Sedum: The Stonecrop Jewel of the Garden

Sedum, often called stonecrop, is a rugged yet refined perennial that has charmed gardeners for centuries. Native to a wide range of regions—including Europe, Asia, and North America—sedum thrives in rocky outcrops, alpine slopes, and sun-drenched meadows where little else dares to grow. Its name, derived from the Latin sedere ("to sit"), hints at its habit of sprawling across stones and walls, clinging to crags with a tenacity that belies its dainty blossoms. Ancient herbalists valued sedum for its purported wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Some varieties, like Sedum acre, were even used in small doses to treat skin ailments—though caution is wise, as not all species are safe for medicinal use today.

In the garden, sedum is nothing short of indispensable. Its succulent leaves store water, making it remarkably drought-tolerant—a hero in xeriscaping, green roofs, and rock gardens alike. Low-growing types like Sedum spurium or Sedum kamtschaticum make vibrant ground covers, while upright cultivars like Sedum 'Autumn Joy' burst into glorious bloom just as summer wanes, offering nectar to late-season pollinators. Sedum prefers full sun and well-draining soil; too much moisture or shade, and it may sulk or rot. Propagation is easy—simply snip a stem and nestle it in soil. Whether edging a border, topping a container, or brightening a neglected corner, sedum performs with steadfast grace.

Are you ready to bring the enduring charm of sedum into your landscape? Visit GoGardenNow.com to explore our hand-picked selection of hardy sedums and other drought-tolerant beauties. Don’t just grow a garden—build a legacy of resilience and color, one stonecrop at a time.

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Here’s a gardener’s to-do list for August, 2025, by U.S. region

 Here’s a gardener’s to-do list for August, 2025, by U.S. region—when the heat is high, harvests are rolling in, and a season’s fatigue starts to show. It’s a month of maintenance, planning, and squeezing the last joy from summer before fall creeps in on golden feet.

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Northeast

• 🥕 Plant Fall Crops: Direct sow beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, spinach, and radishes.

• 💧 Water Deeply: Weekly soaking is better than frequent shallow watering.

• 🌻 Deadhead: Keep flowers blooming—cut back tired annuals and perennials.

• 🪓 Divide: Now’s a good time to divide irises and daylilies after flowering.

• 🍅 Harvest: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans—pick often to encourage more.

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Midwest

• 🥬 Sow Fall Veggies: Leafy greens, turnips, and peas can still be planted.

• 🌼 Tidy Beds: Cut back spent blooms, especially on coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.

• 🌿 Weed Aggressively: Don’t let weeds go to seed this late in the game.

• 🌧️ Check for Blight: Watch tomatoes and squash for signs of disease.

• 🧄 Plan Ahead: Order garlic for fall planting.

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Southeast

• 🥒 Late Crops: Sow beans, squash, cucumbers for a final summer harvest.

• 🥬 Start Fall Garden: Begin seeds indoors or in shaded beds for broccoli, cabbage, and collards.

• 🐞 Scout for Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and armyworms are active—act fast.

• 🧹 Prune Lightly: Trim back leggy annuals and deadhead flowers.

• 🌾 Mulch: Reapply mulch to retain moisture and cool roots.

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Southwest

• ☀️ Water Wisely: Water deeply in early morning; mulch to prevent evaporation.

• 🥦 Start Cool Crops: Begin fall garden planning—start broccoli, cauliflower, and chard indoors.

• 🌼 Deadhead Flowers: Encourage another flush of bloom.

• 🌾 Weed Control: Dry weeds go to seed fast—remove before they spread.

• 🪣 Compost: Keep turning; summer heat accelerates decomposition.

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Pacific Northwest

• 🥕 Plant for Fall: Beets, spinach, lettuce, and peas can still go in.

• 🌧️ Watch for Powdery Mildew: Especially on squash and cucumbers—remove infected leaves.

• 🌿 Harvest Herbs: Dry or freeze basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley.

• 🧄 Order Fall Bulbs: Tulips, garlic, daffodils—get ready for September planting.

• 🍅 Stake Tomatoes: Heavy fruit needs support this time of year.

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Mountain West

• 🥬 Fall Crops: Direct sow spinach, kale, lettuce, and radishes.

• 🌻 Harvest Daily: Zucchini and cucumbers can get oversized fast.

• 🧤 Protect From Heat: Shade cloth can help young fall crops survive hot days.

• 🌸 Deadhead Perennials: Encourage rebloom on echinacea, salvia, and more.

• 🧪 Check Soil Moisture: Especially for containers and raised beds.

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California

• 🥗 Plant for Fall: Start brassicas and leafy greens from seed.

• ☀️ Irrigate Smart: Use drip irrigation or early morning watering to conserve.

• 🐜 Control Pests: Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, and scale insects.

• 🌸 Late Summer Color: Plant zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers for continued bloom.

• 🪓 Prune Lightly: Cut back leggy herbs and annuals; remove dead foliage.

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August is a balancing act—between heat and harvest, hustle and rest. The wise gardener tends with purpose, plans with vision, and lets the sweat of August sow the beauty of fall.

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Here are the latest garden news and events scheduled for August 2025 in the Midwest

 

🌳 1. 47th Annual Mid‑America Bonsai Exhibition — Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL)
Mark your calendars for August 15–17, 2025, when bonsai enthusiasts convene for one of the nation’s largest regional bonsai showcases. Now in its 47th year, the exhibition will feature over 50 world-class trees from across the Midwest, with guest master demos, vendor booths, and a tree-judging competition in the Regenstein Center. Admission is included with garden entry (extra for parking/ticket) midwestbonsai.org

🌾 2. UW–Madison Agronomy & Soils Field Day — Madison, WI
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the University of Wisconsin–Madison hosts its annual Agronomy & Soils Field Day. Though primarily geared toward farmers, it offers valuable sessions on fruit & vegetable production, pest and disease management, emerging crops, and soil fertility—perfect for gardeners looking to deepen their field-tested knowledge. 
cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu
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🪴 3. K‑State Garden Hour Webinar — Kansas State University
Gardening minds across Kansas are invited to the K‑State Garden Hour on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 (noon–1 pm CST). This live webinar series features a series of topics; the August edition will focus on the latest innovations in horticulture research, offering insights you can incorporate at home. 
hnr.k-state.edu

🍃 4. Beal Botanical Garden Forest‑Bathing Tour — MSU, East Lansing, MI
Take a midday retreat on August 14, 2025, from 12:10–1 pm, with a guided Forest Bathing session in Michigan State University’s Beal Botanical Garden. Facilitated by Community & Sustainability Coordinator Angelica Bajos, this mindful garden immersion invites participants to refresh and reconnect amidst native plantings. 
bealbotanicalgarden.msu.edu

These events offer something for every type of gardener—from bonsai aficionados to field-crop learners, home gardeners, and those seeking peaceful reflection. Which one sparks your interest?

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Armeria - The Resilient Seaside Bloom

When to Plant Seeds for a Fall Vegetable Garden — Our Regional Guide for the U.S.

Fall gardens are the unsung heroes of the vegetable world—quieter, cooler, and often more productive than their summer cousins. But timing is everything. Knowing when to plant seeds for a fall harvest depends on your region's first frost date and the time each crop needs to mature. Here's a regional breakdown to help you sow with confidence.

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🌾 Southeast (Zones 7–9)

States: Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, etc.
Start planting: Mid-July to early September

Hot summers linger, but by late July you can start seeds for collards, kale, turnips, carrots, and mustard greens. Beans, squash, and cucumbers can be sown for a quick fall crop in late July or early August. Heat-tolerant seedlings like broccoli and cabbage should be started indoors in July and transplanted in August once the worst heat passes.

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🌻 Northeast & Midwest (Zones 4–6)

States: Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Michigan, Illinois, etc.
Start planting: Late July to mid-August

With shorter growing seasons, timing is tight. Count backwards from your first frost date, then add 7–10 days as a buffer. Sow lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, and bush beans in late July through early August. Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower should be transplanted by mid-August. Garlic can go in by October for next year’s harvest.

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🌽 Southwest (Zones 7–10)

States: Arizona, New Mexico, southern California, west Texas
Start planting: Late August through October

Hot, dry summers delay fall planting until temps begin to moderate. Start seeds for chard, kale, carrots, beets, and lettuce in early September. Wait until October to sow spinach, onions, and garlic. Use shade cloth early on to protect seedlings from lingering heat.

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🌱 Pacific Northwest (Zones 6–9)

States: Oregon, Washington, northern California
Start planting: Mid-July to late August

The cool, moist climate favors fall crops. Start lettuce, spinach, and brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower in mid-July indoors, and transplant them by mid-August. Root crops like carrots and beets should go in no later than early August. A second sowing of peas in late August can yield a modest fall crop.

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🌾 Plains & Rockies (Zones 3–6)

States: Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Dakotas, etc.
Start planting: Late July to early August

The shorter growing season means acting fast. Start radishes, spinach, arugula, turnips, and lettuce in late July. Transplant broccoli and cabbage by early August. Protect crops from early frost with row covers or cold frames.

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🧄 General Tips

• Use your average first frost date as a countdown.

• Choose fast-maturing varieties.

• Consider succession planting for staggered harvests.

• Row covers or low tunnels can extend your season by weeks.

• Don't forget to water regularly—fall weather may be dry in many regions.

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A fall garden offers crisp harvests, fewer pests, and a sense of quiet purpose. With a little planning and regional savvy, you can reap another round of blessings before winter settles in. Ready your seed trays, sharpen your tools, and let the second season begin.

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Can This Yellow Flower Really Chase Away Sadness?

 

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Asiatic Jasmine – Your Evergreen, Easy, Weed-Smothering Solution

 

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Should You Fertilize Your Garden in the Summer?

 

As the summer sun climbs high and gardens brim with life, many gardeners wonder: Should I fertilize during the heat of summer, or will I do more harm than good? The answer, like much in gardening, lies in understanding your plants, your soil, and the climate you’re working with.

Summer fertilization can be beneficial, especially for heavy feeders like tomatoes, squash, and container-grown plants that rapidly deplete soil nutrients. However, fertilizing in the peak of summer heat must be done with care. Heat-stressed plants, already struggling to retain moisture and function properly, may react poorly to a sudden influx of nitrogen—resulting in scorched leaves or accelerated dehydration. Slow-release organic fertilizers, compost teas, and diluted liquid feeds are gentler options that can give your plants the boost they need without overwhelming them. Always water deeply before and after applying any fertilizer to help nutrients reach the root zone and reduce the risk of root burn.

Ultimately, the best approach is to test your soil, observe your plants, and consider the temperature. If leaves are green and growth is steady, hold off. If your plants look pale or sluggish despite adequate watering, a mid-season feed might be just the ticket. Like a good Southern supper, timing and moderation make all the difference.

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Meet Pachysandra: The Low-Key Legend of Shade Gardens.

 

 

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Lamium - The Silver in Your Romantic Shade Garden

 

 

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How to protect plants in heat waves!

 

When summer turns ruthless and the sun beats down like a forge hammer, your garden doesn't have to shrivel in surrender. Here's what else you can do to protect plants in heat waves—beyond the usual mulch-and-water routine:

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1. Water at the Right Time

• Early morning is best—before 9 a.m. This reduces evaporation and gives roots time to soak in moisture before the heat strikes.

• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

2. Use Shade Wisely

• Drape shade cloth (30–50% density for most vegetables) over tender crops.

• Use garden umbrellas, lattice panels, or old bed sheets in a pinch.

• Tall plants like corn or sunflowers can also serve as living shade for shorter, heat-sensitive neighbors.

3. Create Windbreaks

• Dry wind worsens heat stress. Use burlap screens or temporary fencing to cut wind exposure without completely blocking airflow.

4. Boost Soil Health

• Add compost to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability.

• Consider adding hydrogels or water-absorbing crystals to potting soil in containers.

5. Skip the Fertilizer

• Avoid synthetic fertilizers during heat waves—these can stress plants further.

• If necessary, apply diluted seaweed or compost tea instead for a gentle tonic.

6. Group Containers Together

• Grouping potted plants provides mutual shading and maintains humidity.

• Move them to shaded spots (east-facing sides, under trees, or porches).

7. Cut Back on Pruning

• Pruning exposes inner foliage to sunlight—best to wait until temps moderate.

8. Use Reflective Mulch or Stones (with caution)

• Light-colored stones or aluminum foil reflect light upward and can slightly reduce surface temps—but only where heat-tolerant plants grow, as this can backfire for tender ones.

9. Monitor for Heat Scorch and Leaf Curl

• Watch for leaf scorch, wilting, or leaf roll—signs that your plants need protection or water adjustments.

• Remove damaged foliage after the heat passes to avoid additional stress.

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Gardens are resilient, but only if we outwit the weather like seasoned field generals. A gardener’s vigilance, with a dash of foresight and some old-fashioned ingenuity, keeps even the most tender shoots from burning out.

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Astilbe - Victorian Elegance for Your Shade Garden

 

 

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Upcoming Summer Events in Botanical Gardens around the U.S.

 

Here are some exciting upcoming 2025 garden events at major American botanical gardens—perfect for both seasoned horticulturists and casual plant lovers:

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🌿 United States Botanic Garden (Washington, D.C.)

• Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – ongoing exhibit showcasing resilient and unusual plant adaptations.

• Children’s Garden open daily, with hands‑on tools and plant interaction.

• Shifted hours for Conservatory: from June 9 to August 31, open 11 a.m.–6 p.m., enhancing visiting flexibility  https://www.usbg.gov/

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🌸 Atlanta Botanical Garden (Georgia)

• Cocktails in the Garden (May–September): elegant evenings amid blooms.

• Summer Party – June 21: a social evening event amidst summer splendor.

• "Great Pumpkin" carving festival in fall, and Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics (May 10–Jan 11) https://atlantabg.org/

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🎨 Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York)

• Bonsai Mini Drop‑In Tours: Saturdays & Sundays, June 14–29, plus select dates into autumn.

• Art of Bonsai class: June 28 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)

• Peonies! Peonies! Floral design workshop: June 28 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)

• Seasonal Highlights Tours: daily from June 11–29 at 1 p.m. https://www.bbg.org/visit
  

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🌳 San Antonio Botanical Garden (Texas)

• Nature Exploration in the Family Adventure Garden: weekly on Wednesdays & Saturdays, March 5–November 22, 2025, 10–10:30 a.m. – ideal for families and young botanists sabot.org.

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🎭 Houston Botanic Garden (Texas)

• LEGO® Night with Houston Toy Museum – June 28 at 5 p.m.

• Bring Your Own Picnic – July 5 at 5 p.m.

• BotaniCamp: Potions & Provisions – July 7, 9 a.m., a natural science camp for K‑5 https://hbg.org/

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These events provide a blend of art, education, family fun, and seasonal enjoyment—proof that botanical gardens are vibrant hubs year-round. Consider visiting a nearby garden for inspiration or a mindful retreat among living wonders.

Sempervivum: The Timeless Garden Guardian

 

Sempervivum, often called “hens and chicks,” is a hardy succulent steeped in folklore and resilience. Native to the mountains of southern Europe, particularly the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees, Sempervivum gets its Latin name from semper (always) and vivum (living), a testament to its tenacity in poor soils and harsh climates. These plants formed green carpets on rocky roofs, dry stone walls, and churchyards, believed to ward off lightning and evil spirits—an old wives' tale that even Charlemagne reportedly took to heart, ordering them planted on every roof.

Beyond myth, Sempervivum offers practical beauty. Its rosettes range in color from silvery green to deep burgundy, often tinged by sun and season. Each "hen" sends out offsets—the “chicks”—spreading in tidy, low mats perfect for rock gardens, container arrangements, or edging paths. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, they thrive on neglect. Give them full sun, lean soil, and good drainage, and they’ll reward you for years without complaint. Water sparingly and avoid rich fertilizers, as too much pampering can lead to rot.

One little-known fact: Sempervivum is monocarpic—it blooms once, then dies. But don't mourn the mother rosette too long. Before her swan song, she sends out plenty of offspring to carry on her lineage. The star-shaped flowers, often pink or red, rise on tall stalks like a final salute to the sky. This curious lifecycle makes them an emblem of continuity and patience—ideal for gardeners who enjoy watching nature unfold in its own slow rhythm.

Sempervivum’s rustic charm, resilience, and low-maintenance needs make it a smart and soulful addition to any garden. Whether you're planting in alpine troughs, old teacups, stone steps, or roof tiles, these little survivors will find a way to flourish. Visit GoGardenNow.com to explore our curated collection of Sempervivum and let these ancient guardians bring enduring beauty to your garden. Let us know—where will your hens and chicks make their home?

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Hair Today, Fertilizer Tomorrow A Weird Garden Hack from the Past

Echinacea - The Healer in the American Garden

Ajuga - The Improbable Aristocrat of Ground Covers

Drape Your Garden in Southern Charm - Carolina Jessamine

The Buried Voices of Taylor Square -- Savannah's Forgotten Dead

Calhoun Ward Chronicles - Architecture, Gardens, History and Transformation

Visit Taylor Square and Calhoun Ward in Savannah, Georgia, where the moss-draped oaks whisper tales of haunted pasts, and history's shadows linger beneath the Southern sun.

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Purple Charms and Golden Glows: Growing Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum' and 4 Luck® 'Green Glow' Clover in Your Garden

 In the quiet corners of the garden, where whimsy meets heritage, few plants cast a spell quite like clover. But this isn’t the common pasture clover of your childhood walks. We’re talking about the noble Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum'—a rich, purple-leaved beauty—and the enchanting 4 Luck® 'Green Glow', a four-leaf clover cultivar so luminous it seems touched by fairy fire. These ornamental clovers aren’t just groundcovers; they’re living tapestries, steeped in folklore, kissed by luck, and easy to grow for gardeners of every stripe.

Meet the Clovers

Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum', often called Purple Shamrock Clover, bears velvety foliage in deep shades of burgundy and chocolate, its leaves edged in green when kissed by sun. It spreads low and wide, making it a moody, dramatic underlayer for flower beds, stepping stone paths, or containers. Tiny white flowers rise like stars in early summer, contrasting elegantly against the shadowed leaves.

Photo Credit: Green Fuse Botanicals

4 Luck® 'Green Glow' is a modern cultivar of the classic white clover, bred for its glowing green leaves and—yes—true four-leaf formations. With a golden sheen and cheerful poise, it brings both light and lore to patios, pots, and fairy gardens. Each lucky leaflet seems to catch the sun and hold it.

How to Grow These Clover Beauties

Both varieties are forms of Trifolium repens, and as such, share similar growing habits—sturdy, low-growing, and wonderfully adaptable.

Planting Conditions:

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. 'Atropurpureum' holds its deepest color in more sun; 'Green Glow' prefers a bit of afternoon shade in hot climates.

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal.

Spacing: Plant 6–10 inches apart for quick groundcover effect.

Watering & Maintenance: Water regularly during establishment, then only during extended dry spells. Overwatering can lead to rot.

These are low-maintenance plants—mow or trim to control spread if necessary, but let them creep freely where you want charm and coverage.

Feed lightly in spring if growth seems slow. Otherwise, they thrive on neglect.

Overwintering:

Both are cold-hardy perennials in USDA zones 4–9.

In warmer regions, they remain evergreen. In colder climates, they die back and return with spring’s thaw.

Why Grow Clover in the Garden?

Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, suppresses weeds, and draws pollinators like bees and butterflies. But these varieties go further: they delight the eye and spark conversation. Use 'Atropurpureum' as a striking groundcover beneath golden foliage or bronze-toned flowers. Let 'Green Glow' spill from a planter with creeping thyme or sweet alyssum for a fairy-tale effect.

Ready to Add Some Luck and Lush to Your Garden?

Whether you’re drawn to the dark drama of 'Atropurpureum' or the luminous luck of 'Green Glow', these clovers are more than novelties—they’re enduring companions in the garden. Easy to grow, charming to behold, and steeped in symbolism, they bring nature’s poetry to your path.

Don’t wait—plant your patch of living folklore today. Let luck take root.

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Hard Times, Hoodoo, Historic Homes, and the Rebirth of Currietown & Frog...

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Peridot' PP23566 - Dazzling Color for the Garden

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Peridot' PP23566, commonly known as Iceplant, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that brings dazzling color to any garden. This compact, mat-forming succulent features lush, green foliage that serves as a perfect ground cover, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its starry, daisy-like flowers shine in a striking yellow-green hue with a golden center, creating a bright and cheerful display from spring through fall. Exceptionally long-blooming and drought-tolerant, 'Peridot' is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and container plantings, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies while requiring minimal care.

If you're looking for a vibrant, low-water solution to enhance your garden, Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Peridot' is the perfect choice! Its resilience against heat, poor soil, and even cold temperatures down to USDA Zone 5 makes it an excellent option for gardeners of all experience levels. Plus, it's deer-resistant and thrives in tough conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes. Add this stunning variety to your garden today and enjoy season-long color with virtually no effort—your outdoor space will thank you!

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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Moonstone' PP23491 - Months of Radiant Blooms!

 

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Moonstone' PP23491, commonly known as Iceplant, is a dazzling, drought-tolerant perennial that delivers continuous color from spring through fall. This low-growing succulent forms a dense mat of fleshy, green foliage, making it an excellent ground cover for dry, sunny areas. Its vibrant daisy-like flowers feature a captivating blend of soft lilac and pale pink petals with a golden-yellow center, creating a luminous, eye-catching display. Highly resilient and easy to grow, 'Moonstone' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting pollinators while requiring little maintenance.

Bring effortless beauty and long-lasting color to your garden with Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Moonstone'! Its exceptional heat, drought, and cold tolerance (hardy to USDA Zone 5) make it a perfect choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. Plus, its deer-resistant nature ensures your blooms stay untouched. Whether planted alone or combined with other succulents, this variety provides a stunning, carefree display. Don't miss out—add 'Moonstone' to your garden today and enjoy months of radiant blooms with minimal effort!

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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Opal' PP27056 - Exceptional Performance

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Opal' PP27056, commonly known as Iceplant, is a vigorous, drought-tolerant perennial that brings a stunning splash of color to gardens and landscapes. This low-growing succulent forms a dense mat of fleshy, green foliage, making it an excellent ground cover for sunny, dry areas. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers display a mesmerizing blend of soft lavender-pink petals with a bright yellow center, creating an eye-catching contrast. Blooming profusely from spring through fall, 'Opal' provides continuous interest while attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Highly resilient, Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Opal' is exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils, making it a perfect choice for low-maintenance landscapes and xeriscaping. This variety is also deer-resistant and cold-hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures down to USDA Zone 5. Despite its delicate and colorful appearance, 'Opal' requires minimal care, making it a fantastic option for gardeners seeking long-lasting beauty with little effort. Whether planted in mass for a carpet of soft, glowing hues or used as a striking accent in mixed succulent plantings, this Iceplant delivers exceptional performance and visual appeal throughout the growing season.

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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Garnet' PP23471 - Enduring Beauty

 Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Garnet' PP23471, commonly known as Iceplant, is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms. This low-growing succulent forms a dense mat of fleshy, green foliage that serves as an excellent ground cover. Its striking daisy-like flowers boast a rich, deep red hue with a golden-yellow center, creating a dazzling contrast that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Blooming continuously from spring through fall, 'Garnet' provides months of color in rock gardens, borders, and containers, thriving best in full sun and well-drained soil.

This variety is exceptionally resilient, tolerating heat, poor soils, and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. It requires minimal maintenance and is deer-resistant, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking low-effort beauty. Despite its delicate appearance, 'Garnet' is remarkably cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures down to USDA Zone 5. Whether planted en masse for a carpet of red brilliance or used as an accent in a mixed succulent garden, Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Garnet' delivers enduring beauty with little care required.

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Corsican Mint and The Simple Pleasure of Treading

 

Mentha requienii - Corsican Mint

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) is a charming, low-growing herb known for its vibrant green leaves and delightful minty fragrance. Native to Corsica, Sardinia, and parts of Italy, this creeping perennial forms a dense mat, making it a popular choice for ground cover, between stepping stones, or even as a fragrant lawn alternative. Unlike its larger mint relatives, Corsican mint has tiny leaves and delicate stems that spread horizontally, creating a soft, carpet-like effect. When stepped on, it releases a pleasant, refreshing scent that enhances garden spaces. Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is surprisingly resilient and brings both beauty and function to any landscape.

Planting Corsican mint requires a well-drained, moist environment with partial to full shade. It thrives in rich, organic soil and does best when protected from harsh, direct sunlight, which can dry it out quickly. If planting in the ground, space the plants about six inches apart to allow them to spread naturally. This herb also works well in containers, terrariums, or even as a filler in rock gardens. While Corsican mint can tolerate some foot traffic, it is best suited for lightly used pathways or ornamental ground cover rather than heavily walked-on areas.

Caring for Corsican mint is relatively simple but requires attention to moisture levels. This plant prefers consistently damp soil, so regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. However, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-aerated. Occasional trimming will help maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. In colder climates, Corsican mint may die back in the winter, but it often self-seeds and returns in the spring. For those in particularly harsh winter areas, growing it in pots and bringing it indoors during the cold months is a great way to enjoy it year-round.

If you're looking for a unique, fragrant, and visually appealing addition to your garden, Corsican mint is an excellent choice. Whether you're filling in spaces between stones, creating a soft green ground cover, or adding a fresh scent to your outdoor space, this charming herb won't disappoint. Start your own Corsican mint patch today and experience the magic of its delicate beauty and soothing fragrance!

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How to Grow Perennial Vinca (Vinca minor & Vinca major)

 

Perennial vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in a variety of conditions. There are two common species: Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) and Vinca major (greater periwinkle). Both produce attractive glossy green leaves and small purple-blue flowers, making them excellent choices for erosion control, shady areas, and low-maintenance landscaping.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Vinca Variety

• Vinca minor: Smaller leaves and flowers; more cold-tolerant (zones 4-9). Ideal for shady or semi-shady areas.

• Vinca major: Larger leaves and flowers; thrives in warmer climates (zones 7-10). More vigorous growth but less cold-hardy. Variegated foliage may be available.

Step 2: Selecting the Planting Site

Vinca is adaptable, but it grows best under these conditions:

• Light: Prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun.

• Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best, but vinca can adapt to a variety of soil types.

• Moisture: While drought-tolerant once established, it prefers moist (but not soggy) soil during the initial growth phase.

Step 3: Planting Vinca

Planting from Potted Plants or Transplants

1. Timing: Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.

2. Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for spreading.

3. Planting Depth: Dig a hole slightly deeper than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and cover with soil.

4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.


Planting from Cuttings

1. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from a healthy vinca plant.

2. Remove the lower leaves and plant directly in moist soil or start in water until roots develop.

3. Transplant to the desired area once roots are well-formed.


Step 4: Caring for Perennial Vinca

Watering

• Water regularly during the first few weeks to help establish roots.

• Once established, vinca is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering.

Mulching

• Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

• Vinca generally does not require much fertilization.

• If desired, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage lush growth.

Pruning & Controlling Growth

• Trim back in early spring to encourage new growth.

• If vinca spreads too aggressively, cut back runners to keep it contained.

Step 5: Dealing with Common Problems

Pests

• Generally pest-resistant, but occasionally affected by aphids or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap if needed.

Diseases

• Can be prone to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Step 6: Enjoying Your Vinca!

Once established, perennial vinca requires minimal care and provides year-round greenery with seasonal flowers. It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping, erosion control, and adding beauty to shady garden areas.

Important note: All parts of Vinca major and Vinca minor are toxic if ingested.

Ode to a Pink Chrysanthemum

Oh, blushing bloom of autumn’s grace,

Soft as dawn’s first whispered trace,

You rise where summer bids farewell,

A tender flame where cool winds swell.



Your petals, laced in rosy hue,

Unfurl like drops of morning dew,

Layered deep in silken streams,

A poet’s thought, a painter’s dream.



In fading light, you stand so bold,

A breath of warmth in autumn’s cold,

Your beauty sings in twilight’s glow,

A fleeting love the seasons know.



Oh, pink chrysanthemum, bright and true,

A final kiss of summer’s hue,

Through fleeting days, your petals shine,

A bloom of grace—so soft, so divine.

 

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Thinking again about Asiatic Jasmine?

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is a fast-growing, evergreen ground cover known for its dense, carpet-like growth and low-maintenance nature. Unlike true jasmine, it doesn’t produce showy flowers, but its lush, dark green foliage provides year-round beauty. This hardy plant thrives in various conditions, tolerating drought, shade, and even foot traffic once established.

Uses:

• Ground Cover: Ideal for erosion control on slopes and banks, preventing soil loss while adding greenery.

• Weed Suppression: Forms a thick mat that naturally crowds out weeds, reducing maintenance.

• Landscaping Alternative: A great substitute for grass in shaded areas where turf struggles.

• Container Planting & Hanging Baskets: Can be used in pots or hanging baskets, where it spills over beautifully.

Asiatic Jasmine is perfect for homeowners and landscapers seeking a durable, attractive, and low-upkeep solution for challenging spaces.

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