to grow.

How to Have Great Success With Arugula

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Isn’t it wonderful that we can grow an abundance of delicious and nutritious leafy greens in a small space? In fact, arugula, the slightly bitter and spicy leafy green grows exceptionally well in a container. As a bonus, if you don’t pick your arugula, it will grow beautiful flowers that you can harvest and eat right along with the greens. Here are some tips to help you successfully grow arugula in a container as well as in your garden.

Top Perennials for Floridians

4 min read | Author - Taylor Ramsey

If you live in Florida, you’ve likely experienced the unexpected difficulty of trying to start a perennial garden. While it may seem like everything should grow in abundance in such a lush environment, the humidity and heat actually create a unique tropical climate unlike that of any other state, making it a challenge to find the perfect plants for your home garden. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite perennials that are specifically suited for the sunshine state that will help your garden flourish.

How to Make a Wildlife Friendly Garden

5 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

The way we construct and care for our gardens really matters. Of course, it matters to those of us who will enjoy watching the garden grow and reaping the benefits of a well-tended space. However, a well-constructed garden can also be of great benefit to the wild creatures who visit and even choose your garden as their home. Remember, a diverse garden loaded with native plants is the best place to start.

Make Your Very Own Living Picture with Succulents (Here’s How)

3 min read | Author - Taylor Ramsey

There’s no conversation piece quite as great as a living succulent frame. Your guests will be raving about your DIY craft project, and it will provide a stunning element for your interior decor. Even though it may seem trickly, putting together a succulent frame is incredibly easy if you follow these 8 simple steps.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Fall Planted Mums

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Mums are an essential and beautiful part of the fall landscape. These stunning plants are a welcome addition to your front porch and add a pop of seasonal color to your fall displays indoors and out. When it comes to caring for potted mums, there are a few things that you can do to increase their longevity and keep them looking fresh and beautiful.

3 Fruit Tips for a Bigger and Better Harvest

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

I remember when I first started growing fruit. I assumed I could just plop a tree or bush in the ground, and mother nature would take care of the rest. Boy, was I wrong! Through a process of trial and error and some self-education, I came to learn how to best care for my neglected fruit trees. Here are some lessons I learned.

How to Throw the Ultimate Pollinator Party

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Have you ever taken a stroll through your veggie or fruit patch to find full blooms and gotten really excited only to see that nothing comes of them? This is one of the most disheartening things that can happen to a gardener, and the reason behind this is a lack of pollination.

5 Ways to Create a Beautiful Edible Garden

What to Plant in a West-Facing Garden

The One Herb Everyone Should Grow Now

How to Grow Perfect Peonies Like Your Grandmother

How to Have Great Success With Arugula

Top Perennials for Floridians

How to Make a Wildlife Friendly Garden

Make Your Very Own Living Picture with Succulents (Here’s How)

How to Get the Most Out of Your Fall Planted Mums

3 Fruit Tips for a Bigger and Better Harvest

How to Throw the Ultimate Pollinator Party

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