Gardening

Trumpet gentian is native to alpine environments, making it perfect for rock gardens. Trumpet-shaped flowers of an unusual hue (dark navy blue with darker, green-striped throats) sit on very short stems above spreading foliage. Learn more about this plant.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Masterwort produces spiky blooms scattered in clumps; however, it is also known for its medicinal properties. This clump-forming perennial has star-shaped flowers of greenish white, sometimes tinted pink or rose red. Learn more about this pretty plant.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

In the late 19th century, a French plant collector was the first to begin cultivating porteas. These beautiful Brazilian plants love bright light and can grow to be quite large. Learn more about these tall, magnificent plants in this article.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Ananas are a world-famous family of plants that include the pineapple. They are short-stemmed ground-growing plants with leaves that can grow three or more feet tall outdoors. Learn more about these tall, delicious bromeliads in this article.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bromeliads are plants that grow from the southern United States through Argentina. They can vary greatly in size, shape, color, and ease of growth. Learn about their characteristics and how to properly light, water, pot, and fertilize these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Neoregelia contains about 50 species and many varieties. Most are from eastern Brazil. They were named in honor of Eduard A. von Regel, the 19th century superintendent of the Botanic Garden in St. Petersburg, Russia. Learn more about Neoregalia.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bromeliads are perennial plants that have one seed leaf. Bromeliads commonly grow in the American tropics, and a majority of the species are found in Brazil. These tough, long-lived plants grow well indoors, too. Learn more about types of Bromeliads.

We've given each other flowers for centuries--in love and in mourning, out of joy and out of sadness. Learn about the types and meanings of the different kinds of cut flowers, how to choose them, and how to arrange them for the ones you love.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cacti and succulent plants come in a variety of types, sizes, shapes, and colors. Some species of cacti produce leaves, while others are known for producing flowers. They can tolerate a wide variety of climates. Learn about cacti and how to care for these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Flowers have always played a part in our history. Even primitive man used flowers and plants to beautify his face, body, and his cave. Read this article to learn about the materials and techniques for arranging flowers, and the meanings of flowers.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cacti and succulents, tolerant and low maintenance plants, are ideal for busy people and indoor spaces. Cacti come in many varieties, and can survive in any number of light and moisture conditions. Learn about caring for these resilient plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Spearmint, a flavor known to most, is a great perennial herb. It spreads rapidly and adds great texture to the fragrant garden. The toothed, rich green leaves of this perennial give off a wonderful aroma when rubbed. Learn more.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Chinese fountain grass is a beautiful perennial that looks particularly impressive in fall. In late summer and fall its stems, topped by cylindrical, purple-tinged bristles, arch over the deep green foliage. Learn about this interesting decorative grass.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Rose geraniums are beautiful floral perennials that have lovely scents ranging from floral to spicy. They will grow in pots, hanging baskets, or as bedding plants. Learn how to make them thrive in your garden.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Avena grass, or blue oat grass, has yellow flower spikes in summer and silvery blue leaves. This interesting plant makes a fine structural accent and will thrive in a dry, sunny area. Learn more about this distinctive plant.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Hosta fortunei is just one of many different kinds of hostas. Pale violet flowers add a nice touch to the plant, making these wonderful accents for shade. Read more about this species, which has beautiful variegated leaves.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Hosta sieboldii has narrow leaves with irregular edges. Besides being a great garden plant, it carries decorative pods. It prefers shade over sun, is well-suited as ground cover and is also highly frost tolerant. Read more about it.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Rose campion is a beautiful, tall, and colorful garden classic that oozes nostalgic charm. Popular in English gardens as long ago as 1597, this classic garden plant makes a good cut flower. Learn about this plant, its history, and its uses.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) originally came from Europe. The fragrant, white flowers hang like small bells on their five to eight-inch stems. Read more about when to buy, how to care for, and how to arrange these beautiful flowers.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Leatherleaf fern is a type of foliage from the Far East. It is available all year around. The glossy, triangular fronds are often used for elegant arrangements and corsages, and they can also be pressed. Learn about care and uses for these ferns.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bird of paradise is a flower from South Africa. Birds of paradise have five to seven inch orange and blue flowers. The stems are two to four feet long. Birds are heavy and need good support. Learn more about this colorful and queenly flower.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Their blooms are very beautiful, but growing orchids is not difficult. Find orchid history, photos, and tips for growing orchids at HowStuffWorks.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Let leaves take centerstage in a lush, lovely foliage garden -- no flowers need apply. Foliage carries a garden through the seasons, long after the flowers have faded to a memory. Use our foliage garden ideas and garden photos to get inspired!

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Recreate a stunning natural scene in your garden with these rock garden ideas. The dainty scale of the plants allows for great versatility in design, adapting to just about any size the grower desires. See great ideas and dazzling photos of rock gard

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Delight two senses when you choose fragrant blossoms and foliage for your garden! Fragrance adds an ineffable, almost magical quality to a planting scheme, enhancing the beauty of the flowers. See our fragrant garden ideas.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.