Gardening

Ferns are perennials grown for their ability to thrive where less-hardy plants can't. Some are evergreen, while others die down in fall and return in spring. Learn more about versatile ferns.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Low-growing foliage of great distinction and spring flowers make epimediums, also known as bishop's hat or barrenwort, a good choice. Flowers in soft colors sometimes bloom before plants leaf out. Learn about this shade-loving perennial.

By Betty Barr Mackey

There are nearly 300 types of iris flowers that draw fascination from gardeners around the world. Learn how to welcome this rainbow of color into your garden!

By Betty Barr Mackey

Ligularia is a bold perennial for garden use. The plants bear sprays or spires of yellow or orange flowers in summer, on strong stems. Find out more about the ligularia.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Amaranthus, or summer poinsettia, is an annual plant capped with a swirling crown of hot-colored yellow and red leaves. The upper third of the plant eventually takes on red and yellow leaves. Learn about amaranthus.

By Betty Barr Mackey

The bachelor's button is an annual that grows one to three feet tall with innumerable fluffy but trim round flowers held above the rather sparse, long and narrow gray-green leaves. Learn about this flower.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Wax begonia and fibrous begonia are annuals equally at home in full sun or full but bright shade. They have white, pink, rose, or red blossoms. Find out about these flowers.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Cleome, or spider flower, is an annual flower known for its exceedingly long seedpods. They develop below the flowers to give the plants a spidery look. Find out more about Cleome.

By Betty Barr Mackey

The geranium, zonal, is a South African annual flower with a horseshoe-shaped band of dark leaf color. You can grow it in the garden or as a house plant. Find out about the zonal geranium.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Lantana is an annual flower abundantly covered through the summer with brightly colored blossoms. This woody shrub comes in white, yellow, gold, orange, and red flowers an is a great container plant. Learn about lantana.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Marigold is an annual flower that blooms well over a long season. American marigolds can be tall, up to 36 inches. French marigolds, or triploids, are bushier and more compact. Learn about the marigold.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Nasturtium is an annual flower that is popular as an introduction to gardening. Salad lovers enjoy the peppery tang of nasturtium leaves and its edible flowers among their greens. Learn about nasturtium.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Pansies, and violas are annual flowers related to violets. These plants bloom during cool seasons of the year. In the Deep South, they are used for winter bedding. Learn about pansies and violas.

By Betty Barr Mackey

The Sunflower is an annual North American flower in many colors. Its tall flowers grow as high as 15 feet. Sunflower seeds are a treat for birds and people. Learn about the sunflower.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Herbs are useful for cooking, crafting, and decorating -- boldly coming out of the garden and into your home. Learn more about planting and growing perennial herbs such as lavender and rosemary.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

While all plants need water, too much water can drown your plants. There are several annuals, however, that will thrive in wet conditions. Learn which annuals can tolerate moist soil.

By Sue Loellbach

Annuals under 12 inches work well at the front of gardens and along borders, since they leave the taller plants behind them visible. Learn which annuals stay under 12 inches high.

By Sue Loellbach

Annuals come in many heights, and a few grow to over 24 inches. These plants can provide a dramatic touch to your garden. Learn which annuals are taller and grow to over 24 inches high.

By Sue Loellbach

One way to liven up a garden is by including colors that stand out. Learn how yellow to orange perennial flowers can brighten your yard, and which ones are right for your garden.

By Shane Wilson

While many flowers feature bright, vibrant colors, some gardeners prefer a subtler approach. Read about white to green perennial flowers, which have an airy appearance and blend in naturally with the green of most plants.

By Shane Wilson

Many gardens have spots that are shady at least part of the time. The areas that get a mix of light and shade are perfect for planting partial shade annuals. Learn which annuals to use.

By Sue Loellbach

When planning a garden, most people mix different annual varieties for diversity in color, texture, and height. Learn about the yellow to orange annual flowers you can use to spice up your garden.

By C. Colston Burrell

Annuals are primed to germinate quickly when conditions are right, grow speedily, and then make loads of flowers, fruits, roots, and seeds. Learn about red annual flowers to give your garden a touch of fire.

By Betty Barr Mackey

Perennial flowers bloom year after year, without the need to replant. Learn the best perennials to plant in your garden. Read about the different types of perennial flowers, and which ones are best for you.

By Shane Wilson

When planning a garden, the height of your flowers is an important consideration. Learn to use perennials 12-24 inches high, and find the knee-high plants that will best fit your vision for a home garden.

By Shane Wilson