Ornamental Gardens

Learn how to cultivate beautiful ornamental gardens and how to troubleshoot common pests, diseases, and growing problems!

Amsonia tabernaemontana or Bluestar

Ornamental Gardens

21 Flowering Perennials For Michigan Gardens

Are you looking for some flowering perennial plants to grow in your Michigan garden? There are many perennial plants to choose from, depending on the part of Michigan you plan to grow in. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros shares her favorite flowering perennials for Michigan gardens and flowerbeds this season.

close up of a large orange hibiscus flower with five rounded, overlapping petals that look sort of like a pinwheel. The center of the flower is a deep red. Lush, green foliage grows in the background.

Shrubs

How to Grow and Care For Hibiscus Plants

Thinking about adding hibiscus to your garden this year? These wonderful, easy-care shrubs are certain to brighten up any space and produce some of the largest flowers among perennial shrubs. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about growing hibiscuses, including care and maintenance needs.

adams needle

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Adam’s Needle

Are you curious about growing Adam’s needle, a large and very showy native yucca plant? Adam’s needle is a plant that’s hard to miss. It is also incredibly easy to grow and the large flower spikes provide a show-stopping display each year. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these spectacular plants.

red irises

Flowers

11 Different Types of Red Irises To Grow This Season

Looking for a red iris that will turn up the heat in your garden and lend a little drama to the landscape? Several species in the Iris genus offer flowers in shades of red. In this article, certified master gardener and landscape designer Liz Jaros profiles 11 of her favorites.

own root vs grafted roses

Flowers

Own-Root vs. Grafted Roses: Which is Better?

Roses are sold one of two ways: on their own roots or grafted. Which is the better choice for you? In this article, gardening expert Danielle Sherwood outlines the differences between grafted vs. own-root and how they affect the performance of roses in your garden.

rose buying factors

Flowers

13 Factors To Consider When Buying Roses From a Nursery

Don’t get the wrong rose for your garden. It’s tempting to impulse buy the prettiest plant you see, but beginning with some research can help you avoid future disappointment. In this article, gardening expert Danielle Sherwood walks through 11 factors to keep in mind when buying roses at a nursery or garden center.

bright colored roses

Flowers

14 Brightly Colored Roses to Grow This Season

Is your garden looking a little bland? Bright, vivid colors are just the ingredient to spice it up! In this article, gardening expert and rose enthusiast Danielle Sherwood shares 15 roses in saturated hues to make your garden space come alive with color.

A vibrant cluster of blazing star flowers, their tall stalks reaching for the sky, stands prominently amidst a sea of green grasses and delicate yellow plants. The flowers' brilliant hues captivate the eye, drawing attention to their captivating beauty.

Flowers

When do Blazing Star Flowers Bloom?

Blazing star (Liatris spp.) flowers are spectacular additions to a perennial wildflower garden. Part of the fun of growing blazing stars is waiting for those flowers to emerge and brighten the garden, attracting many pollinators. Gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss all things blazing star, so you will know a little about what to expect while waiting for your Liatris to bloom.

Native Plants flowering in garden

Ornamental Gardens

15 Reasons to Grow Native Plants This Season

Are you thinking of growing some native plants this year? Native plants provide a variety of different benefits to your local ecosystem. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her favorite reasons why every gardener should add native plants to their garden this season.