Alexandra Hill 
Petunias from the genus Petunia are part of the Nightshade family. There are over 35 species in the genus, but the modern-day varieties we see today and are our garden favorites are hybrids and are classified as P. x atkinsiana (also known as P. x hybrida). Hardy to USDA zones 10-11, they are technically perennial … Read more
Foxgloves belong to the genus Digitalis. They are a group of around 20 species that are native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. Prized for their beautiful flowers, they are a well-known favorite among gardeners. Perhaps the most popular species is D. purpurea, or the Common Foxglove, which has numerous varieties and cultivars. … Read more
Digitalis purpurea has many names including Common Foxglove, Fairy Gloves, and Fairy Bells. The names themselves are enough to conjure up images of magical woodlands and fairytale gardens, which makes these beautiful plants one of the best choices for cottage-style or woodland gardens. Common Foxgloves are herbaceous biennials or short-lived perennials that are widely naturalized … Read more
Although the Allium genus contains well-known food crops such as onions, garlic, and leeks, this group also contains stunning ornamental flowers. Most Allium flowers grow from bulbs and are generally hardy to USDA zones 4-8. They are perennials that will bloom beautifully year after year following a cold dormancy period. Allium plants are native to … Read more
African Daisies fall under the genus Osteospermum, which contains over 70 species of daisy-like flowers. These plants originated predominantly from South Africa and are winter hardy to USDA zones 9-11. They can be annuals, perennials, or shrubs. However, most gardeners grow their perennial African Daisies as annuals since they cannot tolerate cold winter conditions. These … Read more
Itoh or intersectional peonies are the hybrids of herbaceous peony Paeonia lactiflora and hybrid lutea tree peonies. Their flowers and leaves resemble those of tree types, whereas growth habits and forms more closely resemble herbaceous types. Peonies are low maintenance and long-living plants with lovely flowers, which would make a nice addition to cottage-style gardens. … Read more
Tree peonies are part of the genus Paeonia and are woody shrubs that have attractive foliage and large, beautiful, bowl-shaped flowers. These peony plants are low maintenance, and with the right care, have been shown to reach up to 100 years in age. Their beautiful and delicate blossoms make them the perfect candidates for either … Read more
African Daisies is the common name given to flowers under the genus Osteospermum. These include around 70 species of daisy-like flowers which originate from South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They can be annuals, perennials, or shrubs. The most popular types grown by gardeners today are O. ecklonis, O. jucundum, and their many hybrids and … Read more
Peonies are common favorites among gardeners, and there are an estimated 40 species in the genus Paeonia. The majority of these are herbaceous (herbaceous peonies), but this group also contains woody shrub types (tree peonies) and a hybrid of the two (Itoh peonies), all of which have magnificent flowers and similar care needs. These plants … Read more
Paeonia lactiflora, also known as The Chinese Peony, is a hardy perennial that blooms year after year. It is hugely popular among gardeners and comes in many attractive varieties. These plants are low maintenance, long-living, and are beautiful in cottage-style gardens or sunny borders. History Chinese Peonies were first introduced into Europe in the 1800s … Read more