Recent content by Hoca
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When Should You Prune Roses? Tips for UK Gardeners
In UK gardens, roses are always a favourite. They’re bold, bright, and smell amazing; no wonder so many people plant them year after year. But to keep roses looking their best, you need to not only feed them, but also prune them. It is very important for their health, growth and spreading. Skip... -
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When public plantings get push-back
When I wrote about a gardening controversy in my neighborhood for my Buffalo News column, I figured many readers would be surprised that planting flowers could be controversial. But I know Rant readers won’t be surprised at all. If you’re not a gardener and you’re not involved in community... -
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A Landscape Designer’s Ideas for Better Kids Play Areas
You know what I dislike more than anything else in the garden? Isolated garden play areas where some sort of crummy swing set thing is thoughtlessly plopped down to simultaneously compartmentalize kids away – but then, also, not away. The worst offenders are those horrible are the cheap... -
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Tiny, Tough, and Worth It – The Case for Species Tulips
I used to be all-in on tulips. Picking colors and shapes to fulfill my spring Kuekenhof dreams. From early April to early May, I’d anxiously await the arrival of those big colorful cups on stems. He drama, that early spring thrill. But I’ve fallen out of love with the high-maintenance... -
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Care Guide for Venosa Violacea Clematis
It is a variety of Clematis, a genus known for its spectacular blooms, and it is particularly appreciated for its distinctive purple-and-white color contrast, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add dramatic visual appeal to their gardens. Overview Botanical Name: Clematis... -
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Care Guide for Vera Higgins Red Sedum
Vera Higgins Red Sedum (Sedum spectabile ‘Vera Higgins’) is a stunning, hardy perennial plant known for its vibrant red-pink flowers and attractive, fleshy foliage. As part of the Sedum family, commonly known as Stonecrops, Vera Higgins Red Sedum is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that... -
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Care Guide for Variegated White Lighting Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
The Variegated White Lighting Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii), also known as the Crown of Thorns plant, is a stunning, hardy succulent that produces vibrant flowers and can thrive in a variety of environments. The variegated variety has striking white and green patterns in the leaves and... -
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Vinca ‘Wojo’s Gem’ Care Guide
Vinca ‘Wojo’s Gem,’ also known as Periwinkle or Madagascar Periwinkle, is a popular ornamental plant admired for its attractive, glossy foliage and vibrant flowers. It is a hybrid variety of the Vinca minor, commonly grown as a ground cover or in hanging baskets and containers. The plant’s... -
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Violet Hollyhock Care Guide
Introduction to Violet Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) Violet Hollyhock, scientifically known as Alcea rosea, is a striking perennial flower that is beloved by gardeners for its tall, stately stems and large, vibrant blooms. Hollyhocks are members of the Malvaceae family and come in a variety of... -
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Violet Primrose (Primula spp.) Care Guide
Introduction to Violet Primrose The violet primrose is a delightful early-blooming perennial belonging to the Primula genus, which includes over 500 species. Known for their cheerful blossoms and delicate foliage, primroses are a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to the... -
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Waikiki Elephant Ear (Colocasia ‘Waikiki’) Care Guide
Introduction The Waikiki Elephant Ear is a showstopping tropical plant prized for its striking foliage. A cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, ‘Waikiki’ stands out with large, heart-shaped leaves in deep green, boldly accented by creamy white veins and a rich, pink-purple center. Its name and look... -
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Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) Care Guide
Introduction Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a delightful houseplant beloved for its unique, showy foliage. Named for its striking leaves that resemble watermelon rinds—oval-shaped with silver and dark green stripes—this compact, low-maintenance plant is ideal for desktops... -
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Garden Conservancy’s Movie Premiere at Smithsonian’s African-American Museum
I only knew the nonprofit Garden Conservancy for its hundreds of Open Day events throughout the U.S. That’s until I got an email inviting me to the “world premiere” of a documentary produced by the Conservancy – news to me! And it’s not their first. You can watch their film about New York’s... -
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Tye-Dye Cactus Care Guide
The Tye-Dye Cactus (scientifically known as Mammillaria elongata ‘Tye-Dye’) is a stunning variety of the popular Ladyfinger Cactus, known for its vibrant, colorful spines that create a tie-dye effect. This cactus is a popular choice among collectors and gardeners for its unique appearance and... -
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Twilight Zone Grass Care Guide
Twilight Zone Grass (also known as Zoysia grass ‘Twilight Zone’) is a variety of Zoysia grass that is known for its dense, lush, and soft texture, which makes it a great choice for lawns and gardens. It is also drought-tolerant and resilient, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners...