Learn about the best peony companion plants to help this lovely perennial thrive. As a multi-decade peony grower, I want to get the most out of these beautiful blooms. (You can find my complete growing guide here.) Get a list of the best companion plants you can surround your peonies with, including the best flowers … Read more
Tall, beautiful dahlias are the stars of the late summer garden, but their large blooms and sturdy stems often need a little extra help to stay upright. Learning how to support dahlias before they begin flowering can prevent broken stems, wind damage, and drooping plants. As a long-time dahlia grower (for nearly 30 years) in … Read more
Learn how to make DIY (do it yourself) garden stepping stones the easy way. Find out about the different types of DIY garden stepping stone molds, the materials you need, and get step-by-step instructions to make easy DIY garden stepping stones. Discover ideas for decorating the stones plus some tips about laying the stones if … Read more
If you’ve been following my adventures on our small Pacific Northwest farm, you know my freezer is always overflowing with berries and rhubarb. I’m constantly (for decades) on a quest to find delicious ways to use up our garden bounty, and honestly, some of the best easy fruity summer desserts I’ve ever made have started … Read more
Creating a thriving dahlia flower garden requires more than just planting dahlias in the perfect spot. It’s about finding the right companion plants to enhance their beauty and health. Companion planting is a powerful gardening technique that pairs plants to create mutually beneficial growing conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dahlia companion plants … Read more
Learn the best easy way to can plain beets with the best easy canned beets recipe. Good news! You won’t have to cook the beets for hours when you follow these simple tips for canning beets the easy way. What is the difference between the best canned beets and pickled beets? Pickled beets are canned … Read more
Hostas are popular shade-loving perennials prized for their lush foliage, but they shine even more when paired with the right companion plants. Learn about the best hosta companion plants to help this lovely perennial thrive. Get a list of the best companion plants you can surround your hosta with, including the best perennials to grow … Read more
Few flowers stop people in their tracks quite like peonies. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush peonies garden overflowing with blooms, hoping to try growing peonies for the first time, or finally ready to learn how to care for peonies the right way, you’ve come to the right place. Peonies are reliable bloomers in my … Read more
If you’re tired of waking up to chewed leaves and damaged seedlings, learning about controlling slugs can make a huge difference in your garden. After gardening for over 30 years in a Pacific Northwest USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b garden, I’ve used a wide variety of slug control strategies. From simple garden pest control methods … Read more
Planning your cucumber patch this season? Whether you are searching for the best cucumber companion plants, creative cucumber planting ideas, or simple vegetable garden ideas for a thriving backyard harvest, companion planting can make a big difference. From helpful herbs and flowers to smart garden companion planting strategies, learning what to plant next to cucumbers … Read more