Hollyhocks, known botanically as Alcea rosea, are iconic cottage garden plants. With their towering spires of cup-shaped flowers, they bring height and drama to flower beds and borders. Hollyhocks bloom in a variety of colours, including pink, red, yellow, white, and even black, making them versatile for many garden designs. These biennials or short-lived perennials ... Read more The post Grow Alcea rosea, the stunning Hollyhock, for garden drama: here is how appeared first on Gardening Step by Step.

Achillea, commonly known as Yarrow, is a versatile and hardy perennial valued for its clusters of tiny flowers and feathery foliage. The flowers bloom in a flat, umbrella-like arrangement, and their colours range from soft pastels to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Achillea is not only beautiful but also a magnet for pollinators like bees ... Read more The post Yarrow Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Achillea in Your Garden appeared first on Gardening Step by Step.

Alchemilla erythropoda, commonly known as Dwarf Lady’s Mantle, is a compact and charming perennial known for its scalloped leaves and delicate clusters of lime-green flowers. This low-growing plant is a smaller relative of Alchemilla mollis, making it ideal for small gardens, rockeries, and edging paths. The plant’s soft, velvety foliage is particularly striking when it ... Read more The post How to grow Alchemilla erythropoda (Dwarf Lady’s Mantle) in your Garden appeared first on Gardening Step by Step.

Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a hardy and elegant perennial with scalloped, velvety foliage and airy sprays of lime-green flowers. A staple in cottage gardens and informal borders, it thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for gardeners. You should be aware that the plant self-seeds ... Read more The post Growing Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) in the Garden appeared first on Gardening Step by Step.

SHE HAS HAD various job titles in her career, but writer Margaret Renkl says one consistent role in her life for decades has been...

THE MESSAGE has become increasingly clear: By shifting the palette of what we plant toward native, and refining the practices we employ in caring...