People Garden

Love allium flowers It is impossible to quickly summarize allium flowers, a vast group of perennial, edible and ornamental plants of various sizes, shapes, colors and flowering times. But singing their praises is easy. Alliums, a member of the onion family of about 1,000 species, grow in most climates and bloom from early spring to fall and later in temperate climates. Most are drought tolerant and grow best in full sun, although some tolerate shade. Their variegated flowers are a paradise for pollinators, but animals turn their noses up. Top 10 Allium Varieties We Love 1. Globemaster A hybrid cross between two species, Globemaster is considered one of the best and most beloved of the tall spring-flowering varieties. Covered with hundreds of individual flowers, the purple spheres grow 8 to 10 inches wide and look wonderful in a vase. Look for larger bulbs for bigger flowers. Why we love it: Sturdy 2- to 3-foot stems add vertical interest and stand up to wind and rain. 2. A...

Houseplants to Celebrate the Season Safely If your dog or cat ingests a houseplant that is toxic to pets, the most wonderful time of the year can turn into a pre-Christmas nightmare. "Symptoms of ingesting poisonous plants include vomiting, diarrhea, irritation of the mouth and tongue, incoordination, difficulty swallowing, increased salivation and difficulty breathing," says Laura LaBranch, DVM, vice president of veterinary operations for Vet's Best Friend. "Depending on which plant and how much is ingested, death is possible." Unfortunately, there are some popular holiday houseplants that can be dangerous to your beloved pet. Some common harmful houseplants (you may have in your home right now): pine trees, amaryllis, holly, and mistletoe. The good news is that there are colorful, easy-care houseplants that are completely safe for your pet and perfect for the holidays and beyond. If a furry friend comes into contact with a poisonous plant, act qui...

 Hardy perennials that bloom  Mums are the go-to for fall flowers, but they are often considered annuals to be replanted each year. Alternatively, plant reliable perennial fall flowers once and enjoy them for seasons to come. All are part of the Mount Cuba Collection, a group of plants selected and introduced by the Mount Cuba Center, a botanic garden in Delaware. Known for extensive research on native plants and their effectiveness in gardens, the center has introduced about 20 named perennials over the past few decades. "With the collection, we're taking a snapshot of the best old introductions you can still get commercially, plus some new highlights," explains Sam Hadley, who manages the Trial Garden at the Mount Cuba Center. These plants—all selected as chance seedlings or games, not hybridized for certain traits—took the top spot in a three-year test assessing their value to gardeners and beneficial insects. 1. 'Gold Standard' Tall Tick (Coreopsi...