Beehive ginger thrives in warm, frost-free climates that are similar to its native habitat of India and China. Like other plants in the Zingiber genus, the cone-like bracts, which are not anatomically flowers, are much showier than the actual flowers, which protrude from the bracts. Planting Beehive Ginger If you are new to growing tropical flowers, you could hardly find an easier or more rewarding candidate to start with than the beehive ginger....

Chickpea plants are bushy and short. Staking or trellising is unnecessary and their size also makes them good container plants. Similar to tomatoes, chickpeas are indeterminate—they continue to grow new leaves after they have started to flower in purple, white, pink, or blue color depending on the chickpea variety. Selecting a Planting Site A location in full sun with well-draining, fertile soil is a must for chickpeas. Make sure you follow crop rotation rules and don’t plant chickpeas in the same place where you grew other legumes the year before....

This shrub is normally planted as a container-grown nursery plant in fall, though they usually do fine if planted in spring. English hawthorn has a moderate growth rate, adding 12 to 24 inches per year (dwarf varieties are slower growing). The planting technique is characteristic for most potted hawthorns (or any woody shrubs, for that matter). The planting hole should be two to three times wider than the rootball and equal in depth....

The delicate foliage and the fluorescent color of the flowers make Greek valerian a favorite for shady areas. Direct seed in early spring and it will grow tall and start blooming in mid-spring, sometimes continuing into early summer so you can continuously enjoy these fragrant and wildlife-resistant plants. These plants are easy to grow from seed, and they will very easily self-seed and spread in an uncontrolled (but not invasive) fashion in the garden unless the spent flowers are removed before seeds can fall....

Clematis can be planted in the spring, late summer, or early fall. This perennial is a true climber. It will twine its way around any support (trellis, etc.) that you provide for it. A wide variety of structures can serve as support for the vine’s vertical growth, whether they are existing features in your landscape or features that you create specifically to showcase the plant. Many growers train their clematis vines to climb upon other plants (shrubs and vines, mainly)....

These pines are less prone to common pests and diseases and can grow in a broader range of soil acidity than most other pine species. Excessive pruning or fertilizing isn’t necessary, but your tree can benefit from light, balanced fertilizer applications to promote growth. Light Lacebark pines grow best in full sun, so you should choose planting locations carefully. Loss of needles or stunted growth indicates that the tree is not receiving enough light....

It blooms earlier than other English lavenders and, unlike French lavender, it is cold hardy. This means it can also be grown in climates where the thermometer falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Its sweet scent makes it one of the best lavenders for both potpourris and sachets as well as for cooking. Dried sprigs can be used for wreath-making and other crafts. Keep in mind, however, that Munstead lavender is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses....

Growing from tough fibrous roots, prairie dropseed has fine-textured, hair-like leaves that create an arching mound from which flower stalks containing panicles of pinkish-brown flowers rise 30 to 36 inches tall in summer. The foliage turns golden-orange in fall, then fades to bronze in winter. The clumps are not easily flattened by snow, allowing prairie dropseed to remain quite attractive in winter. The common name “dropseed” derives from the tiny mature seeds falling from their hulls in fall....

This clumping, long-lasting perennial spreads from rhizomatous roots and has dark-green heart-shaped leaves. Small blue flowers with white centers rise on stems in spring. The bloom period lasts for about four weeks. Although Siberian bugloss is a slow grower, the species will eventually spread out and make a nice ground cover. The flashier variegated varieties are a bit slower to fill out yet provide interest and color all season. Siberian bugloss is generally planted from potted nursery plants in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked....

Depending on which cultivar you opt for, they can vary significantly in height and spread. They work well in the back of borders, as a focal point in your landscape, a privacy screen, or to complement brightly colored bedding plants. The mounds of arching grass resemble a fountain, and plumes of impressive feathery flowers are often seen in the late summer. The seed heads continue to offer winter interest before the foliage turns into shades of brown in the fall and then dies back in the winter....

This dwarf-variety boxwood cultivar was introduced in 1982 at a nursery in New Jersey. It was selected especially for its cold weather hardiness, ultra-shiny dark green leaves, and lime green new growth. New growth can be encouraged with yearly pruning in the spring. The foliage will seem to grow thicker whenever it is pruned. ‘Winter Gem’ shines brightest when used formally in straight lines, as patterns as a hedge, or when shaped in a ball or square....

Yarrow plants have to be staked in some situations, or else you may find the stems flopped down on the ground after high winds. Light Provide yarrow with full sun to keep its form compact, to encourage optimal blooming, and to discourage fungal attacks. Soil Good drainage is all yarrow asks for. It will tolerate clay soil better than many plants, but it grows best with good drainage. It flourishes in multiple soil types and isn’t a heavy feeder....

The masterwort plant, also known as Hattie’s pincushion, not only has unique flowers, but it also happens to be one of only a few cut flowers that thrives in the shade. That’s why this gorgeous plant is perfect for anyone whose landscape doesn’t get a whole lot of sun, but would still like a pop of color in their garden. Since it’s a woodland perennial, masterwort will grow best in partially shaded locations....

One frustrating aspect of electrical work is pushing wires into the box after you have connected the device. Boxes always seem to be too small, devices too big, and wires too numerous. But you can accurately gauge the types and quantities of wires that go into both metal and plastic boxes. Once this has been done, you’ll need to safely and effectively insert the wires into the box. How Many Electrical Wires in a Box?...

Use a Non-Slip Pad One of the easiest solutions for sliding cushions is the use of a non-slip pad. By placing a non-slip material underneath your cushion, you create friction and prevent the cushions from moving around. In addition, you don’t need to add or modify your couch or cushions in any way to use this method. There are a few options available when it comes to non-slip padding. There are pads designed specifically for couch cushions....