Poppies are stunning and fantastic to grow but surprisingly fussy about their neighbors. They’re actually quite particular about who they share their garden bed with. Last spring I planted a gorgeous mixed border with poppies as the star attraction, only to watch half of them struggle while others thrived. After some frustrated research and plenty …
After spending countless spring mornings admiring neighborhood tulip displays, I finally decided to plant my own tulip garden five years ago. But I was in for a bit of a shock – it wasn’t as simple as digging holes and dropping bulbs! Tulips can be quite particular about their garden companions. That planting scheme you …
Every time I see a struggling lavender plant, I can usually trace the problem back to one thing – bad neighbors. After years of growing these gorgeous purple beauties (and killing quite a few along the way), I’ve learned that lavender can be pretty picky about its garden companions. The following are the plants you …
Marigolds may look cheerful and innocent but they aren’t as easygoing as their appearance suggest. Sure, these vibrant flowers seem like they’d play nice with anything, but I’ve killed enough plants to know better. With that in mind I’m going to give you some companion planting wisdom that actually works, straight from my own gardening …
I’ve had many years of gardening and in that time I’ve seen what works with roses – and boy have I seen what absolutely doesn’t. So I’m going to share what plants to keep away from your precious roses, straight from my own garden disasters and successes. Understanding Roses Roses are the high-maintenance celebrities of …
After spending many years rehabilitating neglected lilac bushes and planting new ones in all sorts of garden configurations I’ve learned what works – and what spectacularly fails – when it comes to companion planting with lilacs. These are what NOT to plant with lilacs, straight from my own garden disasters and triumphs. Understanding Lilacs Lilacs …
I’ve been growing hostas for over a decade now, and they’ve taught me more lessons about gardening partnerships than my last three relationships combined. They may seem easy going at first glance but they can be surprisingly picky about their garden companions. After years of watching my hostas thrive, struggle and sometimes flat-out give up …
I’ve spent years growing lilies in everything from tiny balcony containers to sprawling garden beds. And I’ve killed enough lily plants to start my own compost business. So let me save you the heartache and share what NOT to plant with these dramatic bloomers. Understanding Lilies The first time I planted lilies I stuck them …
Even when you just say the name Honeysuckle it makes you think of its sweet scent in the summer evenings and hummingbirds flitting between the flowers. I’ve grown honeysuckle for many years and while they’re absolutely gorgeous they can be very territorial in the garden. So I’m going to give you the plants and flowers …
After spending three seasons trying to figure out why my gladiolus kept falling over and most flowing well I eventually worked out what was going on- I’d been surrounding them with all the wrong plants! So I’m going to give you the worst plants to plant alongside gladiolas so you don’t make the same sort …