Pamela Anderson has given us plenty of garden inspiration over the years, but her latest Instagram video might just be her most enviable yet.

Yes, the talented actor recently shared a glimpse inside her sprawling kitchen garden, and it feels like stepping into a storybook. Rustic raised beds stretch across the landscape, rustic willow obelisks twist skywards between overflowing vegetables and flowers, and a squash-covered archway leads visitors deeper into the space.

Towering sunflowers sway alongside fluffy pink roses (a Pamela staple), while a charming tabletop greenhouse anchors a seating area tucked into the middle of it all. And it is... well, it is all impossibly beautiful, quite honestly. Not that I'm jealous or anything.

Pamela Anderson's Raised Beds Set-Up

At first glance, Pamela Anderson's garden looks impossibly luxurious, and impossibly expensive. But once you look beyond the mature planting, it's surprisingly clear that much of the magic comes from repeating a handful of simple design ideas. Check it out:

You see what I mean? And so, whether you're starting with a single raised bed or planning an entire kitchen garden, these are the ideas worth borrowing from the screen icon turned gardener extraordinaire:

1. Layer Raised Beds for a Lush Look

The first thing you'll notice in Pamela Anderson's garden is the sheer number of raised beds (why have one when you can have, say, twenty or so?). Pamela mixes beds of different sizes and heights, creating a garden that feels layered, established, and full of movement.

Better still, each bed blends vegetables and ornamentals together. Lavender grows alongside onions, nasturtiums spill over the edges, and flowering plants soften every hard line, making the vegetable garden feel every bit as beautiful as a flower border.

If you're recreating the look, choose simple wooden raised beds in a light, natural finish and repeat the same style throughout your space. Even adding two or three beds instead of one instantly creates a more intentional, cottage-inspired layout.

Shop Raised Beds:

2. Grow Squash Over a DIY Archway

One of the most eye-catching features of Pamela Anderson's garden is the squash-covered archway winding through the beds.

While it looks like something from a grand estate, the structure itself is surprisingly easy to recreate, especially if you follow our how-to guide for building a cattle panel trellis, which uses inexpensive cattle panels bent into an arch and secured with T-posts to create a sturdy trellis for climbing crops.

Once squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, or pole beans begin scrambling overhead, the metal all but disappears beneath the foliage, creating a living tunnel that's as practical as it is beautiful. Win!

3. Add Sculptural Trellises Throughout the Garden

Okay, fine; Pamela Anderson's beautiful spiral obelisks appear to be handcrafted from willow, but you don't need to shell out for bespoke garden structures to achieve the same effect.

Sculptural trellises instantly add height and visual interest, even before climbing plants begin to grow (and you'd best believe that sweet peas, pole beans, clematis, and flowering vines all create the same whimsical cottage garden feel over time).

Shop Structural Trellis:

Repeating several of the same trellis designs throughout your raised beds also helps unify the space while drawing the eye upward., in true Pamela Anderson style!

4. Plant Roses Among Your Vegetables

Pamela Anderson's love of roses is well documented, and they're a big part of what makes her garden feel so romantic.

Instead of keeping roses in a dedicated border, she allows them to mingle with vegetables and other flowering plants, blurring the line between ornamental and edible gardening.

Bare-root roses are one of the most affordable ways to establish new plants, and they'll reward you with years of blooms. If you're hoping to channel Pamela's style, a lush, old-fashioned variety like the Yves Piaget rose (available at Grace Rose) is a beautiful place to start. Mind you, the Reminiscent® Pink Rose from Nature Hills also boasts abundant lush pink blooms with powerful old-fashioned fragrance from late spring through early fall, so the choice is yours!

5. Use a Mini Greenhouse as a Garden Focal Point

One detail that's easy to overlook is the mini greenhouse nestled in the seating area at the center of Pamela Anderson's garden.

Rather than ending with rows of vegetables, Pamela creates a place to pause with a simple table and chairs, but she makes it even more inviting with a glass mini greenhouse, which doubles as a decorative focal point and a practical place to display seedlings, houseplants, or treasured cuttings.

Adding one to a seating area is a great way to make the space feel collected, cozy, and lived in. You can make it yourself easily enough, or treat yourself to one of our favorites below...

Shop Mini Greenhouses:

6. Mix Flowers and Vegetables with Abandon

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Pamela Anderson's garden isn't something you can buy at all.

Sunflowers tower over vegetables, nasturtiums tumble across pathways, herbs soften the edges of raised beds, and roses bloom alongside crops. Nothing feels rigid or overly planned, yet the entire garden feels cohesive, and I guess that's the real secret behind the cottage garden aesthetic. Instead of separating flowers from vegetables, let them grow together.

Not only will your garden look fuller and more romantic, but many flowering plants (hey there, marigolds) also attract pollinators and beneficial insects, making them just as useful as they are beautiful.

It is my suspicion that the real reason Pamela Anderson's garden is so captivating isn because she has spent as much time thinking about the atmosphere as she has planting schemes and the rest of it.

Think about it: from the overflowing raised beds, to the winding structures, to the feeling that every corner has something new to discover, it all combines to create a space that feels both productive and magical.

The good news is that none of those ideas require a celebrity-sized budget. Start with a couple of raised beds, add vertical interest with arches and trellises, weave flowers between your vegetables, and create a quiet spot to sit back and enjoy it all. Before long, you'll have a garden that captures the same storybook charm as Pamela Anderson's. No sprawling estate required.

Homespun water features made with a floating solar fountain and a container are a huge trend this summer – but add some plants and you'll create a garden highlight that’s even more of a showstopper. It’s quick and easy to do and, by getting clever with the containers you use, budget-friendly, too. The water spray naturally cools the air, and the gentle splashing makes for a soothing soundscape in your outside space. And when there's no telling how long this heatwave summer will last for, that's just what your too-hot garden needs right now.

Solar fountains have taken water features out of the realm of expensive, professionally landscaped gardens and put them firmly within reach of us everyday gardeners. DIY microponds are fast replacing trad water features as the must-have garden feature for 2026, and there are so many creative ways you can use a floating solar fountain to make one. There are even solar fountains with colored LEDs so you can DIY a stunning water feature to light summer evenings in your garden.

A water feature with plants, however, tops them all and, as quick and clever container gardening ideas you can DIY on a budget go, you can’t beat it! Here’s exactly what to do so you can make one this weekend.

1. Choose Your Containers

You’re going to need two containers, one larger than the other.

The central water bowl needs to be at least 12 inches wide to contain most of the fountain splashes, though obviously the wider and deeper it is, the less frequently you’ll have to top it up. You don’t need to buy an expensive purpose-made water bowl, as planters intended for succulents don’t usually have a drainage hole and make a stylish alternative at a fraction of the price. It’s easy to seal the drainage hole of other planters with a marine silicone sealant like this from Amazon. Just don’t use terracotta pots as the clay is porous.

The outer planter needs to be at least six inches wider than the water bowl that will stand inside it, to leave enough space for plants to flourish. That means you need a pretty big outer container – but that needn't come at a cost. Resin (also called polyresin) or composite plastic planters commonly mimic the look of stone, metal or wood and are far cheaper than the real thing. This material is lightweight, too, so it’s often used to make big, wide planters.

Have a hunt around your local hardware store in your search for a suitable container as well. Animal drinking troughs and utility tubs are typically robust and relatively inexpensive, and it’s a quick task to drill drainage holes.

Container Pairings At Sensible Prices

Budget Combo

Designer Look For Less

Rustic Charm

2. Pick a Suitable Floating Solar Fountain

The amount of energy the solar panels of a floating fountain are capable of generating is measured in watts, which you’ll typically find in product descriptions as ‘W’. Many 1W fountains are designed for use in birdbaths so only produce a gentle water spray when the sun is shining directly on the solar panels. If you're using a similarly small, shallow container, that's fine. However, for a fountain that’s powerful enough to provide a decent-height fountain and a good flow of water in a larger container, look for a product that’s at least 2W.

If you want a fountain with LEDs, then the lights will use more power, so 3-4W is better. Don’t be tempted by more powerful 5-6W solar fountains when you're installing a water feature yourself, though, as these are more suited to bigger bodies of water. Too powerful, and the spray pattern will fall outside the container and you'll be forever topping up water levels.

A design with stabilising arms that prevent the fountain floating close to the container rim also helps minimize water loss.

If you want the fountain to operate on cloudy days and after dark, or if you want to position your water feature in partial shade, you’ll need a product that has a battery. A fountain with a 2000mAh battery will typically run for 3-4 hours without sun on a full charge.

For increased longevity, look for a fountain with run-dry protection so it automatically shuts down when there’s insufficient water, and a filter to prevent debris from entering the pump.

Our Pick of Floating Solar Fountains

3. Position Your Planter

Position your water feature before you begin planting. Any small body of water will heat up and evaporate more quickly than a larger area, so while you need sunlight to charge the solar panels and fuel plants, a little shade is a good idea. Around 6 hours of sunshine a day is the ideal compromise.

Consider what plants will be around and above your water bowl planter too, because you don’t want to be fishing out fallen leaves. Work out where your water feature will bring you the most enjoyment, too, to listen to as well as look at.

4. Plant Up The Outer Container

Because the plants are likely to get splashed, use a moisture-control potting mix such as Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, available from Walmart. If you’ve already got some potting mix, simply add some water-storing crystals such as these from Amazon or coconut coir, also available from Amazon, to enhance its ability to regulate moisture levels.

Position the water container as you’re filling the outer planter, making sure its rim is at least an inch higher than that of the outer vessel. It’s a smart move to put at least a thin layer of the potting mix beneath the base of the inner container, to give roots maximum growing room.

Then plant up the outer container, being careful to finish with the water bowl level. Any bedding plants suitable for hanging baskets are perfect for this project as they’re typically heat-tolerant low growers that bloom abundantly and enjoy sunny conditions. See what your local garden center has in stock, or you can plant pansies and violas in July that will last all through fall, and some are hardy enough to keep blooming in winter, too. Burpee currently has an excellent selection of pansy and viola varieties as young, ready-to-flower plants for a fast result.

A few easy-grow plants with trailing stems will add to the display.

Whatever you choose to plant, water them well, until it dribbles from the drainage holes, to settle the soil around the roots.

5. Fill With Water and Enjoy!

Now all that’s left to do is fill up the inner container with water, pop in the floating fountain, and enjoy your dazzling new water feature.

To enhance ripples and reflections, add a drop of pool colorant like this black pond dye from Amazon to the water.

I'll never be the person who tells you raised beds are going out of style. They've earned their place as a gardening staple, making it easier to grow everything from tomatoes to tulips while keeping beds neat, organized, and easier to tend.

But every now and then, a simple twist on a classic comes along that makes me wonder why I don't see it more often. Something that takes everything gardeners already love about traditional raised beds and add something they're often missing.

This latest upgrade (raised beds with built-in trellises) does exactly that, offering the allure of height to savvy gardeners. Instead of stopping at soil level, they encourage climbers to scramble skyward, transforming a practical planting space into a living feature that's every bit as beautiful as it is productive. Think a wall of fragrant jasmine, a cascade of clematis, or a curtain of climbing beans, all from the same footprint you'd use for an ordinary raised bed. Win!

The Ultimate Raised Beds Upgrade

Essentially, this raised beds upgrade offers a growing area with a built-in trellis, giving you the best of both worlds: the practicality of elevated planting space combined with the beauty and vertical impact of climbing plants. Instead of letting your garden only spread outwards, this clever design encourages you to grow upwards too.

And honestly? No small thing. After all, one of the biggest challenges in modern gardens is space. Whether you have a compact backyard, a small patio, or simply want to make better use of every corner, vertical gardening offers a smart solution.

A trellis planter allows you to grow more without taking up extra ground space. Your climbing plants can climb, creating layers of greenery, flowers, and even edible crops while leaving valuable room underneath for other plants.

Check it out:

Traditional gardening tends to keep our focus firmly at ground level, but one of the easiest ways to make a garden feel bigger and more like it was designed by an actual professional is to start thinking vertically.

That's exactly what I love about raised beds with built-in trellises. They take one of gardening's most practical features and give it another dimension. Suddenly, your vegetables aren't simply growing; they're climbing. Your flowers aren't just filling a bed; they're framing it. Even a compact backyard feels more layered when your eye is drawn upward by a curtain of blooms or lush green foliage.

It's a simple tweak, but it has a surprisingly big impact. A raised beds upgrade like this can soften a plain fence, create a little privacy around a seating area, or subtly divide one part of the garden from another without feeling heavy or enclosed. And because the planting starts at waist height before continuing skyward, the whole feature feels fuller and more immersive than a standard raised bed alone.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think raised beds are going anywhere (honestly, I hope they don't). They've earned their reputation as one of the hardest-working features in the garden, and make growing everything from herbs to tomatoes that little bit easier.

Instead of creating a neat rectangle of planting, though, these clever multitasking twists on the format give you height, movement, fragrance, and color all in one. And for me, that's the real appeal; I think we are, all of us, big enough to admit that the best garden features aren't just practical, but that tempt you to sit outside with a cup of coffee (or tea, if you're me) just to admire how everything has grown.

So no, I won't be giving up on raised beds anytime soon. But if I were buying a new one today, I'd be very tempted to choose the version that lets me garden upwards as well as outwards.

If there's one person I always look to for effortlessly outdoorsy style, it's Kate Middleton. Whether she's visiting a garden, walking the countryside or taking on a charity challenge, the Princess of Wales has a knack for dressing for the elements without ever looking like she's trying too hard.

Another reason I keep an eye on her wardrobe? Well, I find it oddly refreshing to see how often she rewears her favourite pieces. Rather than chasing trends, Kate has built a wardrobe around high-quality outdoor essentials that work season after season – a philosophy that's just as sensible for gardeners in the market for protective clothing as it is for princesses.

That all came to a head for me during Kate Middleton's recent Three Peaks Challenge, which saw her raise some serious money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Spending long days outdoors in the height of summer demands clothing that's lightweight, breathable and practical, and every piece of hot-weather gear that Kate chose ticked those boxes and then some.

I Love Kate Middleton's Hot-Weather Gear

The more I looked at Kate Middleton's outfit for this challenge, the more I realised it would make for some pretty stunning gardening clothes, too (at least, it definitely would for me!).

Think about it; whether you're deadheading roses, weeding borders or hauling compost around on a hot afternoon, the same features that make clothing comfortable on a mountain – moisture-wicking fabrics, sun protection and freedom of movement – are just as valuable in the garden.

So, if you're wondering what to wear while gardening during a heatwave (especially as a dress made of ice cubes isn't an option), I'd happily suggest you make like me and take inspiration from Kate Middleton's outfit. Especially as most of the key pieces are available on Amazon, making it surprisingly easy to recreate her timeless outdoorsy vibe.

1. Fjällräven Abisko Wool Top

If there's one piece I'd beg, borrow, and steal from Kate Middleton's outfit first, it's her Fjällräven Abisko top.

Made from a lightweight merino wool blend, it's naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and odor-resistant – all qualities that make a real difference when you're gardening in warm weather.

The golden goose, though? Why, the fact that it also regulates body temperature surprisingly well, helping you stay comfortable whether you're working in full sun or desperately trying to stick to pruning into the shade.

2. HydraPak Polar Sport Insulated Water Bottle

It's easy to lose track of how much water you're drinking when you're immersed in the garden, especially during a heatwave. Don't be that person, and be sure to keep a bottle to hand.

Kate Middleton's insulated Polar Sport bottle helps keep water cooler for longer, making it much easier to stay hydrated through an afternoon of pruning, planting or watering.

3. The North Face Summit Series Pacesetter Shorts

Gardening involves more bending, stretching and kneeling than most workouts, so comfortable shorts are a must.

Kate Middleton's lightweight running shorts are on the pricier side, sure, but they are designed to move with you while drying quickly if you work up a sweat, making them an unexpectedly practical choice for summer gardening.

4. Fjällräven Logo Cap

No summer gardening outfit feels complete without a good cap; it keeps you from squinting into the sun, for starters, and it helps keep the sensitive skin of your face shaded, too.

Naturally, Kate Middleton doesn't just do the classic baseball cap; she wore a stylish Fjällräven version during the challenge. Which means, yes, you can ooze understated Scandinavian vibes while helping shade your face from the strongest midday sun.

5. SCARPA Terra GTX Hiking Boots

These are probably the one item I'd reserve for heavier jobs rather than everyday gardening. If you're clearing brambles, moving paving slabs or tackling uneven ground, supportive hiking boots offer excellent grip and protection.

Oh sure, Kate Middleton favors a stylish pair of hiking boots from Scarpa. Still, I'd be tempted to swap them for a pair of breathable garden clogs for lighter summer jobs.

Look, as I've said already, what I like most about Kate's outdoor wardrobe isn't that it's fashionable, but that it's functional. Instead of buying separate outfits for every activity, she invests in well-made pieces that can be worn again and again, whether she's walking, hiking or spending time outdoors.

That's an approach more gardeners could embrace. A breathable merino top, comfortable shorts, a reliable cap and a reusable water bottle aren't just useful for summer hikes or trips to the gym; they'll serve you just as well when you're spending a sunny weekend in the garden.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some hot-weather gear to add to basket. I'll see you on the other side...

I'm a sucker for a full moon. Whether it's the Wolf Moon, the Strawberry Moon, or the Harvest Moon, I always find myself looking up and wondering how on earth our ancestors came up with such wonderfully evocative names.

The July full moon, however, has one of my favorites: the Thunder Moon. Thankfully, it isn't named as such because the moon itself summons dramatic thunderstorms (that would be very Greek mythos of it!).

Instead, the name comes from the fact that July has historically been one of the stormiest months of the year across much of North America, with spectacular thunder and lightning displays often accompanying the height of summer.

Preparing for The Thunder Moon

Considering it usually heralds the beginning of the stormy season, then, the Thunder Moon feels like the perfect reminder to give your garden a quick once-over before the next summer tempest rolls through.

Here are five simple jobs that could save you a lot of heartache later.

1. Secure Tall Plants

Summer storms can flatten a season's worth of hard work in a matter of minutes. Ahead of the Thunder Moon, then, take a few moments to check that tomatoes, climbing beans, dahlias, sunflowers, and other tall plants are properly supported.

Be sure to tighten loose ties, replace any that are digging into stems, and make sure stakes, cages, and trellises are firmly anchored in the ground. I promise it's much easier to prevent a plant from falling over than it is to rescue one after it's snapped.

Personally, I like to make life easy with myself and use something like these VELCRO Brand Adjustable Plant Ties.

2. Give Containers Some Shelter

Potted plants and container gardens are often the first casualties of strong summer winds.

If severe weather is in the forecast, be sure, then, to move lightweight containers closer to the house, group smaller pots together for stability, and take down hanging baskets if particularly strong gusts are expected.

Honestly, even a few feet of extra shelter can make a surprising difference.

Shop Container Garden Essentials:

3. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

Mulch is often associated with drought, but it's just as valuable before heavy rain, making it an ideal Thunder Moon-themed garden task to crack on with.

A two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch is enough to help cushion the soil against torrential downpours, reducing erosion and preventing water from splashing soil-borne diseases onto plant leaves. It also helps retain moisture once the storm has passed and temperatures climb again.

Just remember to keep mulch a couple of inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.

4. Harvest Anything That's Ready

If you've got ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, or summer squash, don't wait! Take the Thunder Moon at its dramatic word, as heavy rain can cause tomatoes to split, while strong winds can knock ripe fruit from the plant altogether.

Harvesting veggies before a storm means you'll get to enjoy it rather than finding it bruised or cracked on the ground the next day.

5. Check Your Drainage

One of the biggest risks during intense summer storms isn't the rain itself, but rather where that water ends up.

Clear leaves and debris from drains, gutters, and downspouts, and make sure water has somewhere to escape. If you know parts of your garden are prone to pooling after heavy rain, consider digging shallow channels to direct excess water away from vulnerable plants.

Make The Most Of Summer Storms:

Look, I get it; the Thunder Moon may be steeped in folklore, but its name is a timely reminder that summer weather can change in an instant. So, while none of us can stop a thunderstorm from rolling in (although wouldn't that be a nifty superpower?), spending just half an hour preparing your garden beforehand can make all the difference.

Secure your plants, harvest what's ready, check your drainage, and let the Thunder Moon be your annual cue to get your garden storm-ready... before nature puts it to the test. And, as an extra bonus, get into that 'when God gives you lemons' mindset and set up a rain barrel or two.

Hey, there's no point wasting free water, right?

Confession time: I have spent the past week desperately trying to keep both myself and my garden alive, and my efforts have made me realize that heatwaves have a funny way of making us panic. .. often in a way that does more harm than good.

During periods of extreme heat, plants go into survival mode. Instead of focusing on producing new growth, they're conserving water and protecting themselves from stress. That means the way you care for your garden during a heatwave should look a little different than it does the rest of the summer.

I get it, obviously; the moment temperatures climb, it's tempting to reach for the hose, trim away anything that looks dead, and give struggling plants a dose of fertilizer in the hope of helping them bounce back. All of those well-intentioned efforts, though, can and will make matters worse.

Gardening Mistakes That Can Kill Plants During a Heatwave

When temperatures soared recently, I set to work, And, when my husband (a professional gardener) got home, I proudly told him all of the wonderful things I had done to keep our plants alive and thriving in the heat.

Cue him lovingly, albeit very wearily, branding me a menace. Because, as it turns out, I had committed three cardinal sins when it comes to gardening in a heatwave...

1. Watering Incorrectly

When your plants start looking droopy in the afternoon sun, it's only natural to want to grab the hose immediately. But watering in the middle of the day really isn't the most effective approach.

In the heat of the afternoon, more water is lost to evaporation before it has a chance to soak into the soil and reach plant roots. Instead, the best time to water plants is early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and plants have time to absorb moisture before the day's heat sets in.

Rather than watering little and often, give plants a deep soak that encourages roots to grow further into the soil, where moisture lasts longer. Water at the base of the plant instead of wetting the foliage, and remember that containers and hanging baskets may still need an additional watering later in the day during prolonged heat.

Shop Garden Watering Essentials:

2. Fertilizing Stressed Plants

It's easy to assume that a struggling plant needs feeding, but in very hot weather, fertilizer can actually add to its stress. In fact, many experts say that this is one of those common garden mistakes that can kill plants during a heatwave.

When temperatures are extremely high, plants naturally slow their growth to conserve energy. Fertilizer encourages fresh, tender growth, which requires even more water and is particularly vulnerable to scorching in hot weather. Applying fertilizer to dry soil can also increase the risk of root burn.

If your plants are looking stressed by the heat, focus on keeping them properly watered instead. Once temperatures return to normal and plants begin actively growing again, you can resume your regular feeding schedule.

3. Pruning away scorched leaves

I have a habit of picking at things (woe betide any split ends that appear in my hair; they will never be able to survive my obsessive snapping fingers). Still, while brown, crispy leaves aren't exactly attractive, we should resist the urge to prune them off straight away.

Although damaged foliage may no longer look healthy, it can still provide valuable shade for stems, fruit, and developing leaves underneath. Removing any plant sunburn during a heatwave can actually expose the rest of the plant to even more intense sunlight, increasing the risk of sunscald and further stress.

Unless a branch is dead, diseased, or creating a safety hazard, it's usually best to wait until cooler weather arrives before doing any significant pruning. Once the heatwave has passed, you can remove damaged growth and allow fresh new shoots to take over.

Try Slow Watering During Heatwaves:

Instead of trying to fix heat-stressed plants, focus on reducing the stress they're under. My husband swears by a thick layer of mulch can help keep soil cooler and reduce moisture loss, and delaying planting or transplanting until temperatures drop is the best way to give new plants a much better chance of establishing successfully.

Basically, heatwaves can be tough on gardens, but they don't have to spell disaster. Sometimes the best thing you can do is resist the urge to overcare for your plants. Be more chill. Do less!

Honestly, if you water wisely, avoid unnecessary pruning and fertilizing, and let your garden ride out the heat, your plants will often recover far better than you might expect once things cool down. Probably better than you if you forget that all-important suncream!

Look, I’m a gardening writer. I know the theory. I can tell you when to prune, when to feed, and when to leave well alone. And yet, when it comes to deadheading in my own garden, I’m embarrassed to admit that I turn into someone who is, frankly, a bit timid with the snips.

Enter my husband: a professional gardener with two decades of experience under his belt, who is both infuriatingly knowledgeable and completely fearless with a pair of pruners. He also, I should add, thinks I’m almost painfully cautious when deadheading.

Yes, whenever he spots me deadheading roses or salvias, he'll quietly take the secateurs from my hands before proceeding to cut what feels like an alarming amount off the plant. I stand there internally wondering whether I should be calling the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Plants.

Stop Being So Timid When Deadheading

In the interests of settling our long-running deadheading debate once and for all, I cornered him after work while he was trying to cook dinner and asked him exactly what I was getting wrong.

As ever, he was calm, kind…and entirely convinced I needed to be much braver.

Forever patient, he endured my barrage of deadheading questions as he attempted to pull together a bolognese our picky children might actually eat for once. "I know you hate cutting them back because it feels like you're ruining the plant," he told me, "but you've got to be braver with those shears.

"If you just nip off the faded flower, you're wasting your time. On most repeat-flowering plants, you want to follow the flower stem down to the first strong pair of healthy leaves or a side shoot, then make your cut just above that. That's where the plant can produce strong new growth."

In other words, don't just remove the dead flower itself; by following the spent flower stem down to a healthy leaf joint instead of leaving behind a short stub, you're encouraging the plant to direct its energy into producing fresh shoots and, ultimately, another flush of flowers.

Shop Deadheading Essentials:

It isn’t just me who fears deadheading too far; my husband reassured me that the majority of his gardening clients get nervous whenever he whips the pruning scissors out. But it is important to remember, he added, just how resilient most garden plants actually are.

"We treat them like they're fragile," he laughed. "But they're not. As long as you're following the flower stem back to a healthy point on the plant, most repeat-flowering plants absolutely thrive on a bit of tough love."

That being said, confidence is only half the battle. "Keep your shears sharp," he advised me, barely looking up from the pan. "You don't want to crush the stem; you want one clean, quick slice. Think of it like a surgical procedure, not a massacre."

A clean cut heals more quickly and is less likely to leave the plant vulnerable to disease than a ragged stem. And my husband also stressed that while most repeat-flowering plants benefit from confident deadheading, there are exceptions.

"Think about once-blooming roses," he says. "If you've got an old-fashioned climbing rose that only flowers once a year, don't start cutting long stems back in midsummer. You could be removing next year's flowers before they've even formed. Just tidy up the spent blooms and leave the framework alone."

Spring-flowering bulbs also need a gentler approach. "You can remove the faded flower heads from daffodils and tulips if you want them to look tidier," he explained, "but leave the leaves alone until they've yellowed naturally. That foliage is feeding the bulb for next year's flowers."

Lavender is another plant that deserves a little caution. "Snip off the faded flower spikes and trim the soft green growth if it needs tidying, but don't cut into the old woody stems," he suggested. "Lavender often won't grow back from old wood."

And finally, don't assume every faded flower needs removing immediately. "Some late-season plants, like sedum, are often worth leaving alone. Their seedheads look fantastic through fall and provide food for birds and insects long after the flowers have finished."

All excellent advice, as I'm sure you'll agree. And, while I'm still nowhere near as fearless as my husband with a pair of pruners, the next time I'm hovering nervously over a faded bloom, wondering whether I've gone too far, I'll remember his advice: don't just snip the flower – follow the stem.

Hey, I might even get it embroidered on a T-shirt!

From zodiac signs to birth flowers, there are plenty of ways people like to assign meaning to the month they were born. But here’s a slightly more unexpected version: your birth month farm animal.

Yes, over the years, we’ve seen everything from birth month trees and birth month birds to bugs, trees, and even so-called “power animals” tied to different times of year. There’s something oddly comforting about it all, as it offers up a sense that the natural world around us might reflect something back about who we are.

Honestly? It often feels a source of comfort in a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and digital, serving as a reminder of a slower, more connected way of living. One that feels especially appealing as more people turn their attention to growing food at home, self-sufficiency, and getting back in touch with where things come from.

All 12 Birth Month Farm Animals

So, which birth month farm animal are you? Well, whether you’re a loyal collie, an independent barn cat, or a determined horse, each month has a barnyard counterpart said to reflect certain personality traits.

Time to find out, then, whether your farmyard alter ego feels strangely accurate or not...

January – Horse

Strong-willed, ambitious and determined, January babies are often seen as natural leaders. And, just like a free-spirited horse, they’re independent, focused, and rarely back down from a challenge.

In fact, they prefer forging their own path and moving at their own pace. No bad thing, as I'm sure you will agree.

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February – Goat

Creative, curious and, yes, a little unconventional, February babies are the goats of the barnyard. In fact, just like their birth month farm animal, they’re adventurous thinkers who aren’t afraid to take the less obvious route, often surprising others with their originality.

Try paying homage to yours with this stunning Goat Willow (Pussy Willow) from Nature Hills.

March – Sheep

Do people often refer to you as gentle, compassionate and calm? Born in March? That's the answer!

Yes, March personalities are represented by sheep. Which, sure, sounds bad on paper until you remember that these birth month farm animals tend to be thoughtful, peace-loving, and happiest in stable, harmonious environments where everyone gets along.

Honestly, the best way to be more sheep, then, is to consider how you might make your garden better for everyone... especially pollinators.

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April – Rooster

Cock-a-doodle-what? Yes, April-born people share traits with roosters. They’re outgoing, self-assured and often the ones setting the tone in any group they’re part of. Which means, much like their birth month farm animal, they are those sorts of people who are confident, expressive and full of presence. And, quite possibly, earlybirds.

There are a number of cover crops that roosters and chickens love, including:

• Alfalfa
• Clover
• Annual rye
• Kale
• Cowpeas
• Rabe
• New Zealand clover
• Turnips
• Mustard
• Buckwheat
• Grain grasses

May – Pig

Look, I get it. Nobody wants to be told that their birth month farm animal is a pig (especially if they have ever read Animal Farm), but here's the thing. Pigs are sociable, warm and fun-loving. They are undeniably cute. And May personalities are like pigs in the best possible way: intelligent, adaptable, and happiest when surrounded by good company and comfort.

Be more pig, then, and get your garden set up for al fresco parties, stat.

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June – Chicken

Nurturing, talkative and emotionally attuned, people born under this birth month farm animal are protective of those they love, tend to thrive in community, and always bring people together in a warm, grounded way.

Love chickens? Find out how to keep and care for backyard chickens, then, and make a whole new world of feathered friends in the process.

July – Cow

Sometimes, people (mean people, silly people!) use the word cow as an insult. How, though, could it ever be a bad thing to be compared to these steady, loyal and deeply dependable animals?

July babies are incredibly lucky to reflect the calm strength of cows. Especially as it means that, just like their birth month farm animals, they are nurturing by nature and often the emotional anchor in their friendships and family life.

August – Goose

I absolutely love geese, so I'm a little jealous that August babies everywhere get to call this honking bird their birth month farm animal!

Protective, courageous and fiercely loyal, geese aren't afraid to stand their ground, and neither are those born at this time of year. In fact, when it comes to protecting the people they love, they are unstoppable, thus making them the dependable friend or family member others know they can count on.

Why not treat your inner goose to a mini pond?

September – Donkey

My husband was deeply disappointed to learn that, as a September baby, the not-so-humble donkey is his birth month farm animal. I say, though, that he shouldn't be (ha!) such a donkey about it. After all, these hoofed cuties are practical, resilient and quietly strong.

Those born under their influence tend to be dependable problem-solvers, the kind who, even if they are underestimated at first, rarely disappoint. Mind you, they can be stubborn, too!

October – Barn Cat

I hold my hands up and confess that I am an October baby, so I am especially interested in this birth month farm animal. And, while I can't say for sure that I'm charming (here's hoping) I do believe that, much like the ever-independent and observant barn cat, I value my freedom and trust my instincts.

October-born personalities are also said to have a mysterious, magnetic quality to them, which makes sense. Cats are pure mystery, after all! Try planting these plants beloved by cats, then, and see how your inner barn cat responds.

November – Highland Cow

Highland cows are basically the stars of the farmyard. You don’t rush them, you don’t rattle them, and you certainly don’t tell them to hurry up, because they’re already exactly where they need to be.

Calm, steady and emotionally grounded, November-born people share that same energy. They have a quiet strength that doesn’t need to announce itself, and a reassuring presence that makes other people feel instantly more at ease. Even in chaos, they tend to stay unshaken, observing everything with a kind of slow, knowing calm.

Honor yours by planting some true Scotch heather, stat!

December – Collie

Collies are the overachievers of the farmyard: always alert, always moving, and somehow always three steps ahead of everyone else.

December babies share that same energetic, intelligent and endlessly curious spark. They like having a purpose, something to solve, somewhere to go. Give them a challenge and they’ll light up; give them routine with no direction and they’ll start inventing their own.

They’re quick thinkers, enthusiastic learners, and the sort of people who don’t just follow instructions: they improve them, streamline them, and somehow make them better. Maybe, then, you should try and grow a dog garden for you and your inner pooch?

Whether you see yourself clearly in your birth month farm animal or not, it’s all part of the fun. But don’t be surprised if, from now on, you find yourself quietly sharing a moment with with your barnyard alter ego the next time you see it lurking in a field or paddock.

Meaningful eye contact with a barn cat, then? Next on my list of things to do.

Some of us start the day with coffee in hand and a pair of secateurs at the ready. Others don't truly come alive until the sun dips, preferring to water, deadhead, and pot up plants long after everyone else has gone indoors. And I've long suspected that there is a secret third category besides "early bird" and "night owl": the perennially exhausted pigeon.

As the parent of small children, sleep currently feels more like an elusive fantasy. I am neither cheerfully greeting the dawn nor embracing glamorous midnight gardening sessions. Instead, I drift through the garden at odd hours clutching a lukewarm tea and wondering if I've already watered that pot, or merely thought about watering it.

Thankfully, my garden seems to have adapted to my chaotic schedule. And, over the years, I've realised that some plants genuinely reward early risers, while others save their best performances for dusk. Which means, yes, you can absolutely find the best plants to suit your biological clock.

The Best Plants to Suit Your Biological Clock

The idea of setting out to choose the best plants to suit your biological clock might sound nonsensical, but there is real science behind it. After all, gardening experts say there is a correct time to water plants (usually early in the morning, when evaporation is lower and foliage has time to dry during the day, helping to reduce the risk of fungal diseases).

But what if evening is the only time you reliably make it outdoors? Well, don't despair, as entire moon gardens can be designed around plants that release their scent after dark or whose pale flowers glow in the twilight.

So whether you're up with your birth month bird, out with the fireflies, or operating on permanently sleep-deprived pigeon time like I am, here are the plants most likely to suit your body clock. You're welcome.

If You're an Early Bird...

1. Morning Glory

If there was ever a flower designed for morning people, this is it. Morning glories unfurl their trumpet-shaped blooms at dawn before closing later in the day. If your idea of bliss involves coffee, birdsong, and a quick wander around the garden before the rest of the house wakes up, this is your plant.

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2. Roses

Many gardeners swear roses are at their most beautiful in the early morning, when blooms are fresh and fragrance often seems strongest in the cool air.

Plus, if you're already outside early, you'll be perfectly placed to tackle deadheading before the day heats up. Sound ideal? Then get yourself a Heavenly Scented rose in a 3-gallon pot from Spring Hill Nurseries at Lowe's.

3. Herbs and Salad Crops

Early birds are ideally suited to growing vegetables like herbs and salad crops. Snipping basil for breakfast eggs or harvesting lettuce for lunch before the sun gets too intense feels deeply virtuous – even if you're still in your pyjamas. Vegetables and leafy crops also appreciate the consistent moisture that morning watering provides.

Naturally, the Heatwave Blend Lettuce Seeds from Burpee knows how to keep its cool when things get hot, hot, hot. Or try something like Seed Needs Basil Seedsif you want a low-stakes, low-commitment kind of herb.

4. Thirsty Container Plants

Container gardens dry out quickly, especially during summer. If you're naturally awake early, you'll have a head start on watering before temperatures rise and evaporation ramps up (trust me, your hanging baskets will thank you for it).

Shop Garden Watering Essentials:

If You're a Night Owl...

1. Night-Scented Stock

Night owls, this one is practically your mascot. The rather understated flowers of night-scented stock become (no surprises here!) strongly fragrant after dusk, filling the garden with perfume just as you're finally getting a moment to yourself. That intoxicating perfume honestly feels like excellent validation for anyone whose gardening day doesn't start until 9pm.

Keen to give it a go? Try sowing these Evening Scented Stock Seeds from Everwilde, stat.

2. Nicotiana

Flowering tobacco may not look especially dramatic by day, but many varieties release their intoxicating fragrance in the evening. Plant these Nicotiana Mix Bedder Seeds near a patio or seating area and you'll be rewarded every time you sneak outside for five minutes of peace after bedtime.

3. Jasmine

If night gardening had a signature scent, this would be it. Jasmine releases its most intoxicating fragrance in the evening, making it perfect for anyone who finally steps outside once the house is quiet. Honestly, my patio smells amazing all summer long thanks to this one plant!

Train it near a doorway, pergola, or seating area, and it will reward late-day wanderings with a scent that feels almost unfairly luxurious after a long day.

Shop Jasmine Plants Below:

4. Silver Foliage Plants

Plants with silver or grey foliage, such as lamb's ear, dusty miller, and artemisia, reflect moonlight beautifully and can appear almost luminous at dusk. If you regularly find yourself wandering the garden after sunset, they're worth making space for.

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Ultimately, the best plants for your biological clock are the ones that fit naturally into your life. Honestly, if you're forcing yourself to care for thirsty containers at 6am when you're genetically programmed to emerge at noon, you're going about this gardening lark all wrong; it should bring you joy, after all, not breed resentment.

Personally, as that perennially exhausted pigeon, I've learned to embrace a garden with 24-hour appeal – morning glories for the dawn people, jasmine for the night owls, and plenty of forgiving plants for those of us muddling through somewhere in between. What will you be choosing for yourself, I wonder?

Crikey it's hot in the garden – which is why you should make a mini water feature for your patio or deck this weekend. Moving water brings soothing sound and movement to any backyard design, adding a tranquil element to your outside space. And a floating solar fountain powered by the sun doesn't require plumbing or electricity, cutting the hassle as well as the cost of this quick garden project. Installing a DIY water feature yourself couldn't be easier, and there's no better time to add one to your backyard.

A floating solar-powered fountain, like this top-rated Outdoor DIY Solar Bird Bath Fountain with Multiple Nozzles from Amazon, makes it feasible to have a small body of water in your garden as mosquitoes – who prefer still water – are discouraged. This means you can squeeze a stylish micropond into a tiny garden as well as add a beautiful detail to a bigger backyard. Making a container micropond is a huge garden trend for 2026, and no wonder: the rising quality and dropping prices of solar fountains means you don't have to spend much to get a sleek finish, especially when they're on sale!

You could simply drop a floating fountain into a tub of water – honestly, that would be fabulous by itself. But you could also enlist your imagination and use a solar fountain to make a striking water feature that suits your garden style perfectly. Got a cottage garden? Then set up a splashpark for birds or a drinking bar for pollinators, or upcycle a vintage container. More of a modern mood in your yard? Then a water feature in a sleek bowl planter is a must, or how about a rain chain micropond or a chic stone fountain? Whichever you choose, creating such an eye-catching focal point will have the effect of making your garden feel bigger, as well as adding a soothing soundscape.

Take your pick from these 10 inspirational ideas, and enjoy the calming joys of a garden water feature without spending a fortune. As far as container gardening ideas that you can DIY on a budget go, this is a no-brainer!

1. Upcycled Container Pond

Any container can be repurposed into a micropond as long as it’s watertight, and reusing a vintage vessel will add heaps of character to your garden. Drainage holes in old plant pots and small areas of damage are easily fixed with a silicone sealant. Just ensure you use an exterior marine sealant that’s suitable for submersion such as this silicone sealant from Amazon.

Have a look in your shed to discover a forgotten tub that could become your new micropond, or head to the global Salvo directory to find your nearest salvage yard.

2. Birdbath Splash Park

Add a solar fountain to a birdbath and your garden birds will get up to all sorts of bathtime fun for your patio amusement.

The combination of a solar fountain and splashing birds means water will inevitably be lost, so choose a low-powered fountain (under 2W) and a birdbath with as wide and deep a bowl as possible. A pedestal birdbath with a sturdy base will stand firmly on patio paving, and this polyresin design from Amazon with a 20” bowl will accommodate a fair flock of your feathered friends. On a lawn, a design with a pronged base such as this bird bath with a deep 17.4-inch bowl from Amazon is better.

3. Rain Chain Micropond

Floating solar fountains without a battery only work when the sun is shining on the panels. Add a rain chain to your container pond, however, and you'll nearly always be able to enjoy the soothing sight and sound of moving water. Rain chains are fixed in place of a downpipe to guide rainwater to ground level, so in rainy weather, water will cascade down into the container. Then when the sun reappears, the solar fountain will take over, bringing a bubbling stream of water to the container instead.

For a stylish result, match the tone of your rain chain to your watertight container. This copper rain chain with metal hummingbirds from Amazon would work so well with this galvanised copper ice-bucket tub, also from Amazon. Or how about pairing this pretty rain chain with metal leaves from Amazon with this stone-look composite no-hole planter, also from Amazon?

Shop Floating Solar Fountains

4. Bubbling Border Pool

Installing a water feature in a border not only brings sound and movement, but the change in texture provides a backdrop to highlight planting. The visual depth it creates will also make the bed appear bigger, and the rippling water will reflect any overhanging plants, especially if you add a few drops of black pond dye such as this from Amazon.

Planters are typically far cheaper than water bowls and, if you look for containers intended for succulents, you’ll find plenty that don’t have drainage holes. Products made of composite materials – often a blend of recycled plastic and stone powder – will give you the look of expensive materials at a budget price. This 16-inch round planter from Amazon comes in four fabulous faux finishes including terracotta and concrete, and has a curved rim that would work so well in a water feature. For a modern square container, this 16-inch planter is available from Amazon in the same materials.

5. Modern Bowl Micropond

A bowl fountain couldn’t be easier to make, or more lovely to look at. Shallow bowl planters are a huge trend this year so there are plenty to choose from, and if you choose one that’s intended for succulents, it typically won't have a drainage hole. This 12-inch recycled bowl planter from Amazon in four faux-natural finishes would fit the bill nicely, or there’s a slightly deeper 15.8-inch model.

Pop in a rock for a Zen vibe, fill with water, add your solar fountain and you’re done!

6. Bee Bar

If you're already growing nectar-rich flowers for pollinators, then providing a safe drinking place for them to rehydrate is one of the best ways to support wildlife in your garden, and it’s so easy to do. Put rocks and pebbles in a shallow container and keep filled with water to a level that leaves the stones semi-submerged. This gives bees and butterflies a safe place to land and drink from without drowning. Why not make a puddling pool for butterflies alongside, too?

Ensure you choose a low-powered solar fountain suitable for use in shallow water. It's best to keep your pollinator drinking station topped up with harvested rainwater rather than tap water, which is easily collected with a water butt.

More of the Best Solar Fountains

7. Dog Drinking Fountain

Do you share your outside space with your dog? Then make your pooch a backyard drinking fountain. Most dogs prefer drinking from moving water as it signals it’s safe and clean, so this is such an easy way to encourage your dog to drink more during the hot summer months.

You'll need a deep plant-pot saucer such as this from Amazon, as well as a floating solar fountain. If your dog is elderly and you plan to position the drinking fountain on a low stool or plant stand, adding a couple of stones for stability is a smart move.

8. Chic Stone Fountain

Submerge most rocks and they'll reveal a rich range of colors, so a container filled with stones makes a stylish patio feature. Using multicolored rounded stones such as these river pebbles from Amazon bring a dynamic yet natural look.

Any strong watertight container will work, but a dark-colored vessel will leave the limelight to the stone tones. It's worth visiting your local hardware store in your search for a well-priced container: this black three-gallon livestock feeder pan from Ace Hardware would give you a sizeable water feature for minimal outlay, as would this half-barrel planter, also from Ace Hardware. If you need to seal any drainage holes, use a marine-grade exterior silicone sealant such as this from Amazon.

9. Rainwater Dipping Tank

Another way to get creating with alternative containers is to make a dipping tank from a livestock watering trough such as this galvanised steel tank from Lowes. Garden dipping tanks are a big trend in Europe, and deep troughs positioned beneath downpipes to harvest rainwater. Because the troughs are big enough to dunk a watering can in, this is a fast, easy way to irrigate with harvested rainwater.

Add a floating solar fountain and the rainwater dipping tank becomes a pretty garden feature as well as a practical solution.

More Great Solar Fountains

10. Sunken Pond

Creating a micropond can be as simple as digging a hole in your backyard and sinking a sturdy tub so its rim sits at ground level. Disguise the edges with plants or create an appealing border with reclaimed clay bricks; this pond edge has been hidden with flat stones planted with low-growing evergreen perennial, heath pearlwort (Sagina subulata).

As well as adding the floating solar fountain, do fashion a ramp over the pond rim to provide a way for wildlife to exit safely from your pond. It's easily done with a log, a stack of stones, or a small pond ramp such as this from Amazon.

Adding a water feature to your garden is such a great idea in this heatwave summer, and if you need any further inspiration, how about creating a budget water feature planter that brings colorful blooms as well as cooling sound? Or using an LED solar fountain to make a water feature that lights up summer evenings? Whatever you choose to make, it's quick, easy and you'll be so glad you did.

Fun fact about me: my mother-in-law is a crystal healer. She runs a college for alternative therapies, has written books on Reiki, and, naturally, believes in the power of crystals in everyday life... including the garden.

Yes, alongside an enormous copper pyramid she’s placed over her raised beds (which, intriguingly, does seem to be doing something), she also tucks crystals into pots and borders as part of her planting ritual. She’s even mentioned that older gardening traditions, like those found in the Farmer’s Almanac, have long embraced similar intuitive approaches to gardening cycles.

I may burn herbs and plant lavender for luck (I have a thing for witchy plants), a skeptic by nature, so I didn’t expect to take any of it seriously. But, as I had a steady supply of rose quartz available, so I started experimenting in my own pots. Just placing them into the soil around my plants, whenever I remembered, and seeing what happened.

The results? Somewhat surprising.

Using Crystals in My Garden

Anyone with even the slightest interest in spiritual practice will tell you, in no uncertain terms, that rose quartz is said to represent nurturing and restoration. When it came to choosing one crystal to pop in my garden, then, it was this pretty pink stone.

Targeting those plants that had been overwatered, neglected, and generally put through it, I popped out a few crystals and promptly forgot about them... until a friend pointed out that my olive tree (which has been knocked over, battered by wind, and repotted more times than I can count this spring alone) is not just still alive, but thriving.

Coincidence? Probably. But I’ll admit I’ve started checking on the crystals more than I’d like to confess.

If you are going to experiment with rose quartz in the garden, there are a few different ways people tend to use it. Some gardeners simply tuck raw stones directly into the soil near the base of plants, almost like a hidden talisman buried in the earth. Others use larger pieces as part of decorative landscaping, placing clusters of crystals among pots or along borders where they catch the light and become part of the overall design.

There’s also a more aesthetic approach, where rose quartz is treated less like a “tool” and more like a feature. Think something like Walmart's Hand-Carved Pink Rose Quartz Decorative Stone, grouped with terracotta pots, stones, and foliage to create a kind of soft, intentional still life within the garden.

Whether you believe in any energetic properties or not, it undeniably adds a certain visual calmness to planting schemes. And, if you do start down the rabbit hole of crystal gardening lore, rose quartz is just the beginning...

Shop Crystals for Gardening:

Of course, whether using these crystals in the garden actually has an effect on the plants themselves is open to interpretation. But as with much of gardening, half the pleasure is in the ritual.

And if nothing else, it gives you another reason to spend time among your pots. Which, if your plants are as in need of TLC as mine are, is no bad thing at all.

A trellis solves a problem almost every single garden has without naming it: plenty of horizontal space and almost nothing going vertical.

Giving climbing plants somewhere purposeful to go (think roses, clematis and jasmine, or any climber that’s been spreading without direction) helps them to find their form against a good structure. And a good grounding in using trellises quickly shows how far the options stretch, from traditional cottage structures supporting climbing roses to clean-lined metal panels in contemporary spaces.

It's not just about plants, though; a good trellis can also serve as garden screening, as the right structure paired with a fast grower can provide real privacy within a season, all without building anything permanent or expensive.

Finally, don't underestimate what trellises do for wildlife; whether it's honeysuckle going up a north-facing frame, or a fragrant rambling rose trained across a shed wall, a trellis can help you pull in the sort of pollinators and nesting birds that a flat border at ground level just can't.

7 Beautiful Trellises

Basically, the right trellis will do so much more than simply turn vines into showstopper; it will help you to use that mid-level and overhead space that tends to go completely unused in smaller gardens, too.

With that in mind, then, here are the best trellises to shop now...

1. Classic Cedar Fan Trellis

Cottage gardens have leaned on the fan trellis for so long it barely needs an introduction. A cedar fan trellis like this from The Home Depot spreads outward as it rises, which is exactly what climbing roses and clematis want; both of them grow sideways as readily as up, and neither takes much coaxing to follow the shape.

Western red cedar holds up outdoors without much help, since it resists rot all on its own (unlike most untreated softwood, which tends to look scruffy by the end of a second summer). Past that, it’s a low-maintenance support that mostly stays out of the way.

2. Expandable Willow Lattice Panel

The accordion-style lattice is the practical pick. It folds flat for storage and pulls open across a section of wall or fence when you need it, and the close grid gives light climbers plenty to grab.

Sweet peas take to it quickly. So do annual vines like morning glory, and a smaller-flowered clematis will weave through it without much fuss.

An expandable trellis like this from Walmart is more workhorse than showpiece, and still looks decent against most fences.

Just remember: it’s lightweight willow, so it suits twining annuals and lighter perennials rather than anything heavy and woody that would pull it off the wall.

3. Metal Garden Obelisk

An obelisk earns its place before a single plant goes near it. Left bare? It reads as a focal point. Planted, though? It keeps working, which is more than a lot of garden structures manage.

The pyramid shape sits well in a container, too, where the proportions stay sensible and don’t crowd out whatever’s planted around the base. Sweet peas are the usual pairing; they climb without any training at all and look composed by midsummer.

A powder-coated steel obelisk like this from The Home Depot will sit happily in a formal border or a loose cottage one, and the copper coating means it a) isn’t going to rust out the way bare iron would, and b) taps into the electroculture hack so many gardeners swear by.

4. Steel Garden Arch

A free-standing arch changes a garden in a way no flat panel quite touches. Put one over a path and it frames the walk through; stand one in the middle of a border with nowhere particular to go, and it still adds depth, a sense the garden keeps going past where it actually stops.

Climbing roses are the traditional pick, and clematis takes to an arch just as readily. Wisteria works too, though it’ll want a sturdy frame and a fair bit of cutting back to stay in bounds. A steel rose arch (like this from Walmart) in powder-coated steel holds up for years. It might earn its keep slowly, but a climber in full swing over one is hard to beat.

5. Contemporary Metal Grid Panel

The clean-lined metal grid is the one for a modern or minimalist garden. Its even geometry makes a quiet backdrop behind softer herbaceous planting, and architectural climbers like large-flowered clematis tend to look their best against something this uncluttered.

Powder-coated steel weathers fine outdoors. Bare or untreated iron rusts before the climber has even settled in, so it’s worth avoiding. A black metal grid panel like this from The Home Depot doubles as a divider on a contemporary patio, which is handy where a bit of privacy and a bit of order both matter.

6. Diamond Pattern Lattice Panel

The diamond pattern of this design doesn’t draw attention to itself, which is usually what a wall wants from a trellis. Still, those angled openings look a touch more decorative than a plain square lattice.

The effect reads cottage and traditional more than modern, and jasmine and passionflower both take to it well, weaving through the anchor points rather than just running straight up the face of it.

Painted white, a trellis like this one vanishes against a light wall. Stained dark, it slips into the backdrop instead. For a painted or rendered wall, a wood diamond lattice trellis like this from Amazon is one of the more underrated things you can put up.

7. Compact Obelisk for Containers

Not every trellis needs a wall behind it. A compact obelisk sized for a large pot is one of the more underused options going, and it sorts out the balcony and small-patio problem without much fuss.

Lightweight steel versions push straight into the soil of a container and hold a season of growth easily. A compact garden obelisk like the one below from Amazon tends to make a container planting look more considered than it would on its own.

Vertical gardening doesn’t need a large garden to make sense. A single arch in an overlooked corner, or a compact obelisk in a patio container, can completely change how a space reads; neither one needs a formal layout or a prepared border to do it.

A trellis earns its place faster than most garden investments. Within one growing season, a well-chosen climbing plant will have made itself at home, and by the second it will have made itself indispensable. That’s worth keeping in mind the next time an outdoor wall or container looks like it could use something.

Moving water is a glorious addition to a garden in summer. It refracts sunlight for pretty ever-moving patterns and its bubbling sound instantly makes you feel calmer and cooler. Once upon a time, if you wanted a water feature in your garden, you had to call in a plumber – and we all know how expensive that is. Then plug-and-go water features were invented, and employing an electrician was a little cheaper. But now? You can install a water feature all by yourself, for minimal expense.

Microponds are a huge garden trend this year, and no wonder. They’re quick and easy to create, and add so much charm to your outdoor aesthetics. Because they're powered by a solar fountain, these water features can sit pretty much anywhere in your garden that gets some sunshine. What’s more, you can reposition your micropond to switch up your garden, and even take it with you if you move house – because the core element of this water feature is that it’s created in a container. As far as quick and clever ideas for container gardening go, it's a winner!

Whether you want your DIY water feature to support wildlife, allow you to grow aquatic plants, or simply to decorate your deck or a border of blooms, this is such a versatile project. A quick search on socials and you’ll see gardeners are dreaming up all sorts of innovative ideas to add a solar micropond to a garden, so let your imagination run riot. But first, here's all the information you need to create the must-have water feature of the summer.

1. Choose a Container

You can make your water feature as big or small as you wish, though obviously the more mini your micropond, the more often you’ll need to top it up with water. If it's purely decorative, the container simply needs to be wide and deep enough for the solar fountain to work. To function as a living pond and sustain plant- or animal life longterm, however, it’s best to go bigger with a container that's at least 24 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep.

As long as the container is watertight, you can use anything you like, and many folk choose to upcycle a container they’ve already got. You can patch up holes in a vintage vessel or fill drainage holes in a planter with marine-grade silicone sealant such as this from Amazon. If you’re using an old Belfast or Butler (farmhouse) sink, use the sealant to fix a universal bathtub plug such as this from Amazon in place.

If you need to buy a container, then planters are often a far more cost-effective buy than purpose-made water feature bowls, and those intended for succulents typically don't have a drainage hole. Have a look at resin or plastic planters which mimic natural materials such as stone or slate, and are typically far cheaper than the real thing. Hunt around in your local hardware store for good-value animal waterers or sturdy utility tubs that would serve as containers, too.

Unglazed terracotta pots are porous, so they're not suitable.

2. Position Your Micropond

Any small body of water will heat up and evaporate more quickly than a larger area, so it’s important to choose the right levels of sun and shade. Most aquatic water plants need some sunshine to thrive, more pollinators will visit a sunny spot, and your solar fountain obviously needs sunlight to function. However, too much sun creates ideal conditions for algae.

The ideal spot will get 4-6 hours of sunshine in the morning or evening (or a mix of both) but be shaded through the hottest part of the day.

Consider what plants will be around and above your micropond too: you don’t want to be forever fishing out fallen leaves. Work out where your water feature will bring you the most enjoyment, too: would you like to see it mid-border, surrounded by blooms, or enjoy the bubbling soundscape next to your favorite patio armchair?

3. Make it Safe for Wildlife

Whether or not you want wildlife to use your micropond, some will inevitably visit, so it's important to ensure critters can safely climb in and out. Add a stack of clean rocks, bricks or a log at an internal edge of your micropond, or a small wildlife ramp such as this from Amazon.

4. Fill With Water

If you’re growing aquatic plants or you want wildlife to use your micropond, it’s best to fill it with rainwater collected in a rain barrel or water butt.

5. Add Some Plants, if You Want

You don't need to add plants to your micropond, but if you do, choose wisely as pond plants tend to grow quickly, and it's best to leave at least part of the water's surface area clear. So, just as you choose plants that are the right size for your patio pots, you need to pick your micropond flowers and foliage to suit your container.

It’s best to buy water plants from a specialist supplier such as Pond Plants of America. Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammua) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) – available in pink as well as blue, are all great compact choices for a micropond, and are stocked by Pond Plants of America.

Another option is to DIY a budget water feature planter with your micropond sitting in a wider container planted with flowers, bringing color as well as cooling sound.

6. Create Water Movement

A floating solar-powered water fountain will add soothing sound as well as appealing movement. It has practical benefits, too, oxygenating the water which prevents it from stagnating. And, because mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, a water fountain means you won’t inadvertently be providing skeeters with a breeding ground in your garden.

Another benefit is that, by making a water feature with an LED solar fountain to light up summer evenings, you add an after-dark focus.

When you're making DIY water features with solar fountains, it's important to choose the right level of power for the size of your container, as a high-powered fountain in a small container will splash water over the rim and you’ll have to refill more often.

7. Keep Your Micropond Topped Up

Depending on the size of your container, you’ll need to top it up regularly, especially in hot weather. It's best to use rainwater if you can.

8. Accessorize!

Don't miss the opportunity to dress your micropond, inside and out. Rounded river pebbles strewn around the base grounds the container if it's standing on paving or decking. Add some personality, too, even if it's just while you're waiting for those pond plants to grow or critters to naturally find their way to your new water feature. After all, this is your new favorite garden feature!

Warning: Any body of water, no matter how small, poses a drowning risk to young children.

As a vegetarian married to a lovable carnivore, summer entertaining can sometimes involve a little compromise. While I’m happiest grilling halloumi, vegetable skewers, and corn on the cob, my husband is usually eyeing up steaks and burgers (lots of them). The one thing we can always agree on, though, is that there’s something special about gathering outdoors on a warm evening.

The problem is that, with two young children and a modest-sized outdoor space, we don’t have room for one of those enormous grills that seem to dominate an entire patio. In previous years we’ve often defaulted to cooking indoors and then bringing it all out with us instead, simply because it felt easier than hauling out bulky equipment for a casual evening outside.

That’s why IKEA’s $79 cast-iron grill caught my attention; it promises to transform even the teeniest yard into an effortless barbecue garden.

All Hail IKEA’s $79 cast-iron grill

Clocking in just shy of $80, IKEA’s SOLUPPGÅNG cast-iron grill measures in at just 8 ¼ by 16 ⅞ inches, making it just compact enough for smaller spaces. Unlike many portable grills, though, it promises serious performance thanks to its heavy-duty cast-iron construction; think quick heat times and reliable performance when it comes to searing meat.

It’s also designed to do more than just cook. Once the food is done, it naturally becomes a relaxed focal point for the rest of the evening, creating that warm, campfire-style glow that makes people want to linger outside in a cozy backyard a little longer.

And, for families who want to make the most of their outdoor space without filling it with bulky equipment, that flexibility? It is a big part of the appeal.

The SOLUPPGÅNG is made from cast iron, a material known for retaining and distributing heat evenly. According to IKEA, the design also includes vents that improve airflow beneath the coals, helping the grill reach higher temperatures and cook food more efficiently.

Its compact size is another major advantage. Practical handles make it easier to move around the garden, while the grate is designed to prevent smaller foods (such as sliced vegetables, fish, or my beloved halloumi skewers) from falling through into the coals. Reviewers repeatedly praise its ability to hold heat. One shopper described it as a “stunning little BBQ,” adding that it is portable, easy to use, and “stays HOT for a long time.” Another called it “superb,” saying it “gets hot and stays hot” while praising the heavy-duty cast-iron construction.

A third reviewer wrote: “For a quick grill, my steaks came out beautifully with this cast iron grill.” And still one more added that, “be it corn or cottage cheese, the wider grilling area helps cooks evenly.”

Shop BBQ Essentials:

What stands out most about IKEA’s $79 cast-iron grill isn’t just the cooking performance (although it clearly delivers on that front; it even comes pre-seasoned with soybean oil), but the way it fits into everyday outdoor living.

For smaller gardens, patios, or compact outdoor spaces, oversized barbecues feel... well, they feel incredibly impractical. This grill, however, offers a way to enjoy spontaneous outdoor cooking without committing to a permanent, space-hogging setup.

And once dinner is over? Well, it naturally becomes a place to stay outside a little longer; just whip out the marshmallows, settle back with drinks, and enjoy the lazy hazy conversation around the soft glow of the coals as the evening winds down.

It's not quite a fire pit, but I say it is more than close enough in spirit to create that relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes summer evenings feel like a ritual rather than a rush. And honestly? Sometimes, that’s all you need: good food, good company, and a small cast-iron grill that quietly does more than just cook dinner.

We don’t usually expect nature to have opinions about us. And yet again and again, we find ourselves trying to read meaning into it, as though the natural world might secretly know who we are.

We tend our gardens, name our favourites, feel oddly seen by certain landscapes. And then there’s the forest itself, calling to us like a siren, full of its own quiet archetypes. Somewhere in that pull lives the idea of a birth month woodland animal, offering a way of mapping personality onto something older, wilder, and entirely indifferent to whether it reflects us at all.

Yes, somewhere between learning that my birth month has a tree, and then discovering there are also birds, flowers, and even insects assigned to it, I fell down a rather charming rabbit hole. One where nature seems quietly intent on reflecting us back to ourselves in increasingly inventive ways.

Grab yourself a motion-activated wildlife camera with night vision, like the GardePro on Amazon, then, and let's find out more about the forest-dwelling critters that speak volumes about us.

All 12 Birth Month Woodland Animals

There’s something deeply comforting about the idea that your personality might be echoed not only in stars and symbols, but in the living, breathing world just outside your window. In forests especially, that feeling deepens.

These aren’t decorative creatures. They are survivors, builders, hunters, wanderers, and quietly intelligent observers of their own intricate worlds. And once you pair each woodland animal with your birth month? Why, you get a playful lens through which to explore instinct, temperament, and seasonal energy.

So, from the loyal gray wolf to the unstoppable wolverine, meet the forest animals that carry stories of their own. And somewhere in those stories, you might just find yours, too...

January – Gray Wolf

Gray wolves move with quiet coordination through winter landscapes, guided by instinct, loyalty, and deep connection to their pack. Naturally, then, January personalities linked to the wolf tend to value trust, family, and structure... even if they’re fiercely independent when needed.

There’s strength in you, but it’s never wasted, basically. So why not pay homage to your birth month woodland animal (and remind yourself to unleash your inner wolf) with this pretty wolf-patterned solar lamp for your garden?

February – Snowshoe Hare

The snowshoe hare is a master of adaptation, shifting its coat with the seasons to survive in shifting landscapes. If this is your birth month woodland animal, then, you’re likely sensitive, observant, and far more resilient than you appear. You don’t fight the world head-on: you outmanoeuvre it quietly.

If you live in an area where hares might visit your garden, be sure to leave a few rough-and-ready patches for them to enjoy (and opt for some rabbit-proof plants if you don't want everything nibbled, too; something like this Serendipity Allium from Nature Hills works well).

March – Coyote

Coyote energy is clever, adaptable, and endlessly resourceful. These animals thrive at the edges of wilderness and human spaces alike, finding opportunity where others see limits. If this is your birth month woodland animal, then, it means you are a quick thinker, not to mention playful, strategic, and impossible to pin down.

In the garden, that same spirit shows up in self-seeding wildflowers; the ones that don’t wait for permission, but simply find a gap and make it theirs. Bag yourself this Perennial Wildflower Seed Kit from Burpee, then, and get sowing.

April – American Beaver

Beavers are nature’s architects, shaping entire ecosystems with patience and determination. If this is your birth month animal, you’re likely grounded, practical, and deeply constructive in everything you do.

You build stability, not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.. which explains why you may be drawn to garden structures like raised beds or modular compost systems.

Shop Raised Beds:

May – Moose

The moose is quiet power personified. Despite its size, it moves with surprising grace through wetlands and forest edges. May babies often carry that same calm confidence, which means they tend to be steady, gentle, and unbothered by external noise.

If this is your birth month woodland animal, you don’t need to rush when you already know your direction. And, in the garden, this shows up in slow-growing structural plants; a single statement tree, or a carefully chosen evergreen?

You love the stuff that anchors everything around it, so be sure to pick the plants that become more impressive with time. Something like the Girard's Renee Michelle Evergreen Azalea from Nature Hills ticks every box going!

June – Gray Fox

Unlike most canids (Attenborough, eat your heart out!), the gray fox can climb trees, move silently, and navigate multiple layers of the forest. If this is your birth month woodland animal, then, it means you are observant and intelligent, with a slightly unconventional streak.

You’re comfortable moving between worlds without fully belonging to any one of them. Remember that predators like foxes help keep rodent populations in check, so they are a very good critter to see in your garden... unless you have a hen house, perhaps.

July – Cougar

Cougars are solitary, powerful, and intensely focused. They don’t announce themselves; instead, they prefer to... well, to simply move with purpose. If this is your birth month woodland animal, you likely value independence and control over your environment.

There’s a quiet magnetism to you that doesn’t need explanation. And, yes, if that resonates, it translates beautifully into statement containers and carefully placed focal plants. Who knew, eh?

Container Planting Essentials:

August – Black Bear

Black bears are adaptable, curious, and surprisingly gentle when not threatened. They represent both strength and warmth, which is a combination that makes them deeply compelling.

As such, August babies often balance protectiveness with softness, especially when it comes to those they care about. Lean into that sweet energy, then, and try planting fruiting shrubs like blackberries, raspberries, and currants.

Something like this Triple Crown Thornless Blackberry Bush from Nature Hills should fit the bill perfectly.

September – Bobcat

Bobcats are elusive, focused, and highly perceptive. They don’t waste energy on anything unnecessary. If this is your birth month woodland animal, you likely prefer depth over noise. Which means, yes, observing more than you speak, and choosing your moments carefully.

As a gardener, this looks like choosing those quiet, thoughtful plants that require little intervention. Something like the Wiggles & Squiggles Hosta from Nature Hills works perfectly.

October – American Badger

Badgers are fearless, determined, and famously unbothered by obstacles. They dig, persist, and defend their space without hesitation. October babies tend to have the same strong inner fire as their birth month woodland animal, which basically means this: once you decide on something, it’s very hard to shake you off course.

Be the kind of badger who makes space for other critters and turn your yard into a wildlife garden; it truly is the best way to honor your forest-dwelling friends in style.

November – Brown Bear

Brown bears embody introspection as much as strength, as they spend long periods in quiet reflection and rest, emerging when the time is right. Unsurprisingly, then, those who call this their birth month woodland animal often carry emotional depth and endurance, not to mention the kind of strength that doesn’t need to be visible to be real.

As bears and honey are never far apart in folklore or nature, it makes sense that this energy pairs beautifully with bee-friendly gardens rich in flowering herbs and nectar plants that turn a garden into something quietly alive and sustaining.

Shop Bee Garden Essentials:

December – Wolverine

Wolverines are rare, fierce, and astonishingly resilient in extreme conditions. They survive where few others can, driven by instinct and sheer determination. If you are a December baby, then, much like your inner wolverine, you are bold, relentless, and quietly unstoppable... even when the odds aren’t in their favor.

Much like the wolverine itself, hellebores thrive against the odds. If you want to see something beautiful in the bleakest part of winter, these frost-hardy flowers will keep blooming long after more delicate plants have given up. Try something like the FrostKiss™ Penny's Pink® Lenten Rose from Nature Hills.

Whether it’s the community-driven wolf, the ingenious beaver, or the solitary cougar, each animal reflects a different way of moving through the world. So if your birth month woodland animal feels strangely accurate, lean into it! It might just mean that nature has always been paying closer attention to us than you realize.

There’s a particular moment in gardening that no one warns you about: the point where you fall in love with a plant… and then quietly put it back exactly where you found it in your local garden center when you see the price.

We talk a lot about the plants that can add value to your home, but what about the ones that quietly drain your gardening budget instead? Sometimes all it takes is one trendy hydrangea or a perfectly sculpted rose to make your cart total spiral out of control.

Thankfully, there’s good news: a lot of those “aspirational” plants have beautifully affordable lookalikes. Not cheap knock-offs in the sad sense, either, but reliable, widely available alternatives that give you the same mood, shape, or seasonal drama for far less money. Sounds too good to be true, right?

8 Expensive Plants And Their Beautiful Budget-Friendly Dupes

Some people (read: my husband) refer to me as a “crazy plant lady” for my inability to walk into a shop without leaving with a surprise plant in tow. Unfortunately, gardening has also taught me that the prettier the plant, the more likely it is to come with a price tag capable of ruining my entire weekend.

So, I went looking for the best budget-friendly dupes (all of which are readily available from US nurseries) that let you get the look without the luxury price tag. You are very welcome...

1. Love English Roses? Try Knock Out Roses Instead

English roses are the dream: full, fragrant, impossibly romantic blooms that feel like they belong in an old country garden. The only problem is that they can be expensive, high-maintenance, and a little fussy in less-than-perfect conditions.

Knock Out roses, on the other hand, give you almost everything you want from a rose (think color, repeat flowering, and reliable performance) without the diva behaviour. They’re tough, forgiving, and ideal for US gardens where summers can swing from humid to harsh.

It’s the same rose romance, just with fewer demands. Ideal, right?

Shop Knock Out Roses:

2. Tree Peonies Are Great — But Herbaceous Peonies Are Cheaper

Tree peonies are stunning, architectural plants with enormous blooms – and equally enormous price tags. They grow slowly, take patience, and often feel more like a collector’s item than a garden staple.

Herbaceous peonies, on the other hand, deliver that same sense of abundance and drama, but with far less commitment. They die back in winter and return stronger each year, producing those lush, layered blooms that feel almost too extravagant for early summer borders.

If tree peonies are the couture version, herbaceous peonies are the beautifully made everyday classic. Bag yourself a bare root Shirley Temple Peony from the Willard & May Store, then, and get ready to fall hard for it.

3. Nova Zembla Rhododendrons Look Spectacular – But Annabelle Hydrangeas Give You the Same Drama for Less

There’s something undeniably luxurious about a mature rhododendron covered in huge scarlet blooms, but larger specimens can come with equally dramatic price tags – especially if you’re trying to create an established-looking landscape quickly.

Annabelle hydrangeas offer that same oversized flowering shrub effect, just in a softer, more versatile form. Their enormous white blooms light up borders throughout summer, and they’re often easier to grow across a wider range of US climates and soil types. You lose none of the impact, but gain a plant that feels much more forgiving.

Bag yourself an Annabelle Hydrangea at Nature Hills, then, and get ready for a spectacular show of blooms every year.

4. Skip Expensive Miscanthus Grasses and Grow Switchgrass Instead

Tall ornamental grasses have become a staple of modern landscaping, but premium Miscanthus cultivars can be surprisingly expensive once you start planting in multiples.

Switchgrass delivers the same soft movement and architectural texture, while bringing the added bonus of being native to much of North America. It catches the light beautifully, supports wildlife, and thrives in everything from prairie-style planting to more contemporary backyard borders.

It’s proof that some of the best garden structure comes from plants that already belong in the landscape, and that is a lesson we could all stand to learn and re-learn. Something like Shenandoah Switch Grass from Nature Hills should work well in Zones 4-9.

5. Instead of Star Jasmine, Grow Evergreen Honeysuckle Instead

Star jasmine has become one of the most desirable climbing plants for fences, pergolas, and backyard privacy screens – but larger plants can quickly become expensive, especially if you’re trying to cover a lot of space.

Honeysuckle gives you that same lush, leafy look with fragrant flowers woven through the foliage, but usually at a much more affordable price point. It grows quickly, softens harsh structures beautifully, and brings a slightly wilder, more relaxed feel to a garden. Plus, hummingbirds love it!

You lose a little of the polished “designer patio” aesthetic – but gain a climber that feels generous, fast-growing, and wonderfully alive? Well worth the swap, I say!

Shop Honeysuckles:

6. Lavender May Be Trendy – But Salvias Often Perform Better in US Gardens

Lavender has become one of the defining plants of modern cottage-garden design, but it can be surprisingly fussy outside hot, dry climates. In humid parts of the US especially, it often struggles with moisture and drainage issues.

No surprises, then, that salvias are the flowering perennial quietly replacing lavender in gardens across the US. After all, salvias deliver the same hazy purple effect and pollinator appeal, but with far less effort. They bloom for longer, tolerate a wider range of conditions, and bring nonstop color to borders throughout summer.

You still get that soft Mediterranean look – just with a plant that’s much happier in real-world gardens.

7. Boxwood Looks Classic – But Inkberry Holly Is Much Easier to Live With

Boxwood has long been associated with elegant formal gardens, but creating a full hedge can become incredibly expensive – especially as boxwood blight and pest issues continue to affect plants across the US.

Inkberry holly gives you that same evergreen structure without feeling quite so high-maintenance. It forms a dense, rounded shape that works beautifully in foundation planting and native garden schemes alike.

It may be a little looser and softer in appearance, but that’s part of its charm. Something like Strongbox Inkberry Holly from Nature Hills grows faster than boxwood and offers year-round structure in Zones 5-9. All of which sounds pretty gosh darn good, right?

8. Wisteria Looks Romantic – But Clematis Gives You the Same Effect for Less

Few garden sights are more iconic than wisteria tumbling over a pergola or cottage wall, dripping with cascades of purple blooms. Still, while it may be a dreamy garden plant, wisteria can be expensive to buy in a mature, impactful size, and even more of a commitment to train and maintain properly. It demands a long-term relationship plant, as it is... well, not especially quick to deliver results.

Clematis, though, offers a much more accessible route to that same romantic climbing effect. With far lower upfront cost and a huge range of varieties, it can cover fences, trellises, and arches with generous flowering in a fraction of the time. While the look is slightly less dramatic in a single sweeping cascade, the overall effect (soft, floral, vertical romance) is remarkably similar.

It’s the difference between waiting years for a statement moment, or enjoying something beautifully close to it much sooner, basically.

Shop Clematis:

So, there we have it! You absolutely do not have to spend a fortune on plants; you just have to think hard about what you really want from that dreamy addition to your garden, and figure out which dupe will provide accordingly.

Honestly, getting as much bang for your buck should always be pretty high on your list of priorities when it comes to filling your garden with plants. After all, you work hard and you deserve to see that effort reflected back in a space that feels abundant, beautiful and a bit indulgent without having to remortgage the house to achieve it.

So next time you’re tempted by something expensive and slightly out of reach, pause and ask yourself what you’re actually trying to achieve. Chances are, there’s a clever, budget-friendly alternative that will get you very close to the same result... and leave you with enough money left over for something else you’ll love just as much.

Every May, the world’s best growers and garden designers gather for the greatest garden event on planet Earth: RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The 20-acre site in London fills with nearly 400 horticultural exhibits and an unimaginable number of plants – it’s estimated that each show garden has over 3,000 plants apiece. And each year, common threads that appear in multiple exhibits become global garden design trends that affect gardeners all over the world.

It’s impossible to over-estimate the influence RHS Chelsea Flower Show has on the gardening industry. Myriad new products and plant varieties are launched here, and buyers make decisions that define the selection offered to us hoi-polloi gardeners. Celebrities in floral frocks congregate like wasps in a jam jar, their patronage steering what garden goodies we’ll covet most. Sir David Beckham even co-designed one of this year’s gardens, for goodness’ sake, and had a new rose named in his honor.

Influencers swarm over the exhibits, too, sharing Chelsea highlights far and wide across social media. Hundreds of thousands of visitors (sipping an estimated 39,755 glasses of Pimm’s) and hours of TV coverage later, the show’s standout features have been endlessly discussed, deliberated over and decided. And while there’s all sorts of newsworthy chatter about oddball garden moments from outdoor saunas to snooker tables, what I’m really interested in are the strongest trends that translate to actual gardens. And here, dear reader, they are. Whether you're looking for patio ideas, container inspiration or fresh planting palettes, which will become your next backyard project?

1. Terracotta Tones

The most popular tone at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a soft terracotta, matching the mood of the naturalistic planting to a tee. As well as sculpted clay walls in the Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden and burnt-orange planters of the Plant Heritage Missing Collector Garden (above), rusty Corten steel, aging copper and clay bricks brought warm, earthy colors across the board. And of course, there were lots of terracotta pots!

All sorts of plant families popped up to show off petals in the terracotta spectrum from bronze to coral to just peachy, with nasturtiums, iris and geums aplenty. Tree bark got in on the act, too, and perhaps the prettiest was the peeling reddish-brown of Betula nana (dwarf birch) in Fettercairn: The Angels’ Share balcony garden.

2. Enchanting Iris

It would be quicker to list the show gardens without iris growing than to list those with. In the Japanese courtyard of the Tokonoma Garden – Sanumaya no Niwa – irises were literally the only flowers among the beautiful moss balls and fern fronds. From the dramatic deep purples of Iris ‘Superstition’ and ‘Black Swan’ in The Boodles Garden (above) to huge bronze-toned Iris ‘Red Pike’ in Trussell’s Together Garden, the opulent petals oozed aloof elegance. And iris will bring the same effortless style to any home border.

There were more bearded iris than any other, considered by many to be the archetypal Iris and loved for their caterpillar-y row of hairs (the beard!) on lower petals. These beauties deserve a spot in every garden and are mostly hardly in zones 3–9. If you’re yet to be convinced, take a look at bearded iris ‘Bernice’s Legacy’, available from Nature Hills, and get ready to swoon!

3. Informal Planting

Gone are the days of formal borders and the style of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show was almost universally a relaxed return to naturalistic planting. Nativars – cultivars bred from native plants – were widespread, and bumblebees showed their buzzing appreciation. Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ (cow parsley) danced its way through many of the show gardens, as did Cistus creticus (Cretan rockrose) and foxgloves in a rainbow of pastel shades.

There was even a nettle in The Whittard of Chelsea Garden!

So loosen up, relax, and add some wildflowers to your borders. Don’t worry too much about the weeds, either: the ‘On the Edge’ garden (above) was created almost exclusively from plants we might pull up from our gardens as ‘weeds’.

4. Solitary Sanctuaries

As we all become more socially connected, the more it seems we crave some alone time – or at least, that’s what garden designers appear to think. Plenty of this year’s show gardens had nooks meant just for one, with a single seat surrounded with peaceful planting. Perhaps the most serene of all was in The Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden (above), where an armchair sculpted from a block of wood sat quietly among Acer campestre (field maple) and Silene dioica (red campion).

A solitary sanctuary with a comfy seat and sensory planting to soothe the soul? I’ll be starting with this trend first!

5. Rain Chains

There’s always plenty of arid landscaping, drought-tolerant planting and rainwater harvesting to be found in Chelsea Flower Show gardens, and rightly so. But while these concepts are all-important to gardening in today’s climate, we can’t really call them ‘new’. But where all of these ideas converge in a celebration of precious rainwater with a rain chain? That’s a trend set to be huge in 2026.

From an elegant fall of patina-ed Persian copper cups in the Flood Re: Contain the Rain Garden, to a couple of simple rusty chains in the Tales from the Riverbank Garden, water gently trickled downwards here, there and everywhere. My favorite rain chains, though, were in the Hanging Gardens of Botanica where water drip-dripped through vertical columns of terracotta pots planted with Philodendron. Genius!

6. Artfully Recycled Materials

The art of upcycling trash into garden treasure moved a good notch up the style dial at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Without doubt the most beautiful reclamation was in The Whittard of Chelsea Garden, where pipes propped up on spiralling brick stacks fed water into huge copper urns. But many other show gardens were built from repurposed materials, showing us all that secondhand can be even more stylish than buying new.

Old paving was cut up to form paths and used steel rafters fashioned into a canopy in The Children’s Society Garden, and the walls of the Addleshaw Goddard: Flourish in the City garden were made from oyster shell-based concrete. The Transient Garden boasted a scaffold-board outdoor sofa, and The Sightsavers Garden had circular raised beds constructed of bricks, both DIY-doable projects in any garden. So, whatever junk you have stashed behind the garden shed, it’s time to turn it into something beautiful for your backyard.

7. Fabulous Foliage

I reckon 2026 was the year of the leaf at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as foliage outshone flowers in multiple show gardens. Hardly anyone noticed the fabulous sculptures in The Tate Britain Garden, so commanding were the enormous textural leaves of velvet groundsel (Roldana petasitis) planted in front. And nobody had a clue what the dinner-plate leaves of unusual Boehmeria platyphylla (sycamore-leaf false nettle) in The Asthma and Lung UK Breaking Space Garden were.

The 2026 Plant of the Year, announced at the show, was even a leafy lovely, and everyone adored the moody, magenta-daubed foliage of Hosta RED NINJA. Suddenly having a shady plot to grow the lushest of leaves is top of the garden want-list, though there were plenty of foliage plants at the show for sunny spots, too, with a secondary benefit of shapely shadows cast. Green had never looked so good.

8. Crushed Shells

I’m not sure if there are many shells left in the sea, given how many were used in the Chelsea show gardens. Crushed shells are a sustainable material that’s simply great for any garden, and I found them used to create paths in The Eden Project: Bring Me Sunshine Garden, as a gravel-mulch alternative in the borders of the Addleshaw Goddard: Flourish in the City garden, and as a filler between paving in The Seasalt Painted Garden. Some Houseplant Studios displays used crushed shells as a sparkling pot-topper, too.

If you want to follow suit, you can buy organic sea shell mulch from Gardenwise via Amazon.

9. Mixing Edible and Ornamental

While plenty of show gardens tucked curly kale and bronze fennel into borders full of flowering plants, The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden was a masterclass in mixing edible with ornamental. Among the delphiniums and sweet peas grew beans and cabbages, with no distinction drawn between room for blooms and veggie-patch staples. All manner of herbs were woven into the tapestry, too, and pistachio, mulberry and pomegranate trees used for structure.

In other gardens, strawberries popped up in improbable places, in between pavers in The Campaign to Protect Rurual England Garden and trailing from pergola rafters in the Hedgerow in the Sky garden. Both the Little Garden of Shared Knowledge and Tales from the Riverbank Garden gardens consummately proved that growing all manner of fruit and vegetables in pots can be seriously pretty, too.

This is such an easy and deliciously rewarding trend to try at home, whether you grow a hanging basket of strawberries or a patio pot of tomatoes. And any veggie varieties that thrive in a pot won’t overtake a border already full of blooms.

10. Cottage-Garden Roses for Pollinators

The dazzling display of David Austin Roses at the heart of The Great Pavilion is a Chelsea Flower Show staple, and you can literally follow your nose to find the perfumed blooms. Every year, the roses get bigger and better, with more and more ruffles of petals – but not this time! While showstopper blooms were still aplenty, an abundance of smaller open-structured roses stole the limelight. Why? Because the big benefit of these little roses is that pollinators can actually reach their nectar.

So many show garden designers had plumped for simple pollinator-friendly roses with exposed centers, too. Even the Sir David Beckham rose, launched at RHS Chelsea and looking divine growing in The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, allows bees easy access to its pollen. While this new cultivar has lots of soft white petals, the blooms are deeply cupped so pollinators can fly right in. Just in case you’re curious (I was!), 'Sir David Beckham' smells like a green banana with a splash of an expensive musky aftershave. The bees liked it, anyway!

In the same way you can tell a lot about someone from the books on their shelves or the music playing when you walk into their house, I’ve become slightly obsessed with what front yards say about people. And, in particular, the plants they choose to grow there.

Yes, whenever I take my dog for a little stroll around the neighborhood, I’ve found myself considering what people’s front yard plants say about them, whether it’s the immaculate lawn edged within an inch of its life, or that relaxed wildflower garden buzzing with bees.

Of course, not everyone is consciously trying to project an image through their landscaping (sometimes a rose bush really is just a rose bush). Still, plants still carry associations, and whether we realize it or not, our front yards often become extensions of our personalities, priorities, and even aspirations.

Front Yard Plants That Say More About You Than You Think

It makes a lot of sense that our front yard plants can hint at whether we’re practical or romantic, trend-focused or traditional, laid-back or detail-oriented. After all, we are all more invested in curb appeal than ever.

As such, front yards have become part status symbol, part self-expression, part outdoor living space. Indeed, social media certainly means we’re all quietly judging each other’s landscaping choices the same way we judge kitchen renovations and paint colors, whether we like to admit it or not.

So if you’ve ever wondered what message your front yard might be sending to the neighbors, here are seven popular front yard plants that may be saying more about you than you think...

1. Hydrangeas

Huge hydrangea bushes lining the front walk practically announce that you love classic curb appeal. These front yard plants tell people that you want your home to feel welcoming, polished, and a little aspirational. The kind of house people imagine hosting summer lunches on the patio, basically.

Hydrangea people tend to appreciate tradition, but not in a stuffy way. There’s usually a softness to the look: overflowing blooms, cozy porch furniture, maybe a wreath on the door year-round. It gives strong “I have a signature lemonade recipe” energy, in the best possible way.

These shrubs are also undeniably high-impact, which suggests you like your landscaping to make an impression without feeling flashy. You probably appreciate timeless design over fast-moving trends, too, try planting something like a classic Annabelle Hydrangea from Nature Hills. Or, if you want to attract more songbirds, go for their Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea instead.

2. Native Flowers

If your front yard is filled with native flowers, you’re likely sending a very different message: you care more about pollinators and biodiversity than perfectly manicured grass.

Gardeners who prize native flowers over all others often come across as relaxed, environmentally conscious, and quietly confident enough not to care whether every neighbor understands the vision immediately. You probably know what a monarch caterpillar looks like and have very strong feelings about bees.

There’s also a growing cultural shift away from pristine lawns toward more naturalistic planting, so wildflower front yards are very much becoming a modern trend. Whatever style of native bloom you go for, though, the overall impression is one of a homeowner who is thoughtful, creative, and community-minded.

if you fancy making this your vibe, try something like these Magnus Purple Coneflower from Nature Hills. Great for pollinators and beautiful? Amazing!

3. Hedges

Perfectly clipped hedges suggest you like order, structure, and things looking intentionally put together. Even if the inside of the house is chaos, the front yard says, “Everything is under control.”

Why? Well, because they’re symmetrical, dependable, and quietly formal, which often appeals to people who prefer classic aesthetics over anything overly trendy.

A hedge-heavy yard also gives off the impression that you value consistency. You probably aren’t repainting your front door every six months or chasing viral garden trends from TikTok. Your style is established, refined, and likely HOA-approved.

(And yes, I do happen to have a pretty lush-looking laurel hedge in my own front yard. What of it?).

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4. Lavender

Lavender as a front yard plant instantly creates a romantic, calming atmosphere, and people who plant it often want their homes to feel like a retreat from the outside world.

Lavender lovers tend to lean into cozy rituals and sensory experiences. You probably light candles during the day, own linen clothing, or dream about moving to a small farmhouse somewhere picturesque. Even in suburbia, lavender says, “I’m trying to find some inner peace here.”

It also hints at a slightly design-conscious personality. Lavender has become hugely associated with cottage-style gardens and wellness culture, so the overall effect feels curated but approachable. Try the Phenomenal® Lavender from Nature Hills if you want a hardy plant with long-lasting blooms; pollinators will thank you for it!

5. Hostas

Hostas are the ultimate practical person’s plant, and I mean that as a compliment. If your front yard is full of lush hostas, you likely value reliability, ease, and greenery that consistently looks good without demanding too much attention (and you also likely have zero fear of slugs, which makes you a lionheart in the world of gardening).

Hosta gardeners often come across as grounded and realistic. You appreciate beauty, but you don’t necessarily want your weekends consumed by deadheading flowers or babying delicate plants through heat waves.

There’s also something comforting about hostas. They’ve been a suburban staple for decades, so they carry a familiar, dependable energy. A hosta-filled front yard feels lived-in, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious... which is a winning formula, quite frankly, and well worth the cost of this unique Stained Glass Hosta from Nature Hills.

6. Roses

Roses tell the world you’re willing to put effort into beauty. Nobody accidentally grows good roses. They require patience, care, and optimism – especially after battling pests, black spot, or brutal summer heat.

People who plant roses often have a sentimental streak. You probably appreciate tradition, meaningful gestures, and things that feel a little romantic or nostalgic. Your garden isn’t just decorative; it’s emotional... and confident, too. These are, after all, dramatic, attention-grabbing plants.

A front yard full of blooming roses, then? That says you’re not afraid of standing out a little. If you like the romantic ruffles of the rose above, you need the Yves Piaget® Potted Rose Bush from Grace Rose Farm, stat!

7. Ornamental Grasses

If your front yard features sweeping ornamental grasses, there’s a good chance you’re very aware of design trends. These plants have become a favorite in modern landscaping because they add movement, texture, and that slightly upscale designer garden look.

Ornamental grass people tend to appreciate clean aesthetics and contemporary outdoor spaces. You probably have opinions about exterior paint palettes and secretly enjoy browsing real estate listings just to look at landscaping ideas.

There’s also an understated confidence to ornamental grasses. They don’t rely on bright flowers or flashy color, which gives the overall look a calm, architectural feel. Your front yard says you like things stylish, but never overly fussy.

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Of course, there are other front yard plants that say more about you than you think.

The pristine striped lawn might suggest you are a perfectionist, for example, or the spiky holly might suggest you are very protective when it comes to your home and those who dwell within it. The wisteria marks you as a romantic soul (or, fine, someone who read that it will add value to their home. Either or).

Whichever you choose, take a moment to consider what it might signify about you on a deeper level... and then plant it anyway! Because a garden that speaks volumes about you to the world beyond your fence? That sounds pretty magical to me.

Look, everyone knows that finding stylish garden lighting that a) doesn’t look overly technical, or b) feel painfully expensive is surprisingly difficult. In fact, I'd say that most outdoor lights tend to fall into one of two categories: practical but boring, or beautiful but wildly overpriced.

So when I spotted IKEA’s limited edition SOLVINDEN LED decorative globe light, you'd best believe that I had to do a double take. With its softly rounded globe shape, warm glow, and playful red-pink finish, the rechargeable light looks far more like something you’d find in a chic boutique garden store than a flat-packed home retailer.

Better still? Unlike many decorative outdoor lights that require complicated wiring or permanent installation, this one is portable, USB-chargeable, and designed for both indoor and outdoor use... making it one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate a garden. Even if you happen to be (ahem) technologically challenged, as I so often am.

The IKEA Solvinden

Over the last few years, there's been a definite blue between outdoor and indoor living. For many of us, in fact, our gardens and balconies are becoming extensions of our living and fining rooms; somewhere to eat, drink, relax with friends, or just sit and be.

If you really want your garden to feel cozy, though, good outdoor lighting is a must, which is where the SOLVINDEN light comes into its own. What immediately stands out about it is how atmospheric it looks. The globe silhouette gives it a retro feel that sits somewhere between vintage garden party lighting and the kind of portable table lamps you’d spot on the terrace of a very luxe (read: expensive to stay in) hotel.

Even when it's switched off, it feels looks stylish – which is surprisingly rare in the world of garden lighting.

Check it out:

Buy IKEA'S SOLVINDEN Lamp

Pretty cool, right? With two light settings, the SOLVINDEN can also be used to create warmth and atmosphere, whether that means sticking it in the center of an outdoor dining table during a summer dinner party, tucking it between container plants on a balcony, or letting it glow softly beside a lounge chair during an evening spent reading outside.

It’s also lightweight and portable, which means you can easily move it around for added ambience depending on how you’re using your outdoor space that day – something fixed garden lighting simply can’t offer. There's no denying, either, that it's a boon to renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone working with smaller patios or balconies; you don't have to commit to anything permanent.

For me personally, the fact that it’s USB rechargeable also makes a huge difference. One of the biggest frustrations with outdoor lighting is dealing with all of those awkward cables or constantly replacing batteries; being able to simply recharge the lamp indoors and carry it outside, without fear of tripping over a snaking wire? Inspired!

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My favorite thing about IKEA's SOLVINDEN, though, is that it taps into the wider dopamine décor trend that’s still dominating interiors and outdoor styling alike.

In my opinion, you can either go bold or go beige – and, while the playful color pop of this lamp definitely fits the former, the fact that it fits it without tipping into anything overly childish or novelty-driven? Miraculous, quite honestly. It’s the sort of piece that quietly adds personality to a garden without overwhelming the space.

Because it’s part of IKEA’s limited edition collection, I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes one of those sleeper-hit products that quietly sells out just before people start styling it on patios, balconies, and backyard tables all over social media.

So, for anyone looking to make their garden feel warmer, cozier, and more design-led this summer without spending a fortune, this might genuinely be one of the smartest garden lighting buys of the season. Race you to the checkouts, yeah?

Have you ever felt that you should have been born in a different era? Each decade seems to have its own values, colors, and themes. While you can’t go back and be reborn into a different time in history, you can take inspiration from your favorite decade to create a landscape that reflects that moment’s glory.

The folks at Monrovia have been pioneers in the art of plant propagation and landscape design for a century. One of their recent innovations was to work with historic trends and flower color meaning to create 10 stunning planting palettes called Shades of Beautiful, each one reflecting a different decade of garden excitement over the past century.

You can use the same inspiration in your own garden to create a gorgeous landscape that reflects either your favorite decade, the year you were born, or the era that matches when your house was built for cohesive curb appeal. Putting these historically-inspired colors and new takes on old-fashioned plants to work in your own landscape brings the vibes of your favorite decade of the past into the present.

1920s: The Gilded Garden

In France, they call the decade of the 1920s the "Années Folles," reflecting the decade’s cultural and artistic dynamism. In the US, it is known as the “Roaring Twenties,” celebrating the economic boom that occurred just after World War I.

It was the time when jazz flourished and fashion evolved, with women wearing knee-length skirts and bobbed hair for the first time in the history of the country. Take inspiration from the Art Deco movement that arose during this decade for a 1920s-inspired garden.

Let lush, over-the-top roses like the champagne-colored 'Eau de Parfum Bubbly' rose from Monrovia take center stage. Support them with silver-leafed plants like senecio, deep purple ninebark shrubs, and pretty pink hydrangeas for a truly gilded garden.

1930s: Off to See the Wizard

Did you watch The Wizard of Oz movie as a kid? Or maybe you read about Dorothy and Toto’s fabulous journey to the Land of Oz and the Emerald City? This story is a thrill for every generation, especially after the movie appeared in vivid color on screens across America in the 1930s.

A 1930s garden palette captures the spirit of the journey Dorothy takes from sepia-toned Kansas to colorful Oz. It includes many foliage plants, from golden feather reed grass that hearkens back to the look and feel of Dorothy's home territory on the Kansas prairie, to sweet bay and dwarf olives with emerald green foliage that represent the jewel-toned city in Oz.

And don’t forget to add a pop of vibrant red with a ‘Sombrero Salsa Red’ coneflower from Burpee as a bright reminder of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Or plant an homage to the protagonist and her companions’ dramatic trip through the field of poppies by planting some poppy seeds from Amazon.

1940s: Victory Garden

World War II was the main event of the 40s and many of the decade’s gardens were Victory Gardens. During the war, home gardeners were encouraged to plant crops so there would be sufficient food for both folks at home and soldiers abroad. First termed Liberty Gardens, the name was changed to Victory Gardens when the allies moved ahead in the war.

A beautiful 1940s-inspired garden is a throwback to those days of shared purpose, emphasizing self-sufficiency and abundance. This kind of landscape is filled with plants that hang heavy with fruit over the growing season and bold red blooms that add a patriotic touch.

Plant blueberry shrubs, fig trees, and evergreen herbs like rosemary for flavor and ornamental value. Then bring in a ‘Knock Out’ red rose bush from Home Depot to add in a grace note of American beauty.

1950s: Poodle Skirts & Palm Trees

Who among us hasn’t seen photos of those iconic pink poodle skirts with their unique blend of style, fun, and cultural significance? But let’s face it. The most exciting parts of the carefree 1950s happened out west. Think social movements, teen beach blockbusters, and laid-back California cool. The landscape design vision for this era includes happy, surfside hues.

The planting palette for this decade should include hostas with seafoam and green foliage, like the ‘Earth Angel’ cultivar from Nature Hills Nursery – it doubles as a nod to the 1950s hit song. Add in some heuchera and daphne in all the shades of a sunrise over the Pacific Ocean for a surf-ready garden.

The piece de resistance in your garden should be as pink and lush as those iconic poodle skirts. Plant an ‘Early Wonder’ camellia from Lowe's for voluminous blush-colored blooms.

1960s: Peace, Love & Pollinators

Ah, the 1960s... When we all believed we could change the world so we went ahead and did it. This was the decade when humans walked on the Moon. But here on earth, counterculture made its big move. Everything changed from social norms, morality, and clothing to rock and roll and free love.

A 60s garden palette should include sunrise shades to celebrate the new beginning of almost everything. Think vibrant pink blooms and chartreuse foliage from a ‘Goldflame’ spirea from Monrovia, to huge sunflower blooms, and a super cool red hot poker plant from Lowe’s with joyful red-orange spikes of pollinator-friendly flowers.

1970s: That Seventies Palette

The 1970s was the decade of cocooning, so a 70s-inspired garden should feature a plant palette in calm, earthy colors. Start with deep orange ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ coneflowers and the groovy green foliage of an ‘Emerald Colonnade' holly from Lowe’s.

Add grace notes of gold with yellow roses – their easy-care ways and vintage style symbolize this decade perfectly – and provide fluidity with fabulous fountain grasses.

1980s: Soft Retro

The 1980s was a transformative period with many changes in culture, politics, and technology. A garden inspired by this unique period is soft and gentle, reflecting the clothing trends of the decade. Think pastel blooms like light yellow roses, faded pink agastache, and purple plumbago.

My favorite for this period garden is a lamb’s ear plant from Jackson & Perkins with its incredibly sensual foliage. The touchable, sage green leaves bring the whole grouping of pastel plants together.

1990s: Neon Brights

The 1990s were known as the high impact, anything goes decade. Utilize this aesthetic in your garden with bright and bold plants. Incorporate vivid highlighter hues with spunky pink flowers and electric lime foliage.

‘Black & Blue’ salvia from Burpee offers the brilliant deep blue blooms that set the tone for a 1990s-inspired garden. Mix in some pittosporum that’s the color of lime popsicles and hot pink bougainvillea.

2000s: Bubblegum & Glitter

The first ten years of the 21st Century were big on pop, bubblegum, and glitter. A Y2K-themed garden color palette mixes icy turquoise from plants like blue chalksticks from Home Depot that has unique and glorious upright foliage with bubblegum pink rose of Sharon blooms, and teeny tiny peach-colored drift roses from Home Depot. The look is fun, but still stylish.

2010s: Meadow Revival

Remember when meadows came back into fashion, replacing green turfgrass with a glorious mix of grasses and wildflowers? That was the 2010s, when the world started worrying about bees and pollinators more and started loving a wilder mix of plants in the garden.

Use a native ornamental grass variety to capture this lasting trend. ‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama grass from Plant Addicts is a great choice with its warm tones and graceful movement. Sprinkle in lavender plants for fragrance, daisies for fun, and ground it all with a water-wise dark sedum like ‘Back in Black’ from Proven Winners.

2020s: Opposites Attract

And so time wends its way to the present. The 2020s is a moody decade full of both darkness and light. A contemporary garden palette includes both ends of the spectrum, best represented by the ‘Eclipse’ hydrangea from Home Depot with its moody foliage and glorious cranberry-colored flowers that rebloom all summer.

Combine with dark-leaved begonias and the strappy, upbeat green and white stalks of sedge to lighten the mood. Then add snowy white bleeding heart blossoms from Amazon for delicate beauty.

They say a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet – but (no offense to roses) that kind of fragrance rarely lasts for long. Wouldn’t it be better if there were a plant that delivered the same perfumed impact, while also looking glossy and beautiful all year round? As it happily turns out, there is!

Often, the biggest issue in a garden isn’t a lack of plants, but the presence of awkward, unattractive areas that never quite come together. A tired fence line, a stark wall, a shed that’s seen better days? Well, these often prove themselves to be the spots that quietly drag down the entire space.

The good news is that fixing them doesn’t have to mean a full redesign or hours of upkeep. In fact, one well-chosen evergreen plant can do the job more effectively than any amount of hard landscaping... and few plants do it better than a clematis vine. Or, more specifically, Clematis armandii.

This One Evergreen Plant Will Hide Ugly Garden Spots

What makes this particular clematis so useful is that it’s evergreen. This means that, while most clematis die back in winter and leave structures looking bare for months, this variety keeps its glossy leaves all year round.

That alone makes it invaluable for covering problem areas, as it offers consistent screening and privacy. It also, though, more than earns its place in a low-maintenance garden due to the sheer speed at which it grows. Within a couple of seasons, you'll find it can cover a surprising amount of space, twisting and twining to fill in all of those ugly bare patches we hate so much.

And as if the evergreen foliage and coverage weren’t enough, Clematis armandii has another trick up its sleeve: it smells ridiculously good.

In early spring, this one evergreen plant produces masses of star-shaped white flowers, often in such abundance that the foliage beneath is almost hidden. But it’s not just the visual display that makes an impact... it's that intoxicating fragrance.

Light, sweet, and often described as almond-like (prompting more than a few delicious visions of bakewell tarts), the fragrance carries surprisingly well, especially on mild days. If you pick up a clematis armandii from Urban Tree Farm and plant it near a doorway, seating area, or pathway, it adds an extra sensory layer to the garden just as the growing season begins.

For all its benefits, this isn’t a plant that thrives on complete neglect. Like most successful low-maintenance choices, it follows one simple rule: right plant, right place. We don't necessarily mean your USDA Planting Zone, either; it also demands a sheltered position, in full or partial sun, so it's protected from harsh winds that can damage its leaves.

Can't Grow It? Try These Alternatives:

Don't be put off by its specific needs; once you get this one evergreen plant established, it's remarkably self-reliant. It rarely needs feeding, is generally trouble-free when it comes to pests and diseases, and requires only minimal pruning (think a very light tidy after flowering; nothing major).

Compared to the constant attention many flowering plants demand, it’s refreshingly undemanding; it's one of those beautiful plants that promises the most reward for the least amount of effort.

It provides year-round structure, seasonal flowers, and fragrance, all while solving one of the most common garden challenges: what to do with the bits you’d rather not look at. And it does all of this without demanding constant attention? You'd best believe it's at the top of our gardening wishlist, too.

For years, garden fences have followed the same predictable cycle. First, it was bright white, and then came the era of statement color, where fences were painted in everything from powder blue to terracotta in an attempt to inject personality into outdoor spaces.

More recently, jet black took over, promising instant contrast and a kind of architectural edge to an old-school hardscape feature that made even the smallest gardens feel intentional. And now? Well, now we’re moving in a very different direction.

That's right; in 2026, the most design-forward gardens aren’t trying to make decorative fences stand out at all. Instead, they’re doing the opposite and painting fences green to make boundaries quietly disappear.

Paint Your Fence This Color to Add Value

Yes, green (not the shouty kind, but those softer, more natural tones that blend into the background) is the color of the moment when it comes to fencing. And it’s part of a wider shift towards “green drenching” – a design approach that layers different tones of green to create depth, calm, and cohesion.

When it comes to fences, it’s a surprisingly simple way to make your entire space feel bigger, more immersive, and, yes, more expensive. Quiet luxury at its best, quite honestly.

A green fence cleverly reflects the tones already present in your garden, which means your boundaries start to blur. Shrubs appear fuller, borders feel deeper, and even smaller spaces take on that slightly magical, “where does the garden end?” quality.

There’s also a practical element to it. In winter, when most plants have died back, a green-painted fence provides a backdrop that still feels alive, softening the bareness of the season and keeping your garden from looking flat or forgotten.

And from a buyer’s perspective? Well, a garden that feels cohesive, calm, and low-effort is always going to be more appealing than one that feels stark or high-maintenance, isn't it?

The Three Shades That Designers Are Using Now

Not all green fences are created equal; the key is choosing a tone that works with your space rather than against it.

Deep Forest Green

If you want that slightly luxurious, “designed” feel, a deep forest green is the way to go. It works particularly well in larger gardens or alongside mature planting, where it can recede into the background while still adding depth.

It also pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and terracotta, giving the whole space a more grounded, high-end feel.

Muted Sage Green

For smaller gardens, or spaces that don’t get a huge amount of sun, a softer, grey-toned green can be incredibly effective. Sage reflects more light than darker shades, which helps keep things feeling open and airy.

It’s also one of the easiest colors to live with, as it's subtle enough to feel timeless, but still distinctive enough to elevate the space.

Olive Green

Sitting somewhere between the two, olive green brings a touch of warmth that works beautifully in more relaxed, slightly wild gardens.

It complements grasses, Mediterranean planting, and anything with silvery foliage, helping to tie everything together without feeling overly styled.

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Look, let's face facts; this isn't really about paint. Instead, it’s more about a shift in how we think about our gardens, and how we should spend less time trying to control the edges, and far more allowing them to soften and blur.

Your plants should be the standout stars of your backyard, after all. And if all it takes is a tin of paint to do exactly that, not to mention make your garden feel bigger, calmer, and a little bit more like somewhere you actually want to spend time?

Well, that feels like a pretty good place to start.

There’s something about sitting in a garden at dusk that makes you feel like you’re not entirely alone. Not in a spooky way, either; I actually mean that soft, almost imperceptible sense that the space is doing its own thing around you... and your birth month garden guardian is busy at work.

Oh yes. Long before we had pollinator guides and planting schemes, we had tales of tiny fairies tucked beneath petals, woodland spirits lingering at the edges of hedgerows, and household protectors who might, if treated kindly, keep everything quietly thriving.

While we know these creatures aren’t really tending to our borders (much as I’d personally love to outsource my weeding to an efficient elf workforce), there’s something undeniably lovely about the idea that your garden might be home to something a little more magical than you give it credit for. Especially if, much as we have done with our birth month animals, birth month birds, and birth month bugs, we can find a way to draw a special meaning from it all, too.

All 12 Birth Month Garden Guardians

Do you feel a shiver of anticipation whenever leaves start shifting, insects begin humming, and you catch a glimpse of something tiny moving just out of sight? Then you'll absolutely understand why, for centuries, people have filled their gardens with stories.

In the spirit of leaning into that feeling, we’ve paired each birth month with a whimsical garden guardian, drawn from English, European and American folklore... along with a few plants and features said to make them feel right at home. Let's dive on in, shall we?

January – The Brownie

If January is your birth month, you’re likely the steady, reliable type who keeps everything ticking along, often without recognition, which makes the Brownie your ideal garden guardian.

Practical, quietly industrious, and deeply loyal, the Brownie is said to help tend homes and gardens under the cover of night... provided it feels respected and undisturbed. As such, they tend to favor natural, slightly untamed spaces; think log piles, compost heaps, and dense ground cover (all of which are great for anyone who wants a year-round wildlife garden).

If you really want to lean into the magic, try planting hellebores and ivy to create year-round shelter for your garden guardian, along with all the other pollinators, songbirds and small mammals that like to visit from time to time.

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February – The Snow Fairy

Delicate but resilient, snow fairies are tied to late winter’s quiet beauty – not just the frost and stillness, but the promise of change, too. February-borns often carry that same quiet strength, finding light in the colder, slower seasons, and lifting the spirits of those around them as they do so.

To invoke the magic of your garden guardian, early bloomers are key. Winter bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops, and winter aconites bring that soft, ethereal feel these fairies are said to love (and they look seriously pretty to us non-fairies, too).

March – The Leprechaun

Mischievous, clever, and fiercely independent, the leprechaun promises more than just luck; these magical creatures are just as much about wit, resourcefulness, and a refusal to be pinned down. March babies tend to have that same spark, which means they are just as likely to fall for wild patches, clover, and native grasses.

A slightly chaotic lawn (good news for lazy gardeners everywhere) is exactly their kind of thing. Get rewilding, then, stat!

April – The Pixie

Playful, energetic, and a little unpredictable, pixies are said to delight in movement and mischief. If you’re an April baby, chances are you bring that same lightness into a space as your garden guardian, then, which means wind-tossed planting is ideal for your backyard.

Bluebells, foxgloves, and anything that sways in the breeze will keep any wandering pixies (and yourself) more than entertained.

May – The Flower Fairy

Gentle, nurturing, and deeply connected to growth, flower fairies are (no surprises here!) the caretakers of petals and blooms. Much like their birth month garden guardians, May babies possess that same warmth and ability to help things flourish, which makes them a dab hand at tending to pretty flowers.

This one’s simple, then: plant flowers, and lots of them. Roses, peonies, and cottage garden classics are said to be their favourites.

Get Planting:

June – The Nymph

The birth month garden guardians of natural spaces, nymphs are tied to water, trees, and fertile landscapes. Unsurprisingly, then, June babies tend to be intuitive, expressive, and deeply connected to their surroundings – so be sure to add water to your space if you can, even if it's just a small bowl or pond (this Aquascape Pond and Waterfall Kit from Amazon is ideal).

Surround it with ferns, grasses, and soft planting, and voila! You and your magical nymph (should they pay a visit) should both be very happy.

July – The Firefly Spirit

Is there any sight more magical than that of fireflies bobbing around the place? Bright, fleeting, and full of warmth, these gentle spirits are said to embody summer evenings and quiet wonder. July-borns, too, often bring light and energy wherever they go.

If this speaks to you, then be sure to grow plants that attract fireflies. Night-scented plants like jasmine and nicotiana, plus long grass or wild corners where insects can thrive, are the way forward.

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August – The Dryad

Tree spirits through and through, dryads are strong, rooted, and protective of their surroundings. Much as you might find with your birth month tree, August personalities tend to have that same grounded, quietly powerful presence, watching over those they love with care and attentiveness always.

Guess what? The best thing to do here is plant a native tree, or at the very least lean into the world of shrubs and structure. Hawthorn, oak, or even a small ornamental tree will do, and they're not just great for whimsy; they're all ideal for gardeners thinking about climate-smart planting, too.

September – The Sidhe

Wondering which birth month garden guardian is aligned with those born in September? Why, it's the Sidhe. Often viewed as descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, these supernatural beings are elegant, mysterious, and deeply tied to the land, which is why they're said to inhabit ancient landscapes.

Much like them, September-borns tend to possess wonderful depth, sensitivity, and a love of beauty. Ornamental grasses, soft planting, and slightly wild edges, then, are the order of the day for a backyard that speaks to your soul; be sure to avoid anything too rigid or over-manicured.

You could even try planting your own fairy ring of spring bulbs, if you wish,

Introduce Some Whimsy:

October – The Hedge Witch’s Familiar

Protective, intuitive, and a little enigmatic, the birth month garden guardian for October is the hedge witch's familiar. These garden-bound spirits are said to watch over thresholds and boundaries, which means those of us born in the spookiest month of all are a little mysterious, passionate about those we love, and driven by instinct and intuition (which very rarely steers us wrong).

Want to make them feel at home? Herbs are key , particularly rosemary, sage, thyme. A small herb border or corner, or even a few pots on a sunny sill, is keen to tapping into that energy.

November – The Boggart

We know what you're thinking, but don't let the boggarts of Harry Potter color your views on these fantastical creatures. A slightly chaotic energy (in the best way), boggarts are said to thrive in overlooked corners and untidy spaces. Much like their birth month garden guardians, November-borns often embrace complexity and aren’t afraid of the messier parts of life (which is why we love them so).

Leave a wild corner for you and your inner boggart, we say. Leaf piles, logs, and undisturbed spaces are essential for the natural world and your spirit to thrive.

December – The Yule Elf

Last but by no means least, the birth month garden guardian for December is the yule elf. Busy, creative, and quietly magical, yule elves are tied to winter warmth and making things behind the scenes. December personalities, as a result, often bring comfort and creativity to others – and more than a little magic, too.

If you wish to pay homage to your yule elf energy, then, plant evergreens, holly (we love this Blue Princess Holly from Nature Hills, if you're interested), and plants with plenty of winter interest. And be sure to add soft lighting for that cozy glow, too.

Of course, I hasten to point out there’s no scientific proof that planting foxgloves will attract a pixie, or that leaving a log pile will encourage a brownie to quietly tidy your borders overnight. Still, that’s not really the point; gardening has always been about more than just what we can measure. It’s about how a space feels – the stories we attach to it, the small rituals we build into it, and the sense that, in tending to something living, we’re part of something a little bigger.

Honestly, if imagining a tiny guardian tucked beneath your plants makes you linger outside just a little longer? Well, that sounds like a good reason to plant something new. Time to get to work in earnest...

Step into any front yard and you’ll quickly realise how exposed it can feel. Unlike a back garden, where fences and hedges create a sense of retreat, the front of your home is often on full display – open to passers-by, neighbors, and the general hum of the street.

For years, ours felt exactly like that: visible, slightly bare, and lacking that sense of calm privacy you really want at your front door. That all changed, though, thanks to one plant – which my husband (who just so happens to be a professional gardener) brought home with him unexpectedly one day.

Reader, I admit that I was unimpressed. At the time, the bundle of sickly yellow laurels under his arm looked more like end-of-life twigs than thriving privacy plants. Someone had thrown them out, he told me. No kidding, I thought traitorously in response.

To me, they looked utterly beyond saving, but he was adamant they just needed a bit of TLC, and so into the back garden (aka my husband's plant hospital) they went. Over the following months, he quietly nurtured them back to health – and, slowly but surely, those tired sprigs began to transform.

Once they were strong enough, he transplanted them into our front yard, and that’s when the real magic happened. Because this one plant flowers in early spring, bringing in pollinators just as the garden begins to wake up, and keeps its dense, glossy leaves all year round.

Best of all? t creates a natural screen that gives us privacy without making the space feel closed off.

The Pros and Cons of Laurel

Laurel, particularly the cherry laurel we've fallen so hard for, is one of those quietly brilliant garden staples that more people should consider, not least of all because of how quickly it establishes. In the right conditions, laurel is a fast grower, meaning you don’t have to wait years for that sense of enclosure.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. Laurel thrives in a range of USDA zones, tolerates both sun and partial shade, and isn’t too fussy about soil type as long as it’s reasonably well-drained. For busy households like ours (we have two very small children and a dog to contend with, not to mention our full-time jobs), that's a VBD, as we don't have the time or energy to pour into anything too high-maintenance.

Honestly, a light trim once or twice a year is enough to keep it looking tidy, and the payoff is more than worth it. Just be aware that all parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested – I cannot stress this enough: do not eat the laurel, no matter how tasty it may look.

Shop Laurel Plants:

What I love most about our this one plant is how it manages to do two things at once: some much-needed privacy at the front of the house, and a lot of support for local wildlife, offering shelter, seasonal flowers for pollinators, and a consistent green presence even in the depths of winter.

It’s proof, too, that you don’t always need to start from scratch or spend a fortune to transform a space – even if what you're working with arrives looking a little worse for wear. (My husband would also likely suggest that this plant serves as proof that he is, indeed, sometimes right, but let's not get ahead of ourselves).

Now, when I walk up to our front door, our laurels create a sense of calm and enclosure, and there’s always a gentle buzz of life around it. For something that started as a near-discarded plant, that's not bad going, is it?

ALDI is earning itself a reputation for garden accessories that offer serious style as well as super value for money, and its latest drop of outdoor rugs are simply fabulous. As patio ideas go, an outdoor rug is such a fast, affordable garden upgrade for your deck or paving. This small addition will have a huge impact, bringing outdoor living vibes to your backyard in seconds.

Adding an outdoor area rug does far more than disguising past-its-best decking or revitalizing tired patio paving. It anchors your garden furniture, creating a centrepoint around which seating can be arranged, for a cozy feel. The material is soft underfoot, for barefoot summers. A patio rug also brings a splash of color, whether that’s a dopamine dose of bright shades that reflect your planting palette or a calming neutral hue that speaks of effortless elegance. Either way, an outdoor rug is the accent your backyard has been waiting for this spring, bringing backyard style on a budget.

So you’ll understand why I’m so excited by ALDI’s new outdoor rugs, part of their well-priced garden range. Measuring a generous six by nine feet in four striking designs, they’re a steal at $24.99. What’s more, they’re reversible so you get two colorways for the price of one.

Golden Geometrics

I use rugs to switch up my garden style for each season, because they’re such a cheap way to change the mood of my outdoor living space and can easily be rolled up and stored in the garage when not in use.

In spring, I want strong citrus tones to match all the bright bulbs and in summer, romantic pinks and blues to suit my cottagecore borders; fall is all about fiery colors for a cozy-round-the-firepit vibe; in winter, I have a small round jute rug that’s easy to throw on the patio on sunny days, and it brings out all the golden hues of the surrounding ornamental grass flowerheads a treat.

Opulent Medallions

Almost all outdoor rugs are water resistant, so most will cope with light rain showers, though there's a huge variance in how weatherproof they are, depending on what material they're made from. While no outdoor rug will appreciate sitting soggy in torrential rain or long periods of wet weather, some will cope better than others.

Outdoor area rugs made from synthetic polypropylene are pretty weatherproof, and most can even be washed with a hosepipe then hung on a fence or railing to dry. This material is durable so these rugs are suitable for high-traffic areas.

Rugs made from polyester typically have a plusher pile that's super-soft underfoot and many are also hosepipe-washable, some even machine-washable, though the trade-off for that skin-friendly feel is that this material isn't as weather-proof. These rugs are better for sheltered, covered areas unless you're prepared to move the mat inside when rain is forecast. However, they're generally well suited for use indoors as well as out, so these make great rugs for a room near the back door, that you can move outside on sunny days you're spending in the garden.

Some outdoor rugs are woven from fibers made from recycled plastic, called PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or rPET, so are a sustainable choice. Plastic bottles and containers are turned into a resin then spun into a soft yarn, so this material is soft to the touch yet very durable. PET rugs are typically water-resistant so can usually be hosed down and left out in light rain. The material is typically highly UV-resistant, too, so colors won't fade in the sun.

Outdoor rugs made from natural materials such as jute and sisal aren’t weatherproof, and these are best kept for sunny days or sheltered covered spots.

Mediterranean Tiles

To keep the first-day freshness of your outdoor rug, shake it regularly to remove dust and dirt. If you're leaving it out in rain showers, it's best to hang your rug over a fence or railing to thoroughly dry afterwards.

Do check the label or product description to see is your rug is washable and how best to wash it, and follow the instructions carefully. And do always patch-test first to be doubly sure. If your rug is machine washable, then use a gentle cycle that doesn't exceed a temperature of 85°F. Flat rugs made of synthetic materials can generally be safely spot-cleaned using a dilute solution of one part dish soap to four parts warm water, then rinse by pressing on absorbent kitchen towel soaked with clean water. If your rug can be hosed, then don't be afraid to turn the nozzle for a little water pressure, especially on a flat-woven polypropylene mat.

Big Botanics

Look, it’s not every day that a Hollywood comedian becomes one of the most talked-about names in home gardening. Thanks to his new Netflix series, though, Zach Galifianakis has proven he can handle a trowel every bit as well as a punchline (and then some).

In This Is A Gardening Show, Zach has offered us a very different approach to the world of horticultural TV series. Rather than take everything incredibly seriously and bamboozling us with Latin plant names, he's gone for a vibe that's equal parts thoughtful and humorous, giving even novice growers confidence to get their hands dirty.

Now, in an exclusive, Zach has shared the five vegetables (and, fine, other edible plants) that he a) loves growing, and b) believes are perfect for beginners. These aren’t just any easy crops; they’re all as satisfying to grow as they are to eat, and each comes with his signature wry commentary.

Zach Galifianakis's favorite vegetables to grow

At first glance, the list seems deceptively simple; think plants that are forgiving, fast to establish, and tasty as hell. As always in life, though, there’s a catch.

'It all depends on where you live,' says Zach, noting that your USDA Planting Zone is everything when deciding what to plant. And there's one more thing to consider, too. 'Space is needed for most of what I suggest. Still, with some creativity, tomatoes and even grapes can take minimal space.'

Basically, if you're working with a small garden or containers, you’ll need to plan carefully to get the best results. Still, whether you’re a complete novice or a curious gardener looking for inspiration, Zach’s picks are here to remind us that gardening can be approachable, fun, and even a little unexpected... just like the man himself.

1. Pumpkins

First on Zach Galifianakis's list of the best vegetables to grow? Pumpkins, obviously (yes, we know they're technically a fruit).

'If you have the space, these orange spheres can be a rewarding harvest. Easy to maintain, and the payoff is glorious,' he says.

He's not wrong! There’s something undeniably joyful about harvesting your own perfect pumpkins, whether for a pie, a lantern, or just the sheer spectacle of them sprawling across the garden. Try Burpee's Connecticut Field Pumpkin seeds and get growing.

2. Corn

Next up is a crowd-pleaser, always: corn.

'Where I live has some of the most pleasing sweet corn I’ve ever tasted. If you live in a zone where corn thrives, try it,' says Zach. 'I grew a very small amount last year, but you could eat it straight off the stalk. Like candy.'

Corn feels like summer on a plate, and it’s one of those crops that really makes you appreciate patience, sun, and a little hands-on care. Go for Sweetness Corn Seeds from Burpee if you want something that packs a seriously sweet punch.

3. Asparagus

'It's my first year growing asparagus, so I’m no expert. However, I like the idea of planting a food and it coming back every year for the next 15–20 years,' says Zach of this amazing vegetable to grow.

'It’s a perennial, so with good care it magically appears. Like my acne through high school.'

Now, asparagus is a slow-burn favourite, but one that rewards long-term commitment; plant it once, and it becomes a recurring treat year after year. Something like Mary Washington Asparagus Seeds is a good place to start.

4. Tomatoes

Who doesn't love growing tomatoes, quite frankly? 'Not that much space is needed, as these can go vertical,' says Zach. 'I have noticed tomatoes volunteer up often, so I have them no matter what. It's a beautiful plant. And my suggestion here is start early indoors on a windowsill.'

A classic for beginners, tomatoes are versatile, forgiving, and surprisingly easy to grow, even in a small garden or a sunny balcony. Super Sweet 100 Tomato Seeds produce fruits right up until the first frosts, so they're a winning variety in our eyes.

5. Grapes

Grapes may feel ambitious, but their sculptural quality and sweet rewards make them worth the effort. Just be sure you have a trellis or support to show them off properly.

'Honestly, this is such a fabulous specimen. A work of art from nature that offers up so much pleasure for those lucky enough to grow them,' promises Zach.

Opt for Reliance Seedless Grape Bare Roots and get started quicker. You won't regret it (grapes from seed can be tough).

Shop Seed Sowing Essentials:

Ultimately, what makes Zach Galifianakis’s favorite vegetables to grow so appealing isn’t just their beginner-friendly nature, but the way they invite you to slow down and enjoy the process.

Yes, fine, some need a little more space than you might expect. Still, with a bit of planning (and perhaps a willingness to let your garden grow a little wilder), they offer something far more rewarding than convenience alone.

Why? Well, because growing your own isn’t just about the destination: it’s about the (sorry) journey. The first shoots pushing through the soil, the quiet ritual of watering, the pride of picking something you’ve nurtured yourself... you get the picture.

Gardening can be joyful, generous, and just a little bit magical, if only we be a little more Zach about it. Enjoy.

This Is A Gardening Show will be available to stream via Netflix from April 22.

Spring is well and truly in the air – which means it’s the perfect time to upgrade your wardrobe. And we’re not talking about floaty florals or breezy culottes (although those are lovely, too); we’re talking about a bevy of chic new gardening clothes designed to keep you comfortable, stylish, and ready for anything your garden throws at you.

Whether you’re pruning roses, sowing seeds, or enjoying a sunny afternoon outdoors, a good set of gardening clothes isn't an extra layer of protection; it can also be the perfect way to express yourself (or, you know, play at being an award-winning garden designer).

From patterned overalls and statement hats to chic gloves and lightweight jackets, the right pieces make every task more enjoyable. And let’s face it – when you feel good, you tend to perform at your best, so your garden will quite literally reap the benefits. Win win!

The Best Gardening Clothes

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your first planting patch, these oh-so-chic gardening clothes combine comfort, performance, and style, making it easier than ever to look good while getting your hands in the soil.

Shopping carts at the ready, then...

1. Stylish Overalls & Dresses

In the market for some new gardening clothes? Well, these pieces are the ultimate combination of fashion and function – roomy enough to move in, sturdy enough for digging, and stylish enough to wear anywhere.

2. Garden-Ready Tops

Comfortable, breathable, and surprisingly stylish, these tops keep you cool in the sun while showing off a bit of personality.

3. Accessories & Footwear

The right accessories make your gardening outfit both functional and fun – whether that means sun protection or muddy clogs.

With these nine wardrobe staples, you can look chic while staying comfortable and practical in the garden. So don’t just dig in – do it in style. Your garden (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.

As patio ideas go, adding a colorful coffee table is such a quick and easy way to give your garden a fresh new look for spring. Put a little thought into what color will work best in your backyard, and this small addition can have a big impact on your overall garden design. Picking out a patio end table that matches the tone of your favorite border blooms will draw attention to the flowers, while choosing a shade that’s more of a minor player in your planting palette acts as a cohesive backyard accent.

Consider what tones sit opposite on the color wheel for a strong contrast, too: an orange garden table will accentuate blue blooms, and vice versa, while yellow and purple shades will make each other appear more vibrant when placed together.

Aside from the cheery color-pop, adding an end table to your patio is always a smart idea. A small patio table is so handy stood next to an outdoor armchair, ready hold a cold drink and snacks, and is easy to move around. A slightly larger, folding table gives you flexibility if you have guests over, fancy a lazy backyard brunch at the weekend, or need a side spot alongside your barbecue when grilling. A low coffee table also doubles as a footstool when the urge for a sneaky afternoon snooze hits.

Color-pop backyard tables are a big trend for 2026 so there are plenty of stylish designs to choose from, and you don't have to splash the cash. All these patio tables cost less than $135 – the cheapest is under $25! – and will switch up the look of your garden in a flash. Which color will suit your backyard best for a fast garden upgrade?

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Pink & Purple

Right about now is when pruning season begins in earnest, and is it any wonder? Forget the plants being ready; as the days lengthen, the sun makes her much-awaited return, and the first signs of new growth appear, we're always looking for an excuse to step outside and take stock of our gardens.

Pruning often provides us with exactly this. As temperatures begin to rise and plants come out of winter dormancy, removing all of those damaged, dead or overcrowded stems (aka the Three Ds) improves airflow and allows more light to reach the center of the plant, but it also makes us feel like... well, like master gardeners (or as close to master gardeners as we're ever going to get).

Still, if you’ve ever hesitated before making that first snip – or gone in a little too enthusiastically – you’re not alone. Some of us cut boldly, others with careful precision, and some would rather leave things alone altogether. It's unsurprising, then, that this seemingly simple garden chore reveals a lot about us and how we approach our outdoor spaces.

What Your Pruning Style Says About You

Yes, the way you prune says more about you than you might think. Whether you’re a decisive hacker, a detail-loving perfectionist, or a timid trimmer, your approach shapes not only the look of your garden, but the plants that will flourish in it.

And once you understand your pruning personality, choosing what to grow (and how to care for it, obviously) becomes a whole lot easier. With that in mind, then....

1. The Hacker

Are you fond of making bold, decisive cuts that sometimes feel a little chaotic? Then you're a happy hacker.

Branches fly, symmetry is optional, and growth is embraced, which makes a lot of sense. After all, you’re spontaneous, confident, and prefer action over perfection. Your garden is full of energy, reflecting your lively approach to life – but make sure you platy to your strengths by planting fast-growing shrubs, espaliered fruit trees, and perennial borders.

If you’re unsure whether a plant should be pruned now, gardeners often follow Monty Don's simple rule: if it flowers in spring, prune after flowering. If summer’s when the flowers appear, prune in winter (or early in the year). And take care, too, to focus on strong, healthy cuts.

Finally, know this: overdoing it can harm growth, true, but don’t ever be a hesitant hacker. Pants are resilient and will usually bounce back.

2. The Manicurist

Do you find yourself stepping back, shears in hand, checking every angle before you make a cut? Then congratulations, for you’re a classic perfectionist.

Every branch is considered, every shape intentional, and symmetry is deeply satisfying – which speaks volumes about you. Like, say, the fact that you’re detail-oriented, patient, and take pride in a garden that looks as polished as it is healthy.

No surprises here, but formal hedges, topiary, and roses are your natural match, rewarding your careful approach with structure and beauty. Just be mindful not to overdo it. Plants aren’t meant to be perfectly perfect, and a little natural irregularity can actually keep them stronger in the long run.

3. The Free Spirit

Do you prefer to let your garden do its own thing, stepping in only when absolutely necessary? Don't let anyone call you lazy – you're actually a wonderfully free spirit.

Pruning is minimal, shapes are organic, and there’s a relaxed, effortless feel to everything you grow. You’re laidback, patient, and drawn to the beauty of imperfection – which is why wildflowers, fragrant vines, and naturalistic perennials thrive in your care.

That said, don’t skip pruning altogether. Removing dead or diseased stems will keep your garden healthy while still preserving that wonderfully untamed look.

4. The Tactical Planner

Do you time your pruning to the season, the plant, the wisdom of ancient gardeners before you, and even the next flush of blooms? Then you’re a tactical planner.

Every cut has a purpose, whether it’s encouraging flowers, improving structure, or boosting productivity. You’re organized, thoughtful, and always one step ahead, which makes fruit trees, structured ornamentals, and repeat-flowering roses a perfect fit for your garden.

Your strength is strategy, so keep leaning into it. Just remember to stay flexible; nature doesn’t always follow a plan, and sometimes the best results come from adapting as you go.

5. The Experimentalist

Do you like to try something a little different, whether it’s shaping, styling, or testing out new techniques? Then howdy to you, you clever little experimentalist!

Your garden is a playground for creativity, with unusual forms, bold cuts, and the occasional happy accident. You’re curious, imaginative, and not afraid to break the rules, all of which makes bonsai, topiary, and unusual shrubs ideal for your space.

Just be sure to balance creativity with knowledge. Understanding how a plant grows will help your experiments succeed... and keep your garden thriving, not just surprising.

6. The Timid Trimmer

Do you hesitate before making a cut, worried you might get it wrong and emotionally unable to deal with the fallout? Then you’re likely a timid trimmer.

Listen, your approach may be careful, thoughtful, and a little cautious, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it means you notice details others might miss and take your time getting things right. Low-maintenance shrubs, hardy perennials, and forgiving plants are a great fit, giving you room to build confidence without pressure.

The key is to be brave enough to start. Pruning is essential for plant health, and once you’ve made that first cut, you’ll quickly realise just how resilient your garden really is.

Shop Pruning Essentials:

Look, no pruning style is wrong, whatever anyone might tell you. Each comes with its strengths, ideal plant matches, and small challenges to keep your garden thriving. By embracing your pruning personality and pairing it with plants suited to your approach, you’ll find gardening more enjoyable... and your plants will thank you for it.

So whether you’re snipping boldly like a hacker, carefully orchestrating every cut as a manicurist, or cautiously testing the waters as a timid trimmer, there’s a perfect match in your garden for you... and maybe a new plant to try this spring.

Good luck!

If your Netflix algorithm is anything like mine, it tends to swing wildly between high-stakes drama, comfort rewatches, vintage sci-fi, and (ahem) Bridgerton. It rarely, if ever, serves up any gardening – which is why I'm so excited for This Is A Gardening Show, an uncomplicatedly joyful series which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Well, except for the fact that this actually isn’t your typical gardening show. Forget the usual bevy of perfectly pressed linen shirts, intimidating Latin plant names, and overwhelming sense that you’re being judged for not knowing your perennials from your annuals that we've been served in the past.

Instead, host Zach Galifianakis positions himself exactly where most of us are: curious, slightly clueless, and incredibly eager to learn. Because as he puts it, "For human beings and the world itself, the only future is agrarian."

Watch the trailer This Is A Gardening Show below:

From the jump, This Is A Gardening Show makes it clear that it’s less about expertise and more about enthusiasm. Galifianakis isn’t here to teach in the traditional sense; he’s here to ask questions ("Is this poisonous?" "What is a tomato?" "How dare you buy your food from a supermarket?"), to marvel, and occasionally to completely misunderstand something in a way that somehow makes it stick better.

It’s the kind of show where you come for the jokes, but leave with a surprising amount of actual knowledge, a sudden desire to look up your USDA Planting Zone, and (fair warning) a pressing urge to start buying soil in bulk when Zach starts looking into survival garden crops... in a funny, non-terrifying way.

Honestly, if you know him from his more deadpan, offbeat comedy, you’ll recognize that same timing in This Is A Gardening Show. It means that Zach has a knack for making even the most unexpected details sound irresistible – like convincingly describing horse manure as the “chocolate soufflé” of gardening.

Still, there's no denying that the comedian feels less like he's playing a character and more like he's leaning into a version of himself that is quietly delighted by the world – and as such, the humor never undercuts the heart of the show.

To put it in the words of producer Brook Linder, Zach is “genuinely interested in how to grow stuff”, and that sincerity is the series’ secret weapon. There’s something deeply endearing about watching a grown man visibly gasp at being shown the proper way to plant a seed, as if he’s just witnessed a magic trick. Largely because... well, because it is a magic trick, and we've all been there, right?

Start Your Own Food Gardening Journey:

I guess, more than anything, This Is A Gardening Show is about connection. Not just to the earth (although there’s plenty here to inspire even the most committed indoor person to at least consider a windowsill herb situation) but to other people.

The gardeners that Zach interviews aren’t framed as gurus on a pedestal (even as he does ask them what it's like to be educated). They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and, above all, generous with their time and insight. The show gives them space to share what they love, and in doing so, quietly celebrates the communities that form around growing things.

And even cuter? He speaks to kids about food gardening, too. He asks them questions and listens to the answers. He takes the time to awaken their own deeply ingrained passion for gardening (because we're born with it, people!) and make them every bit as excited about his favorite hobby as he is. After all, with"what we're leaving this next generation? They may have to know this stuff," he says.

A very charming, very funny man getting excited about compost and hammering home a few hard truths along the way? It couldn't sound more watchable, honestly.

This Is A Gardening Show will be available to stream via Netflix from April 22.

Look, we all know that a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, but what about all the other incredibly fragrant plants out there?

Yes, there are some wonderful fragrances in the plant world well worth introducing to your yard – especially ahead of the summer months, when we all want to sit out and enjoy ourselves long after the sun has dipped over the horizon.

There really is something for everyone, whether you want a vine to clamber over your pergola, a groundcover gem to banish an unsightly bare patch, an outrageously beautiful flowering tree, or something else entirely.

9 Fragranced Plants to Grow

Now, you could go down the rose route. Of course you could. Heck, who are we to deny you the heady intensity of Nature Hills' Fragrant Cloud Hybrid Tea Rose?

Still, there are plenty more gems to consider, from the super star jasmine to a creeping phlox with a twist.

So, which is best for you? To help you out, we've pulled together nine of our favorite fragranced plants. All you need to do is choose the one that suits your taste (and USDA Planting Zone), and get planting.

When it comes to plants, there are so many reasons to prioritize scent every bit as much as you would aesthetics – and not just because it adds a deliciously sensory element to your yard.

Do it right, and your fragranced plant will perfume the whole garden all summer long (which is guaranteed to make al fresco dinners a delight).

It'll lure in fireflies, bats, and other beneficial garden friends, too. And, depending on what you choose, it'll cover ugly bare fences and patches of earth in no time flat. Never a bad thing.

So, yes; a rose by any other name may smell as sweet... but a plant with a completely different name entirely? You may find it smells even sweeter.

If your laundry basket has a mysterious pile of single socks with no hope of reunion (this writer knows your pain all too well), don’t throw them out just yet: if you can't bring yourself to wear a mismatched pair, it's worth knowing that they're surprisingly useful in the garden.

Yes, with a little creativity, you can upcycle odd socks into clever DIY tools that save money, reduce waste, and help your plants thrive, whatever USDA Planting Zone you happen to be gardening in.

Whether you're tending a backyard veggie patch or nurturing container plants on a sunny patio, these simple odd sock hacks are quick, fun, and can work almost anywhere.

With that in mind, then...

1. Turn Them Into Soft Plant Ties

The soft, stretchy material of socks makes them perfect for tying plants to stakes or trellises without damaging delicate stems.

All you have to do is cut the sock into horizontal strips to create flexible loops. These can gently support climbing plants like tomatoes, beans, or cucumbers as they grow.

Unlike thin string or wire, the fabric won’t cut into stems as the plant thickens – making it a simple DIY alternative to store-bought plant ties (although, to be fair, you can buy VELCRO Garden Ties for under $6 on Amazon).

2. Use Them as Pot Drainage Covers

Ever fill a pot with soil only to watch it spill out through the drainage hole? A sock can solve that problem instantly! Just cut a small piece of fabric and place it over the drainage hole before adding soil (or, if you're feeling lazy and the sock fits, just pop the whole thing over your pot).

The material allows water to drain freely while keeping potting mix in place, making this a clever upcycling trick that works for everything from small herb containers to large patio planters. Win!

3. Make a Simple Sock Bird Feeder

We know we've got a bit obsessive about upcycling things for the birds, from teacup feeders to juice carton nest boxes, but you'd best believe odd socks have their own role to play.

Now, commercial finch feeders are typically made from breathable mesh and filled with tiny seeds such as nyjer (often called thistle seed), which small birds can cling to and peck through the fabric.

To make your own version, simply fill a clean sock with bird seed (nyjer or sunflower chips are ideal), tie a knot at the top, and hang it from a tree branch or hook. The soft fabric gives small birds something to grip while they feed.

As with any bird feeder, check it regularly and replace the sock if it becomes damp, mouldy, or heavily soiled; wildlife groups such as the Audubon Society recommend keeping feeders clean to prevent disease spreading between birds.

4. Turn One Into a Houseplant Dusting Mitt

This is cheating, as it's not technically a garden tool. However, if you grow houseplants, you’ll know how quickly dust builds up on leaves, and dusty foliage can actually make it harder for plants to photosynthesize properly.

An old sock makes a surprisingly effective DIY dusting mitt, though. Simply slip it over your hand and gently wipe down the leaves of houseplants like monstera, rubber plants, or fiddle-leaf figs.

The soft fabric lifts dust without scratching delicate foliage, and you can easily dampen the sock for a deeper clean. When you’re done, just toss it in the wash and reuse it next time your indoor jungle needs a refresh.

The easiest solution might seem to be chucking odd socks into your compost bin. Stay your hand, though, as many modern socks contain synthetic fibres such as nylon, lycra, or elastane, which help them stretch and stay in place.

While convenient, these materials don’t break down naturally and can release microplastics if composted. If you have socks made from 100% natural fibers such as cotton or wool and dyed with natural dyes, though, they can technically be composted.

If you do so, however, remember it’s best to cut them into small pieces first to help them decompose more quickly (if you're unsure of the fiber content, it’s safer to repurpose them instead).

Hey, any upcycling project for odd socks that doesn't involve turning them into hand puppets? We'll take it, quite frankly.

Traditionally, glass greenhouses have long been the gold standard for keen gardeners. But a new, more playful alternative is quietly popping up in back gardens, patios and even balconies: the growing bubble!

Sometimes called a sunbubble, garden igloo, mini biodome, or even just a bubble house, the idea is simple: a pop-up dome that a) looks seriously cute, and b) much like a greenhouse, creates a sheltered microclimate where plants can thrive earlier in spring and later into fall.

Lightweight, portable and perfect for small spaces, they’re fast becoming one of the most intriguing garden trends of the year. Here's what you need to know.

The Growing Bubble Trend

At first glance, the appeal of the growing bubble is obvious: they look a little bit futuristic and a little bit magical, like a miniature botanical garden appearing overnight. But beyond the aesthetic novelty, there are practical reasons they’re capturing gardeners’ attention.

For starters, dome structures are surprisingly efficient at holding heat. The curved shape allows sunlight to filter through from multiple angles, while the enclosed space helps retain warmth overnight. That means gardeners can often start sowing seeds earlier in the year or protect more delicate crops from unpredictable spring weather.

And, in a time when many people garden in smaller spaces, they also offer flexibility that traditional greenhouses simply can’t. Unlike permanent glass structures, many garden dome greenhouses are temporary or seasonal, making them ideal for renters or anyone without the room for a full-sized greenhouse.

Shop the Growing Bubble Trend:

If you’re more of a DIYer than a buyer, you can also snap up the plans for a genuinely stunning geodesic dome via Etsy for under $10.

Whichever you go for, though, it's worth knowing that many of these growing bubbles are relatively compact, which means they can work well on terraces, decking or paved gardens where installing a permanent greenhouse wouldn’t be practical.

Some models can even double as sheltered seating areas when not being used for plants, creating a cozy outdoor nook – all while still allowing light to flood through the clear panels and keep that gardening space alive and well.

A Mini Ecosystem

So, if you want something that sits somewhere between a Victorian glasshouse and a modern biodome (all while creating a controlled mini ecosystem), you definitely need a growing bubble in your life.

Gardeners often use them to nurture tender vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, or to give seedlings a protected start early in the season. And, in cooler climates, you'll find they can even help extend the growing window by several weeks (much like the milk jug sowing technique).

For gardeners experimenting with sustainable growing, that microclimate can make a real difference, allowing crops to thrive with less reliance on heated greenhouses or energy-intensive solutions. And, while growing bubbles may still feel like a novelty in many gardens, their unique blend of practicality and visual charm suggest they could have some serious staying power.

Best of all? As interest in climate change-resilient gardening grows (and more people look for flexible ways to maximise smaller outdoor spaces) the not-so-humble growing bubble might just be the next big thing in garden design. Race you to the checkouts, yeah?

Look, there are garden chairs, and then there are garden chairs you disappear into with a cup of cocoa and absolutely no intention of moving for the next hour. The inimitable egg chair firmly falls into the second category.

Part cocoon, part statement piece, these oh-so-satisfying seats have quietly become one of the most sought-after patio upgrades, instantly turning a basic garden corner into a cozy retreat. And their appeal isn’t just about comfort either.

In fact, according to Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, curved outdoor furniture is having a major moment right now....

The Hanging Egg Chair Trend

Yes, egg chairs are rapidly becoming the mood of 2026, and it's not hard to see why. After all, “curved outdoor furniture is increasingly popular because it echoes the natural flow and rhythm of the natural world,” explains Magdalena. “Nature rarely deals in straight lines – think of the sweep of a hillside, the bend of a tree branch, or the meander of a garden path.”

"They also invite movement and conversation, making garden spaces feel more welcoming and less rigid," she adds.

That soft, organic shape? It helps outdoor spaces feel calmer and more welcoming – which may explain why the egg chair has become the ultimate patio statement of late. That and the fact these super snug seats effortlessly recreate the security, comfort and warmth of a tight hug, offering deep, calming pressure that reduces anxiety and sensory overload.

No small thing, when you consider the 24/7 terrors we're all being subjected to by our news feeds.

Shop the Sales

If you're suddenly hankering after a hanging egg chair of your very own, I have good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune. In fact, I’ve found no less than six stylish hanging egg chairs, all currently on sale, that will instantly cozy up your garden, make you feel wonderfully on-trend, and help you on your way to rediscovering your inner calm... even if it's just for the duration of your morning cup of joe.

Let's dive on in, shall we?

Sometimes it can feel a little as if you're jumping aboard a bandwagon that's rattling along at unsustainable speeds, but don't worry: the appeal of a hanging egg chair is one that will outlive the ongoing trend.

Why? Well, because their cocooning shape, gentle movement and sculptural curves offer a simple way to make an outdoor space feel instantly more inviting, creating a little pocket of calm in the open air. They feel every bit as good as they look. And with so many styles currently on offer, there’s never been a better time to give your patio, balcony or garden that extra layer of comfort.

Just take care to pair it with some cozy accessories – this vibrant outdoor rug from Wayfair, for example, or these stunning Floral Lace Battery Powered Globe Lantern from Terrain – and you have to perfect spot to stop and rest your cockles. Especially if there's a pile of soft blankets, cushions, and an outdoor fireplace on standby for cooler evenings.

Time to get our egg on, we guess...

Everybody's raving about IKEA's fabulous new garden screens – the divider with vertical wooden slats is so well-priced, or there's an option with a super-useful storage box, too. And there are plenty more privacy screens to choose from across the market – I've found 10 stunners that are well worth a spot in your garden. There are sleek metal models as well as wooden designs, and some really flexible options that'll make the very most of your outdoor space.

Whatever size, shape and style of your garden, there’s a screen to suit. Which will suit your backyard best?

Warm-Toned Wooden Slats

A standalone garden divider will transform any backyard into a secluded retreat, and it takes moments to install. Whether you’re looking to screen your patio seating area from nosy neighbors, disguising a less-than-lovely view or creating shade for comfy outdoor dining, this simple but stylish piece of garden furniture is a must-have. Whatever your patio idea, a divider works hard to define and separate different garden zones, perhaps sectioning off a relaxing spot for a morning coffee or evening sundowner. Or how about using a screen to make a quiet reading corner?

As well as free-standing dividers with supports to position on tiles or pavers, there are screens with stakes to push into your lawn or borders too. In addition to privacy, they can bring a sense of intrigue by shielding a part of your garden from view. Choose an open design and it will make a handsome support for a climbing vine, too – pair it with a fast-growing vine that won’t scramble out of control and you’ll have a showstopper garden feature by summer.

Contemporary Metal Designs

Slatted and laser-cut designs are also useful if you want to create an area of dappled shade, or stop prying eyes without fully enclosing a space. There are even louvred options so you can choose, moment by moment, just how much shade and privacy you need. If you want to add plants as well as privacy to your yard, then opt for a screen with a planter attached or, to cut down on clutter, a storage box.

Functional Garden Furniture

With so many materials and designs now available, a divider is also a quick and easy way to change the feel of your outdoor space, cozying it up as well as bringing a more contemporary or rustic vibe. But the real beauty of a screen? You can move it around and switch up your patio whenever you want, using it as a textured backdrop for your pots one day and a screen to shelter your outdoor sofa from a cool spring breeze the next.

Extra Flexibility

With the 2026 cinema release of Wuthering Heights, gothic romance isn’t just haunting the silver screen: it’s creeping into backyards across America, too.

Oh yes, folks. Forget minimalist terraces or pastel cottage gardens, because this year, gardeners are embracing dark drama, sweeping silhouettes, and a touch of melodrama. Think velvety blooms, shadowy corners, and a sense that your garden could tell a story of love, longing, and perhaps a little danger.

Thankfully, it's an easy trend to embrace, as gothic gardens are all about mood over order. You don’t need to go full graveyard (though mossy urns and crumbling statues are entirely optional); instead, it's about letting go of things long enough to create those kind of spaces that invite wandering, lingering, and a little daydreaming.

And yes, it works in any sized garden, whatever USDA Planting Zone you might be in.

Gothic Romance in the Garden

So, has the gothic romance gotten you more obsessed than Heathcliff is with Cathy? Good news! You don’t need years of experience to get this one nailed – just a flair for drama and a willingness to play with texture, color, and shadow.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Lean Into Dark, Velvety Blooms

Nothing screams gothic romance like deep, moody flowers. Indeed, style consultant Steven Dempsey of Shutterly Fabulous says Google search uplifts in the past week show a 37% increase in for ‘wine red’.

“Deep, dramatic pinks and reds are a defining feature of the romantic period drama revival we’re seeing."

Try planting deep-hued roses, dahlias, or near-black cardinal flowers, then, for blooms that stand out against greenery and give your garden a cinematic, “stormy moor” effect.

2. Add a Statement Garden Urn

A single, dramatic focal point can transform even a small courtyard. Weathered stone or cast iron urns, ideally planted with trailing ivy or dark annuals, create an instantly romantic atmosphere.

Something like the the Cast Iron Poppy Urn from Terrain seen above would work especially well in entryways, terrace corners, or alongside winding paths, adding a sense of history and timelessness to your plot.

3. Embrace Silvers and Smoky Foliage

Not all drama has to come from flowers. Artemisia, lamb’s ear, and brunnera introduce soft silvery textures that contrast beautifully with deep blooms.

These plants are hardy, drought-tolerant, and bring a hint of ethereal lightness – perfect for moonlit strolls in your very own gothic romance novel.

4. Let Climbing Plants Do the Talking

Romance often happens vertically, and arches, fences, or pergolas are perfect for rambling roses, clematis, or star jasmine. Their cascading blooms create natural canopies and secret nooks, adding layers upon layers of mystery.

Pick up a star jasmine from Nature Hills now, and prepare for its sweet scent to carry across the entire garden, stat.

5. Light It Like a Gothic Castle

Candlelight and soft lighting are essential in gothic gardens, as solar lanterns, LED candles, or low-voltage path lights can outline winding walkways or highlight key focal points.

Aim for warm, subtle glows rather than bright beams (like these flickering lanterns from Amazon); the idea is intrigue, not illumination.

6. Let Nature Be Slightly Untamed

Perfection is overrated when it comes to gothic romance, quite frankly. In fact, a little overgrowth, moss, or self-seeding plants adds authenticity and storybook charm. Allow edges to blur, pathways to twist, and let some wildflowers wander. This “managed chaos” creates a sense that your garden has a history, secrets, and a soul.

7. Add Small Brass-Gilded Details

Decorative brass and gold-toned accents are a subtle but effective way to introduce the romantic gothic aesthetic. Think small urn handles, lantern frames, finials, or even garden stakes with gilded touches. These pieces evoke old-world heritage, hinting at candlelit halls and forgotten estates, all of which is exactly the kind of drama that makes gothic gardens so compelling.

It’s no wonder interest in the “brass aesthetic” has risen by 35% on Pinterest, as these little flashes of gold bring warmth and sophistication to dark, moody planting schemes. Pair them with creeping ivy, velvety blooms, or weathered stone for a layered, cinematic effect that feels effortlessly curated.

Remember, gothic romance gardening isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about creating a mood. Mix dark blooms with silvery foliage, let climbing plants frame shadowed corners, accent key points with dramatic urns or subtle lighting, and let things get a little unkempt.

We promise you don’t need to recreate a castle courtyard; even small spaces can feel cinematic, romantic, and a little haunting. Just grab a spade (hey, Heathcliff would approve!), choose your shadows, and let 2026 be the year your garden whispers secrets, longing, and gothic drama.

Go forth! Your own slice of the moors awaits...

Starting a garden (or improving the one you have) doesn’t have to mean seed trays taking over your windowsills, complicated planting schedules, or endless trips to the garden center. In fact, if you grab yourself a garden-in-a-box kit, it could be as simple as 1, 2, 3!

Look, there's no denying that, for many people, the biggest barrier to growing at home isn’t lack of interest: it’s the fear of getting something wrong. That’s where garden-in-a-box kits come in, offering a refreshingly simple way to grow flower seeds, herbs, and even vegetables without any of the overwhelm.

How? Well, these all-in-one kits arrive with everything you need to get started, from plants or seeds to soil plans and clear instructions. There’s no guesswork about spacing, timing, or compatibility: the hard decisions have already been made for you. So, whether you’re planting a small patio container or refreshing a full garden bed, the stress is gone and the joy of growing remains intact.

The Best Garden-in-a-Box Kits

One of the biggest advantages of these garden-in-a-box kits is their adaptability across USDA planting zones. Many are tailored to specific climates, while others are designed to thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them ideal for gardeners everywhere from cooler northern states to warmer southern regions.

With curated plant selections chosen to grow well together, you’re far more likely to see healthy growth and reliable results. And, with a mix of windowsill gardens and bigger plots available, the world really is your oyster – or lobster, or whichever luxury crustacean you prefer.

Of course, there are plenty more brilliant garden-in-a-box kits to be found online (Etsy, in particular, has a whole host of riches to choose from – including a vertical garden for hummingbirds), but these are just a few of our favorites to get you started.

Whatever budget or plot size you're working with, there's no denying that, by streamlining the setup process and eliminating unnecessary complexity, these nifty garden-in-a-box kits make growing at home feel achievable, enjoyable, and above all else stress-free.

Considering the start to 2026 we've all had, that feels wonderfully appealing right about now, doesn't it?

What do you do with your old wine corks? Maybe you toss them into the bin without a second thought, or maybe you tuck them away in a kitchen drawer waiting for that craft project that never quite begins. As for me, I keep a few for sentimental reasons and occasionally sniff the corks, recalling fabulous trips of yesteryear. But if you have a collection of corks gathering dust, it’s time to get proactive. The best place for them isn't a dusty drawer, or a landfill – it’s your backyard.

In these sustainably driven days, upcycling in the garden is far from being a fad. It’s a lifestyle choice that reduces waste while injecting a dose of creative whimsy into your outdoor space. Natural cork is a remarkable material: lightweight, moisture-resistant, and entirely biodegradable. So whether you’re looking to boost the health of key plants, give pollinators a safe place to land, or add a rustic touch to your flower beds, here are 8 great ways to transform trash into treasure and give corks a second life.

8 Great Ways to Recycle Wine Corks

So are wine corks recyclable, really? Yes, they are – but make sure you have the real thing on your hands. Before scattering corks hither and yon, it is important to distinguish between real cork and its modern mimics. Natural cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), making it a 100% organic material. However, many modern bottles use synthetic plastic stoppers or agglomerated corks, held together with glues. For any project involving soil or compost, stick to natural cork to avoid introducing microplastics or chemicals into your ecosystem.

You don't need to perform any complex chemical treatments before using them, but a quick prep can go a long way. If the corks are heavily stained with red wine or carry a strong vinegar scent, grab some Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar from Amazon and give them a quick 10-minute soak in a bowl, diluted with warm water, to neutralize any acidity. This soak also softens the material, making it significantly easier to slice or shred without the cork crumbling into a mess. Ok, on we go…

1. Improve Pot Drainage

Cork is a naturally buoyant, porous material, making it a smart alternative to heavy gravel in the bottom of pots as a way of improving drainage. By shredding or finely chopping corks and mixing them into heavy, clay-based soil, you can open up vital air pockets that prevent root rot and allow oxygen to reach the plant's core.

You can also use whole corks to fill the bottom of extra-large planters. This reduces the amount of expensive potting soil needed and keeps the pot light enough to move around your patio. Just ensure you aren't blocking the drainage hole; a layer of mesh over the hole before adding corks is best. You can pick up fine and stretchy Wire Metal DIY Mesh from Amazon.

2. Boost Carbon in Compost

In the world of composting, browns (carbon-rich materials) are essential for balancing out the greens (those nitrogen-rich kitchen scraps). When it comes to reliable browns, natural cork is basically a carbon powerhouse. Because cork is designed to be liquid-resistant, it breaks down slowly, providing long-term structure to your compost pile.

Adding whole corks to a cold compost bin might result in them sitting there for years. To speed things up, use a heavy-duty serrated knife or a food processor like the Ninja Plus from Amazon to quickly grind your corks into small chunks. This increases the surface area for microbes to feast on.

With this wine cork recycling option, it’s especially important to make sure your corks are natural, not synthetic. And you might find it helps to soak the cork in water first to make it easier to cut or shred.

3. Unique Garden Mulch

You can also add natural cork directly to the garden without composting it first. Chopped cork makes for a visually striking and functional organic mulching option. It excels at moisture retention, keeping the soil cool in summer months. Furthermore, the slightly abrasive texture of chopped cork can act as a natural deterrent for soft-bodied pests. Slugs and snails find the uneven, toothy surface of cork uncomfortable to cross, protecting your vulnerable hostas. Win-win!

Just avoid using cork mulch in areas prone to heavy flooding – obviously, cork floats! A sudden downpour could wash your hard work right off the garden bed. Use it in sheltered containers or raised beds, where the edges can keep the cork in place.

4. Plant and Seed Markers

You never need to forget where you planted your carrots ever again! By simply skewering a wine cork with a bamboo stick or a repurposed wire coat hanger, you can create the ultimate waterproof, rustic labels for your new direct sow plantings. The cork’s durability is a boon for these sorts of recycling tricks.

You can use a permanent ink like the Sharpie Extreme Permanent Marker from Amazon to write directly on the side of the cork. These inks are ideal for whatever the weather might throw at your gardening. Unlike wooden lolly sticks, cork markers won't rot at the base or snap when the soil gets compacted. And this project works for synthetic corks as well as natural.

5. Landing Pads for Pollinators

Birdbaths are great for supporting native wildlife. They provide drinking water and bathing water for birds and also insects, including important pollinators. However, while birds can use the edge of a shallow birdbath to settle on and drink, insects need a little more help.

A deep birdbath can be a safety hazard for bees and butterflies looking for a drink. They need a landing pad to access the water safely. Floating corks provide the perfect buoyant platform. They bob on the surface, allowing pollinators to land, hydrate, and take off without the risk of drowning. You don’t even need to secure the corks to the bowl. Simply let them float in the water, and insects use them safely.

To keep your insect islands safe, just give the corks a scrub with a stiff brush, like the Konex Heavy Duty Scrub Brush from Amazon. Use this once a week to remove any algae buildup. Replace the corks every few months if they become waterlogged and lose their buoyancy.

6. Natural Garden Bed Edging

If you’re a true oenophile (that’s “wine lover” if you didn’t know) and you have a big collection of corks going spare (no judgments), then put them to good use to create a unique mini-picket fence style edging for a herb garden or eye-catching flower border. Pushing corks vertically into the soil side by side creates a clean transition between a pathway and plants.

While natural corks ultimately break down in the soil, they are pretty durable and won’t decompose quickly. Be sure to use natural cork only, though, as synthetic materials may leach plastic and other potentially toxic compounds into the soil.

To edge with corks, simply press them into the soil around your beds. If your soil is loose, the corks may shift. To solve this, use a small drill bit to pilot a hole through the center of several corks, then thread them onto a length of galvanized garden wire. This allows you to snake the corks around curves, and keeps them securely anchored, while creating a unique effect.

7. Container Cork Pot Feet

Stagnant water trapped under outdoor pots can rot wooden decking and leave unsightly rings on stone patios. It can also be detrimental to the root health of container plants if left unchecked. Using corks as pot feet is a great little lift for your outdoor container garden or for your houseplants.

Creating pot feet (also known as pot toes) will allow air to circulate and water to escape. Cork feet are durable and lightweight. They provide enough traction to keep indoor pots in place on smooth surfaces, while also minimizing damage to the floor.

You could just slide them under, but for a more reinforced solution, try gluing 3-4 cork slices to the bottom of your pots. For heavy ceramic pots, use a high-strength outdoor adhesive like Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL from Amazon to secure cork slices. If you're using these indoors, the soft texture of the cork ensures your hardwood floors stay scratch-free, even if you slide the plant to a sunnier spot.

8. Safety Tops for Tools

Garden forks and loppers are notoriously dangerous in a crowded shed. Because cork is a soft (but not too soft) material, it's the perfect safety cap for frequently used gardening tools. Simply press the tines of your garden fork or the tip of your pruning shears into a cork, before putting them away or hanging them up.

If the tool is particularly dull, don't force it, though – you might split the cork. Make a small slit in the center of the cork first, using a small hobby knife or folding pocket knife, like the Opinel Colorama Everyday Folding Pocket Knife from Amazon. Then hopefully it’s easier to slide the tool in.

It’s such a simple thing, but it brings such peace of mind. Also, this not only protects your fingers, it also prevents the metal tips of forks, shears and such from rusting by shielding them from moisture in the air.

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If you’ve even so much as glanced at TikTok recently, you will have likely stumbled across a bizarre new gardening “hack”: sucking on seeds before planting them.

The idea? Well, for those who fancy adding some woo-woo to their usual process for starting seeds, sucking on them is supposedly a way to transfer some of your own DNA to the seed. The idea being that, when it germinates and grows into a delicious fruit or veg, it will do so packed with nutrients tailored specifically to your body.

Yes, really. Some gardeners are treating their seeds like tiny edible ambassadors of themselves: lips, tongue, and all. Before you grab a sunflower seed and lean in, though, let’s take a breath and separate fact from fantasy.

Why People Are Sucking Seeds

If you’re wondering why anyone would actually try this: it’s partly ritual, partly connection, and partly TikTok virality.

As one user puts it: "Suck on seeds before planting? Sounds wild, but it’s believed to transfer your DNA, helping the plant grow with nutrients tailored to your body’s needs! Nature’s way of personalized nutrition!"

Before we address the purported benefits of sucking seeds, let's talk about what does help seeds grow: pre-soaking or scarification.

Many seeds, from beans to peppers, have tough outer shells that can make germination slow or uneven. Soaking them in water for a few hours (or even overnight) softens the seed coat, letting moisture and nutrients penetrate more easily. The result? Faster, more reliable sprouting.

Now, we know what you're thinking: saliva might seem a convenient soaking solution, but it’s not a miracle growth elixir. In fat, while it’s mostly water, it also carries bacteria that could harm your seeds.

Worse news still? We've trawled the internet, and there’s seemingly zero evidence that human DNA can “customize” plant growth. So, from a strictly botanical perspective, kissing your seeds isn’t necessary... though it might feel oddly ceremonial.

After all, gardening has long been a practice about care and intention. Placing a seed in your mouth is likely more about feeling involved in its growth journey than literally “feeding” it your DNA.

Think of it as a micro-meditation... albeit with a slightly strange twist.

Seed Starting Essentials:

Personally, we recommend soaking your seeds in fresh water to soften the outer shell and kickstart germination. Then, if you want to satisfy that ceremonial itch, try talking to your seeds, gently handling them, or even giving them a kiss (without saliva).

Hey, if giving a seed a tiny, symbolic smooch makes planting more fun, who are we to judge?

Against a backdrop of windswept moors, brooding skies and searing emotional intensity, Emerald Fennell’s steamy new adaptation of Wuthering Heights has reminded us of something we’d quietly forgotten: gardens don’t have to be neat, cheerful or even productive to be beautiful. Sometimes, they’re allowed to be dramatic. Melancholy, too. And even a little (or a lot) unhinged – in true Heathcliff-style.

More important than this reminder, though? It's the fact that, at the heart of this gothic garden revival sits one enduring object: the urn. So yes, you’d best believe it’s rocketed straight to the top of everyone’s wish lists.

Once dismissed as too formal or old-fashioned, this iconic garden accessory has been given a new lease of life (sorry, Cathy) in Wuthering Heights. Here, urns feel less like decorative flourishes and more like emotional artefacts – weathered, stoic, and shaped by time. Is it any surprise, then, that we’re yearning for them again?

The Gothic Garden Urn

As seen throughout the gardens of Wuthering Heights, urns bring instant weight and permanence to a space, anchoring it in history and atmosphere.

And, whether you have a sprawling garden or a modest courtyard, a modern space or one that leans hard into the gothic gardening trend, an urn can instantly shift the mood, adding romance, structure and a sense of story.

With that in mind, then, here are five styles that capture that windswept, gothic energy... along with a little note on why they work so well in modern gardens.

1. The Weathered Stone Urn

This is the classic garden urn, and the most Wuthering Heights-coded of them all. Heavy, timeworn and slightly imperfect, a stone urn looks as though it has always belonged exactly where it sits. Moss, lichen and surface patina aren’t flaws here; they’re features.

Used empty, a stone urn becomes sculptural. Planted loosely with grasses, trailing ivy or seasonal bulbs, it softens just enough to feel alive. If you have the funds, splash out on one as beautiful as the Cast Iron Poppy Urn from Terrain seen above. If you don't, hit up your local thrift store.

Either way, be sure to place it at the end of a path, beside a doorway or framed by hedging to create a sense of quiet drama.

2. The Cast Iron Statement Urn

If stone is romantic, cast iron is brooding. Dark, weighty and unapologetically bold, these urns bring a Victorian gravitas that feels perfectly aligned with gothic revival design.

A garden urn like this will work particularly well in smaller spaces, where contrast matters more than scale. And a single cast iron urn on a terrace or courtyard can anchor the entire space, especially when paired with pale planting or architectural foliage.

Let it rust naturally, or keep it dark and glossy for a sharper look.

3. The Classical Pedestal Urn

This style leans into old-world grandeur, but isn't that exactly the point? In a modern garden, a pedestal urn feels slightly theatrical, a deliberate nod to the romantic excess we all love so much in Wuthering Heights.

The key is restraint. Choose one statement piece (like the Fiberstone Plants & Flowers Pedestal from Wayfair seen above) rather than a pair, and avoid over-planting. Ferns, hellebores or even a single small shrub will give you height without fuss. Think “ruined manor”, not “show garden”.

Or, if it helps, just imagine how Heathcliff might style it, and go from there.

4. The Aged Terracotta Urn

Terracotta brings warmth to the gothic palette, especially when aged to a soft, chalky finish. These urns feel sun-bleached rather than storm-beaten, true, but still carry that sense of history and wear – especially if you opt for something as stunning as Anthropologie's Classical Terracotta Urn Planter above.

Whatever you decide, you want to keep it striking. Think Cathy Earnshaw if she ever jetted off to the Med, basically.

Garden urns like these are ideal for herbs, small olives or silvery foliage like lavender, offering a gentler take on the trend. And, in moody planting schemes, terracotta stops things feeling too cold, grounding the drama in something earthy and lived-in.

5. The Deliberately Empty Urn

Perhaps the most gothic choice of all: the urn that holds nothing, obviously.

An empty urn, whether it's in the classic gothic style or something a little quirkier (we love Terrain's Barnacle Banded Olive Jar Planter above) invites interpretation. It becomes symbolic – of loss, time, memory, longing, and yearning – all themes Wuthering Heights wears so well. In garden design terms, it also offers visual breathing space, giving the eye somewhere to rest amid planting.

Placed thoughtfully, an empty urn can feel more powerful than a planted one, especially in winter or transitional seasons. It reminds us that gardens aren’t just about growth: they’re about atmosphere.

Beyond the literary and cinematic influence, there’s something deeply appealing about objects that promise permanence in an uncertain world.

Perhaps that’s why the return of the garden urn feels so right. In a world obsessed with fast fixes and instant impact, urns ask us to slow down. To let things weather. To allow beauty to deepen and ripen like (sorry) a fine wine.

So yes, Wuthering Heights has reawakened our longing for this iconic garden accessory. And if that longing feels a little dramatic, a little excessive, even a little unhinged?

Well… it’s me. I’ve come home. And apparently, I want an urn.

Gardening is magical, therapeutic, and deeply satisfying – but planning a garden can be (admit it) weirdly intense, too, Thankfully, that’s where AI might be able to help.

Yes, with the right approach, ChatGPT can act as your personal garden designer, helping you visualize, plan, and optimise your outdoor space, and all from the comfort of your own living room. But here’s the catch: not all AI design prompts are created equal.

Think about it: a vague request can give you a generic list of plants that may struggle in your climate, bloom at the wrong time, or simply won’t fit your space. Not being strict enough may lead to false info leaking through, too.

Enter, then, the one prompt that consistently delivers a complete, actionable garden plan...

The One ChatGPT Prompt You Need

Are you ready? Here it is:

“I want to design a [size] garden in [USDA zone X] with [style: e.g., cottage, modern, wild, romantic Regency, pollinator-friendly]. Please suggest:

A planting layout including trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover.

The best native and non-invasive plants for my zone that bloom in different seasons.

Companion planting ideas for healthy growth and pollinators.

Seasonal care instructions and tips for soil, sunlight, and watering.

Optional design enhancements like paths, lighting, or garden structures.

Format your answer as a clear, easy-to-follow garden plan.”

Yes, this one ChatGPT prompt is a gardening game-changer, as it forces AI to provide a comprehensive, tailored plan, consisting of practical advice on what grows well in your region, when to plant it, and how to care for it across the seasons. Win!

Of course, if you prefer to write your own prompts, that’s fine, too. Just be sure to keep them specific about your space (the more details you give, the more personalized the plan), your preferred style, and your seasonal goals. And don’t forget, too, to ask for native plants, as these will help your backyard to support local pollinators, resist pests, and just be lovely and low-maintenance.

Once you have your plan, you can source plants, tweak layouts, or create a visual map. Some gardeners use drawing apps to sketch their garden using the AI plan as a guide, while others print it out as a reference for planting weekends.

Whichever you opt for, try to remember to re-run the prompt each season to tweak your garden as it grows and changes.

Smart Garden Tech Essentials:

A Note on AI and Sustainability

It’s important to remember that AI has its limits, particularly with regards to sustainability. Training and running large models consumes huge amounts of energy, which contributes to carbon emissions. And, while AI can save time and inspire creativity, it’s not inherently eco-friendly. In fact, it's fair to say that AI comes with some dangers.

Some platforms are starting to explore “green AI” solutions, but at the moment, the environmental impact is real and definitely worth considering, especially if you’re an eco-conscious gardener.

Then there's the other little matter to factor in: that AI should only ever be used as a tool, and not a replacement.

Your own curiosity and imagination will always produce something more nuanced than AI alone. To quote the inimitable Fred Rogers said, “The real issue is not how to teach children to love learning, but how to give them the tools to explore their own imagination.”

It's no different when it comes to your garden, as your own ideas, trial and error, and personal touch can make a space truly magical in a way AI can’t fully replicate. Really, it best as a guide to spark ideas, provide structure, or suggest plants you might not have considered.

Basically, AI isn’t a replacement for the tactile joy of gardening; nothing compares to the feel of soil, the smell of blooms, the satisfaction of watching things grow, right?

Still, a well-crafted ChatGPT prompt can help to remove guesswork, help you design a garden that thrives in your climate, and inspire a layout that’s both functional and beautiful.

Use it wisely, then, and always take care to blend it with your own imagination. After all, your garden needs a real green thumb to truly flourish, right?

Like many people, I always try to start the new year with a resolution that will surely change my life for the better. But, also like most people, I end up faltering because life looks a bit different on the other side of a holiday break. Overcommitting yourself, setting unrealistic goals, or making a completely unachievable resolution can leave you feeling defeated during the cold, dark days of winter.

If you’ve already given up on your New Year’s Resolutions, why not try something new instead? Get inspired by our staff’s garden goals for 2026. Whether you are looking for low maintenance options, ways to be more sustainable, new trends to try in 2026, or simply trying to be more present and enjoy your space, there is an achievable goal for you.

See what we’re planning for the year ahead!

Embrace the Shade

"I'm going to add a shady border to a dull, unloved area of my garden. My goal is to really add color and structure, while trying to avoid making a lot more work for myself. That means the plants need to be fairly low-maintenance. Over the years of living in my property, I have really focused on the sunnier areas of the garden, so I'm really looking forward to exploring the full potential of shade-tolerant plants."

- Melanie Griffiths, Editor in Chief

Get in the Zone

"I’m reducing lawn space this year! I want to plant more fruit trees, add a few raised beds, and better define the different zones in my garden. Plus, it’s time to finally get all my garden tools organized.

I’ve already started a shopping list, and a Chicago hardy fig tree from Fast Growing Trees and this Rubbermaid tool tower rack from Amazon are first on the list to get me moving!"

- Allie Kerkhoff, Senior Manager of Ecommerce/Commercial

Water-Wise Gardening

"I've got three big resolutions for 2026. One is to be more water wise and to do more to collect and utilize rainwater in my garden, because I get so much of it! Second, I want to plant more trees – I am currently looking for a pear or a quince to plant in my newly acquired half barrel container. And three, I actually want to spend more time in my backyard in 2026. I really want to spend more time soaking up the sights and smells of my green spaces, evolving patio and higgledy-piggledy container towers!"

- Janey Goulding, Content Editor

Consistency is Key

"In 2026, I’d really like to grow more microgreens on a weekly basis, either on my windowsill or outdoors in raised beds, so I have a steady supply of fresh salad toppings. To keep that going, I know I’ll need to invest in a large quantity of seed and trays so I can harvest consistently week after week.

I’m also planning to expand my cut flower garden this spring and summer. After great success with zinnias and cosmos last year, I’m ready to branch out into even more flower types and varieties. This "7 Cut-and-Come-Again Flowers" article is giving me a head start as I plan my seed shopping—and hopefully a season full of blooms to assemble into bouquets."

- Amy Draiss, Digital Community Manager

Transform an Eyesore

"I'm vowing to replace the sad strip of grass between our sidewalk and the road with flowers. Last year I diligently dug up grass and scattered cosmos seeds, but through a combination of dogs, erosion, and aggressive grass, I got a whopping five or six tiny plants. Maybe I can put down something like this erosion control blanket from Amazon to keep my seeds from washing away this year…"

- Liz Baessler, Senior Editor

Get Growing

"Last year was all about cleaning up my yard and getting rid of weeds and invasive plants like honeysuckle. This year, my goal is to actually start planting. I've already decided on my must-have plants: a sweetbay magnolia, some smooth hydrangeas, lots of peonies, and a climbing rose or two to cover the less-than-lovely brickwork on my garage."

- Laura Walters, Content Editor

Dig In

"My goal is to sacrifice a part of the lawn for a proper vegetable bed (one stuffed with herbs, so the bees and butterflies get to enjoy it, too) and to finally figure out what to do with our 'patio'. It’s all broken paving slabs at the moment, so the world is our oyster!"

- Kayleigh Dray, Discover Content Editor

Pollinator Paradise

"I want to continue to add to my front yard pollinator garden. My goal is to have a native shrub like buttonbush to add more diversity. I also want to transplant my aggressive milkweed into containers so I can help monarch butterflies without the milkweed popping up in my neighbor's front lawn!"

- Kathleen Walters, Content Editor

Gardening has always been about more than plants. It’s where patience is tested, hope is practised, and time slows to something closer to nature’s pace. Perhaps that’s why so many writers, poets and gardeners have turned to it for meaning.

After all, a garden reflects back the way we live: how we care, what we notice, and how willing we are to wait. Nothing could make for better subject matter, quite frankly, which means there are countless words that have been published on gardening.

So, how best to sift through them all to find the ones that really sing? Well, to help you out, we’ve sourced the very best gardening quotes to inspire your year ahead.

Inspirational Garden Buys:

A promise, before we dive into our list of favorite gardening quotes: these aren’t just beautiful words. #

Whether you’re planning borders in January, pruning in hope, or simply trying to trust that growth is happening, even when you can’t yet see it, each one carries a small lesson worth taking into 2026 and beyond…

1. Growth often happens quietly

“Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘Grow, grow.’” – The Talmud

Much of what thrives does so without fanfare. In the garden, as in life, some of the most important work happens slowly and unseen. Often beneath the soil.

2. What nourishes life doesn’t need prestige

“The pedigree of honey does not concern the bee;
A clover, any time, to him is aristocracy.” – Emily Dickinson

Bees don’t care about rarity or fashion, only whether a plant feeds them. It’s a timely reminder to value usefulness over status, and to garden with wildlife in mind, not just aesthetics.

3. Care matters more than admiration

“There is no magic dust sprinkled on a newborn babe that endows them with green thumbedness. It’s not a knack, it’s not talent, and it’s not in your genes. Plants thrive for people that take care of them. If you can’t grow a plant, any plant, then you should probably not be trusted with a puppy.” – Carole Reese

Plants thrive because someone notices them. Gardening isn’t talent or luck; it’s attention, given consistently, whether to a rose or a patch of nettles left for caterpillars.

4. Patience is not wasted time

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” – May Sarton

Gardening insists we work at nature’s pace. In doing so, it gently pushes back against our desire for instant results, reminding us that good things take time.

5. Every garden begins as an act of imagination

“Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.” – Josephine Nuese

Before seeds are sown, the garden already exists in hope. Winter planning, especially for pollinator-friendly plants, is as much a part of gardening as spring planting.

6. Gardening reflects what we value

“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.” – David Hobson

Whether we plant for beauty, challenge or nourishment, our choices reveal what we care about, including who and what we’re growing for.

7. Participation matters more than observation

“The master of the garden is the one who waters it, trims the branches, plants the seeds, and pulls the weeds. If you merely stroll through the garden, you are but an acolyte.” – Vera Nazarian

A garden rewards involvement. It asks us to get our hands dirty, to take responsibility, and to actively shape spaces where life can flourish.

8. A garden is built on hope

“I love my garden, and I love working in it. To potter with green growing things, watching each day to see the dear, new sprouts come up, is like taking a hand in creation, I think. Just now my garden is like faith - the substance of things hoped for.” – L. M. Montgomery

Every seed sown, and every bulb planted is an act of belief; not just in flowers to come, but in the idea that the future is worth preparing for.

9. The best gardens live between control and surrender

“The best gardens are a perfect balance of order and chaos. The tension created by this constantly threatened balance is the pulse of the garden itself.” – Helen Humphreys

Wildflowers self-seed. Insects arrive uninvited. The most vibrant gardens often come from letting go... at least just a little.

10. Gardening is a conversation, not a command

“Fruit tree pruning, and any pruning, really, is less of a science than it is a conversation. You prune, the tree answers, you prune again.” – Ann Ralph

Plants respond to how they’re treated. Good gardening listens as much as it acts, adjusting to what’s needed rather than imposing rigid rules.

11. When the future feels unclear, begin anyway

“If the path forward seems unclear, plant something. Care for it. Let the seasons teach you what comes next.” – Lawrence Nault

Caring for something living won’t solve everything. But it grounds us, and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed to move forward.

And one more we couldn’t leave out…

“Never put off planting something or you will find that ten years later you are saying, ‘If only we had planted that wisteria.’ It isn’t too late. Do it now, and if you don’t live to enjoy it, somebody else will.” – A. A. Milne

Gardening stretches our sense of time beyond our own enjoyment. It reminds us that some of the most meaningful things we plant are acts of generosity: for children, neighbors, wildlife, and futures we’ll never personally see.

If we were trying to sum these quotes up as a whole, we suppose we'd put it like this: gardening rarely gives us what we want quickly, but it almost always gives us what we need eventually.

Pin these somewhere you'll see them daily, if only to remind yourself that growth, in all its forms, begins with showing up, paying attention, and trusting the process.

Happy new year!

Winter has a way of making everything feel smaller. The days are shorter, the garden is quieter, and spending time outdoors isn’t always inviting. What better way, then, keep the magic of gardening alive during this season than by creating a DIY fairy terrarium?

A tiny indoor garden that brings joy long after Christmas has passed, there’s something undeniably whimsical about a terrarium at the best of times. When you combine it with your favorite fairy garden ideas, though? Well, then it effortlessly leapfrogs whimsy and straight into ‘pure magic’ territory.

And worry not, because a terrarium isn’t just for Christmas; this cozy winter project will bring you joy all year round. What could be better, eh?

How to Make a DIY Fairy Terrarium

Start with a clear glass container; this could be a large jar, a cloche, or even a small fish tank. You can also find dedicated terrarium containers, like this one from Amazon. Whatever you use, remember transparency is key, as it allows light to reach the plants and lets you admire your miniature world from every angle.

Before planting anything, take care to add a layer of small stones or gravel to the bottom to help with drainage. On top of that goes a thin layer of activated charcoal from Amazon, which helps keep the terrarium fresh and stops unpleasant odors in their tracks.

Next comes the soil; a light potting compost or moss-based soil works well, especially for humidity-loving plants. And, for planting, up the fairy ante with moss, tiny ferns, nerve plants, or other of those enchanting terrarium plants that thrive in enclosed environments.

DIY Fairy Terrarium Shopping Essentials

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection: it’s creating something that feels alive and inviting.

Add Some Magic

This is where the fun really begins with your DIY fairy terrarium, as it’s time to add pebbles, bark chips, tiny twigs for paths, and miniature decorations like fairy doors, mushrooms, or figurines.

There are no rules here. The process encourages imagination, storytelling, and slow creativity: something that feels especially nourishing during the quiet days between Christmas and New Year.

Once everything is arranged, lightly mist the terrarium with water so that it’s damp but not soggy. Most closed terrariums only need watering every few weeks, as moisture recirculates inside the glass, so all that's left to do is place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.

We promise: it will largely take care of itself.

One of those cozy hobbies that encourage mindfulness, patience, and curiosity, a DIY fairy terrarium isn’t just calming to make and maintain. Each day, in fact, it presents you with the chance to check on your tiny garden, watch for new growth, adjust a stone, or invent new stories about who might live there.

Best of all, your DIY fairy terrarium will remain long after the Christmas decorations are packed away to serve as a small reminder that even in winter, growth, creativity, and a little magic are still possible.

All you need is a jar, a handful of plants, and the willingness to slow down.

When we imagine Santa’s garden at the North Pole, it’s easy to picture endless snow and icy landscapes. Not to get too Sir David Attenborough about it, though, life persists in even the most extreme winter conditions.

Yes, the plants of the far north have evolved to survive the coldest environments on Earth. It’s little wonder, then, that so many gardeners are inspired by the resilience and charm of polar plants, incorporating tiny evergreens, mosses, and super-hardy shrubs into container gardens or rockeries.

“Many shrubs in extreme winter conditions have evolved to hug the ground, insulated by snow. These low-growing plants not only survive but add unexpected texture and colour to a frozen landscape,” says Andrew Bunting, VP of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of The Plant Lover's Guide To Magnolias (available on Amazon).

It’s a whimsical way to evoke the North Pole, even if you don’t have sub-zero temperatures in your backyard. To help you on your way, here are some plants you might imagine growing in Santa’s garden...

1. Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangiferina)

Not technically a plant, but a lichen, Andrew explains that reindeer moss carpets the ground in cushion-like tufts of soft, pale green-grey hues.

As the name suggests, it’s a vital food source for reindeer in the Arctic, so Andrew suggests it's a good one for Santa to grow in his real garden. It's not purely practical, though; even if you don't have Rudolph and co to feed, it's a plant that should bring a touch of icy woodland charm to any backyard.

2. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Bearberry, also known by the name kinnikinnik, is an evergreen perennial that hugs the ground, its glossy leaves providing year-round structure. In winter, Andrew says that its bright red berries serve as a vital food source for (gulp!) bears, but they also add a splash of festive color to any wintry landscape.

You'd best believe, then, that Santa would be a fan.

Recreate Santa's real garden in your own backyard:

3. Arctic Willow (Salix arctica)

A tiny, hardy willow, Arctic willow survives in the harshest conditions, growing just inches high. Again, Andrew notes that it’s a critical food source for Santa's hard-working reindeer – but, more importantly, it's a model for gardeners seeking low-growing winter interest in even the chilliest USDA Hardiness Zones.

4. Dwarf Conifers

It makes sense that Santa would have some sort of evergreen tree in his garden, and Andrew says Siberian dwarf pine and miniature spruces are perfect for adding vertical interest without overwhelming a snowy or container-filled backyard.

Better still, they also maintain structure and color throughout winter, making them a planting must for Santa and regular non-magical entities alike.

5. Arctic Poppy (Papaver radicatum)

One of the few flowers that can bloom in polar conditions, the Arctic poppy (also known as the Iceland poppy) adds a cheerful splash of yellow to frost-hardy gardens and evokes the resilience of Arctic flora.

As such, Andrew says it's all but a guaranteed staple of Santa's real garden. Especially as the blooms will self-sow for a constant supply of these lovely flowers; after all, St Nick is far too busy to be replacing annuals each growing season.

6. Arctic Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium)

With its delicate white, cotton-like seed heads floating above slender stems, Arctic cotton grass (seen at the top of this article) looks as though it’s been dusted with snow. Native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, it thrives in cold, wet environments and adds movement and softness to stark winter landscapes.

In an imagined North Pole garden, its bobbing plumes would sway gently in the polar breeze, catching the light like frost... but ideally grown in a pot, so its snowy, festive appearance could be enjoyed without it overwhelming neighboring plants.

Take care to do the same if you fancy a controlled slice of Santa’s frozen world in your own backyard.

Even if your winters aren’t extreme, you can use these plants (or their hardy garden equivalents) to create a mini North Pole scene that's guaranteed to thrive in even the very coldest climes.

Combine low-growing evergreens, mosses, and bright berries, then, for texture, color, and a magical touch that will make your winter garden feel like Santa’s very own backyard.

Hey, if it's good enough for the man in red, it's good enough for us!

Have you ever wondered if pink belongs in holiday décor? Well, just ask Paris Hilton, who’s basically the queen of the color in all shades. In 2024, the heiress-turned-entrepreneur (and sometimes DJ) decked out her Christmas tree in layers of bubblegum pink ornaments, blush ribbons, and cotton-candy sparkle. It’s proof that yuletide color doesn’t need to be traditional red, green, and gold.

And while most of us don’t decorate our Christmas trees like reality TV icons, the garden offers plenty of opportunity to bring that same bold, girly energy outdoors. From flowering shrubs to cold-tolerant perennials and bright, pastel pink pots, here’s how to create a pink-themed winter garden that would make Paris proud.

Start With Pink Cold-Hardy Blooms

Pink is often seen as a quintessential summer color; we see it in sunsets, ice cream, and blooming annuals that thrive in warm sunshine. But there are plenty of winter-friendly plants that show off shades of blush, rose, and magenta during the cold months.

Snapdragons: These perform amazingly in cool weather, and can survive in frost as well as light snow. Varieties like “Appleblossom” or “Ribbon Pink” keep their pink color into early winter. Snapdragons perform best at the beginning of spring, so you can wait to plant these if you have really harsh winters. Snapdragon seeds can be bought at many retailers, including Eden Brothers seeds on Amazon.

Winter heath: These tiny bell-shaped flowers bloom when little else dares to. They come in shades of shell pink or deeper raspberry and can instantly brighten a dreary winter garden. Many gardeners enjoy using these along walkways or near entryways.

Bring in Flowering Shrubs for Structure

Flowering shrubs add height and fullness, grounding all that pink into a lush framework.

Camellias: A classic winter bloomer that thrives in many parts of the U.S. These have glossy evergreen foliage that looks elegant all year round, but it’s the flowers that really stand out. Ranging from soft ballerina-pink to vivid fuchsia, the pink color in these flowers is absolutely irresistible.

If you want to add instant sophistication to your garden with a playful Paris Hilton twist, pair potted camellias on either side of a porch or garden gate. These Southern Living shrubs from Lowe’s will bring instant girly vibes to your garden.

Make Pink Containers Part of the Display

Even if you live in an area with extreme winter temperatures or your garden isn’t overflowing with flowers, container flowers alone can add a surprising amount of style. Look for pale pink ceramic pots, rose-gold planters, frosted pink urns, or metallic blush accents to hold evergreens or seasonal flowers. Add some pots of varying heights to create a modern twist, especially at entryways.

This Threshold terracotta planter from Target is a lovely blush pink if you’re not into anything too showy. If you want to go eclectic and quirky, this pig planter from Target is super fun.

Add Soft Holiday Flair (Paris Style, Naturally)

After you’ve chosen your pink plants and containers and put them in place, you can add subtle holiday accents to complete the look. Think micro-string lights in warm white or pink, pink shatterproof ornaments tucked into containers, or a blush-toned wreath on the gate. Keep it sophisticated but fun, a balance already mastered by Paris Hilton.

Whether you learn more toward soft pastels or bolder fuchsia, a pink-forward winter garden proves that holiday décor can be playful and beautifully unexpected. And who knows? Perhaps your pink garden will inspire someone else to think beyond traditional red and green this Christmas.

If you’ve ever wished your garden could look like the eerie, otherworldly Upside Down from Stranger Things, now’s your chance to bring a little of Hawkins’ strange dimension into your own backyard… without any actual Demogorgons, thankfully.

Yes, we’re serious; in fact, recreating the Upside Down in gardens has become something of a trend of late, particularly among devoted fans of the show. From Halloween displays to winter container planting, gardeners are embracing the dark foliage, dramatic textures, and unusual blooms so often found in gothic garden designs to evoke the series’ signature creepy-cool vibe.

“Plants that have extremely dark purple foliage and flowers ‘read’ as black in the garden. They can really evoke the mood of an otherworldly landscape like the Upside Down,” promises Andrew Bunting, VP of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of The Plant Lover's Guide To Magnolias (available on Amazon).

Here, then, are some of his top picks for creating your Upside Down-inspired garden, whatever USDA Hardiness Zone you’re in.

1. Creeping Vines

For true Stranger Things-inspired magic, drape your garden structures in darkness using Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and climbing hydrangea. Both of these should create tangled, dramatic vertical elements perfect for evoking that shadowy, otherworldly feel., according to Andrew.

Better still? Their creeping growth can cover fences, trellises, or walls, adding instant atmosphere.

2. The Black Bat Flower

The black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri) might be a tropical stunner, but it looks as if it’s been lifted straight out of a horror scene, thanks to its long whisker-like protrusions and dark, almost black flowers that resemble a bat’s face.

“Its unusual form and deep colour make it a fantastic statement plant for an Upside Down aesthetic,” notes Andrew.

Get the Stranger Things look in your garden:

3. Elephant Ears

Nothing says otherworldly Upside Down like oversized leaves. To really nail that Stranger Things look, Andrew suggests you try elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta) varieties such as ‘Illustris’, ‘Coal Miner’, ‘Black Magic’, and ‘Black Coral’.

All provide bold textures and deep, moody tones that make any garden feel surreal. All, too, make incredibly spooky porch plants.

4. Black Mondo Grass

For a low-growing, mysterious touch worthy of a Stranger Things set, Andrew says that black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is basically unbeatable.

Its arching, blade-like leaves are great for eerie shadows and rustling sounds, not to mention adding a velvety, textural layer to borders and pathways. Win!

5. Black and Glow-in-the-Dark Flowers