Flowers and Blooms
Choosing annuals or perennials for flower beds
Compare annuals and perennials by lifespan, yearly upkeep, cost and flexibility to decide what suits your flower beds. Practical guidance for mixing both in one bed.
The collection
Flowers and Blooms
Flowering plants for beds, borders and containers: choosing varieties, planning for color across the seasons and getting more blooms from what you grow.
Flowers and Blooms
Designing a flower bed that blooms across the season
Plan a flower bed around bloom timing, height and foliage so color lasts from spring into autumn. Practical steps for layering plants and keeping the bed attractive.
Flowers and Blooms
Planting flower bulbs that return year after year
Plant bulbs at the right depth in well-drained soil and leave the foliage to die back naturally. Simple steps for bulbs that often come back each spring.
Flowers and Blooms
Why deadheading flowers encourages more blooms
Deadheading removes faded flowers before they set seed, which can prompt many plants to bloom again. Learn how to do it well and when it is better to leave flowers alone.
Flowers and Blooms
Why flowers fail to bloom despite healthy leaves
Healthy leaves with few flowers usually point to light, feeding, pruning timing, plant age or stress. Learn how to check each cause and adjust care for better blooms.