Romantic cottage gardens only look difficult to achieve. You don’t need a big yard, and you don’t even need a cottage. You just need to get creative. Credit: Photo: Van Chaplin Because of their casual-yet-cared-for style, cottage gardens are pretty easy to pull off. (The Grumpy Gardener says so himself!) Read on for 13 of the best plants for a charming cottage garden. Credit: Getty Images Try planting Delphinium exaltatum, also known as tall larkspur....

Hanging baskets provide a personal touch to the garden, bringing flowers and foliage to unused nooks and crannies. Hanging baskets bring gardens up to eye level, making a garden feel fuller and more complete. Use them to dress up walls or decorate tree branches. Credit:Getty Images They also stand up to the challenging conditions of container life.Container plants need consistent moisture. Drip irrigation also works well for containers. Hanging baskets will likely need watering every day in the heat of summer....

Herbaceous Perennial: Astilbe (Astilbe Japonica) Theseshade-loving perennialsgrow in clump-like formations. They can be planted in either the spring or fall, but youll want to avoid summer planting. They like deep watering every week. Credit:Getty Images Mulch in the spring with organic bark mulch to help maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. Prune to the ground in the fall to reduce chance of disease and other concerns. They are typically between six- to 10-feet tall and oftentimes nearly as wide....

Tropical flowers and hearty shrubs are well suited for this low-lying hardiness zone. In these locales, salty air, sandy soil, heat, and lots of sun are prevalent. Pruning is optional and can be done in early spring or late winter. Credit: Getty Images you could extend the bloom season by deadheading spent flowers. As long as the soil doesnt dry out (water regularly) theyll be happy in their shaded spot....

Learn about the plants we selected for our 2024 Idea House. Steph Greenis the container garden designer and educator behind Richmond, Virginia-basedContained Creations. For example, in a backyard planter at the Idea House, she usedClarity BlueTM Dianellaas the centerpiece. Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Its the versatility that i love. The Soft Caress Mahonia was absolutely the perfect choice for this spot. Its a great, tough evergreen; it can take the shade, she says....

Heres what garden and patio plants you’re able to save for next spring. Like it or not, their days are numbered! But not so fast! Credit:Getty Images When Should You Bring Outdoor Plants Indoors? The first step is finding a spot for all of them. Light is the most limiting factor. Going from outdoors in bright light to indoors is stressful on plants, says Hancock. A south, west, or east-facing window is best for most plants....

About This Episode The Grumpy Gardener answers a readers question about a bush infested with bugs. Plus, Grumpys tip of the week about potted plants. They’re as big as houseflies and leave white stuff all over the looms. Is there something I can spray them with or should I just move my mom into a home?" Anthony Grumpy’s Answer:Move her into a home? You’re kinda quick on the trigger there bud, I mean....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Stay cool and comfy in the shade. Credit:Southern Living / Nellah McGough In This Article Southern Living / Nellah McGough What makes a sunny day even better? Extra shade from a pop-up canopy. You canuse pop-up canopies for tailgating, beach days, camping, or backyard entertaining. Credit: Amazon Plus, there are different types of pop-up canopies with various features that go beyond providing shade....

Pick the right potato for your preferred style. So how do you best ensure that your favorite side lives up to the high expectations? You simply must start with the best potatoes formashed potatoes. Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Dotdash Meredith What Are The Best Potatoes For Mashing? Avoid overly waxy potatoes like red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or new potatoes. Yukon Gold These naturally rich potatoes come with the added benefit of being less absorbent of water....

This fan-favorite grocery chain doubles as an irresistible bakery. Its nearly impossible to leave the store without at least one of these treats in our buggy. Here are Southern Living editors' all-time favorite Publix baked goods. Credit:Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images And yes, weve basically named everything in the bakery section, and we think youll understand why. They’re soft and tender and are made with buttermilk, which keeps them from tasting overly sweet....

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. Its also backed by 7,100+ five-star ratings. Not to mention, its hundreds of dollars less than similar options from competitors at just $80. Credit:Southern Living TheLodge Round Casserole Dishwill become your go-to cookware piece for potlucks, holiday dinners, and everything in between. Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon Credit:Amazon

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Give your home a pleasant aroma with these scented candles. Credit:Southern Living / David Hattan And, besides smelling good, scented candles also instantlyelevate your homes decor. Kathy Kuois the interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. Fortunately for you, weve already done the hard work. Credit:Amazon We surveyed our staff on their favorite candles to find the best scented candles on the market....

If you’ve beenrocking a bobfor years, these hairstyle ideas will upgrade your look for today. These are some of the best short and mid-length looks trending on Pinterest. After seeing these hairstyles, you’ll be calling your hairdresser for an appointment as soon as possible. Credit: Pinterest/Just The Design/Aimee Song Now’s the time to schedule your next haircutand take these sizzling new looks along for inspiration. Longer in Front Here’s a stunning A-line style to match the cool of your shades....