You don’t need to compromise on good looks to grow a low-maintenance garden that practically looks after itself. Make some smart choices and you’ll enjoy more flowers and a tidier garden while simultaneously cutting time spent on chores. Sound too good to be true? It’s not, I promise, because this is how I’ve been gardening for the past decade.

It’s not that I’m a lazy gardener – though it is true that I like to spend just as many hours relaxing in my paradise of petals as I do maintaining it. I simply don’t subscribe to the gardening norm that you must invest months of work to be rewarded with a few weeks of flowers. No – I take advantage of horticultural short-cuts that are rooted in science to get more glorious blooms in return for less hard graft.

These are the four garden secrets behind my lovely but seriously low-maintenance backyard. Try one, try two, or try all four so you can put your feet up and enjoy your blooming backyard more often. Cheers!

1. Embrace Groundcover

If you don’t grow groundcover plants in your borders then you’re missing a trick. Using easy-grow groundcover plants that thrive on neglect won’t create any more work but will save you a heap of time. Not only does groundcover do a great job of suppressing weeds once it’s established, but it acts as a living mulch to lock moisture in the ground, meaning you don’t have to water as often either.

If you’re up for shearing off faded blooms or doing a quick prune now and then, then you can use groundcover that flowers for months on end to bring a whole new layer of blooms to your borders. There’s even a brand new groundcover hydrangea, if you really want to show off!

My go-to groundcover is creeping phlox as it’s polite enough to skirt around bigger plants yet persistent enough to effectively smother weeds, and its fragrance is as delightful as the flowers. I also grow Sedum ‘Angelina’ in my roadside bed, because while I always want this part of the garden to be presentable, I don’t want to out there in my raggedy garden shorts, keeping it that way. And honestly, I haven’t watered this green dream of a plant for over two years now, and it couldn’t be happier.

Adding groundcover to your garden needn’t be expensive, either. Because of their naturally spreading nature, most groundcover plants can be regularly dug up and divided to make new plants. Or if you’re really on a budget, choose groundcover that can be grown from seed in spring.

2. Discover Sterile Plants That Don’t Need Deadheading

Most plants grow flowers to be pollinated by insects so they form seeds and have a few shots at species survival the following year if they’re annual, or attempt to expand their kingdom if they’re perennial. Once they’ve set seed, these plants will slow down or even stop flowering completely – which is why we deadhead. Remove fading blooms forces the plant into having another go at making seed, so it produces fresh sets of petals.

Some hybrid plants don’t do this though. When two different plant species are crossed by breeders, the cells can’t always combine properly to form seeds in the new hybrid. The hormone signal that usually shouts ‘stop flowering now’ when seed sets never gets sent, and the plant keeps on blooming. And blooming. And blooming!

Some modern lantana cultivars such as ‘Lemon Drop', ‘Miss Huff’ and ‘New Gold’ are sterile, as are Angelonia (Summer Snapdragons). I grow heaps of Geranium ‘Rozanne’ whose violet blooms tumble through other perennials, and Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ for swathes of flowers on high, wiry stems (it's good to know that this has recently been reclassified as Oenothera, if you’re struggling to find it online). Lavender ‘Grosso’ is another of my sterile favorites, as its long stems and fragrant flowerheads are perfect for crafting.

The other huge benefit is that sterile plants don’t gift you a gazillion unwanted seedlings to pull up in spring.

3. Add Self-Seeders That Need Light to Germinate

At the very opposite end of the spectrum are self-seeders. Now, some self-seeders are a godsend in a low-maintenance garden, sprinkling flowers through borders and quietly filling gaps. Others are a huge headache, germinating in swathes of new plants that can overtake a border.

The trick is to choose self-seeding plants that need light to germinate. This means seeds will only germinate where there’s room to do so, and also that you can simply fling them into a bed and pretty much forget about them.

I have cosmos, columbine and love-in-a-mist threaded through all my low-maintenance borders, and they happily squeeze in between bigger perennials. How much of any one variety I get very much depends on the weather, as some years suit some better than others. I cheat the system a little by cutting a few seedheads at the end of summer and giving them a good shake where I’d like more to grow, too.

4. Split Drought Tolerant and Deep Drinking Plants

Growing plants that have different moisture needs side by side means you’ll be forever faffing about with a hosepipe. Some plants will be wilting through lack of moisture while others complain about being overwatered with unsightly yellow leaves. The answer is to split up borders into drought-tolerant plants and those that need consistent moisture, so you never water unnecessarily.

I take a pretty relaxed attitude to gardening but this is where I get strict, and not just because I live in a dry part of the country that's nearly always on a hosepipe ban in summer. Giving plants the moisture levels they prefer makes a huge difference to them thriving, rather than simply surviving, and impacts how abundantly they flower and for how long.

I also train deep-drinking plants to become more drought tolerant by giving them more water, less often. Most plant roots will grow towards moisture so, by saturating the ground when you irrigate then leaving it to dry out, you encourage roots to grow downwards where they will be better-able to source their own water supply. Water every day with a light sprinkling and roots will stay at the surface where they’re far more vulnerable to drying out.

Bonus Move to Cut Lawn Maintenance in Half

Okay, so your lawn doesn't grow flowers but, as I'll wager that grass is the single most high-maintenance plant in your garden, cutting chores here means tons more time to appreciate your bloom-packed borders. For starters, setting your lawn up for a good season in spring will save you heaps of maintenance through the rest of the year. But right now, there’s a really easy way to speed up the time it takes to look after your lawn, and that’s to leave the mower clippings where they fall, as a mulch.

The tips of the grass blades that are snipped off every time you mow are full of nitrogen. So, rather than putting them on the compost pile or into the trash, let them break down to fertilize your lawn, as well as lock in moisture. Just be sure to mow when it’s dry so the clippings don’t clump together and, if you don’t have a mulching mode on your mower, mow regularly so the clippings are short.

This is how robot mowers work – and speaking of which, if you’ve ever thought about buying this ultimate time-saving garden device, now’s a great time to buy. Once midsummer is past – especially for models that have an updated design in the pipeline for the following year – products often heavily discounted, so there are usually good deals to be found.

The Best Mower Deals We Found

Wicker swivel chairs and striped outdoor pillows, handled ceramic planters and soft pastel patio rugs: Drew Barrymore’s yard collection at Walmart looks just like my daydreams of a perfect garden. Maybe Drew’s missing the wildflower meadows of her 12-acre Westchester County estate she listed for just shy of $5 million in March, but there sure is more than a fragrant whiff of nostalgic whimsy in the styling of her curated Beautiful patio collection.

Not at the expense of practicalities, though. The chair comes with a storage cover to keep those bouclé cushions spotless, the pots have drainage holes, and the rugs are hose- and machine-washable. So while Drew may be used to having an actual garden of dreams, she absolutely seems to know what we normal folk want in our real-life yards. Because this is a winning mix of style and substance, not to mention good ol’ common sense, as testified by customer ratings – the lowest I could find across Drew’s entire patio line was four-and-a-half stars out of five.

But then, we all know Drew can turn her hand to anything from befriending ET to being a daytime talkshow host – and showing us all how to create a decadent bathtub canopy of trailing houseplant stems in her swish urban-jungle bathroom, of course. No wonder, then, that Drew has delivered yet again with this garden collection made for modern life. And did I mention it's at Walmart? And some of it is on sale at Walmart? Let's shop!

Our Picks From Drew’s Garden Line

Launched in Walmart in April of this year, Drew’s curated patio and garden collection combines pretty and practical at a good pricepoint. A number of products are now on sale, making these items more appealing than ever.

Our Pick of Beautiful Pots

Our Pick of Beautiful Patio Furniture

Our Pick of Beautiful Outdoor Dining

Our Pick of Beautiful Outdoor Rugs

Nice, huh? Combine your purchases with a few quick and clever container ideas – and perhaps a budget but blooming lovely DIY water feature – to turn your deck or patio into an outdoor living space, you too will have yourself a garden of dreams.

Dang it's getting hot out there! The first six months of 2026 were the hottest ever measured in areas of eight states, and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned we're not going to see any let-up anytime soon: it forecasts above average temperatures pretty much everywhere through to August. That means a tough summer for our gardens, but there’s plenty we gardeners can do to help our plants in a heatwave.

With water restrictions already sweeping across the US, taking preventative steps now will give plants the best chance of survival. But before we dive into the nine ways you can help plants cope with extreme heat, let's take a quick step back to look at how the forecasts are predicting this summer will pan out in your area. That way, you can tailor the measures to your garden and what you're growing, and ultimately help plants survive. And to do that, we need to take a quick peek at what's driving this extreme weather.

You Need to Know About El Niño

El Niño is part of one of the strongest natural climate patterns in the world, where warm water that usually heads towards Asia shifts east towards the Americas, causing the Pacific jet stream to move south.

While the current extreme heat in North America isn't directly caused by El Niño, this Pacific weather pattern officially declared underway in June certainly contributes heavily to it. Forecasts show a high certainty of a strong El Niño bringing an intense and volatile period of weather this year, with several sources aligning to suggest it could become the strongest El Niño event in modern history. And that means our gardens may be facing their harshest season yet.

Expert forecasts predict 2026 will see a particularly extreme El Niño, and data suggests this event will cause a significant disturbance in global weather patterns. The WMO gives a 90% likelihood of it continuing until at least November. While El Nino happens every 2–7 years, the last strong event on record was in 1877–78, fuelling conditions that led to global drought and famine which killed over 50 million people. "We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event – which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean," stated WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo last month.

How Will it Affect Your Garden?

Land and air surface temperatures are expected to be above normal everywhere.

Northern states and Pacific Northwest are expected to experience hotter, drier conditions than normal, so gardens will require more irrigation. Southern states will also experience hotter temperatures but are likely to see wetter, stormier conditions as fall approaches, which may lead to flooding and saturated soil. More cloud cover can slow the development of fruit, and warm, damp conditions are conducive to fungal disease.

High temperatures without rainfall can also degrade soil, depriving plants of essential nutrients. It also creates good breeding conditions for insects, so we can all expect to see increased numbers of pests, with heat-stressed plants more vulnerable to the more frequent attacks.

Another secondary threat is the heightened risk of severe wildfires, as we saw in the droughts of 2012.

How to Help Your Plants in a Heatwave

Now you know what you're up against, you can decide which of these protective measures you should take now to help your plants deal access the nutrients and moisture they need to survive, and stay strong in the face of pests and disease. Put these in place now, and you'll find it much easier to help plants in a heatwave.

You'll find links to products sold by a certain national retailer so you can see exactly what product type brings best results, but do support your local businesses.

1. Mulch Borders, Beds and Planters

Adding a 2 to 3-inch-thick layer of organic material on top of your garden soil will help even out the effects of weather extremes. There are all sorts of mulching materials to choose from. Homemade compost is ideal, or buy a manufactured mulch such as Back to the Roots Organic Premium Mulch created from shredded wood or Organic Expanding Mulch made of coconut husk chips, both available from Amazon.

In drier states, a denser mulch is better at moisture retention, and shields soil from the heat of the sun to keep temperatures lower. This not only conserves moisture for your plants to stay hydrated, but protects against intense heat which can degrade beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

In southern states where bouts of heavy rainfall is predicted later on in the year, a more open mulch of bark chips will help drainage and prevent soil erosion. This will also slowly rot down to improve the structure, and so the drainage, of your soil.

Use a bow rake with short tines like this from Amazon. The forked side will quickly spread the mulch, then flip the rake over to level the surface with the flat side. Keep the mulch away from plant bases – it shouldn’t touch any stems as it may cause them to rot; a hand rake such as this from Amazon is a handy tool to achieve this in congested borders.

2. Guard Against Fungal Disease in the South

Warm, wet weather provides just the right conditions for fungal diseases such as mildew to flourish. There’s plenty you can do to guard against them, however.

Your number one preventative measure is good airflow, so ensure you’ve snipped the essential plants to prune in July, and be ruthless when you’re thinning seedlings so there’s no congestion. Another smart move is to spend 5 minutes a day deadheading fading flowers to remove damp, decaying matter where pathogens thrive. This also gives you the opportunity to regularly check your plants for the first signs of any fungal disease – and catching it early means you can quickly deal with the issue before it spreads.

During dry periods, always aim to water the soil rather than the plant itself, to keep foliage and flowerbuds dry. If you can’t avoid getting the plant wet, then watering first thing in the morning means it will quickly dry.

3. Weather-Proof Pots & Hanging Baskets

Any standalone volume of soil is vulnerable to weather extremes, heating up rapidly and quickly becoming saturated or dehydrated. And the smaller the volume of soil, the more at risk it is.

There are several things you can do to make life easier for plants in pots and hanging baskets. For a start, the bigger the pot, the more resources a plant has to access, so consider repotting your patio flowers and foliage up a pot size. This doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor – buy one large planter to move your biggest plant into, then shift the next biggest plant into the newly-vacant container, and so on.

Repotting also brings the opportunity to refresh the soil in your planters. Using a moisture control potting mix such as this from Amazon helps guard against both too-dry and soggy roots, as excess water is captured then slowly released. You can achieve a similar benefit by mixing coconut coir such as this from Amazon into any regular container potting soil. Coconut coir is just one magic ingredient you can add to hanging baskets to help them flourish, too.

Even if you’re not repotting, refreshing the top few inches of soil in your planters will nourish plants so they’re better able to cope with whatever the weather throws at them.

In southern states, raising pots on risers such as these from Amazon will improve drainage once storms hit.

4. Shade Crops

In the face of relentless dry heat, many crops will fail so, if you’re growing veggies in the north, consider shading them from the midday sun. A shade cloth of 30–50% such as this on Amazon will shield them from extremes but still allow plenty of sunlight through, and there are all sorts of sizes available, including kits for raised beds. To attach a cloth securely, choose one with grommets and use shade sail hardware such as this from Amazon to fix it place; tarp grips such as these from Amazon are also handy.

When you’re working out the details of where to place your cloth, remember that you’re not aiming to block out all the sunshine, just shade your crops for a few hours in the middle of the day.

If you have a greenhouse, it’s also worth covering the roof and south-facing wall with a shade cloth. And if your patio bakes in the sun, then your pots (and probably you too!) will appreciate some extra shade.

5. Irrigate Efficiently

Mandatory water restrictions are already in place across many US states but whether or not you’re affected, irrigate wisely for your plants’ sake.

Watering early in the morning before the sun climbs high in the sky means there’s less evaporation, so more water will get to your plants’ roots.

Delivering water via a drip irrigation system is around three times more efficient than using a hosepipe. With the water directed straight to the roots, at a slow rate, there’s far more absorption and much less evaporation. Many self-assembly kits are available, and plenty are tailormade for patio pots or raised beds. Do choose a system such as this from Amazon that delivers water directly to the ground, and not via mister sprays, though.

Using terracotta pots to DIY your own efficient watering system is another alternative. Topping pots with LECA clay balls keeps compost moist for longer, and you can even train some plants to be more drought tolerant.

6. Choose Resilient Plants

Some plants need a lot of looking after, while others tolerate a wide range of conditions. In a heatwave summer, you need the latter. So, if you're adding to your garden, or need to replace a plant that's already kicked the bucket in this intense heat, look to drought-tolerant beauties that practically grow themselves. There are plenty of low-maintenance perennials that thrive in patio pots, too, and shade plants that thrive on neglect.

Whatever you choose, do research its care needs before planting. Put the right plant in the right place and it'll be well-suited to its environment from the get-go, so will be better able to cope with weather extremes.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/tomato/keep-tomato-plants-producing-all-summer-with-these-pro-growing-tips

7. Understand How Heat Affects Particular Crops

While high heat levels may mean your flowering plants deliver a few less blooms, the repercussions are more serious when it comes to veggies. Hot weather can drastically impact your yield and, in a year when food prices are predicted to rise as a result of uncertain cropping, that's especially disappointing.

Know how heat adversely affects whatever veg you're growing, however, and you can take action to mitigate it. For example, take tomato plants, which can really suffer as the mercury rises. But planting basil alongside to strengthen their stress response is just one of many tricks professionals use to keep tomatoes cropping all summer. Tomato flowers increasingly fail to pollinate as summer temperatures heat up, too, but is easily overcome by using an electric toothbrush.

Choose heat-hardy vegetables that don't wilt in unrelenting sun for quick summer crops, too.

8. Support Your Garden Ecosystem

During periods of high heat, outbreaks of garden pests occur more frequently. Dry soil doesn’t transport nutrients as well, and doesn’t keep roots supplied with moisture, so your plants will be less able to tolerate attacks, too. At the other end of the spectrum, spells of wet weather will bring perfect conditions for abundant slugs and snails.

While pesticides may temporarily get rid of pests, they’ll also eliminate the beneficial critters that eat them, setting up a vicious circle that will only benefit the creatures you don’t want in your garden. A far better long-term solution is to support your garden ecosystem for pest control, creating habitat and food to bring a self-regulating balance of wildlife into your garden.

9. Look After Yourself, Too!

It's not just your plants that get stressed in this intense heat – you do too! So while it's a smart move to put these protective measures in place, do take a few savvy shortcuts to cut your garden chore time in a heatwave so you can put your feet up in the shade. After all, your plants need you now more than ever.

If you love to laze in water in your backyard, fragranced plants will take your al fresco R&R to a whole new level, whether that's in a pool, hot tub or a garden bathtub. Yes, you read that right, a bathub! For years, I dreamed of having an outdoor bathtub – a secret garden retreat where I could spend evenings soaking peacefully under the stars, immersed in nature with a cold drink and a good book. So, when I spotted an antique cast iron bath online for $50, I snapped it up. It had seen better days and was more shabby than chic, but I sanded down the outside and gave it a coat of Dark Brunswick Green (by Little Greene in Intelligent Exterior Eggshell finish).

Creating a wood-fired tub was a step too far for me so, so whenever I fancied a relaxing garden bathe, I simply ran a hosepipe from a hot tap indoors to fill up the bath. It was so lovely taking long, luxurious baths outside. I listened to tree leaves gently rustling in the breeze, watched bats flit across the sky and allowed the warm water to ease my tired muscles at the end of long days. But I soon realised something was missing: scent.

To take outside bathing to the next level, I needed to plant the area around my tub with perfumed blooms, so I could lie in a mist of floral fragrance.

I set about moving the evergreen shrubs that surrounded the tub, and replaced them with heavenly scented plants to transform my garden bathing space into a spa-like sanctuary.

Whether you have a garden bath like me, or a backyard pool, a hot tub – or even just a restful little corner with a homespun water feature where you like to sit in the evenings – these sweet-smelling plants will be perfect for you, too. The strongest scents are released in the evening of a hot summer’s day, as night falls and the air cools, just at the point your garden beckons you for a well-earned rest. Many night-scented plants intensify their scent production as temperatures drop and humidity rises, conditions that allow molecules to linger rather than drift away rapidly. Some plants are even pollinated by moths, so have evolved evening fragrance to attract them.

Here are the scented flowers I planted around my bathtub, and why you should add them to your garden so you can relax in a sea of blissful scent, too.

1. Honeysuckle

Buried somewhere underneath a vigorous Virginia creeper behind my bathtub is a climbing honeysuckle vine with trumpet-shaped blooms and a sweet, musky fragrance. Strongly perfumed and non-invasive, Lonicera periclymenum ‘Scentsation’ is an absolute joy, and is available from Fast Growing Trees.

My parents had a huge honeysuckle arch in their garden when I was a child, and I have such fond memories of sitting underneath it. It’s strange how the power of scent can do that, in the same way that music can, instantly transporting us to other times and places.

2. Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’

Rose scent varies so much from fruity to floral, lemon-fresh to honey-sweet, you can choose a rose to match your favorite perfume to fill your garden with a scent you already adore. My all-time favorite is English pink shrub rose 'Gertrude Jekyll' from David Austin Roses, named after the famous garden designer and writer Gertrude Jekyll. It has an old-fashioned rose fragrance that’s super-strong and it’s a classic cottage garden plant – one that flowers again and again if you deadhead it regularly and prune it back in late winter.

If I’m feeling particularly romantic, I sometimes pick a rose and sprinkle the fragrant petals in my bath water to elevate my evening soak to the status of a sensuous summer ritual. I'm a firm believer that roses are an essential part of any garden, and another that I’ve been admiring and sniffing in a friend's garden has crept onto my garden wish-list. ‘Jude the Obscure’ is another David Austin rose and it smells deliciously of guava.

3. Mock Orange

Known as Philadelphus, mock orange is an elegant flowering shrub with the most exquisite sweet scent, reminiscent of orange blossom. It grows pretty big – up to 3m high – so it needs plenty of space and it doesn’t flower for very long, but when the creamy white blooms do blossom, the fragrance is so potent that it floats across the whole garden.

Its leaves grow on arching stems which can get a bit unruly, so you’ll need to cut it back every year to stop it taking over. Or be smart and choose a compact dwarf cultivar such as Philadelphus ‘Illuminati Spice’, available from Jackson & Perkins.

4. Jasmine

With clusters of dainty star-like flowers, climbing jasmine creeps and trails all over the fence beside my garden bathtub. This plant loves a warm, sheltered spot with plenty of sun and, although it doesn’t make a huge impact visually, it releases a musky, honey-like perfume every evening which drifts delicately on the air.

There are 200 varieties of jasmine, which is related to lilacs and forsythia. My favorite is common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) as I find it to be the most heavily scented variety. It climbs really quickly, too, so it’s great for covering an unsightly wall or fence. Star jasmine, also known as confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a slower-growing jasmine that's also very fragrant and it thrives in sun or shade; plants are available from Fast Growing Trees.

5. Lavender

Lavender attracts pollinators and looks pretty all summer long, and the scent it emits is immense, too. Inspired by a visit to a lavender farm in the Cotswolds in England, I planted a bushy dwarf English lavender Lavendula Angustifolia ‘Hidcote'. It has silvery-grey foliage and deep-violet flowers plus the most beautiful scent. Because it's right beside my bathtub, I can reach out and squeeze the flowerheads to release an extra burst of fragrance whenever I want.

Lavender contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate which lower heart rate, reduce stress and ease anxiety, so breathing in the scent physically helps me relax.

6. Daphne

Beloved by bees and butterflies, daphne is an understated shrub that flowers in the spring and is the first plant to fragrance my bathing area each year. The overwhelming scent is an intense rose-citrus perfume, so powerful that I can often smell Daphne before I even see it.

To prolong the joy, look for reblooming varieties such as ‘Eternal Fragrance', available from Nature Hills, so that blissful scent lasts for as long as possible.

7. Salvia Nachtvlinder

With a strong, sweet, blackcurrant fragrance, I have planted aromatic Salvia x jamensis 'Nachtvlinder' right beside my garden bath to enjoy its fruity scent as I take a relaxing soak. The name means ‘night moth’ in Dutch, which I love – and this plant really does come alive after dark scent-wise, and the fragrance flutters around the whole garden.

Both the dark purple flowers and the leaves of this salvia smell absolutely delicious. Sometimes my feet brush against it when I’m stepping in or out of the tub, which releases even more punchy perfume into the air. The best thing about salvias is they are so easy to take cuttings from, so I now have this salvia in patio pots, in my veg patch and I gift it to friends, too.

This perennial is pretty hard to track down but absolutely worth it, and is stocked by Annie's Annuals & Perennials.

Oh we know that the fourth of July is all about family barbecues, drinks in the sunshine and fireworks galore – but between all that, may we humbly suggest you spare five minutes to do some shopping for your garden? Because there are some absolutely cracking July 4 garden deals to be had!

We've scoured the stores to find all the very best garden deals that are half price or better, and can be delivered to your door, so you don't have to take too much time out between star-spangled spritzers. And honestly, we were surprised to discover so many unmissable deals. It must be somebody's birthday or something…

Let's cut to the chase, shall we, and shop some awesome gardening deals!

Garden Bargains Under $10

Stylish Finds

Gardening Goodies

Great Gardening Gifts

Outdoor Living Lovelies

Room to Grow

Stylish Storage

Handy Garden Tools

Time to Relax!

Water Deal!

Decent garden storage doesn’t just make it easy to keep your outside space tidy, it means you can find your gardening tools when you want them. I like to think that spending on good outdoor storage actually saves me money because then I don't have to re-buy tools lost in all the shed clutter – and honestly, you don't have to spend much if you take advantage of the July 4th deals currently on. I don’t know if this heatwave has caused some kind of craziness at Target, because there are some cracking better-than-half-price deals on all sorts of affordable outdoor storage options.

From storage boxes to sheds, backyard cabinets to potting benches, there are so many stylish solutions to organize garden tools and accessories. I’ve only included great deals that offer a 50% or higher reduction, so you can get maximum outdoor storage for your money. I’ve also looked at different types of garden storage so there’s something so suit every backyard. Think about how you can customize whatever you choose to further fit your needs, too, because there are plenty of clever DIY ways to upgrade your garden storage.

If you’d love a garden with a place for everything and everything in its place, but don’t want to bust your budget getting it, here are Target’s very best deals on garden storage.

1. Waterproof Storage Trunks

An outdoor storage trunk is the best option to store patio cushions and throws, and pool toys. Available in a range of smart finishes, it’s an unobtrusive addition to a patio and makes that ‘Oh heck, it’s starting to rain’ garden dash to save non-waterproof cushions a breeze, and the large capacity means you can store most pool toys without deflating them first.

A backyard storage box also provides a handy surface for drinks and nibbles when you’re entertaining in your outdoor space. Do go for a sturdy option as someone – you included! – will inevitably use it as a bench at some point.

2. Potting Benches With In-Built Storage

We all dream of having a potting bench in the garden so we can potter happily with our plants! Choosing a bench with built-in storage brings the best of both worlds, giving you a sturdy work surface as well as a spot to store your most-used hand tools and garden knick-knacks.

3. Vertical Mini-Sheds

If you don’t already have a vertical mini-shed, you won’t know how useful they are to store those everyday tools and garden bits and bobs. Compact and cute enough to stand right outside your back door, a microshed means your kitchen countertop won’t forever be cluttered with a pair of hand pruners and a ball of twine!

Most vertical sheds have a combination of shelves and a full-height compartment to store garden tools, and are typically raised on short legs to protect the stored goods from ground moisture. Those made of wood mean it’s a simple DIY task to add hooks or customize shelving but will need retreating periodically, while metal microsheds are maintenance-free.

4. Benches With Built-In Storage

If you’re pushed for space, then a multi-tasking bench with built-in storage is a smart option. Great for storing throws, pool toys and other outdoor living bits and bobs, this brings plentiful storage without compromising on style. Armrests double as carrying handles, making a storage bench easy to move so you can position it by the pool through summer, then shift it to a sundowner spot for fall.

5. Squeeze-it-in Sheds

Sheds are necessary but ugly structures that take up a lot of space in your garden, right? Wrong! There are plenty of smaller, smarter shed designs that mean you can squeeze in this essential storage without it being a garden eyesore. Of course, finally getting around to decluttering your shed will help, and you can get creative to switch up your garden shed from drab to fab.

6. Temporary Storage Solutions

It’s really useful to be able to temporarily increase the storage capacity of your garden when you need to, without wasting garden space on permanent fixtures you won’t need for most of the year.

7. Stylish Garden Cabinets

There’s been a huge trend in stylish garden cabinets this year, and no wonder – we’re happy to give them pride of place on the patio, rather than trying to squirrel our outdoor storage away, out of sight. Cabinets are as practical as they are pretty, too, as the double front-opening doors make for good access.

Tall cabinets with shallow shelving let you organise hand tools and garden clutter where you can see it at a glance; unshelved cabinets with plenty of hanging space make it easy to wheel in a lawnmower, stack foldable garden furniture, or store pool hoses and long-handled tools.

With limited growing space, I like to grow hard-working pollinator plants: great at attracting bees to my vegetable patch, of course, but also lovely to pick for my home and use in craft projects or the kitchen. Choosing multipurpose pollinator plants works well for all of us because the more blooms I pick to use indoors, the more flowers grow to feed the bees and butterflies.

Bunches of blooms are expensive to buy at the store and I realised long ago it’s much cheaper to grow my own cut flowers. The same goes for craft materials and edible flowers. As well as saving money, growing your own is far more satisfying too, and it's wonderful to have fresh flowers that taste good and last well. Growing your own culinary ingredients and craft materials also gives you a selection that money simply can't buy.

As a busy mum of three, my time and resources are just as tight as my growing space, so the flowering plants I choose for my pollinator garden are not only beautiful but also low maintenance, easy to grow and fuss-free. Here are my top picks, and I hope you (and your garden pollinators) love them as much as I do.

1. Calendula

These cheery edible flowers from the daisy family bloom from May right through to November. I grow them in vast quantities but they also pop up randomly all over my vegetable patch as they're prolific self-seeders and I can’t bear to pull them out because they’re so pretty! Calendula officinalis flowers – also known as pot marigolds – are real magnets for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies and moths galore.

You can get single or double calendula varieties in various shades from a creamy yellow through apricot and peach through to neon orange, and Eden Brothers has a good selection of seeds. I prefer the simple single cultivars such as ‘Nova’ (available from Eden Brothers) as the doubles are a bit frilly for my taste, but having an eclectic mix of different types looks lovely, too. The flower heads close up at night or on very gloomy days, then open up again every morning, so make sure you harvest them when they are fully open and dry on a sunny day. It's so easy to grow calendula as long as you give it a sunny position, because it’s tough and doesn’t need much water.

You can pour hot water over fresh calendula flowers to make a reviving tea, dry the petals (so you can store the tea for months to come), use it in skin creams (it’s very soothing and promotes healing) and use the edible petals to decorate cakes or salads.

I like to scatter the vibrant petals on cupcakes on top of white frosting, along with edible blue cornflower and pink rose petals – a more natural option than store-bought sprinkles which can contain artificial colors and flavors. I also pick the flowers and fill jugs and jars with them to enjoy around my home. The orange blooms look particularly lovely in a contrasting blue vessel such as a vintage Ball Mason jar, and the foliage smells amazing, too.

2. Hydrangea

I’ve always loved these flowering shrubs. The color of bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) and mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) petals is affected by the pH of the soil they are grown in – if the soil is alkaline, the flowers are more blue, but if the soil is acidic, they’re pink. Other hydrangea types have shades that range from a deep, rich purple to a lively raspberry red.

My favorite flowers to craft with are bigleaf varieties, such as Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer Summer Crush, available from Fast Growing Trees. The flowers grow pink in my garden and bloom from June to September, covered with beautiful butterflies.

I pick the flowerheads when they’re at their peak, remove any leaves and dry the stems. I find the color is lost and they turn brown when drying hydrangea flowers out of water, so I stand them in vases with water and leave them to dry out very slowly for a few weeks in my sunny kitchen. This helps the petals retain their color and the dried heads are simply gorgeous in faded pinks, palest creams and deep crimsons. Once the blooms are dry, they're papery and fragile, but by storing them in a box to protect them, they last long enough to make a home-crafted Christmas wreath later in the year. But yes, of course I keep a few in a jar so I can enjoy them all through the winter season!

I’ve also used hydrangea flowers to make decorative garlands, tying the heads together with fine floristry wire.

3. Nasturtium

I adore all nasturtiums, but Victorian heirloom variety 'Empress of India' is my all-time fave, and seeds are available from Eden Brothers. The foliage is dark green and the flowers are a bright, zingy orange and I grow it everywhere – in pots on the deck, in flower beds and in my greenhouse to attract pollinators to fruit and veggie plants. It seems to be loved by bumblebees in particular.

The flowers and leaves taste peppery and add flavor and color to salads, or you can blend the leaves up to make a pest for pasta dishes. Even the seeds are edible – you can pick them when they’re young and green then pickle them in vinegar and use them like capers. I even found a Nasturtium 'Empress of India' vintage metal label in a thrift store once, cementing my love for this fabulous flowering plant!

4. Strawflower

I grow strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum) in a rainbow of colours so I can dry the blooms then thread them onto wire to make garlands to drape around my house or gift to friends. This is an idea I spotted at Glebe House in Devon, England, where homegrown strawflower garlands adorn the fire surrounds.

My favourites are the pale pink, slightly metallic varieties such as 'King Size Silvery Rose', and seeds are available from Botanical Interests. I direct-sow seeds after the last spring frosts and I love that they bring so many bees to my garden.

To dry strawflowers, I simply cut a bunch and hang the stems upside down in my greenhouse, but anywhere warm and airy will work.

5. Sea Holly

Butterflies adore sea holly plants and I do, too, for heir stunning architectural flowerheads which bring color and structure to my garden. Eryngium planum ‘Blue Glitter’ has a beautifully deep blue hue, and plants are available from Nature Hills. Eryngium giganteum ‘Miss Willmott’s Ghost’, available from White Flower Farm, has more silvery, white-green flowers with an ethereal quality.

I pick the flowerheads and dry them upside down in bunches in my greenhouse, then use them in floral arrangements and in festive wreaths.

6. Echinops

With vivid blue pompom flowers, my perennial Echinops ritro plants are always covered with bumblebees. I grow globe thistle ‘Veitch’s Blue’ and, while it’s a bit of a thug, it gives me so many flowers. The plant gets bigger every season and has a tendency to take over my border, but I've found that dividing it and giving roots away to friends keeps it in check.

Once the flowers have bloomed, you can cut and dry the heads and it couldn't be simpler – I place the stems upright in a jar, without water, in my kitchen. After six months, the dried heads become fragile and the colour fades from blue to grey, but that gives me just enough time to pop them into festive wreaths and decorations.

7. Rose

I love all Rosa, but my absolute favorite rose for fragrance is Gertrude Jekyll English Rose Shrub by David Austin. You can buy it as a mature shrub from Fast Growing Trees and it can also be grown as a climber, and bare roots are available direct from David Austinfrom fall to spring.

Long-flowering with the most exquisite scent, my Gertrude Jekyll shrub rose is always buzzing with pollinators, and the flowers are perfect for crafting and cooking, too. I pick blooms on a warm, sunny day and spread the petals out to dry on sheets of paper in my kitchen. Then I store them in a jar to use as sprinkles on cakes, making rose petal tea (just steep the petals in hot water) or creating scented gifts like dried lavender and rose petal sachets.

8. Lilac

One of the best flowering plants for pollinators, lilac is one of the first shrubs to bring color to my garden in spring. This beautiful bush is always alive with butterflies, too, thanks to its elegant, deep lavender-purple flowers. I use the fresh and fragrant flowers to make lilac shortbread cookies which are always a big hit with my kids.

Boomerang Dark Purple lilac, available from Burpee, is my forever favorite because it reblooms right up until the first frost, is exceptionally hardy and has particularly large clusters of flowers – which means plenty of cookies!

If you got a cat, and you’ve got a garden, then here’s what your moggy wants you to do: add these feline-pleasing plants, pronto! I’ve been gardening with cats for over 15 years, and articles about plants that are poisonous for cats frequently pop up on my feed. But what about plants that cats love?

Growing plants for cats to enjoy is so rewarding. Cats are wonderful gardening companions and, bar the occasional mid-border poop (and pushing twigs into any bare patches of soil soon solves that problem), don’t cause any damage. So it seems fair to please them with plants that they actively enjoy.

I grow all three of these plants for my moggies – Silver Birch, Stormchaser and Clemmie-Maud (no judgement please, blame my kids!). They sniff them, roll around in them, and fall fast asleep in the middle of them. I’m surprised how well the plants hold up to such rough treatment, but they’re all robust and, if a stem gets knocked over, I simply cut it off and another grows. Simple to look after and pretty enough to earn a place in the garden, all these plants are an easy way to make your yard more appealing to your cats.

1. Catnip

Of all plants cats like, catnip wins first prize. Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone which, when inhaled, triggers a euphoric brain response that results in rolling, purring and sometimes a burst of running around. This response is harmless and non-addictive, and wears off after 10 minutes or so. Afterwards, the cat is immune to catnip's effects for up to two hours, so don’t worry that your moggy will like this plant-induced state of bliss a little too much. There's no teenage overindulging either, as catnip doesn't affect kittens until they're around 6 months old.

A hardy perennial in zones 3-9, growing catnip is so easy. Do raise it in a planter set on hard landscaping though, as it’s a member of the mint family and, like many of its cousins, loves to romp away. Nepeta cataria grows to 2½ feet high and, while it has pretty enough white or pale pink flowers, sometimes dotted with purple, you won't be growing it for its ornamental value as it has a tendency towards straggly stems. If you regularly pinch off the stem tips, however – and your cat will happily help you with this task – catnip grows into a dense, bushy mound of foliage that's appealing in a patio pot.

Catnip seeds are available from Amazon, and it’s quick to germinate. You’ll need to place a cage over the planter or keep it out of reach while the seedlings establish, as your cat won’t be able to resist. The other secret to a thriving catnip plant is to give it well-draining soil, so mix a handful of horticultural grit such as this from Amazon into any multipurpose potting soil. It’s a drought-tolerant sun-lover, though it’ll be fine in partial shade, too.

It’s best to cut fading flowering stems as catnip self-seeds easily. Cut stems, too, to dry to give to your cat through the winter months.

Not all cats are affected by catnip. Sensitivity to catnip is an inherited trait and only around 70% of cats have it, so don’t worry if your feline doesn’t respond.

2. Catmint

Catmint also contains the volatile compound nepetalactone, though in far lower doses. While smelling the plant will still give your cat a temporary high, it won’t be as intense as that offered by catnip. What you are likely to see, though, is your cat rolling among the catmint stems. It’s thought that the plant evolved to produce nepetalactone to repel pests, and by rolling on the stems and leaves to crush them, cats are naturally protecting themselves against fleas.

Also belonging to the Nepeta genus, catmint is far better behaved and far more ornamental than catnip, making it a super drought-tolerant plant for borders and path edges. Growing catmint is easy as it's a reliable perennial that will return year after year with very little care. There are all sorts of catmint hybrids and cultivars, and breeders have had fun dreaming up names from ‘Purrsian Blue’ to ‘Kitten Around’. Many hybrids have been developed to be deliberately compact so the plants are far less likely to be damaged, and their stems flattened, by over-enthusiastic cats.

Thriving in full sun, Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ is a particularly ornamental variety with gloriously vibrant purple-blue blooms from spring to fall, naturally growing into a neat mound a foot high and 1-2 feet wide. Available from Fast Growing Trees, it’s suitable for zones 3-8.

3. Valerian

Valerian officinalis contains the compound actinidine, which is structurally similar to nepetalactone, and it’s thought this smells similar to a feline’s pheromones. While the compound is concentrated in the roots, it’s also contained in the foliage, and cats will rub against the stems and sometimes chew the leaves. Unlike the calming effect common valerian has on humans, it stimulates cats to play, purr and roll around – and then have a good snooze, often right by the plant.

For the full effect of valerian, you'll need to harvest the roots. Wait until your plant has been in the ground for at least two summers, then dig up. The best time to do this is in autumn once the plant has died back. Scrub the roots well and hang up in an airy spot to dry. Be warned, valerian roots smell like old socks!

Then chop up the root and keep it in an airtight tin. Use in moderation, and don't give more than half a teaspoon at a time. If your cat tends to eat the valerian root, put a small amount inside a cat toy – ingesting small amounts is harmless but eating lots can cause a stomach upset or vomiting.

Valerian officinalis is a substantial plant, growing to 3-5 feet high with pretty cottage-garden clusters of white to pale pink flowers. It’s not too late to sow in sun or partial shade now, and seeds are available from Amazon. However, common valerian likes moist soil so you’ll need to keep it well-watered over the summer while it establishes. Press the seeds onto the surface of moist soil and barely cover with a very light sprinkling as they need light to germinate.

Growing valerian is straightforward and once it's established in your garden, you won't be without it in zones 3-9. It's a self-seeder so, if you don’t want it to spread around your garden, snip the stems as soon as they finish flowering. Don't confuse this plant with red valerian, which cats will ignore.

If your cat is pregnant, has any health problems or is on any medication, consult your vet before giving him or her any stimulants.

Lighting is a vital part of garden design nowadays, and the plummeting price of solar-powered LEDs means every yard can get its glow on. But it seems that lots of us are turning back to a simpler, more personal way of lighting our gardens, with candles. As well as natural wax candles, realistic rechargeable faux candles suitable for outdoor use are surging in popularity, and IKEA’s stylish new lanterns are the perfect way to bring the lively warmth of candlelight to your garden.

Candlelight is inviting, and has mesmerizing motion that a string of solar lighting could never match. Place a garden lantern with a candle on a patio coffee table and it will naturally draw guest to gather on the seats around it. Use candles on an outdoor dining table when you’re entertaining and the occasion will instantly feel more intimate. And whether you’re enjoying a warm summer evening outside with your partner or restoring your sanity with a moment of alone-time, a candle flame will encourage you to linger longer.

So if you plan to do anything in your garden this summer, do it by candlelight. As far as garden lighting ideas go, it really couldn't be simpler – yet it's beautifully effective. Whether you choose real wax for elegance or remote-control for ease is beside the point: as long as the flame flickers, you’ll add magical ambience to all your garden goings-on.

The Lanterns

IKEA’s new limited edition TOFSAND lanterns are made from durable powder-coated steel with glass shades. A larger white lantern measures 17¼ inches by 7¾ inches and is designed to hold a pillar candle up to 5⅞ inches high and 2¾ inches wide. The smaller lantern is available in yellow or pink, and measures 8¼ inches by 4¾ inches; it’s designed to hold a standard-sized tealight.

The Candles

IKEA has a useful range of candles that fit these lanterns perfectly.

For The Larger Lantern

For the Smaller Lanterns

I have always wanted a garden shed that’s pretty as well as practical. You know the type – like the ones you see on Instagram where there are rows of hand-thrown antique flowerpots, balls of rustic garden twine and dainty details such as vintage seed packets on display. Of course, in reality, my shed was a dumping ground for old plastic plant pots, half-used sacks of potting soil and ugly bits of lawnmower. Yes, it was useful for garden storage but, accessorized with dead spiders and mouse poop, my shed was far more drab than fab.

It was time for a big makeover on a small budget, with cheap and easy DIY projects to upgrade my garden storage.

I started by emptying out all the tools (and the mouse poop) and getting rid of anything I didn’t want or need, taking a load of stuff to the dump. It was a surprisingly therapeutic process and forced me to finally edit my shed hoard. Next, I vacuumed up all the debris and replaced a broken window pane before I set to work transforming my boring garden storage into a vintage retreat with some DIY shed ideas.

1. Paint Exterior Walls

I wanted my shed to blend into the garden, so I painted the exterior in a smart, understated dark gray colour: Evening Coat from Valspar. This instantly transformed the shed, turning a nondescript timber structure into something much more elegant. I used FrogTape, available from Ace Hardware, to get neat edges around the windows and gave the walls two coats of paint for a rich, deep color.

2. Paint Interior Walls

I’m not going to lie, painting the inside of a shed is a labour of love. It takes ages and it’s fiddly because the wood isn’t smooth like a plastered wall is. But, even though it took me days, I have no regrets because my formerly dark and gloomy shed is now airy and bright. In fact, I wish I’d taken the time to treat the knots in the pine boards with knotting solution first because there are a few unsightly yellow patches here and there.

I used Pure Brilliant White Weather Shield exterior wood and metal paint in quick dry satin finish from Dulux. It took a few coats to get a good finish, but the result is a much lighter space that looks and feels much bigger than before. The white walls also provide a nice backdrop for my collection of vintage gardening tools and backyard tat.

3. Clean Up The Floorboards

I considered painting the floorboards white to match the walls, but I knew that with muddy boots traipsing in and out, it wasn’t a practical option. Instead, I decided to simply clean the floorboards using water and a scrubbing brush. They looked so much better once a layer of grime had been removed. Once the floorboards were dry, I put down a doormat to protect them from mud and leaves.

4. Sort Storage

I moved two simple potting benches into my shed to work as countertops. I had previously constructed these from wooden lengths as greenhouse staging, and they were straightforward to put together. Timber potting tables aren't cheap but if you do want to buy rather than DIY, there are budget potting benches to be found if you're prepared to hunt around.

For storing gardening tools, I fitted a long narrow timber ledge the full length of the shed wall and screwed hooks into it, so my tools are easy to grab when I need them. Flowerpots can be stored on the ledge above, too. As DIY garden storage goes, this was so quick to do but it created so much space.

I found this vintage metal French cooking utensil wall holder in a thrift store and couldn't resist it. Although it was originally intended for hanging spoons and ladles in a kitchen setting, with a few metal S hooks such as these from Amazon, it’s perfect for storing hand tools such as forks and trowels, garden twine and scissors.

I wanted a rustic but sturdy shelf, so I used a piece of reclaimed scaffold plank to fashion a design, supported on two metal shelf brackets I found in a skip. Sometimes the simplest shed ideas are the best.

For storing seeds and smaller items, I used some apothecary-style drawers I already had, and pinned some favorite seed packets to the wall.

5. Finishing Touches

Details matter, so I used clear waterslide decal paper, available from A-SUB, an inkjet printer and a blank wooden key fob rather like these from Walmart, to make a stylish 'Potting Shed' label for the door key. Granted, it sounds a bit more grand than the reality, but fake it until you make it and all that!

As a final flourish for my chic shed upgrade, I picked up a cheap oil painting of some red poppies in a thrift store. It wasn’t in good condition but that means I’m not precious about it living outside and it brightens up the shed interior.

Now my shed is such a homely space – a cosy place to sow seeds, pot up plants and simply hide with a hot drink on a rainy day. I even take my laptop in there sometimes to co-work with the spiders! With a comfy counter-height barstool (similar to this at Target), a jar of fresh flowers and my favourite vintage gardening books to hand, my chic shed has become one of my favorite garden spots to hang out.

Yes, it would have been quicker and easier to buy a swish new IKEA garden storage cabinet, but was it more satisfying to do a budget shed makeover and transform my garden storage myself? You bet!

I love a quiet evening on the outdoor sofa, glass in hand and chatting with friends or simply watching the garden birds. But that easy peace is quickly shattered by the whine of a hungry mosquito’s wings flapping 500 times a second. Did you know that humans can only detect this noise less than a foot away, so if you hear that high-pitched hum, the pesky skeeter making it is close enough to strike? Yup, and what’s more, insects can hear the screech up to 30 feet away and it’s used as a mating call – and that means a whole lot more mozzies might be about to join your patio party.

The solution, however, is simple: a mosquito trap that uses natural ingredients you’ve probably already got in your kitchen cupboards. Now, I’m all for encouraging a balance of garden wildlife to control pests, and the resident bats do a great job of keeping the mozzie population down. But even so, when it’s a lovely evening to sit outside and I hear that piercing whirr, I reach for a baking soda mozzie trap.

Ready for the science bit? When you mix bicarbonate of soda, which is alkaline, with white vinegar, which is acidic, a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes find their human prey by detecting the carbon dioxide we exhale, which they can sense an astonishing 100 feet away. That’s why some folk are more attractive to mozzies: all sorts of factors, from stress to consuming carbohydrates, can increase levels of CO₂ exhaled.

So, mosquitoes fly towards the strong source of the carbon dioxide – happy the trap, not you – and drown. But here’s the clever thing, especially if you care about your garden wildlife: the trap is at its most effective for the first few hours that it's activated, so you only get rid of mosquitoes when you need to. As part of your backyard mosquito control, it's an easy win.

You Will Need:

• a used clear plastic bottle, at least 1.5 liters in size
• scissors
• tape suitable for exterior use, such as this from Amazon
• ¼ cup baking soda, such as this from Amazon
• 1 cup white vinegar, such as this from Amazon
• measuring spoons

How to Make Your Mozzie Trap:

1. To make your natural mozzie trap, first remove the lid from the bottle and, using the scissors, carefully cut the plastic bottle in half. Turn the upper half upside down and insert it into the lower half. Trim any excess length.

2. Tape the cut edges together securely, folding down the tape edge inside the trap.

3. Tip ¼ cup of baking soda into the trap.

4. When you’re ready to use your natural mosquito trap, set it in place and pour 1 cup of vinegar into the trap, on top of the baking soda. Do this slowly as it will foam enthusiastically!

Easy, huh? It's handy, too, as you can prep the trap with the baking soda beforehand, then tip the vinegar in and start the chemical reaction when you’re ready to use it. Mosquitoes are very weak fliers and avoid windy areas, so it's important you position your DIY mosquito trap in a sheltered spot. A breeze will also disperse the carbon dioxide quickly, making the source much harder to find. Mozzies also prefer to stay out of the sun, too, so choose a shady position if it hasn't already sunk beneath the horizon.

The trap can be rinsed out and re-used many times over, too. It's tricky to get all the liquid out because of the funnel shape you've created, so it's easiest to remove the tape and reapply after rinsing. That fizzy reaction neutralizes the baking soda and vinegar, turning it into water and sodium acetate (salt), so it's safe to pour the liquid down the drain. Don't forget to count how many pesky mozzies you caught first though!

To further help keep your yard free of mosquitoes, avoid pools of still water – adding a cheap floating solar fountain to a water feature is a fast and fun solution if you have a pond, birdbath or dipping tank. There are numerous scented plants such as lavender and lemongrass that help to deter these pests, too. Making a mozzie bucket of doom is another effective aid to backyard skeeter control, but doesn't smell half as good!

If you've got any bicarbonate of soda left over, then it's very effective when used with vegetable oil, dish soap and water to make a baking-soda spray to prevent fungal diseases on tomato plants.

So you're not a landscape designer, huh? But I bet you know plenty about decorating your home! Take everything you've learned from creating a warm and welcoming house outside into the garden, and use your expertise to create a comfy, cozy and stylish space outdoors.

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a great result. Outdoor living has been a growing trend over the past decade, so now there are stylish garden ranges available from everyday retailers as well as luxury brands. And you don't need to style up your entire backyard, either. Concentrate on turning your patio or deck into a hub for outdoor living and it will act as a centerpiece for the whole garden.

Adding some indoors-outdoors style won't just make your yard look good. It'll raise the ambiance and make your garden feel more welcoming, too. Whether you're entertaining or you have friends and family over for a weekend barbecue, expect plenty of compliments from happy guests. Which of these 10 patio ideas for outside living will you try first?

1. Enclose Your Pergola With a Canopy

Adding a material roof to your pergola makes it into more or a room, and there are so many ways to do it, depending on your budget and whether you want shelter from showers as well as the sun. Rolls of reed fencing are a cost-effective solution if you’re comfortable with DIY as it’s easily cut to size and secured to struts. There are plenty of purpose-made pergola canopies, too, so it’s easy to find a good fit whatever the size of your structure, and ties or grommets make installation straightforward.

2. Bring Chic Vibes With a Compact Container Hydrangea

Just as a single hydrangea bloom in a vase lights up an entire room, a living shrub with a plethora of flowers acts as an accent plant to style up your entire garden. No matter how big or bijou your backyard, there’s a hydrangea variety to suit. Plenty have been bred to thrive in a patio pot, so add one in a generous container to your patio or deck and you can practically start calling yourself Martha Stewart.

‘Little Lime’ brings all the delights of panicle hydrangea ‘Limelight’ in dwarf form, its creamy lime-green flowers transitioning to pink in fall. ‘Red Sensation’ is a reblooming bigleaf that only reaches 3 feet tall and wide with crimson flowers, an unusual color in the hydrangea world. Or how about the mountain hydrangea 'Tiny Tuff Stuff'? It only grows to 1–2 feet high and wide so is perfect for a planter.

3. Hang a Pendant Lamp

Hanging a pendant lamp from a pergola instantly brings an interior mood as it mimics indoor lighting traditions. Look for solar- or battery-operated lamps so they’re faff-free to operate, and make sure you understand solar light ratings before you buy: a light with a rating of IP66 will last for years but one rated IP44 will likely only see the summer out. Whether you want a durable lamp or don’t want to waste money if you’re after a one-summer upgrade, it’s good to know what to look for.

Choosing a pendant lamp made of natural-looking materials such as faux rattan or bamboo ensures it feels at home in the garden.

4. Plant a Bowl of Succulents

Building on the houseplant theme, a bowl of succulents on your patio table or next to decking steps is a super-stylish addition. If you're a fan of quick and easy patio planter ideas, this is one of the best! There are plenty of hardy succulents such as Sempervivum, Sedum and Deslosperma, but it’s fun to use a wide selection of non-hardy succulents, then simply overwinter the planter indoors. It’s cost-effective to buy a selection pack of succulent plugs such as this pack of 20 from Amazon.

Succulents need good drainage so are best planted in a shallow planter with a potting mix tailored to them, such as this from Amazon. Bowl planters bring a sophisticated look, but many come without a drainage hole so, if you’re going to be using it outdoors, you’ll need to drill one. Get the drainage right and succulents are one of the most low-maintenance plants for patio pots.

5. Gather Around a Flaming Firebowl

The urge to gather round a fire is buried deep in our genes, so adding a firebowl to your outdoor space calls to our homing instincts. If you want to be toasting marshmallows for s'mores, then you’ll need real flames. But even if you live in a smokeless zone, there are plenty of options on offer that still bring flames into your backyard. Even if you live on a balcony, a tabletop fire bowl will make it feel cozy on summer evenings.

6. Add the Ambiance of Flickering Candlelight

Another way to bring the cozy effect of flickering flames into your garden is with candles. There’s no need to get frustrated with keeping wicks lit on a breezy evening when faux candles are so easy to use. Hang tiny tealights in trees and shrubs, stand pillar candles on your patio coffee table, and push dinner candles into an upcycled candelabra.

7. Fill a Vintage Vibes Planter With Trailing Stems

No matter how modern your backyard, an urn planter spilling with stems brings a sense of opulence and high living that chimes perfectly with an indoor/outdoor living space. Thanks to the arrival of resin planters that mimic the look of metal and stone, they’re a fraction of the price that a vintage urn might cost. Fill with annual plants that you’d normally put in a hanging basket, but choose your best hanging-basket plant based on sun or shade for abundant blooms and a lush look.

8. Bring Luxury With a Neutral Patio Rug

Laying an outdoor area rug on your patio creates a centerpoint, grounding your furniture whether that’s seating or a dining table. Choosing neutral tones means your area rug will be a subtle layer in the whole patio make-up, bringing a hint of luxury but leaving the spotlight to backyard flowers and foliage. And do go big or go home, and buy a rug that covers a sizeable portion of your deck or patio.

Most outdoor rugs are water resistant so you don’t need to worry about showers, though don’t leave them sitting soggy after torrential rain. Those made from synthetic polypropylene are the most durable and are typically washable, with a hosepipe. Rugs made from natural materials such as jute and sisal are best kept dry, for sunny days or sheltered covered spots.

9. Create a Lush Oasis of Foliage Plants

By all means, have plenty of fabulously easy perennial blooms that thrive on neglect. But make sure you have lots of foliage, too. A lush array of leaves has the same effect on a patio as houseplants do in an interior room. And once you start digging into the wonderful world of foliage plants, you’ll be amazed at the variety of leaf shapes, sizes and shades. A useful foliage planting method that landscape designers use is to make choices based on texture.

As well as filling pots, there are plenty of foliage plants with trailing stems that work well in hanging baskets or tall planters.

10. Raise Pots on Multi-Tier Shelving

Adding a set of shelves for your patio plants not only brings lounge vibes but means you’ve got room for more! Shelving also allows you to rearrange pots for an ever-changing display, putting those plants at their peak in the most prominent spots.

Repurpose an old bookshelf or wooden stepladder with exterior paint, or DIY some wall shelves using scaffold boards. If you're buying a new set of outdoor shelves, it's best to choose metal as wooden shelves will regularly need retreating to stop them rotting, and this is a fiddly job with so many slats to cover.

In the garden, I prefer the real deal when it comes to flowers. But inside? Give me jugs of faux flowers that look fabulous day in, day out. So you can imagine how pleased I am to see that Ikea just expanded its range of artificial stems. It's exactly the easy spring boost my home needs.

I’m a big fan of the Swedish brand’s artificial flowers, not least because of their affordable pricetags. I like to arrange faux blooms with real foliage and the flowers I grow for cutting, which helps to disguise the fact they’re artificial. But what’s really great with some of Ikea's stems is that you can easily alter the stem length with a pair of pliers, which also makes for a more natural jug-full.

Some of the new products are paper-based so for indoor use only, but most are made from a mix of recycled polyester and polyethylene, so they’ll be fine outdoors in the garden for a season or so, perhaps tucked into a trellis or prettying up a pergola. As patio ideas go, it's a quick win. There are limited edition stems as well as permanent additions, so be sure to check out this little spring cheat-treat soon.

Limited Edition Hydrangea Stems

Ikea's SMYCKA artificial hydrangea stems measure 21¾ inches tall and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

New Paper Artificial Stems

Created from paper, Ikea's GULDSPETT faux stems are for indoor use only and sold as single flowers. Steel wire in the stems means they can be bent into a natural shape. The anemone stem measures 13¾ inches, the poppy is 15¾ inches and the iris is 17¾ inches.

Limited Edition Faux Potted Plants

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, Ikea's new limited edition FEIJKA faux plants are made from plastic, of which at least 50% is recycled, so can be used outside and in. The faux baby's breath plant is 8¼ inches high in a 3½ inch diameter pot. Both the lavender and bouganvilla are in 4¾ inch diameter pots; the artificial lavender plant is 19 inches tall but no measurement is given for the length of the trailing bouganvilla stems.

Limited Edition Bouquets

Both Ikea's SMYCKA bouganvilla and cosmos bouquets feature 20-inch stems and are made from plastic, of which at least 50% is recycled. The MÄVINN bouquet consists of dried natural foliage and flowers.

Yes, we love nature, but would we really rather flies and mozzies left us alone when we’re enjoying life in the garden? For sure! If you’d rather relax on your patio bug-free, then don’t miss the $6.99 bug repellent fan currently in ALDI’s middle aisle.

Bug fans work by spinning two strips of holographic, reflective material that refract sunlight, creating an area of visual disturbance that most insects won’t venture into it. The air movement they foster further deters weak-flying insects like flies and mosquitoes.

I’ve been meaning to buy a fly fan for ages as I don't like the harsh chemicals used in some bug repellents. And while I secretly adore the potent aroma of citronella, I’m never really sure if outdoor candles are ever very effective. So a non-toxic, zero-odor method to keep bugs away is appealing. As patio ideas go, it's a winner, and a great addition to my pots of plants that naturally deter mosquitoes.

ALDI’s Ambiano Bug Repellant Fan comes in three colorways: sleek white, smart black and faux wood. With a flat base, it's designed to stand on a table, and is powered by two AA batteries (included) or via a USB connection (cable included). The soft, flexible blades stop spinning if touched, so you don't need to worry about accidentally knocking the fan while it's in motion.

A Big Win For Outdoor Dining

Because bug fans effectively create a no-fly zone in their immediate vicinity, they're a great solution for outdoor dining. The fans typically spin above the height of the food, creating a protective canopy, though you may need two or three fans to keep a bigger table fly-free.

Similarly, a jug of lemonade or a sweet cocktail can act as a bug magnet, so a repellent fan standing sentry will save any unfortunate plucking out of unlucky swimmers. If you love summer picnics, then a fan is small enough to carry with you, too.

I've been seriously impressed with ALDI's garden design finds so far this year, from last week's metal raised planters to the lovely lemon-print gardening accessories, so I'm keeping a keen eye out for more stylish backyard bargains.

Alternative Bug Repellent Fans

ALDI's bug fan dropped in stores Wednesday, 13 May, and will only be in stock for a limited time. If you don't make it to the middle aisle in time, here are some alternative insect repellent fans.

I’m all for a garden bargain, because I’ve already blown my gardening budget this year and it's not even May! So you can imagine how happy I am to see that ALDI just dropped a gorgeous garden range at prices that let me fill my shopping trolley, guilt free.

If you love a cottage-garden vibe then this teal blue raised planter is perfect for any patio, and there's a butterfly trellis that’s beautiful even before you grow a flowering vine up its graceful swirls. Leopard print more your style? Then these gardening gloves and wide-brimmed hat are for you! But the design that has everyone going wild is a sunny lemon print that's been used to create summery backyard accessories from a gardening apron to knee pads and hand pruners.

Hurry – these garden goodies are going to sell out super-fast.

The Luscious Lemon Print Everyone's Wild About

Lemon motifs instantly bring the feeling of sunny Mediterranean days to your garden, for cheery summer style.

Lots More Lemon Love

If you love the lemon print but don't have an ALDI close by, you can still use this chic citrus fruit to bring a sunny vibe to your patio this summer. Or pair up your grocery-store lemon-print garden bargains with these zesty patio adds for a whole new backyard look.

Best of the Rest: My Pick of ALDI's New Gardening Range

I get to see a lot of garden tools and accessories as a gardening editor, and what's different about this range is the sweet spot it hits between pretty and practical. Why can't all watering cans be as cute as this floral teapot-esque design? And if you’ve got kids that you'd like to encourage into the garden then there’s plenty here to tempt, too, from a pink planter and watering wand to fairy garden kits.

Practical Pretties

Smart Options

We Believe in Whimsy

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a beautiful garden, as all these little backyard treats prove. A gorgeous garden is a sum of its many parts, a hundred little details that fit together to create a welcoming space that's perfectly tailored to suit your unique tastes and preferences. And all the products that have made it onto my edit of the 25 best backyard bargains under $25 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale earned their spot because they're gorgeous, just great for gardening, and also give superb value for money.

When I'm shopping for a backyard bargain, I always hunt for products that aren't just practical, but pretty, too. That way, they add to the overall look of my garden, even if their primary job is purely functional. Choose the right product and you'll add a little style accent to your yard at the same time as making a task easier. Buy two or three items that fit the same vibe and you can quickly upgrade the appearance of your backyard for very little outlay. And that's such an easy way to refresh your garden in spring, ready for another year of gardening.

I've done all the hard work of hunting through Amazon's Big Spring Sale for you, to bring you the very best gardening products that don't break the bank. Some will bring a whole new look to your patio, some will add soothing sound or movement to your backyard. Some will add a swish vibe to your lawn, and some will style up your houseplant collection. Some will spark fresh gardening possibilities, whether that's growing a herb bed, watching pollinators feed, or simply snoozing a sunny summer afternoon away in a comfy hammock made for two. And a few are just for you, because you're an important part of your garden too.

Can $25 spent anywhere else but your garden bring this level of joy? I don't think so. Happy shopping!

I love snapping up a sale bargain and, if it's destined for the garden, I class it as an essential buy. And I'm very happy to have discovered lots of designer-look garden goodies in Amazon's spring sale – because if it looks like it cost five times the price, it brings me five times the joy.

Good garden design isn't about spending a lot: it's about choosing a particular look, color palette or theme, and sticking to it when you're picking out plants, patio furniture and backyard decor. That way, everything fits together to create a very specific vibe, and your garden looks cohesive. And you don't need to be a garden designer to achieve that stylish effect – just trust your instincts, allow yourself be drawn to what you love, then keep to that look.

There are no hard and fast rules, and it's fine to mix and match styles, just as long as there's a common denominator that ties everything all together. Perhaps that's your favorite color, maybe it's a style era like boho or midcentury modern, or it could simply be a mood like romantic or relaxed or just plain happy. You've probably already got the startings of this in your backyard, as all your past decisions will have been dictated by your natural personal preferences, so have a look at your garden and see what it is!

Once you've settled on that core aesthetic, the fun starts! I love finding bargain backyard bits and bobs that fit the vibe and help to bring that style to the fore to get a designer look for less. So let's cut straight to the good bit shall we? Here's my edit of the most stylish backyard buys for a spring garden upgrade that bring designer good looks for not-too-many dollars…

There are gardening days that feel productive, and then there are gardening days that feel romantic. The kind where the tools are beautiful, the light is soft, and even the most mundane tasks feel like they’ve wandered onto an influencer’s Instagram grid. That’s the feeling I get from Terrain’s new gardening collection, which seems firmly of the belief that practicality and aesthetics can – and should – coexist.

As someone who usually grubs about in the garden in her oldest, most holey clothes (hey, they’re going to get muddy anyway, right?), I’m well and truly here for anything that can inject some of that dreamy The Secret Garden-style vibes into my outdoor chores. So, yes, you’d best believe I’m wholly obsessed with this new product drop.

For starters, there’s the pretty pruning shears – which are weighted perfectly and sharp without being aggressive. Paired with Terrain’s super-cute Turnip garden gloves (which also just so happen to be supple, flexible, and comfortable), then you have double the reason to linger over those tasks you’d normally rush through.

The beauty extends beyond tools. The terracotta pie-crust rim planter feels like something you’d uncover in an old potting shed from a fantasy novel, while the brass snail watering can is ridiculously charming – the kind of object you leave out on purpose because it looks that good. Even the practical pieces, like the heritage garden hose or woven plant dolly, feel fantastically fancy rather than just functional.

What I love most, though, are the small touches: the folding iron plant stand that lets you play with height and light, the embossed brass clover charms that inject some luck of the irish into your planting schemes, the indoor planters that well and truly earn their space on the shelf in your living room. And I’m completely in love with this native bees insect hotel stake, too; it’s like a tiny, architectural hive-hotel that feels whimsical in the garden and genuinely welcomed by pollinators.

Intrigued? Here’s all the pieces from Terrain’s new collection that I have my beady eye on right now…

The Tools

The Accessories

The Planters

The Clever Bits

So, which piece from Terrain's new gardening collection has stolen your heart? I'll see you at the checkouts either way, I guess...

I’ll be honest: my garden isn’t ready for spring yet. The soil’s still cold, the chairs are still stacked in the shed, and the barbecue is still pretending it’s in hibernation. But scrolling through IKEA’s new outdoor collection? That’s a different story. Suddenly, I’m imagining sunlit mornings, coffee in hand, and seedlings that aren’t just surviving, but thriving.

Other than how optimistic it's made me about my very muddy garden (thanks to my dog's endless running up and down this winter, it more closely resembles the Swamps of Sadness in The Neverending Story than it does its usual Secret Garden aesthetic), what I love about this range is how unfussy it is.

The VITLÖK flower boxes and plant pots are simple, sturdy, and sensible – the kind of things that make a patio look considered rather than like I just shoved a bunch of pots in a corner. And the KOLBJÖRN shelf unit is a brilliant way to ramp up outdoor storage without compromising on style.

Then there are the clever little touches, like the DOFTRIPS self-watering inserts, which just feel like IKEA quietly acknowledging even the very keenest gardeners forget things sometimes (guilty as charged). The plant starter set, too, is practical without being joyless, and the DAKSJUS vases add just enough color to brighten a table with ease.

Finally, there's no point denying it: I’ve already mentally claimed the NÄMMARÖ open kitchen unit. Light wood, sleek stainless steel, and enough shelf space to make outdoor entertaining feel like you actually know what you’re doing? Yes please, get it in my garden right this moment. It’s the sort of piece that makes you imagine slow dinners outside, dirt under your nails, and wine glasses that don’t get knocked over by an errant hose.

Bored of my endless gushing? I don't blame you; it's time to shop IKEA’s new outdoor collection for yourself. Here's my pick of those clever, cheerful pieces that’ll make you excited to step outside... even if the ground is still a) soggy, b) boggy, or c) buried under several feet of snow Enjoy....

The Planters

The Clever Gadgets

The Statement Items

Which of these IKEA stunners has stolen your heart? I'll race you to the checkouts...

Permaculture is a huge gardening trend right now, as we try to make our gardens more sustainable. But there’s another very good reason to try it out: once established, these easy-to-implement permaculture ideas can save you a ton of time and money.

What is Permaculture?

‘Permaculture’ simply means ‘permanent agriculture’, and there’s nothing new about it. This tried, tested and trusted method has been used by self-sufficient communities for centuries and is still widely employed around the globe. Modelled on natural ecosystems, it’s an enduring, sustainable and eco-friendly way to grow food. Simply put, it aims to close the loop, so you don’t need to keep adding nutrients or buying new plants – the system supports itself as you work with nature, rather than against it.

As the cost of living skyrockets, that’s a smart move. And the good news is that you don’t need acres of land to put permaculture principles to good use: these ideas work in gardens of all sizes. Many are relevant even if your garden is full of blooms and you don’t plan on getting a veggie patch anytime soon – although growing some of your groceries in your backyard is always a wise plan, and way easier than you might think.

1. Start a Compost Heap

When the price of a sack of compost tops $20 and you can make your own for free, our first permaculture idea to try is a no-brainer. Think about it for a minute: you’re giving away so much goodness in your garden waste and vegetable peelings, then buying back someone else’s rotted trash. Cut out the middleman and make your own compost!

A compost heap doesn’t have to be fancy. Simply screwing wooden pallets together to make a frame works fine. A compost accelerator will get your heap off to a great start by creating optimal conditions for bacterial breakdown – be sure to choose an odorless one like this natural formula from Amazon, though, as some have an unpleasant smell.

In a small garden, a rotating bin speeds the process, producing compost in as little as six weeks. Choose a dual-chamber bin like this 37-gallon tumbler from Amazon for a continual supply, as you can add fresh scraps to one side while harvesting garden-ready compost from the other.

If you’ve got a tree or two in your garden then turn those leaves into valuable leaf mold with a Geobin Compost Bin, available from Amazon. It typically takes two years for leaves to decompose but shred them first – the easiest way is simply to run your lawnmower over them, which also does the job of picking them up, and you’ll halve the time.

2. Harvest Rainwater

Your water utility bill isn’t going to reduce anytime soon, unless you start harvesting the free stuff that falls out of the sky, that is! Rainwater is so much better for your plants, too, as it’s free of chlorine.

Start with a single rain barrel to see how you get on, but choose one that has an overflow option so you can connect additional barrels to store more, such as this 50-gallon design from Amazon, once you start seeing that water bill go down. Positioning the barrel on a stand such as this stainless steel design from Amazon raises the tap so it’s far easier to fill your watering can.

3. Create a Self-Feeding Bed

Permaculture prioritises soil health and looks to nature to supply the necessary nutrients for healthy plants. If you’re thinking of adding a bed or border to your garden – and it works for ornamental as well as edible plantings – take advantage of these techniques to create super-easy yet highly fertile growing spaces.

‘Hugelkultur’ is a technique that mounds organic material such as compost and manure over decaying wood before covering with topsoil. As the wood rots down, it feeds the layers above with a steady supply of nutrients and holds moisture. You can pinch the idea in a raised bed, too. Start with a good-sized frame such as this galvanised garden bed from Amazon, and place old branches in the base before layering up, and you’ll save time and money on your feeding and watering regime.

Another method that’s good for any-sized garden is to use a sheet mulching technique to turn a strip of lawn into a productive bed. All you need do is lay thick cardboard over the grass to smother it, water well then cover with nitrogen-rich organic matter such as manure, coffee grounds and grass clippings, and carbon-rich materials like straw and shredded paper or leaves. Cover the lot in topsoil and hey presto, you have a nutrient-rich bed, no digging needed.

4. Start a Mini Food Forest

A core permaculture principle is the idea of a food forest, where different types of plants provide support, shelter and nourishment for others. There are typically seven layers: high tree canopy, lower understory, shrub, vines, herbaceous, groundcover and root layer. While it’s perfectly possible to create a full food forest in a 10-foot square area, you can also employ the idea on a smaller scale in existing spaces around your garden.

So, in the dappled shade beneath a tree, could you grow some super-sweet mini Alpine strawberries, such as Alexandria from Burpee, that will thrive in this environment? Or use those branches as a support for a hardy kiwi – because Hardy Kiwi Prolific (available from Nature Hills) is self-fertile so you only need one plant, and is more compact than most? Could you plant some super-pretty creeping thyme like this Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’ from Nature Hills in an border to act as a living mulch and retain moisture to help all your other plants?

If you’re already growing blueberries, then sowing beans alongside will fix nitrogen in the soil that your hungry berry bush will adore. Just be sure to choose a compact variety like Porch Pick Beans from Burpee which won't swamp your blueberry bush. Got some bare patches of soil between a well-spaced long-season crop? Grow some quick-cropping cut-and-come-again salad leaves like this Salad Mix from Amazon to make use of it.

5. Grow Perennial Vegetables

Our food supply chain is heavily dependent on annual vegetable plants because they’re quick to raise from seed to saleable product. But in permaculture gardens perennial vegetable plants are favoured because, once established, one plant will give you food year after year for very little effort or cost.

We’re very used to this idea when growing fruit, but why not vegetables? And you don’t have to have the patience of a saint, either. Plant bare root asparagus, available from Burpee, and you’ll be enjoying a light harvest in the second year and a full crop from the third year, for the next 15–20 years. Malabar Spinach, available from Amazon, is perennial in zones 8–11 and this vine can be grown up a trellis for a summer-long harvest of leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Chipman’s Canada Red rhubarb, available from Nature Hills, has such bright red stalks that it’s ornamental as well as highly productive, and it’ll last for at least a decade.

There are plenty more, too. Get the full picture with Perennial Vegetables, available from Amazon, written by edible forest-garden specialist Eric Toensmeier, that profiles over 100 species.

6. Try Chop & Drop

A relatively new technique in permaculture, but one that’s being widely adopted by the finest sustainable gardens around the world, is ‘chop and drop’. Try it and you’ll wonder how you ever gardened without this method as it suppresses weeds, retains moisture, boosts soil fertility, saves labor and reduces your use of expensive compost and mulch to boot. It’s real simple, too.

When you cut back the old growth of herbaceous perennials, just chop up the stems and plant material in situ, and drop them on the soil. Here they form a layer that smothers weeds and traps moisture, just like a mulch does, and slowly decomposes to nourish the soil and improve its structure, as compost does. It can also help reduce the number of seedlings from over-enthusiastic self-seeders. Wildlife benefits, too, as all those hollow stems provide shelter.

You can chop and drop anytime from October to March, and all you need is a comfy pair of hand pruners such as these Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears from Amazon. If your borders are big, then hedge shears like these Garden Guru Clippers, also from Amazon, will speed up the task. For dense growth such as sedums, a cordless compact hedge trimmer such as the Workpro Shrubbery Trimmer from Amazon is a handy tool.

At this point, it’s safe to say LEGO Botanicals have completely taken over my home. There’s an orchid on my bookshelf, a bouquet in the living room, and several mini succulents, well, everywhere. And unlike fresh flowers, none of them are going anywhere. They’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and I built every single one with my husband.

That’s why, when Valentine’s Day rolls around each year, I find myself reaching for LEGO Botanicals instead of traditional bouquets. They last forever, they double as a fun activity you can do with your partner, and they feel far more personal than flowers that fade after a few days. Whether you build them side by side on Valentine’s Day or gift your beloved a finished arrangement, these romantic flowers are the kind of present that sticks around.

From classic rose bouquets to sculptural plants and sweet keepsakes, these are the LEGO Botanicals I have my eyes on for Valentine’s Day this year.

LEGO Flower Bouquets

If you love the idea of gifting flowers for Valentine’s Day but want something that lasts, these LEGO bouquets are the perfect place to start.

Beautiful Plants

For plant lovers who prefer greenery over cut flowers, these LEGO plants are a beautiful alternative.

Build Your Own Bouquet

Mix and match stems to make a LEGO Valentine's Day bouquet that is truly unique.

Classic Valentine's Day Gifts

Not every Valentine’s Day gift needs to be flowers. These LEGO sets still feel romantic and thoughtful, offering sweet ways to celebrate love.

Vases for LEGO Flowers

A beautiful bouquet deserves the right display, and these vases are specifically designed to hold LEGO flowers in the perfect arrangement. Take it from me as a longtime lover of LEGO Botanicals – get the vase!

Ahhh! Viewing Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Spring 2026 collection has me feeling like I’m bathing in the warmth of spring sunshine after all these months surviving dark, cold winter days. Am I out in my still-frozen garden enjoying the hellebores? Sure. Are my windowsills already filled with trays of seedlings? Of course! But has the garden actually sprung into spring with all its glorious abundance yet? Hell, no – and that’s why I’m cheating the season indoors with some faux-but-fabulous blooms and floral-print finds, courtesy of Jo.

Gaines' range of nature-inspired decor delivers the gentle joy of warmer days in the garden with earthy hues and cottage-core cues. Hydrangea stems stand in a rattan vase handcrafted in plump, shapely curves. A simple ceramic wall plaque is effortlessly adorned with a handful of lawn daisies, and a tiered plant stand takes me straight back to wholesome childhood days watching The Waltons while my mum watered houseplants. And everything has just enough botanical accuracy to satisfy those of us who grow our own blooms.

My single worry is working out where to put what, because all these Magnolia offerings seem designed to slip softly into a room, no matter its styling. The only frou-frou ruffles belong to an anemone bouquet: the rest of the collection boasts clean lines and artisan aesthetics that sit firmly on the handsome side of homespun.

Can you feel my joy? If you’re missing your garden right now, this might be just the thing to remind that spring is on its way, and we'll be back to garden-happy very soon.

Cottage-Core Pastels

Mother Nature Materials

Spring-Is-Here Cheer

Little Lift-Me-Ups

Whether it was new trends, inventive hacks, or classic gardening techniques making a comeback, let's not beat around the (burning) bush: 2025 has been a big year in gardening.

How much, though, did you really take in? As it's too cold to do much else, we've decided it's the perfect time to put your green thumb to the test, and pulled together a fun quiz to see how much you actually learned about your favorite topic over the last 12 months.

Some questions are practical, a few delve into the more mysterious gardening terms and trends being floated around, and others celebrate the year’s quirkiest gardening moments (we're looking at you, rubber duck hackers!).

Ready to test your knowledge, then? Let's begin...

So, how did you get on? If you whizzed through this (and loved it), then you might like to try our witchy plants or plant identification quizzes – and be sure to look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon.

From glowing poinsettias to twinkling Christmas trees, festive plants are woven into our celebrations, but how well do you actually know them? Behind every wreath, cactus and sprig of holly is a surprising history, clever botany, and more than a few festive myths.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, an enthusiastic houseplant parent, or simply someone who loves a bit of holiday trivia, this quiz will put your seasonal plant knowledge to the test.

Grab a cup of something mulled (or, at the very least, a hot chocolate), count up your points, and see if you’re secretly a festive plant expert...

If you whizzed through this (and loved it), then you might like to have a go at our houseplant soulmate test or try our witchy plant quiz.

Have fun, whichever you choose, and be sure to look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon...

There are two kinds of people: those who march into the garden centre with military precision, and those who stand in front of the Christmas trees absolutely paralyzed by choice. Should you commit to a majestic living fir tree you’ll have to tend all year? Play it safe with a cut tree that gives you the “real Christmas smell” without the responsibility? Or finally admit defeat and go (whisper it) faux?

With so many varieties, and even more opinions to wade through, choosing a Christmas tree that feels right for you and your needs can feel like a personality test in itself. The good news? It sort of is! Because, whether you’re a low-maintenance decorator who can't abide any Christmas tree-related problems, an eco-minded gardener who loves to replant, or a maximalist who wants the biggest, lushest tree their living room can physically hold, we promise you this: the perfect match is out there.

This quick quiz will decode your festive style, your home habits, and your tree-care temperament. Ready? Let’s find your perfect tree...

So, will you be browsing all of the live potted Christmas trees available, figuring out how to keep a cut tree watered over the holidays, or dashing out to buy a gorgeous faux number? (Hey, this wallet-friendly one from Amazon could be perfect!).

Whichever route you take, we wish you a very merry time of it. And, if you whizzed through this (and loved it), then you might like to find out your houseplant soulmate test or try our witchy plant quiz.

Have fun, and be sure to look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon...

Hydrangeas are one of those plants that feel almost mythical, with the kind of beautiful blooms that stop you mid-stride on a summer walk. But for all their soft, romantic charm, they’re also surprisingly practical. Sunny gardens, shady gardens, tiny balconies, sprawling woodland edges… you name it, there’s a hydrangea for it.

But here’s where it gets fun: hydrangeas also have distinct personalities. Some are dramatic show-offs, while others are peaceful old souls. Some are the types of shrubs that prefer structure; others thrive in wild, carefree spaces. And because plant love is personal, why not choose one that feels like you?

Whether you’re a hydrangea novice or already planning next year’s bloom color, this quiz will help you match your personality and your garden with the perfect variety of hydrangea, whether that’s the classic mophead to the elegant oakleaf, the resilient panicle to the quietly magical snowball hydrangea.

Ready? Let’s play matchmaker (but just take care to research your USDA Plant Hardiness Zones before you commit wholeheartedly)…

So, how did you get on? If you whizzed through this (and loved it), then you might like to find out your houseplant soulmate test or try our witchy plant quiz – after reading up on all of our vital hydrangea care tips, of course.

Have fun, and be sure to look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon...

Tis the season to begin shopping for gifts in earnest, and did you know that there's a bevy of indie gardening brands on Amazon?

The inimitable Dolly Levi once told us that ‘Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow.’ And so, if you’re on the hunt for one of those gardening-themed gifts that really makes someone’s heart sing, look no further than the small businesses using Amazon to sell their products.

All the click-and-order convenience of a typical online shopping session, combined with the knowledge that your dime is being put to good use – it’s a win-win! From birdhouses to specialty seeds, rain chains to bee cups, there's truly something here to suit all tastes and budgets.

And, if you’re the kind of person who thrives on chaos, they all work beautifully as last-minute garden gifts, too…

1. 23 Bees

Passionate about quality, sustainable process, and unique design, 23 Bees is one of those indie gardening brands on Amazon that promises quality every single time.

Whether you prefer to purchase one of their planters, hemp wick candles, or stunning eco-friendly birdhouses, this carefully curated collection of products oozes quiet luxury in the best possible way.

2. Back to the Roots

It doesn't matter if you want to grow your own mushrooms, set up a row of windowsill planters, or even watch microgreens flourish atop a fish tank, Back to the Roots has all bases covered.

Everything in the range is completely organic, convenient, and easy enough for even the greenest gardeners to get to grips. And who doesn't love the idea of growing their own crops indoors, eh?

3. Monarch Rain Chains Store

We've waxed lyrical about rain chains before, and little wonder; inspired by a centuries-old Japanese garden feature, they guide rainwater gently through a series of cups, links, or sculptural chains and into a water butt or rain barrel.

The Monarch Rain Chains Store knows that there's more to these chains than practicality alone, though. They've created a range of beautifully striking water features that let you harvest every single raindrop in style.

4. Savannah Bee Company

Every good gardener will have their own method when it comes to soothing hands that feel rough after gardening.

The Savannah Bee Company, though, ups the ante with its range of goodies crafted from ethically-sourced honey and botanical goodies – which means you can keep hardworking hands happy and healthy (and smelling beautiful, too).

5. Birds Choice

If you know someone who wants to get birds flocking to their backyard, be sure to pay a visit to Birds Choice when you're shopping for their holiday gift.

One of those indie gardening brands on Amazon that truly stands out, their mission is to turn every garden into a bird sanctuary with their selection of feeders, bird baths, bird houses, and more.

Better still? They're all genuinely pretty, too!

6. Home Grown

If you're the sort of person who likes to gift seed packets, safe in the knowledge that someone will be treated to a blooming garden in the months ahead, you need to pay Home Grown a visit.

Their shop on Amazon is packed to bursting with seeds galore, but there's also an array of clever kits, too, so you can gift someone the chance to grow a bonsai tree from seed or a herb garden of their very own.

7. Oakadoaks

If you know someone who plants by the moon and puts their faith in the stars, then Oakadoaks is absolutely one of the best indie gardening brands on Amazon for you.

The husband and wife duo love crafting gorgeous home decor, and we're particularly fond of their moon planters and wind chimes. Nothing like a touch of celestial magic, eh?

8. Bee Cups Store

An ecological artist, Jen Rose is also a scientist who has studied the habits (and even the feet) of bees, to patent an ultraviolet glaze she invented for her popular Bee Cups on Amazon.

They are, quite honestly, the perfect vessel for attracting bees – not to mention a place for them to safely stop, drink the water they need, and rest without drowning. And they're incredibly beautiful, too, so they make perfect holiday gifts for wildlife lovers.

9. Rosy Soil

One of the lesser known indie gardening brands on Amazon, Rosy Soil is on a mission to make sustainable gardening more accessible to everyone.

All of their eco-friendly soils have been created by horticultural scientists to ensure you get something that gives your plants the best possible start, with the lowest possible environmental footprint, too.

10. Nature Gear

Nature Gear is one of those small businesses that does exactly what it says on the tin: it provides nature-inspired designs for everyday enjoyment.

Personally, we're most besotted with their selection of vibrant, hand-blown glass hummingbird feeders, which add color to your garden while providing everything you need to keep hummingbirds fed and happy.

No wonder so many reviews say they're ideal for bird enthusiasts and art lovers alike, eh?

11. Gardenuity

We love that Gardenuity was set up in order to ensure gardening could be accessible to everyone, whether they have a backyard, a terrace, a balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill.

All you have to do is choose from one of the indie brand's giftable gardens, whether it's the taco toppings kit, the patio herb garden, or even the one packed with cocktail-making ingredients. Fun!

And just like that, you have our pick of the best indie gardening brands on Amazon to support and shop from this holiday season.

They're the sort of gifts that are guaranteed to put a smile on any gardener's face. And hey, anything that encourages young things to grow is a win in our eyes!

When the weather gets too cold to tend to the garden, it's the perfect time to plant fruit trees. Late fall and winter provide the optimal conditions for roots to establish in the moist, cool soil before the stress of hot, dry weather.

But which fruit tree should you plant in your yard? You might be obsessed with avocados or dream of a show-stopping cherry tree, but all fruit trees have specific growing requirements, and it's vital to choose a tree that's compatible with your outdoor space and climate.

Luckily, there is a type of fruit tree to suit any gardener – even if you have almost no space at all. Whether you dream of growing a backyard orchard or a small potted tree on the patio, our quiz will help you work out what option is truly best for you.

Ready to find your perfect match? By answering questions about your climate, space, and style, our quiz will quickly pair you with the ideal variety – whether you’re in a cold northern zone or a tropical oasis.

So, what does this mean for your yard? Check out our expert growing guides below to learn exactly how to plant, prune, and care for your ideal tree for a bumper harvest:

• Apple tree
• Meyer lemon tree
• Cherry tree
• Peach tree
• Fig tree
• Avocado tree

What’s your houseplant soulmate? Yes, some might believe in ‘The One’ when it comes to making a love connection, but we’re firmly of the belief that there is a very special indoor plant that matches each and every single person’s personality.

Think about it; some people just get houseplants – their fiddle leaf stands tall and glossy, their spider plant is bursting with babies, and their peace lily never once droops – while others can’t keep a cactus alive for love nor money. Maybe, though, those houseplant mistakes have less to do with your watering schedule, and more to do with your personality?

Just like people, plants have quirks, preferences and needs. Some thrive on routine and gentle care, others prefer to be left to their own devices. A dramatic African violet loves attention, while a stoic snake plant quietly thrives in the corner, unbothered by a bit of neglect.

So, with all of that in mind, which leafy companion best matches your vibe? Take our quiz to find out which houseplant mirrors your personality, and pick up a few care tips along the way. Hey, it’s worth a go if your next green best friend is written in the soil...

So, how did you get on? If you whizzed through this (and loved it), then you might like to try our witchy plants or plant identification quizzes – and be sure to look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon.

You might know your annuals from your perennials, but how familiar are you with the puzzling language of flowers? Our flowers crossword conceals 16 garden blooms with clues of varying difficulty.

Garden puzzles are a great way to put your plant knowledge to the test while giving your brain a good workout. If you find the crossword difficult, then it's worth brushing up on your knowledge of the different types of flowers – maybe you'll be inspired to add a few more to your garden. It's time to get started and find out how you rank at our flowers puzzle…

So, how did you do? If you enjoyed this crossword, try your hand at our other quizzes, including Can You Name the Plant From Just Its Leaves? and Poison or Potion? Test Your Knowledge of These Witchy Plants.

Can you tell your deadly nightshade from your dreamy love herbs? Throughout history, we've long assigned mysterious powers to the plants that grow around us – so, yes, you'd best believe we've created a quiz to celebrate all of those witchy plants!

Yes, it seems leaf identification will only get you so far in life. After all, you can't check any old plant into a potion; some soothe the spirit, others summon danger, and a few even repel witches from your home (which might be helpful if you're hoping to dodge trick-or-treaters this year).

So, if you're the kind of person who keeps rosemary by your garden gate, plants lavender for luck, and (very occasionally) burns herbs to set the tone for the season ahead, it's time to take our quiz and find out whether you’re the wise green witch you've always believed... or one cauldron stir away from a poisonous mistake.

So, how did you get on? If you whizzed through this (and loved it), then you might like to try our plant identification quiz – and be sure to look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon.

If you found it too difficult? Don't despair, just brush up on your plant know-how by visiting our helpful care guides for ornamental plants, edibles, and houseplants, and have another go. You'll be waxing black and white plant magic before you know it...

Think you know your way around the garden? It's time to put your knowledge to the test with our fun new quiz and see if you can identify these plants with just one clue: their leaves!

Yes, we've cropped out the flowers and fruit (and any other sneaky identifying factors) to leave you with just the leaves of some of our favorite plants – because, honestly, leaf identification is where the real challenge lies.

So, can you still tell your hostas from your hydrangeas? Your perennials from your annuals? Your kitchen garden staples from your showstopping ornamentals? It's time to take our quiz and see where you rank on our leaderboard, once and for all...

So, how did you get on? If you whizzed through this (and loved it), then look out for more quizzes and puzzles coming very soon.

If you found it too difficult? Don't despair, just brush up on your plant know-how by visiting our helpful care guides for ornamental plants, edibles, and houseplants, and have another go. You'll be acing it before you know it...

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Miniature gardens or fairy gardens are a delight to discover in the backyard. Their tiny accessories, impish figures and petite-sized plantings make for highly memorable gardening experiences. If you’re a fan of planting in miniature, fairy garden containers give you a chance to dream big in even smaller spaces!

These creative containers are easy to make and give you a chance to express yourself in a unique way. Making a fairy garden that fits into a pot is a fun project for creative gardeners of all ages. No matter how big or small your own gardening space might be, a fairy garden container is a nifty way to add individuality and whimsy – and it’s simple to create on a budget. Find out how to make your own pots of magic.

What Makes a Fairy Garden?

Fairy gardens are ideal for container gardening, because you can create the basics in a small space, then develop the theme to be as intricate as you wish. Large fairy garden containers can work well tucked into a tree nook, or brightening up a shade garden. But a fairy garden could also be as simple as placing a figurine or two alongside a petite house in a pot filled with succulents. All you really need to make a fairy garden in a container is a vivid imagination, a sensible and sturdy pot, some thoughtfully selected plants, and a few basic notions for your fairy kingdom.

Check the garden shed for items that can be repurposed as a fairy garden container. Many people like to design an inviting woodland scene with a brook, a bridge, fairies, and tiny woodland animals. Young children joining you in making this project may prefer a farm scene or a railroad theme. Still others may wish to build a design around a favorite character or movie.

Planning a Fairy Garden Container

To get started with DIY fairy garden containers, take time to plan the design. You can even sketch your ideas. Choose a focal point, then let your garden tell a story with accessories and plants that are selected to best suit the scale. You could bring in another container style such as a spilled flower pot and extend the effect to include miniature fairies. Or you could ‘stack’ your fairy garden within a split level or multi-level series of pots.

Figure out a theme for the fairy garden, then you can look for inexpensive accessories at dollar stores, garage sales, antique shops or big box stores. Craft stores have a wide variety of accessories and figures, but they will cost more.

You could make some of your items by scouring your backyard. Small stones, sticks for bridges or fences, and even round seedpods can make interesting additions. Small branches, cut in horizontal slices, can be made to look like stepping stones. Popsicle sticks (available at craft and big box stores) make ideal fencing or bridge material. Also, raid the kid’s room for small items perfect for a fairy garden.

Best Containers for a Fairy Garden

When deciding how to make a fairy container garden, the pot or planter you use can be plastic, ceramic, metal or wood. The choice really depends on your fairy theme, what you have to hand, and your budget. However, those with drainage holes will perform the best. You can add drainage holes to your desired container with a screwdriver or a drill. An unused bird bath is eye-catching, but it may not drain well.

There are a few container pros and cons to consider with your fairy garden. Small to medium sized containers, especially bowl shaped, will show off your themed miniature garden. Large fairy garden containers give you more room to decorate, but they may be harder to move inside for the winter. That said, you can buy a plant caddy with wheels to help shift any pots you wish to overwinter indoors. Alternatively, choose plants that are hardy in your zone and can stay out all winter.

Best Plants for a Container Fairy Garden

As with any strong container garden plants, match the ornamentals to the theme as closely as you can. Choose plants suitable to the intended location – for instance, shade loving plants for a shady porch, or drought-tolerant container options for a sunny garden. Some plants, like succulents, can be left mostly to their own devices.

It is best to choose plants that will stay small or are easy to trim. You also can choose annuals and replace the plants each spring. It’s wise to bring the fairy garden indoors for the winter to prevent wear and tear on the accessories and plants during inclement weather. They also need to come inside if the plants are not hardy.

Select plants that are in proportion to the accessories in the fairy garden for a realistic look. Place the tallest plants near the back of the container and shorter options in front. Use moss or tiny-leaved plants near fences or stepping stones. Here are a few more plant suggestions:

• Hen and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum): Succulents in rosette shapes.
• Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): Popular houseplant with colored variegation.
• Elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'): Creeping herb with small leaves.
• Gold cone juniper (Juniperis communis ‘Gold Cone’): Slow growing conifer with columnar habit.
• Dwarf lemon cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma'): Tree shaped foliage.
• Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’: Miniature hosta that stays low.
• Zebra Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata or H. attenuata): Succulent with upright shape.
• Miniature ivy (Hederea helix ‘Abundance’): Small-leaved trailing plant.
• Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonica ‘Nana’): Low growing, miniature ornamental grass.
• Irish moss (Sagina sublata): Evergreen, low mounding foliage resembling moss.
• Asparagus fern (Asparagus plumosus): Upright, plume-like foliage.
• Violas (Viola species): Small flowers similar to pansies.
• Jade plant (Crassula ovata): Slow growing succulent with upright form.
• Gray lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus): Upright form with grayish-green foliage.

How To Make a Container Fairy Garden

Fill the container with a-good quality potting mix. Arrange any key accessories until you are happy with the overall design. Core elements such as bridges and stairways are best added before the plants. Add your fairy garden plants using spoons or forks to dig in the soil. You can add any fairies or smaller elements after the plants. Water and fertilize your container plants carefully so as not to displace the accessories.

As well as filling the container correctly, make sure you place the potted fairy garden somewhere the display can enjoy lots of attention. A small nook or garden enclave can make a charming position for a whimsical pot of this nature. Just make sure it isn’t too tucked away. If you use a tiered container for a potted fairy garden, make sure it is well supported on sturdy pot feet or similar. You may wish to expand on the theme of the container and create a whole area devoted to miniature garden visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for your plants to get out and strut their stuff. But there's nothing more embarrassing than discovering, all too late, that your garden is sporting last year’s styles! Don’t worry though -- we’re here to get you up to date on all the latest, most cutting edge plant fashions. Read on to learn about the top plant trends for Spring 2021. 

Spring Plant Trends

Last year, with public gardens closed to visitors and even backyard beds off limits to admiring neighbors, comfort was the name of the game, with most gardeners retiring their plants’ work clothes in favor of softer, more flexible fabrics. We saw even the most elegant of rose bushes embracing the joy of a good pair of yoga pants. But this year, with things opening up again, plants are taking full advantage of the chance to show off. Expect to see towering heels, sharp angular lines, and dazzling colors. 

Plant fashion is coming back in full force!

Garden Trends 2021

So what are the do’s and don’ts of plant fashion 2021? What do you need to know to make sure your garden has its finger on the pulse of the latest styles? Don’t worry. We’ve got the scoop.

Hats!

If you’ve been by any garden, you’ve probably noticed this one already. Hats are back in a big way, sported by everything from the tallest oak to the littlest tomato seedling. Be it a boater, a beanie, or a beret, make sure your plants don’t go uncovered this spring!

Belts!

No longer just for attaching pants to your plants’ stems, belts are the focus this year, becoming a fashion must instead of just an accessory. Try mixing and matching -- a chunky buckle on a vining plant like cucumber, or a jeweled belt on a subdued plant like lithop can make a big statement.

Patterns!

This one you can really have fun with. Maybe your plants are more into leopard print vests. Maybe striped tights are their style. Or maybe you don't want to stop at just one, and would rather double or even triple up on bright and audacious patterns. We say go for it! As long as your garden is sporting some kind of pattern this spring, the sky’s the limit for your creativity! 

So get out there and dress your plants to the nines, and have a very Happy April Fools’ Day!

Have a rock garden? You should. There are many reasons to grow rocks in the garden and just as many things to do with them. Keep reading to learn more about planting an easy-care rock garden.

Rock Garden Bed Design

A well-planned rock garden is not only pleasing to the eyes but relatively carefree. And there are a number of rock-garden designs to choose from – they can be sprawling, naturalistic creations or rustic mounds of growing rocks. The overall design is limited only by your personal taste and growing space.

Likewise, the rocks you choose to grow a rock garden bed are up to you. While many people prefer sticking to one type of stone throughout the garden, using a variety of rocks in various shapes, sizes and earth-tone colors can create added interest. An occasional plant here and there looks nice, too.

When to Plant a Rock Garden

Once you’ve got the planning out of the way, then you’re ready to grow a rock garden. Growing rocks in soil that is well draining and weed free is preferable and yields better results. But when is the best time to begin?

Planting is best done in early fall or early spring, whichever you choose. In some areas, you can grow and harvest rocks continuously, as frost heaving churns the soil and pushes rocks easily to the surface, making early spring the most ideal time.

Creating an Easy-Care Rock Garden

Start by clearing the area of unwanted vegetation. Lay out the perimeter of your rock garden design, making the diameter as desired. Spacing can be anywhere from a foot or so (30 cm.) up to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart. As to depth, shallow planting is more prone to heaving, so this is what you want to achieve in order for your rocks to come up through the soil.

While, technically, you can evenly distribute the rocks throughout the garden, this can lead to a bland and unappealing look. Instead, go for something more impressive. For example, plant your tiny stones in massive amounts in some areas and then sparingly in others. This helps give it a more natural feel. Also, consider planting your rocks along a slope or small valley.

Routine care of the rock garden is necessary but, if done right, is not too challenging. Growing rocks in soil, like all gardens, still requires regular watering. Instead of frequent watering, however, just water deeply every so often unless it’s particularly hot, dry weather. During the offseason, you’ll need to water much less, as winter wetness is the No. 1 killer of rock gardens. As Lao Tzu once said, “Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield…”

We all want vigorous rocks in the garden, but too much fertilizer will result in weak, spindly growth. Keep this in mind and be patient - growing rocks in soil takes some time, unless you’re lucky enough to live in an area where they grow like weeds. Also, it is better to use slow-release, organic fertilizers.

Be aware that issues can and do arise which can ultimately affect the rock garden bed. These may include temperature changes, like constant exposure to heat, or weather conditions such as continual rain or snow.

If all goes well, you should have plenty of rocks by summer’s end and a good harvest for replanting next season or use in other areas of the landscape. They make fine specimens for painting projects, labeling plants, edging garden beds, or creating stone cairns. Your most prized rock harvest can even take center stage in a pet rock collection.

Happy April Fool's!

Maybe you love looking at the stars, gazing at the moon, or daydream of one day taking a trip into space. Maybe you’re hoping to catch a ride on the mothership by attracting extraterrestrials to the garden. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing more rewarding than making your garden a welcome mat for alien visitors.

Making Your Garden UFO Friendly

UFOs have long since fascinated us, but why should we only imagine sharing “space” with our little ET friends? Making contact with UFO species is possible when you know how to invite aliens to your home.

One of the best ways to let extraterrestrials know they’re welcome to visit is with the addition of cosmic garden plants. By adding the right plants to your garden “space,” you can create an inviting environment for all manner of otherworldly guests. In fact, a number of alien beings are fond of plants – some even mimic their cosmic characteristics, looking as if they came straight from outer space. Take, carnivorous plants, for example. These unusual looking plants, such as the Venus flytrap, are certain to attract a passing flying saucer occupant.

Additional alien plants might also include those having familiar “cosmic” names. Great choices are:

• Cosmos
• Moonflower
• Moonwort
• Star grass

Don’t forget that even aliens like to eat, so vegetables can have UFO appeal too. They are most often attracted by the flying saucer-shaped fruit of scallop squash; be sure you add this one. Including beneficial insects, like praying mantis, is helpful when creating a garden for alien friends. Many have travelled together and share common interests, especially their choice of insect consumption – they, too, are wonderful for pest control.

How to Attract Aliens

Plants aren’t the only inviting element when making contact with UFO beings. Add some decorative touches that attract the attention of aliens – laser light being one of these. Apparently, like cats, they just can’t control themselves around lasers and will no doubt be drawn to investigate them further when prompted. Virtually any subtle outdoor lighting, like strings of Christmas lights, are pleasing to many of these creatures. You can even create a runway for them.

It goes without saying that if you’re creating UFO friendly gardens, then it’s a sure bet the addition of some sort of water feature will be helpful in attracting extraterrestrials. Many of them enjoy the soothing, bubbling, or gurgling sounds these garden features make. Of course, they may be inclined to sip from these water sources too, so be sure that it’s alkaline water, which is deemed most preferable.

Just as we decorate the garden with various types of ornaments to make it more attractive, the addition of familiar looking beings, such as gnomes and alien creatures, or cosmic-like trinkets are great for attracting extraterrestrials. They will feel more at home with more space-age surroundings. These blend in well with alien-looking plants too. Also, include signs in large print – surrounded by lighting – so they know they’re in the right place:

• “ALIENS WELCOME - NO VISA NEEDED”
• “ALIEN PARKING ONLY”
• “UFO CROSSING”
• “PEACE ON EARTH”
• “THANK U-FO VISITING”

While there is a considerable amount of rocky real estate to be had in the galaxy for alien species to consider visiting, why not invite them for an extended stay here on Earth. We have much to learn from these intelligent life forms and they may even prove beneficial to the garden.

Now that you know how to attract aliens to the garden, we hope you will get to work letting them know that ALL are welcome here…within reason anyway. Please be aware, though, that some aliens can be troublesome and invasive, with the potential to spread and displace our natural trees and plants. You may want to research various alien species beforehand to avoid future issues.

Happy Gardening and April Fools!

Easter has arrived and with it means the return of those pesky marshmallow peeps. While peeps in the garden may not pose a problem for some people, many of us simply don’t appreciate it when the gooey, creeping menaces take over our beautiful Easter grass and garden areas. Read on to find out how to get rid of peeps before they become difficult.

About Marshmallow Peeps

Yes, they may be cute and fluffy, but these sugar coated chick- and bunny-shaped marshmallows can quickly flock the lawn and garden in no time. The good news is that marshmallow peeps are easy to manage if you know what attracts them and catch the little critters early. There are different types of peeps but most fall into one of two categories: chicks or bunnies. So how do you tell which one you have lurking in the landscape? Here’s a quick trick to telling them apart - look closely at their shape! In addition to their appearance, both may be found in a number of colors, most commonly yellow and pink, although pastel shades of blue and purple are also popular around Easter time. Another way to recognize peeps in the garden is by paying attention to what’s growing around them. For example, chick varieties can be found chirping alongside common plants such as hens and chicks, eggplant, or even chickweed. It’s easy to spot those well-hidden rabbit peeps amongst bunny tail grass, carrots, rabbit’s foot fern, and bunny ears. Peeps marshmallow bunnies also have an affinity for chocolate.

Marshmallow Peep Control

A small patch of peeps may seem harmless enough, even kind of cute, but did you know that in just a year, these peeps marshmallow bunnies and chicks can produce enough babies to circle the earth two times over! Now that’s a lot of peeps. Depending on the type of peeps in the garden, control options may vary. For instance, peep chicks don’t pose as much a threat as their rabbit counterparts. In fact, like most chickens, these peeps may appear to be eating your precious Easter grass or other garden plants but, in fact, they’re busy foraging for worms and grubs, causing little damage to healthy, full grown vegetation. Simply removing plants they’re attracted to and fencing off the area will help keep the chicks at bay. Collecting these peeps by hand and placing them in a basket is another way to safely remove them from the garden and makes relocation much easier. Just be sure to wear gloves when handling these sticky marshmallow chicks. Those fluffy, little bunnies, on the other hand, are a different matter altogether. They spread quickly and dramatically, and also feed on many beloved garden plants, including young fruit trees. The best method of control for these marshmallow peeps is removal of favorite plants, especially chocolate flowers, chocolate mint, and chocolate vines. Replacing these with rabbit resistant plants will help but isn't fool proof. In severe cases, flame weeding may be necessary. Although a little messy, the pests will melt away. If you’re not into anything this drastic, then trapping and relocation is possible. While not as easy as chick peeps, marshmallow bunnies may be difficult garden pests to deal with, but once you learn how to manage them responsibly, you can once again enjoy your Easter holiday without the fear of these fluffy critters taking over the landscape. HOPPY EASTER AND APRIL FOOLS’ DAY EVERYONE!

We all know that gardens with seasonal interest and those that appeal to all the senses make the most attractive landscapes. So why not use these same concepts in bringing the garden to life. In addition to interest, what other benefits can be found with creating living gardens? Simple...they can act as home security while you're away or sleeping. Read on to learn more about how to make a garden come to life...literally.

Using Plant with Life-Like Qualities

You may not know it, but plants are not lifeless. They can see, hear, taste, smell, feel, walk, creep, tumble, set traps, kill and more. In fact, plants are actually rather smart (as in the brain cactus) and more in tune with their surroundings than we are, making them wonderful in keeping pests and intruders away. That said, you want to take good care of your garden plants; otherwise, they may put a target on your back. Don't be put off by the darker side of plants. Bringing the garden to life really can be a wonderful thing. They have much to offer the landscape. So with that, here are some great choices to consider as you design a living garden space of your own. Again, try to include sensory plants that cover all areas, as this will provide the most protection. I spy a plant and it's looking right at me. Likely the most important additions in a living garden include:

• Eyeball plant
• Doll's eye
• Eye of newt (mustard seed)
• Oxeye daisy
• Eye root (goldenseal)
• Dragon's eye
• Eyelash sage
• Job's tears
• Window plant

Forget about the slogan, "Do you hear me now." These plants are certain to keep their "ears" open day and night:

• Elephant ear
• Angels trumpet (beautiful, musical and deadly)
• Corn
• Lamb’s ear
• Cat’s ear
• Mouse ear hosta
• Jelly ear fungus
• Mouse-ear chickweed

All plants eat, and there are endless varieties that have a taste for additional nutrients. These may include:

• Carnivorous plants
• Hydnora Africana (has interesting jaw-like leaves)
• Hot lips plant
• Serpent's tongue (violet)
• Snapdragon
• Hart's tongue fern
• Mother-in-laws tongue
• Tooth leaved geranium
• Dogtooth violet
• Toothwort
• Toothache plant
• Beard tongue
• Bleeding tooth fungus

Smells in the garden are a definite help, especially if they're bad (remember, we're trying to deter intruders). Additionally, it helps when plants that smell detect unwanted pests by picking up on their scents. Examples here are:

• Skunk cabbage
• Carrion flower
• Stinkhorn
• Corpse plant
• Nettleleaf noseburn
• Sneezewort (yarrow)
• Sneezeweed
• Calf's snout (snapdragon)
• Pig's snout (dandelion)
• Nasturtium (meaning nose twisting)

Plants that feel or move make great assets in the garden provided you remain on their good side. Choose from the following:

• Buddha’s hand
• Strangler fig
• Dodder (aka strangleweed)
• Digitalis
• Coltsfoot
• Walking onion
• Touch me nots
• Devil’s fingers
• Dead man’s finger
• Walking palm
• Inch plant
• Tumbleweed
• Tulips (known for their ability to walk to more desirable areas of the garden)
• Walking iris
• Walking ferns
• Sensitive plant
• Mexican jumping beans
• Dancing girls
• Grapple plant
• Creeping Charlie
• Creeper vine
• Windflower

Enjoying Your Living Garden Space

Plants with life-like qualities have much to offer the garden. In addition to those above, you'll want to include plants that remain alert at different hours of the day or night like:

• Daylily
• Moonflower
• Four o'clocks
• Morning glory

And don't forget to add those that take notes (telegraph plant), those that pick pocket would-be intruders (robber plant), those that follow pests around (hitchhiker plants), those that fake their death (resurrection plant) or those that stand out as guardians of the garden (old man cactus). And once you've chosen your plants and placed them strategically, all you need to do is provide for their welfare and enjoy the safety that a living garden provides in return. The best way to enjoy your living garden is from afar, especially at night. Don't want to get stuck out there after dark, when many of the plants come to life with those hungry ‘mouths’ and far reaching vines, which are great for snatching up something to munch on, perhaps a foot standing nearby. And while you might think you're being quiet, all those ‘ears’ will be listening and ‘eyes’ will be watching! Sensory plants bring your garden to life. They can hear what you may not, picking up on the slightest vibration. They have eyes with which to see and mouths with which to eat. They smell and they move. Plants serve a purpose and bringing the garden to life is a great way to take advantage of all that they do, especially in home protection.

Happy April Fool's Day!

Are you planning a garden this year? Why not consider something sweet, like an ice cream garden full of all your favorite treats – similar to Raggedy Ann’s lollipop plants and cookie flowers. Find tips on getting started in this article and become the envy of your neighborhood!

Creating Ice Cream Gardens

In order to be successful with growing ice cream in the garden, you’ll want to begin with cool weather – after all, if it gets too hot, everything will melt. This will be something to consider when harvesting your yummy treats too. Late fall is a good time for planting an ice cream tree in the garden. The plant will have plenty of time to establish strong roots for the blustery winter months to come. Create a hole large enough to accommodate your tree, or if planting earlier in the season, sow some seeds. Water in well and then “Let it go.” In most areas, winter precipitation – especially snow and ice – will be enough as your ice cream in the garden gets established. Along with your ice cream tree, which tastes sweet and vanilla-like, you may want to add more flavors. There are a number of possibilities here depending on your personal preference and taste. Some of these might include:

• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Coffee
• Mint
• Pistachio
• Grape
• Mango
• Peach
• Vegetable (Yes, even vegetables register sweet on our taste buds – like sweet corn, tomato, cucumber, beets, and carrots)

To add these to your ice cream garden, you’ll want to plant your favorite flavored plants in ice cream cone pots and then incorporate these into the soil around your tree. This keeps all your ingredients together and allows for easier harvest. And for those of you that want even more variety, you can plant ice cream banana plants to savor the flavor of an irresistible banana split. Don’t forget those toppings. Simply dig a hole next to your banana plant and toss your favorites inside – topped, of course, with nuts and a cherry!

Ideas for Ice Cream Treats

If you want to add extra toppings to your ice cream garden, this can be achieved with attractive edging or containers. Grow a candy plant or two that even Raggedy Ann herself would envy. Simply plant different types of jelly beans around your ice cream tree and flavored ice cream cone pots. Containers filled with banana splits, ice cream sundaes, and dirt cups make fine additions too. Don’t forget to harvest your ice cream treats before they melt – early spring is a good time!

Happy April Fool’s Day!!