Gardening advice, How To Grow Guides, and Seasonal inspiration.

This dependable perennial blooms from late summer into fall with numerous bright yellow pin-cushion flowers atop tall stems. It looks superb in mass plantings, or planted between clumps of Crocosmia. Continue reading below for...

Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Gilia from seed. Gilia is a lovely annual wildflower that really stands out in mass plantings, and is a heavy nectar producer, so a very...

Dainty Baby’s Breath is actually quite a tough plant. Ordinary soil will do. Be sure it is not too rich, and avoid feeding plants. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom. This species...

Annual Gaillardia is known as Blanket Flower and is native to Northern Mexico. They make great cut flowers and look spectacular planted en masse in the hot, sunny conditions in which they thrive. Continue...

This would-be gum tree is usually grown as an annual. Its peculiar, round leaves are the perfect grey-blue colour to add contrast to cut flower bouquets. With enough protection from winter extremes, it will...

Known as Sea Holly as it thrives in the sandy, well-drained soil near seashores. The seeds of Eryingium can be tricky to germinate, but if you follow our How to Grow Eryngium instructions, you...

Dianthus seeds produce hardy perennial plants that are colourful, drought-resistant, and bloom in the first year. Learn how to grow Dianthus from seeds in our simple online growing instructions. These short-growing flowers are widely...

Learn how to grow Common Woolly Sunflowers (Eriophyllum lanatum) from seed in our online seed planting instructions. Woolly Sunflowers are sometimes listed as Oregon Sunshine, and it will become apparent why as soon as...

Here are some notes on how to grow Echinacea. These hardy perennial plants are broadly referred to as Coneflowers. They are highly attractive to pollinators and make excellent cut flowers. They look spectacular in mass...

These majestic yet unpretentious biennial plants are perfect for shady spots and cottage gardens. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow...

Rocket Larkspur is an annual Delphinium that is native to Europe, but now grows as a wildflower in North America. It is very easy to grow and will tolerate nearly any garden soil. Continue...

This easy to grow annual flower species is sometimes called Chinese Forget-Me-Nots or Hound’s Tongue. It is a relative of borage, and is native to Asia. Continue reading below for our expert tips on...

Cosmos will flower more in poor soil, rather than rich, so avoid manures and fertilizers. Pinch out the growing point when plants are around 45cm (18″) tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowering...

This easy annual plant also answers to Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button, Bluebottle, Hurtsickle, Hardheads, Knapweed, and Star Thistle. We use the genus name to keep it nice and simple. It grows well in any ordinary, well drained...

Coreopsis is sometimes listed as Calliopsis or Tickseed. It is superbly easy to grow once established and untroubled by insects, disease, and even deer. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow...

Aquilegia is a hardy perennial known commonly as Columbine. The genus includes 60-70 species, including many that are native to Canadian woodlands and forests. They are best known for the exceptionally deep nectar-bearing spurs...

Cleome is very easy to grow once established, and may work best from direct-sown seeds. Any ordinary garden soil will work, including dry areas once plants are established. Cleome self-sows with gusto, so if...

Plant Clarkia in cool, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid nitrogen-rich beds and planting beside nitrogen fixers (beans, peas, clover, lupins…). Flowering will be reduced in hot weather. While plants are still small, intersperse the Clarkia...

Cerinthe (AKA Honeywort) is an elegant looking plant that stands out for its unusual habit. Each stem arches upward out forward with a seemingly endless series of purple-blue bell shaped flowers. This plant works...

Learn how to grow Chrysanthemums from seed. These perennial plants regularly undergo name changes, and may be listed as Chrysanthemum, Leucanthemum, Pyrethrum, or Tanacetum.

Celosia is a relative of Amaranth, and native to the highlands of East Africa where it is known in Swahili as mfungu. Today’s cultivated Celosias have been selected for the brightness of their colours and...

Barely cover the tiny seeds. Use fresh seed starting mix and keep it moist until germination. Harden seedlings off over the course of at least one week. Transplant out after last frost at 25-30cm...

Space or transplant China Asters 30-45cm (12-18″) apart. This spacing is key to success later  in the season, so please follow the guidance. Do not pinch back young plants. Water regularly during dry spells. This plant...