Easy-Care Flower Bed Ideas

easy flower bed ideas

Planting flowers and having a plethora of colors surrounding us makes us feel good and happy. The energy we expend planting and caring for our plants come back to us tenfold in the enjoyment we reap from the colorful array of plant life they display. However, some of us have greener thumbs than others. What … Read more

Fertilizing Roses: When to Start and Stop

pink roses

There are almost as many kinds of fertilizers as there are rose varieties, but how they’re used to feed roses is similar. Roses are heavy feeders that will produce many beautiful blooms if fed properly. Fertilizing roses is a constant process that provides them with nutrients to continue producing blooms, from the first bloom in … Read more

How to Protect Early Blooming Flowers from Late Frost

Spring is supposedly here, and most gardeners are feeling the itch to get out and start preparing for planting and checking on their annuals. The only problem is that Winter keeps hanging around for most of the United Statess. We’ve never felt more at risk of a late frost. Fortunately, there are some measures that … Read more

Top Three Wedding Flowers

rose bouquet

When it comes to your wedding, you want everything to be perfect. This, of course, includes picking out beautiful flowers for the occasion. However, when there are countless varieties available on the market, this is much harder than it seems. That’s why we here at Gracious Gardening have come up with a list of the … Read more

Starting a Rose Garden in February

rose garden

If you have ever admired the beauty of a rose garden and dreamed of having one of your own, but thought it would be too difficult to accomplish or to maintain, now is the time to get started. February is the perfect time to plant roses in many parts of the country, and having your … Read more

How To Plant Potted Roses

roses

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to think about planting potted rose bushes. They make a beautiful addition to all backyards. They’re also a fine thing to plant in Spring, especially if you missed your chance to get a rose garden going earlier in the year. To get started now, you must prepare a hole … Read more

The Bearded Iris: Time to Divide Up Your Rhizomes!

bearded iris

Bearded irises are beautiful perennials that bloom in spring, providing a kaleidoscope of delicate, flag-like color. In order for them to continue blooming to their full potential each year, they need to be divided to avoid “choking” themselves out. The bearded iris should be divided in late summer when the weather starts to cool. The … Read more

When (and How) to Fertilize Hybrid Tea and Modern Roses

Hybrid tea roses and other modern roses–such as grandiflora, floribunda, and polyantha roses–are heavy feeders and are considered high maintenance plants. More frequent fertilization assures the best growth for these breeds. To ensure your roses will receive the proper amounts of nutrients, first test your soil to find its pH, texture, and existing mineral nutrient … Read more

Using Your Flowers As Drink Garnish

edible flowers cocktails

Edible flowers are still something a lot of people don’t take advantage of when it comes to adding a little something extra to their plates and glasses. And rightfully so if you don’t have a garden, since you can’t be sure of the quality or health of them when buying some from the store. However, … Read more