AMERICAN GARDENER

Cardinals are drawn to gardens with flowers that provide both visual appeal and sustenance. Bright, especially red, blooms can catch the attention of these colorful birds, as they are naturally attracted to colors that match their own vivid red feathers. The structure of flowers plays a crucial role in attracting cardinals; those that bear seeds … Read more

Ladybugs are beneficial insects that naturally control pest populations in gardens by feeding on aphids and other small insects. To attract these helpful beetles, gardens should include a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year, providing a continuous source of nectar and pollen. This ensures ladybugs have food throughout their lifecycle, … Read more

Lithops, commonly referred to as living stones or pebble plants, are a genus of small, succulent plants native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. They are renowned for their unique adaptation where they mimic the appearance of rocks or pebbles in their environment, providing an excellent camouflage against herbivores. Each plant consists of a … Read more

Portulaca flowers, commonly known as moss roses or purslanes, are vibrant, sun-loving plants belonging to the Portulacaceae family. Native to warm, arid regions, they are prized for their bright, cup-shaped flowers that come in an array of colors like red, yellow, pink, orange, and white. These blooms open in direct sunlight and close in the … Read more

Bleeding Heart flowers, belonging to the Dicentra genus, are cherished for their unique, heart-shaped blooms that appear to drip a drop of blood from the tip, giving rise to their evocative name. These perennials are native to Asia and North America, thriving in woodland settings where they enjoy the dappled shade. The most iconic species, … Read more

Freesia flowers are renowned for their exquisite beauty and captivating fragrance, originating from South Africa. These perennials, part of the Iridaceae family, boast slender, arching stems that bear clusters of funnel-shaped blooms. Each flower is composed of six petals, often with a contrasting center or “eye,” that together form a delicate, almost butterfly-like appearance. Colors … Read more

The nasturtium, known scientifically as Tropaeolum majus, belongs to the botanical family Tropaeolaceae. This genus, Tropaeolum, is named for its shield-shaped leaves, reminiscent of ancient Roman trophies, from which it derives its name – ‘tropaeum’ in Latin. The plant features vibrant, often intensely colored flowers with five petals and a unique nectar spur. It’s classified … Read more

Valentine’s Day, a celebration steeped in romance, has long been associated with the giving of flowers as a gesture of love and affection. The tradition stems from the language of flowers, where each bloom carries its own symbolic meaning, allowing lovers to communicate feelings that words might fail to express. The vibrant colors, delicate fragrances, … Read more

Sweet pea flowers, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, are annual climbers renowned for their enchanting fragrance and vibrant, often bi-colored blooms. These flowers come in a spectrum of colors including pinks, purples, blues, whites, reds, and even bicolors, with some varieties sporting frilly or ruffled petals that add to their charm. Their delicate, butterfly-like flowers … Read more

Tiger Jaws, scientifically known as Faucaria tigrina, belongs to the genus Faucaria within the family Aizoaceae, commonly referred to as the fig-marigold or ice plant family. This family is known for its succulent plants, often adapted to arid conditions. The genus name Faucaria derives from the Latin word “fauces,” meaning “jaws” or “throat,” an apt … Read more