Nikki Phipps
Nikki is a freelance writer and copy editor who enjoys sharing insights on gardening, parenting, writing and more. She is the lead garden writer for Gardening Know How, and the author of three gardening books, The Bulb-o-licious Garden: A Bulb Lover's Guide to Growing Your Favorite Plants, Going Green: Teaching Your Kids to Garden Naturally While Having Fun, and Quirky Gardening Questions.
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Grow a Prehistoric GardenSparked by my son's love of dinosaurs as a child, I was intrigued by the idea of growing a prehistoric garden. Unlike ordinary flower gardens, these focus more on foliage, which can offer its own unique interest as well.
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Planting a Grow-Bag GardenIf you're pressed for space but want to have a garden, why not consider planting a grow-bag garden. There's no need for digging and no need for large space. These little gardens are perfect for small areas like decks, patios, and balconies.
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Creating an Upside-Down Herb GardenWouldn't it be great to have some of your favorite herbs right at your fingertips as you cook up some of your favorite dishes? With an upside-down herb garden you can.
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Growing and Caring for Urn Plant IndoorsUrn plants are epiphytic bromeliads, which grow in trees in their native habitats. In the home, however, you'll find these exotic-looking wonders growing in pots. These exotic-looking plants are easy to care for and will add instant interest to the home.
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Growing a Winter Herb GardenDid you know that many herbs can be grown indoors? This makes having year-round flavor and aromas not only continuous but also an easy alternative to drying or freezing all your harvested herbs specifically for winter use.
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Growing a Living Wall IndoorsLiving walls are basically walls that are made up entirely of plants or existing walls that are covered with them. In addition to aesthetic appearances, they also help purify the air and boost humidity levels indoors.
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Growing Chinese Hibiscus Plants IndoorsThere are numerous varieties of hibiscus but the most commonly grown indoors is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis; also known as Chinese hibiscus or Rose-of-China.
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Guide to Growing Griselinia ShrubsIf you're looking for something different in the landscape, especially in coastal areas, you may want to consider planting Griselinia shrubs. They are easy to grow and offer year-round interest.
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Growing and Caring for Chinese Evergreen PlantsChinese evergreen is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and care for. Not only is this plant tolerant of many growing conditions, it's also great for newbies.
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Have Yourself a Living Christmas TreeIf you're anything like me, you hate the thought of getting a live tree each holiday season only to throw it out once it's over. That's why many of us choose to have a living Christmas tree instead.
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Growing Cyclamen IndoorsCyclamen are easy to grow and provides a nice boost of color just when you need it to uplift your spirits during those dreary winter days.
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Growing Norfolk Pine IndoorsIf you're looking for a low maintenance, easy-care evergreen to grow indoors, look no further than the Norfolk pine. It responds exceptionally well to an indoor potted environment. Just provide it with suitable conditions and the Norfolk pine will thrive.
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Evergreen Decor: Using Greenery for Holiday DecoratingSoon the holiday decorations will be taking center stage. For most of us, our décor may be limited to our budget. So why not think green'"evergreen.
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The Versatility of Juniper in the LandscapeThere are numerous types of juniper plants, from low-growing ground covers to large shrubs or trees. Whether it's for year-round interest, screening, or something to fill in empty areas, there is certain to be a juniper of some kind to get the job done.
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Poinsettia Plant: Growing and Blooming Year RoundBefore you toss out that poinsettia plant this year, why not grow it year round? With proper care, these perennial flowering shrubs can be grown all year and enjoyed each holiday.
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Guide to Growing Rubber TreeIf you can't go to the jungle to see your favorite tropical evergreen plants, why not try growing them at home instead. The rubber tree plant, for example, is both easy to grow and very tropical looking.
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Fall Decorating with Pincushion Bead PlantsWhile mums are well known for their autumn color and quite popular for fall decorating, there's another plant that can offer just as much in the garden--the pincushion bead plant.
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Guide to Easy-Growing SucculentsIf you're looking for an easy succulent to grow indoors, opt for the string of beads houseplant. In addition to its carefree growth habit, this interesting houseplant can provide a unique focal point in the home.
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Gardening with Hebe ShrubsLooking for an interesting evergreen shrub for the landscape? Perhaps the Hebe will meet your needs. Hebe shrubs make excellent additions to the landscape, serving as edging or grown in mass plantings within rock gardens or similar settings.
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Yucca Plants: Versatile Evergreens for the LandscapeYucca plants are easy to grow and extremely carefree. They also provide a number of uses, making them one of the most versatile evergreens in the landscape. -
Exotic Succulents: Growing Ric-Rac CactusThe Ric-Rac cactus is an amazing, carefree evergreen plant that is extremely easy to grow. Learn more about this interesting exotic succulent. -
Growing Monkey GrassMonkey grass is a low-maintenance, ground cover that offers it all. Whether you know it by Liriope, monkey grass, lilyturf, or its kissing cousin mondo grass, this evergreen plant can provide year-round interest and coverage wherever you need it.
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Guide to Ajuga in the GardenWant a creeping evergreen to quickly fill in empty areas and smother out weeds while adding exceptional foliage color and blooms? Try ajuga.
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Growing Heuchera for Year-Round BeautyFor those who enjoy year-round color in the garden, Heuchera is a great choice. While evergreen in most climates, they're not all green. In fact, there are numerous varieties that include bronze, purple, and other foliage colors.
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Growing Evergreen VinesGrowing vines is a great way to take advantage of vertical space in the landscape, especially in smaller areas. They also increase visual appeal, making them ideal for hiding unsightly views or creating privacy screens.
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Periwinkle: Growing Evergreen Vinca VineIf you're looking for an attractive year-round ground cover, then periwinkle (Vinca minor), also known as creeping myrtle, may be for you.
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Guide to Popular Evergreen Trees & Shrubs: Part 2As with evergreen trees, adding evergreen shrubs to the landscape can provide year-round interest. Unlike the majority of evergreen trees, however, these shrubs include many small- to medium-leaf varieties in addition to the needle-leaf evergreens.
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Guide to Evergreen Trees & ShrubsEvergreen trees and shrubs retain their foliage and remain green year round. However, not all evergreens are the same. By distinguishing common evergreen tree varieties, it will be easier to find one that fits your particular landscape needs.
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Guide to Evergreen Container PlantsYou don't need a huge lot to enjoy evergreen plantings. Many evergreen trees and shrubs can actually be grown in containers with little effort, allowing you to enjoy their year-round beauty in the smallest of spaces.
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Organic Gardening in King, NCProper planning is essential to the success of any garden, but especially for those relying on organic practices. To get the most from your gardening experience in and around King, NC, try following the tips provided.
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Guide to Contact Poisoning in the GardenMany people may be aware that some garden plants are poisonous when ingested but clueless to the fact contact poisoning can be just as bad. There are numerous garden plants that can cause rashes, burns, and blisters simply by handling them.
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Invasive and Aggressive Garden PlantsNot all garden plants behave themselves. If not handled properly, their bad growth habits can quickly get out of control. It's important to take note of its growing characteristics before planting it in the garden.
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Creative Bird Feeders and BathsYou don't need to buy all those expensive bird feeders or even a fancy birdbath to enjoy your favorite birds. You don't have to shell out lots of money on feeding them either. Simply use what you already have on hand.
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Ridding the Garden of Yellow JacketsAnyone who's ever stumbled upon a yellow jacket nest knows firsthand just how aggressive these bees can be and how painful their stings are, especially gardeners. While chemicals can be used for control, natural alternatives are more preferable.
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Guide to Planting Gray GardensSilver and gray-leaved plants complement many gardening styles and tone down bright colors. Most of these plants perform well in dry locations as well, making them ideal choices for low-maintenance gardening.
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Planting a Grocery GardenDid you know that your grocery buggy contains items that can be planted in the garden? By rooting cuttings or collecting the seeds and pits of your favorite produce, you can grow your very own grocery garden, even if it's just for looks.
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Gravel GardensGravel gardens require little maintenance. In addition, they provide numerous benefits to gardeners, plants, and the environment.
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Biodynamic GardeningBiodynamic gardening, or planting by the moon is a technique that has been practiced by gardeners for centuries. Learn how to use the moon phases and corresponding signs so you can time gardening chores accordingly.
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Sustainable Gardening TechniquesWant a more environmentally-friendly garden? Then why not make use of sustainable gardening techniques. This type of gardening allows nature to do much of the work so you don't have to.
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Back to the Basics: Steps for Rediscovering the Bounties of Natural GardeningSimpler gardens are making a comeback. Economic hardships are forcing people to look for inexpensive solutions to meet these challenges. As a result, many have gone back to the basics, rediscovering the rewards of natural gardening practices.
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Cheap Gifts for Valentine's Day: 5 Ways to Say "I Love You" Without Going BrokeWhile the holidays may be over, there's another one lurking just around the corner: Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, this romantic day can be a huge stress magnet but it doesn't have to be. Learn five cheap ways to tell her "I Love You."
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The Red Twig Dogwood: A Winter Wonder in the LandscapeThe stunning red twig dogwood lights up nearly any winter landscape, even more so with a little snow as a winter wonder backdrop. -
School Shopping for the Frugal ParentAs if things weren't tight enough, with high gas and food prices, throw in school shopping and bad dreams turn into nightmares. However, with a few simple tricks of the trade, you can still get your school shopping done without going bankrupt or insane in the process.
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Searching Your Family TreeThese are some important things to do when searching your family tree.
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Responsible ParentingToo many teenagers think they are ready to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. Well, think again.
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Haunted Places in and Around King, NCHaunted places in and around King, NC may be few, but the local legends and haunted tales are quite numerous.
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Low-Cost Christmas Gift Ideas: Surviving the Holidays on a Meager IncomeWith willpower, good budgeting, careful research, and some creativity, it is more than possible to survive the holidays on a meager income.
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Senior GardeningMaking a few adjustments can help the senior gardener maintain a sense of independence and continue performing his or her favorite pastime.
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Gardening with Special Needs, Health IssuesHealth problems can make gardening a physically demanding task rather than a pleasurable experience. But it doesn't have to be this way.
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Keeping Pets Safe Throughout the HolidaysRethink your holiday routine by taking the proper precautions and make this holiday season (and others to come) safer and happier for everyone, especially the pets.
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Taphophilia: Finding History in CemeteriesFor some adventurous travelers, cemeteries are a popular year-round attraction.
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How to Avoid Blind Date Horror StoriesWe've all had them, at least once. Blind date horror stories are nothing new. But what can you do to avoid them?
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Halloween Alternatives for KidsDid you know that there are many alternatives to the traditional Halloween activities? In fact, kids enjoy participating in other fun, creative activities just as much.
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Using Themes for Halloween DecoratingAlthough you probably want to give your home the aura of the season, do so in an inviting way. I have found it not only easier but better for everyone when Halloween decorating is based on a theme.
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Choosing Pumpkins for Halloween DecorPumpkins are an absolute must for Halloween decorating. However, choosing pumpkins is not always that easy, unless you know what you're looking for.
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Cold Climate GardeningRegardless of location, gardeners always deal with some type of challenge. Finding myself seemingly curious about the obstacles cold-climate gardeners face, such as cold temperatures, I decided to find out how one is able to grow such lovely gardens in such cold climates.
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Vinegar in the Garden: The Uses Aren't Limited to the HouseVinegar has many uses in the garden, from cleaning to pest control and more. It's also affordable and environmentally friendly. Why not take advantage of what this multipurpose product has to offer?
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Hamburger Buns - Unique Recipes Your Kids Will LoveHamburger buns aren't just for burgers. Simplify your time in the kitchen while saving money with these easy, low-cost recipes that your kids will love.
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Homeschooling and the Garden ClassroomWith the decline in educational funding and poor public school systems in some areas, many parents are now turning to homeschooling. One of the greatest approaches to this style of learning is the garden classroom.
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Autumn Dangers and Pet SafetyAutumn is here and while the weather is much cooler and more people are getting out and about, in preparation for autumn festivities or just cleaning up, you should be aware that this can also be a dangerous time for pets.
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Fall Vegetable GardensThe end of summer need not signal the end of gardening. Did you know that many vegetables are adapted to growing in fall?
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Weather-Wise Gardening: Taking Cues from NatureLong before modern scientific methods were available, gardeners, relied on and used nature to predict the weather. While some of these wives tales have been deemed untrue, many are actually quite accurate.
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Gourds: Ideas for Garden Art and MoreGrowing gourds is not only easy but fun. Here are some easy ideas for creating gourdeous garden art and more.
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Mums the Word for Beautiful Fall Garden ColorWhy not take advantage of everything this season has to offer, beautiful fall color. While foliage color is probably the most common garden element during fall, don't overlook the striking colors found in Chrysanthemums (Mums).
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Nicotiana Plant: Fight Nicotine Cravings With This Natural PatchLooking for a quick fix for your nicotine habit? A Nicotiana patch is perfect for areas near entryways, like porches, patios and walks.
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Garden Collectors Get a Thrill From Finding Perfect AccessoriesSome people enjoy collecting stamps, books or coins. Others collect china, memorabilia or dolls. But did you know that there is another elite group of collectors out there? They are known simply as the garden collectors.
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Frugal Gardening: Getting Plants for Less (or Free)All gardeners want more plants, even if their garden is already filled with them. After all, can you ever really have enough? But after a while, it can get pretty darn expensive. So what's a gardener to do?
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Saving the Earth, One Garden at a TimeOne of the easiest ways to help save the earth is by planting a garden. All aspects of gardening can be implemented in a way that is beneficial to our planet, and we can all participate, one garden at a time.
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Creating a Patchwork Garden: Little Gardens Inspired from QuiltsGardens are often used as a source for creating quilts, but you can also find inspiration from quilts in creating a beautiful patchwork garden design.
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More Gardening Superstitions: Fruit and Veggie TalesThere are still many tales and superstitions alive and well, flourishing in numerous countries and cultures across the globe, and many of these curious beliefs surround fruits and veggies.
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Teaching Kids About Organic GardeningOrganic gardening is a state of mind. Allowing kids to grow up green means teaching them to respect our environment. No matter where you live, teaching kids about organic gardening is easy and worthwhile.
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Low Maintenance Gardening: Tips for Busy GardenersHow to plan, create, and maintain the garden of your dreams without giving up your day job.
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Woody OrnamentalsMost everyone knows that woody ornamentals, like shrubs or small trees, make great additions to the landscape. These showstoppers provide year-round beauty and interest. But did you know that these plants can also make excellent additions for cut flower arrangements?
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Botanical Forensics: Determining the 'Cause of Death' in Garden PlantsBotanical forensics is not an exact science, at least not for the average gardener. However, becoming familiar with the basics of botanical forensics can certainly prove helpful in determining the cause of death in your garden plants.
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Space Age Garden Plants for a Garden Out of This WorldA themed garden is like an invitation to let your imagination run wild. Let your creativity take off to new heights by incorporating a space age garden theme.
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Growing a Garden and a Family TooFeeling overwhelmed? You're not just a busy gardener with a long list of things to do, you're also a busy parent. So how on earth do you find time for both?
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Gardening While PregnantIs gardening ok during pregnancy? According to many health professionals, including my mother, a registered nurse, the answer is yes. However, there are still a few issues to be aware of beforehand if you want to garden while pregnant.
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Planting Bulbs of Biblical ProportionsWant an easy way to remember Bible scriptures? Perhaps you feel a need to become more spiritual. Then why not plant a biblical garden filled with bulbs.
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For the Birds: Creating a Feeding Station and Attracting Them to ItOther than providing a supplemental source of food, feeding stations are a great way to attract a variety of birds to your home for learning purposes and year-round enjoyment.
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Using Moss in Your LandscapeYou know what it is and perhaps even where to find it. But did you know that moss can make an excellent addition to the landscape?
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Gardener's Guide: Island Bed Garden DesignIsland beds are great for adding interest and height to dull layouts. They are also easy to make.
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Fun Plants for Kids: Gardening for ChildrenKids love nature. They love dirt, and they love planting seeds and watching them grow. But what kids love most are fun plants, which hold their interest.
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How to create a Pollinator GardenYou don't need a lot of space to start a pollinator garden; in fact, with only a few pots of flowers, you can attract beneficial creatures, such as bees and butterflies to the area.
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Desperate Houseplants: Dealing with Common DiseasesFind out some of the most common diseases in houseplants and what to do about it.
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Why Do We Garden?It's easy to find out how-to to do this or that in the garden, but why? Why do we garden?
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Winter Gardening: Using Trees and Shrubs for InterestSince many herbaceous plants are not visible during winter, trees and shrubs must become the dominant figures within the landscape. Creating a winter garden can be a unique challenge, but it can also be well worth the effort. -
Creating and Using Berms in the LandscapeBerms are simply mounded hills of dirt constructed for many reasons, most often add interest and height to the landscape, especially in dull, flat lawn areas.
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The Low-Maintenance GardenWith careful planning, you can design a landscape that will significantly reduce the amount of time spent on routine lawn and garden maintenance.
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Upside-Down GardeningAlthough traditionally tomato and cucumber plants are most commonly grown upside down, a wide assortment of plants can benefit from upside-down gardening, from vegetables to herbs and a variety of flowers.
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Sunflowers in the GardenChildren love them. Adults love them. We adorn our gardens with them. We attract birds and other wildlife with them. We enjoy eating their seeds and cooking with their oil. Sunflowers are some of the easiest and most enjoyable garden plants to grow.
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Edible Flower GardensIf you want more out of your garden, try incorporating edible flowers into the landscape. It's not only a great way to enjoy beautiful, fragrant blooms but you can eat them too.
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Shaping the GardenEven if the garden is filled with beautiful plants and other features, a dull shape or unimaginative layout can quickly turn others away. However, giving the garden life might be as simple as changing its overall shape.
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Edible LandscapingFor even more beauty and extended blooms, mix some flowers in with your vegetables and herbs. It's not only a great way to extend the look of the garden, but it will also increase your overall yields. After all, it's an edible garden. Why not have the best of both?
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Growing Ornamental Beauties in the Bulb GardenIf you want something different in the garden, try these interesting plants. As long as you provide the appropriate growing conditions, they are certain to become quite the conversation piece in the garden.
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How to Make Your Garden More Appealing Without ChemicalsAre you obsessed with annihilating weeds in the garden? Most of us are but you don't have to resort ot using chemicals to rid the garden of them.
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Vacation Care for HouseplantsNo one wants to be sick with worry over the care of his or her precious houseplants while trying to enjoy a much-needed vacation. Practicing a few simple guidelines beforehand can make all the difference, to both you and your plants.
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The Peruvian Lily EucrosiaFor an interesting addition to the greenhouse or garden, the lovely Peruvian Lily Eucrosia is unbeatable.
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Using Salvaged Materials for Garden ConstructionWe all like to save money, especially when it comes to garden construction. Using salvaged materials is a great way not only to save money while creating an attractive garden, but it also helps save the environment.
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Miniature LandscapingMiniature landscapes are creative little scenes using plants, soil, and imagination. There are all sorts of miniature landscapes-each one being unique to the individual gardener. Use them as interesting points in the garden or for use in the home or office.
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Growing a Vertical Vegetable GardenAre you confined to an apartment dwelling with little space for gardening? With a little planning and imagination, vegetable gardens can be grown anywhere, regardless of space. Consider growing a vertical vegetable garden.
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Create Your Own Hillside Vegetable GardenEven if you have a sloped landscape, you can still grow a successful, bountiful vegetable garden. The best solution for hillsides is to plant your vegetables across the slope using contour rows, terraces, or raised beds.
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Plants for Shady BordersDon't be intimidated by the shade. There are numerous plants that do extremely well in these areas, especially borders. With a little imagination and the right plants, you can create a show-stopping shade border filled with vibrant colors and unique interest year round.
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Gardening with Strawberry JarsStrawberry jars aren't just for strawberries. With an assortment of plants, some potting soil, a frozen bottle of water, and imagination, you can create a striking addition for the garden. Tired of just plants? You can create a beautiful fountain instead. -
Tropical Plants for BordersIf you want to give your traditional garden beds a twist, consider adding some tropical-looking plants to the mix. They not only add an exotic touch and additional interest but also create the look and feel of a real tropical oasis without ever having to leave home.
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Seaside GardeningWhether designing a seaside garden on the coast or merely suggesting a beach-like appearance, these challenging gardens can be successful with careful forethought and imagination.
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Garden ErgonomicsDiscomfort and fatigue in the garden is just as bad on a person as it is in the office. Understanding and practicing garden ergonomics significantly reduces both discomfort and fatigue while increasing the level of production with regards to garden tasks.
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Fakes, Frauds, and Garden MarketingIn the world of garden marketing, there are numerous fakes and frauds, taking the passion out of gardening for many. It's quickly becoming all about the money and less and less about the garden or its gardener.
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Interesting Facts About Garden BulbsAs gardeners, we think we know it all when it comes to our favorite plants. However, you might actually be surprised to learn that many plants, especially bulbs, are packed with unique histories, legends, and lore.
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DIY Flagstone WalksEntrances are the first part of the landscape people see. They should not only be designed to enhance the home or garden's appearance but should also create a warm, welcoming feeling, enticing others to take a closer look. One way to achieve this is with flagstone walkways.
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Non-Organic Gardening IssuesWhen it comes to gardening, there is always the underlying question of which is better-organic or non-organic gardening methods. Of course, in my opinion, I prefer the organic gardening approach; however, each form of gardening methods has its good points and bad.
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Great Gardening with Native Plant EnvironmentsThere are a variety of elements that make up a plant's natural environment-weather, temperature, light, soil, animal life, etc. Gardening with native plants means working within these elements and with the plants that are adapted to these conditions.
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Creating Features for the GardenThere's more to gardening than growing plants. Creating features for the garden keeps it fresh and interesting year round.
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A Bulb for Every PurposeBulbs are so versatile that there is always a purpose for them somewhere in the garden.
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Pet Safety in the Bulb GardenWhile incidents of poisoning by bulbous plants are rare, special care should always be taken to ensure the safety of your pets.
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Help Wanted, My Bulbs Won't BloomWhat do you do when those long-awaited bulbs fail to bloom?
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Using Pesticides Safely and EffectivelyPesticide should always be your last resort. Using pesticides may not be the best solution for the environment, but sometimes it's the most effective way to take care of pest problems in the lawn and garden.
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Growing Exotic Plants in the Garden, Mediterranean StyleMany arid plants can be exotic, such as aroids, succulents, and cacti. These and many other plants thrive in hot climates, perfect for an exotic Mediterranean style garden.
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Fluorescent Lighting for Indoor GardeningArtificial lighting options for indoor gardeners can sometimes be confusing. Oftentimes they are left to question what types of lighting are best, such as fluorescent or incandescent. Here's what I think.
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Create a Rock Garden in the CityDid you know that rock gardens are a great way to express yourself in a small space? Rock gardens thrive in nearly any region, including the city. In fact, because of their smaller size, rock gardens are ideal for fitting into small spaces.
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Potted Veggies: Alternative Solutions for Urban GardenersThere's nothing quite like the sweet taste of fresh, homegrown veggies straight from the garden. But what happens if you're an urban gardener lacking enough space for a vegetable garden? That's simple. Consider growing them in containers.
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Choosing Containers for Potted EnvironmentsContainers are available in nearly any color, size, or style imaginable. Tall pots, short pots, hanging baskets, and more. When it comes to choosing containers for your garden, indoors or out, how do you know which one is best?
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Botany 911: First Aid for Ailing HouseplantsThe leaves are brown and crisp, the foliage is lifeless, the plant won't bloom, or perhaps there are holes in the leaves. What causes these ailments and how can they be treated?
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Monkey Grass: A Spectacular Groundcover for the LawnFrom problem areas to attractive edging, monkey grass is an easy-care, low-maintenance groundcover that offers homeowners countless possibilities for use in the lawn and surrounding landscape.
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Gardening Tips: Creative Edging, Borders, and MoreFrom creative finishing touches to interesting borders, there's a multitude of ways to liven up the garden.
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Create Sensational Borders with Ornamental GrassOrnamental grasses come in a wide range of heights, colors, and textures, making them perfect for any space in the garden, especially the border.
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Growing Trees in ContainersYou don't need a large piece of property to grow a tree. They are well suited to small spaces in the landscape such as patios and decks and can be used alongside other container-grown plantings as well.
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Superstitions in the Garden RealmSuperstitions in the garden realm have existed as long as gardens themselves. While some superstitions may seem a bit outlandish today, others are still widely accepted and just as popular as they were way back when.
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Tips for Making an Urban GardenDo thoughts of an urban garden bring about barren scenes of concrete slabs with one or two dying plants from the smog-filled air? Not true. An urban garden can be every bit as beautiful and intoxicating as any other garden.
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Bird of ParadiseThe exotic Bird of Paradise makes a very attractive ornamental specimen indoors or out.
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Exotic Showstoppers - Beautiful Succulents for Indoor InterestSucculent plants are not only easy to care for but provide a wealth of intriguing shapes and stunning colors. They also make wonderful houseplants, adding unique interest to any style.
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A Perfect Tropical Vine for Growing Indoors: The Passion FlowerWhat better way to create the feeling of an indoor jungle than introducing the perfect tropical vine. Both exotic looking and easy to care for, the Passion flower is one of the most interesting flowering vines around.
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Spicing it Up with Exotic HerbsLooking for some extra spice in your herb garden, consider adding exotic herbs to the garden. From Italian parsley, lime thyme, and lavender to allspice, marjoram, and rosemary there are endless possibilities for the exotic herb gardener.
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Gardening with ExoticsYou don't have to live in the tropics to enjoy exotic gardening. Gardening with exotics is something that can be done just about anywhere and in any climate. Simply grab some containers and begin planting.
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Adding Indoor Color with FoliageDifferent foliage plants offer a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and even aromas so you're sure to find something that sparks your needs.
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Acclimating Houseplants OutdoorsAcclimating houseplants to outdoor conditions is the best way to lessen the amount of shock and achieve successful adjustment to this new environment.
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Tips for Growing AzaleasFor those of you that haven't yet planted any, now is the time. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when growing azaleas in order to continue enjoying their beautiful flowers each year.
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Enhancing the Life of AnnualsAnnuals are probably one of the most commonly seen flowers blooming throughout landscapes as their colorful blooms make great fillers for the garden. To enhance the life of annuals, it's important to consider a few things beforehand.
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Great Gardening QuotesNothing says it better than a powerful quote. These gardening quotes are some of my favorites and make lovely additions to the garden.
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Into the GardenSince the earliest times throughout the world, many cultures have used plants in their divination practices.
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My Biggest Secret: The Essence of Belief is RealityConfronting my biggest secret for the first time.
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Bulbs for ShadeFew landscapes are immune from shade, and for some gardeners, getting plants to grow in these areas creates more anxiety than success. However, there are many beautiful bulbs that thrive in shade.
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Beautiful Bulbs for Gardening IndoorsWant to enjoy the vibrant colors of spring bulbs without having to wait all winter for them?
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Growing Bulbs in a Container GardenContainers are great for growing all sorts of plants, especially bulbs.
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Timing is Everything: Where and When to Plant BulbsThe health, vigor, and flowering of bulbs depend greatly on where and when you plant them.
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Distinguishing Bulbs and Bulb-Like StructuresIf you're new to bulb gardening, you may be thinking that a bulb is just a bulb. But is it? There is a wide range of garden bulbs to choose from; therefore, it helps to know a little bit about them before you begin diving right in.
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Bulb Gardening Dos and Don'tsBulb gardening, for the most part, is easy. However, there are some dos and don'ts you may need to consider beforehand in order to get the most from your bulb garden.
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Unusual Bulb Species Worth Growing in the Woodland GardenAlthough most bulbs do not prefer shady or bog-like conditions, some unusual varieties will actually thrive in these environments, adding interest to the woodland garden.
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Acquiring Wildflower BulbsDon't be fooled by deceptive bulb suppliers. Buy plants from reputable nurseries who can guarantee that their plants or bulbs have been legitimately grown and not dug up from the wild.
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Heirloom Vegetables - a Taste of the PastWhat draws many gardeners to heirlooms is their flavor. Not only are these heirlooms worth growing for their mouth-watering taste, but they keep us connected to the past.
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Selecting Long-Term Care for Senior AdultsWith all the options available, selecting a long-term care service for senior adults can be overwhelming. However, with careful research beforehand, it doesn't have to be.
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Month-by-Month Flower GardeningSo it's another year and you're planning a garden, or perhaps you already have one and wish to add more to it. Here is a month-by-month outline for basic flower gardening.
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Staying Fit While Working from HomeWorking from home takes time and hard work, but it doesn't have to take a toll on your health. Making a few simple changes in your day-to-day activities can actually make all the difference, allowing you to stay fit while working from home.
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Tablescaping - Creating the Perfect AmbianceTablescaping is an easy and fun way to let your imagination run wild. You can create a tablescape that is not only beautiful and interesting, but also one that reflects your personality by using items in your house.
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Cold Weather Tips for PetsFrom unseasonably warm temperatures to outlandish snow and ice storms, winter has definitely arrived to an unusual extent. This flip-flop in weather patterns not only makes it difficult for us to adjust but our four-legged friends may also be feeling out of sorts as well.
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Reusing Old Greeting CardsHave you ever wondered what to do with the numerous greeting cards you receive from birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, etc.? Wonder no more; use them for saying "thank you."
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The Importance of ProofreadingProofreading skills are crucial, especially in the age of technology. A correctly formatted, error-free document conveys a positive message to the reader and a good image of the writer and/or the organization behind it.
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Dealing with Picky EatersOne of the biggest problems found in nearly all households is picky eaters. However, food preferences are an acquired habit, and like all habits, they can be changed.
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The Ancient Art of Constructing CairnsConstructing cairns is an ancient art involving the balancing of large rocks on small ones, without the use of mortar. There is beauty in this ancient craft, offering moments for reflection.
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Innovative RecyclingLearning how to utilize unusual objects in decorating is nothing new, especially when you're thrifty. In fact, not only does this create beautiful effects but it also provides an interesting way to recycle.
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Senior Dating: Seeking Companionship Over 50Who said dating was just for the young? If you're over 50 and feeling lonely due to the loss of a loved one or divorce, why not consider dating again. Explore fresh and exciting venues for your remaining years and a new companion to spend them with.
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Valentine's CraftsGiving your Valentine a great gift doesn't have to cost a fortune, nor do the decorations for parties. With some imagination, you can create easy, low-cost valentines from nearly anything.
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What is Runescape?Ever heard of Runescape and asked yourself what the fuss is all about? It's one of the fastes growing online games around and suitable for most all ages.
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The Death PenaltyWith the sentence of death imposed upon Saddam Hussein and his subsequent hanging, there is the lingering question as to the morality issues associated with the death penalty. Is the death penalty really necessary?
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Secrets RevealedThe truth doesn't hurt people; secrets hurt people. They are not only a burden to the holder but can have a profound impact on others. Secrets are an unavoidable part of life, and we all have them, good or bad.
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Deadheading: Enjoying Nature's Second BloomDeadheading is the gardening term used for the removal of faded or dead flowers from plants. Most annuals and many perennials will continue to bloom throughout the growing season if deadheaded.
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Guide to Frugal LivingMost people think that frugal individuals are simply tightwads who will not spend their money at all, on anything. This, of course, is not true.
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Toxic Beauties: Are Your Favorite Houseplants a Threat to Your Family?Houseplants can be very beneficial in our lives. They purify and renew our stale indoor air by filtering out pollutants and carbon dioxide and replacing them with oxygen; however, there may also be an ugly side to some of those beautiful plants.
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Successful Communication for the Workplace and BeyondAll forms of writing have an intended purpose and target a specific group or audience. These two elements, as well as the writing tone, are vital for determining the overall success of your writing, whether it takes place in the workplace or beyond.
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Design Ideas that Begin at the Front DoorWere you aware that the entryway into the garden sets the mood for your entire landscape? The front door is always the first thing that people see whenever they visit and the last thing they will remember as they walk leave.
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Decorate Your Home by Creating First-Class Looks with Secondhand StyleYou don't have to be a professional designer in order to decorate your home with a first-class look. In fact, with merely a few decorative touches added to secondhand finds, you can make them weep with envy.
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What Can Aromatherapy Do for You?Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant oils, such as essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.
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Creating Special Effects with PaintWhat can you do with latex paint, ordinary household sponges, paint rollers and brushes? There are numerous effects that can be accomplished with paint, and they don't have to compromise your wallet.
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Wildcrafting: Harvesting Plants for DecoratingSince the beginning of time, nature and gardens have been the source of our crafting traditions. Wildcrafting, gathering plant material from its native environment, is still a very popular hobby with many people.
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Protecting Your Plants from the Havoc of Freezing and ThawingIf you garden in a cold area or even one that experiences several hard frosts each winter, then you may need to consider protecting your plants from frost heave.
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Plants with Long-Lasting AppealOrnamental grasses add strong, long-lasting appeal in the garden, especially in winter when other plants begin looking disheveled.
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Overcoming AnorexiaAnorexia nervosa is a serious and life-threatening eating disorder with its victims harboring an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
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Pets and AllergiesOccasional scratching is okay; in fact, it’s quite normal, but if your pet seems to be scratching or biting itself relentlessly, then your pet may be in need of some relief.
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Traveling with Your PetsIf you're planning a road trip with 'Fido' this year, there are some things you need to know before hitting the road. Following a few important guidelines before hitting the road with 'Fido' will help to ensure both a safe and happy trip for everyone
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Out of Town Gardening WoesTaking off on vacation or even an unplanned trip can be a source of great anxiety to some people, especially during peak gardening months. You've put a lot of time and care into your garden, and you don't want things to fall apart while you're gone.
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Tips for Successful GardeningWhen it comes to growing plants, there are no inherent talents, no divine gift, and no green thumb. Anyone can stick a plant in the ground and get it to grow with the right conditions.
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Netiquette Issues: Spam, Corporate Image, and Email SafetyMost of us are no stranger to spam; however, many people don’t really know what it is or how it affects the corporate world. Complaints due to spam can lead to lack of trust, irate customers or clientele, and increased costs.
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Safety Habits While TravelingWhether it's for business or pleasure, developing and maintaining good safety habits, including health safety, while traveling is important.
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Enjoying the Unexpected while Planning Your GardenSerendipity can be found in numerous places. What is serendipity, and what does it have to do with gardening? Serendipity is making unexpected discoveries by chance, and in the garden, this happens all the time.
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Garden-House StyleOld-time garden furniture and plant stands can be as charming and functional in the home as they are outside. Even an old weathered picnic table and benches can be used for adding garden-style charm to your home.
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Business Etiquette for Career SuccessThe office workplace is highly competitive and continuously changing; therefore, the knowledge and use of business manners are essential.
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Culinary ConvictionsWhen you hear the term ‘culinary convictions’ you probably wonder what it means. We all know something about food or cooking. We all believe in something. Culinary convictions, therefore, is simply a strong belief in relation to food or cooking.
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Book Collectibles: What's in Your Library?Although most book fanatics, myself included, accumulate these simply from the joy of reading, the more serious book collector is interested in them not so much for their content, but for their physical or sentimental appeal.
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Great Christmas Traditions for AllChristmas traditions are a great way to solidify family bonds and encourage the true spirit or meaning of the holidays.
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Top 10 Gift Ideas for GardenersAre you searching for the perfect gift for all your garden buddies? Look no further. Here are 10 gift ideas for gardeners to help get you started.
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What is Botanical Nomenclature? Understanding Plant NamesBotanical nomenclature is used to classify plants into groups for easier identification. If you've ever confused your favorite plants with others by the same name, you'll find this method of identification is much appreciated.
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Garden Writing: Cultivating Words About the Gardens You LoveHow does one become successful at garden writing? To this there is no sure-fire answer, as each of us is different. With garden writing, you are pretty much cultivating your written words just as you would a garden.
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Garden Favorites - Plants Worth RememberingRemember the magical feeling of your grandmother's garden? These garden favorites are worth remembering so why not rediscover the past by incorporating some old-fashioned beauties into your own garden.
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Gardening with BulbsWant a successful garden? Try incorporating bulbs into the landscape. Flowering bulbs are not only easy to grow and popular among garden plants, but they can fit into nearly any type of gardening style.
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The Fall Flower GardenFlower gardens need not be restricted to spring and summer enjoyment. There are many plants that will bloom throughout the fall season as well.
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Greenhouse GardeningGreenhouse gardening isn't limited to only those working in professional nurseries; more and more home gardeners are choosing to grow plants in their own greenhouse.
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Black Plants: Adding Drama to the Garden with Dark Foliage and FlowersBlack foliage and flowers accentuate other colors in the garden such as silver, gold, and bright-colored tones. Black plants add a touch of allure and update your garden with a more modern, elegant look.
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The Gardens of Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North CarloinaWhile most people enjoy visiting this quaint museum town of Old Salem simply for its historical buildings and Moravian heritage, there is another reason to come here-the gardens.
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Scrapbook DesignLove to create scrapbooks or interested in starting one? Consider adding something extra to that scrapbook to create further charm by adding 3-dimensional items.
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Homemade Halloween Costume IdeasWouldn't it be nice if you could create your own costumes with little time or money invested? Well you can. In fact, there are numerous costume ideas that can be created yourself for next to nothing.
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What Everyone Should Know About Flea Market Finds and Other Neat StuffNot everyone can afford luxurious items for home decorating, but we all want to have a stylish-looking home. Did you know that you can decorate your home with style at nearly half the cost? In fact, sometimes it's even free!