Flower Basics

Research shows that flowering plants grow thorns on their stems or, in some cases create the appearance of doing so, for self-defense.

Sedum (also known as stonecrop) is a perennial plant used often in gardens. They are sturdy plants that are easy to grow in well-drained soil. They are capable of living through just about any...

Creeping charlie is an invasive perennial that also goes by the name ground ivy and creeping charley. It is native to Europe and has spread to North America and Asia.

from seed to flowers

The calendula flower, also known as the pot marigold and marigold, is a member of the daisy family. It is regularly appears in flower gardens and also has medicinal qualities.

Gardeners with their own greenhouses can escape winter and anticipate greener days to come when they sow new plants. Seeds can be planted from February to April. This gives them a jump start on...

Courgette flowers are the orange, almost star shaped flowers from the courgette plant, known in North America and Australia as the zucchini plant. These flowers are not only one of the most...

This is your first garden and you want to grow your favorite flowers. There are many types of flowers that grow during the year. Perennials bloom second year, after you plant them and then return...

The spider mum, also called the football mum, is a large flowered chrysanthemum with long thin petals. The flowers grow to be about 6 inches in diameter. Although spider mums may be more difficult...

Planting a garden with your child is surprisingly easy and can be a rewarding shared adventure. Whether you have a whole yard or limited indoor space, you can help your child build and maintain a...

I love spring and summer and all the colorful flowers that bloom along with it! This past spring, I went to Home Depot and purchased some Petunias that were looking like they need "special...

Cosmos flowers grow native in Mexico, so they prefer extreme heat, poor soil, arid conditions and very good drainage. Start cosmos plants every spring from the seed with helpful tips from a...

Stargazer lilies are best grown in mountainous areas that have good composted soil, healthy drainage, lots of humidity and a strong rainy season. See why stargazers grow so well in the Pacific...

Amarilla flowers can be grown in a container and brought indoors for the winter, or it can be kept outside in a mild climate. Find out how to grow a blooming amarilla flower with helpful tips from...

Bee balm flowers are great to grow in cooler climates that have very cold winters, or they can be started from seeds every spring. Create the perfect conditions for the bee balm flower, which has...

Growing carnations from seeds is easy when you save the seeds from a wilted bloom, dry the seeds out, and plant them in seed trays the following spring. Grow carnations every season with helpful...

If your flowers are not looking like they did when you bought them and you want them to look healthy again heres an easy way to promote healthier looking flowers.

The hibiscus is a robust plant that lends itself to a wide range of growing conditions, and produces large flowering buds that continue to produce through out much of the year.

Poppy plants grow profusely without much help in many areas of the country and remain a popular garden ornamental. With their bright colors and easy, fast growth, many gardeners find them an...

Bergenia is a perennial that is very hardy and has lovely small pink blossoms in spring. They grow well in just about any soil conditions and can tolerate full sun. Bergenia are known for their...

These easy-to-grow flowers come in both perennial and annual varieties. One time referred to as a "common cornfield weed," poppies are anything but a weed. Although poppies do grow as wildflowers...

Sunflowers are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful sights of summer. Whether it is a field of sunflowers, a container of sunflowers on a deck, or a vase of sunflowers in my home, I think...

Black Eyed Susans are the most common wildflower in America and home gardeners find them very easy to grow. These spiky gold petals have a brown or black center and usually bloom in mid-summer....

There are a lot of choices to make when you're selecting flowers for a garden. Not only do you have to decide which types and colors you like best, but you also have to factor in soil conditions...

Prayer plants (Maranta leucoreura) have oval-shaped leaves with various markings: some have darker green splotches on them, while others have red veins. The plant gets its name because at night...

If you believe you do not have a "green thumb" or any gardening talent, geraniums will change your mind. They are simple to grow and to care for because they require no special attention. Follow a...

Tulips can be grown in a pot by placing the tip up, or by laying them sideways in a nice nursery container or ceramic container. Grow tulips in a pot with tips from an experienced gardener in this...

Columbine flowers grow well in almost any climate and need a full, sunny spot to grow in. Plant and grow Columbine flowers by roots or seeds with tips from an experienced gardener in this free...

African daisies are flowers that will grow in most climates and come back year after year. Plant and grow African daisies, an annual flower, with tips from an experienced gardener in this free...

Bougainvillea is a plant that should grow from a nice, sunny spot through reflected sun. Grow bougainvillea in shaded areas in the summer with tips from an experienced gardener in this free video...

Bells of Ireland are a lime green flower that blooms in the summer and can live in colder climates. Grow Bells of Ireland by seed and plant them two-inches deep with tips from an experienced...

Plants use the light from the sun to produce energy to live and grow through the process of photosynthesis. But while sunlight is essential, some plants can get sunburn or be damaged if they...

The nicotiana, or tobacco plant, is a tropical plant that thrives in climates that are constantly warm. Grow nicotiana in areas that have no frost at all with instructions from a sustainable...

The pansy, viola or violet is a plant that is found in almost every continent, except for Antarctica. Grow violets in the sun or shade with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free...

Meadow rue, or thalictrum, is a beautiful plant that is found throughout the northern hemisphere. Grow meadow rue in rich, well-drained and composted soil with instructions from a sustainable...

The moonflower, or ipomoeas, is a morning glory plant that is found throughout tropical regions all over the world. Grow moonflowers in warm, humid climates with instructions from a sustainable...

Mushrooms are grown for many different purposes, and they're easy to grow in decaying wood, or mulch. Grow mushrooms in rotten wood with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free video...

Lemon balm is a gorgeous, easy-to-grow plant that belongs to the mint family of plants and is classified as an herb. Start lemon balm plants in the spring by seed or root division with...

The lobelia erinus is a great bedding annual that blooms throughout the summer months. Grow the lobelia erinus in the summer's hot, full sun with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this...

Lungwort, or pulmonaria, is a beautiful plant that needs a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Grow lungworts through a mixture of shade and sunlight with instructions from a sustainable...

The Japanese anemone, or anemone x hybrida, is a plant that is known as the wind flower. Grow a Japanese anemone by dividing up its roots with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this free...

The Japanese spurge is a plant that comes in two different varieties that are from two different parts of the world. Discover how to grow pachysandra plants from Japan and the eastern United...

The Joe-Pye weed, or eupatorium, is a variable perennial that grows anywhere from three to 10 feet tall. Grow Joe-Pye weeds in moist, richly-composted soil with instructions from a sustainable...

The juniper, or juniperus, is a beautiful tree that is found throughout the northern hemisphere. Grow junipers by keeping them out of really hot climates with instructions from a sustainable...

The common heliotrope, or heliotropium arborescens, are plants that are easy to grow because they can handle a little bit of cold temperatures. Grow the common heliotrope in a good, fertile soil...

The coreopsis is a beautiful perennial flower that likes hot and dry summers and cold winters. Buy coreopsis plants to grow any time of year with instructions from a sustainable gardener in this...

The cosmos, also known as Mexican aster, is a flower that resembles a daisy and likes a very hot climate. Grow cosmos plants by letting them dry out between waterings with instructions from a...

Creeping Jenny, or lysimachia nummularia, are beautiful perennial flowers that can grow in cold temperatures. Grow creeping Jenny plants for use in a hanging basket with instructions from a...

Daisies are gorgeous plants that will grow in almost any conditions, but growing them requires knowing where the daisies are native. Start growing daisies in the spring with instructions from a...

The dead nettle, or lamium, is a plant that can handle cold and warm temperatures almost equally. Grow dead nettles by providing a great deal of moisture with instructions from a sustainable...