The two types of chamomile grow quickly (reaching full bloom within about 10 weeks) and are best planted in the spring via seed. Roman chamomile is often used as a ground cover or creeping plant to soften the edges of a stone wall or walkway, while its German counterpart is more commonly used for making tea. Both are easy to care for in a garden and require very few extras to thrive....

Chinese snowball viburnum has a medium growth rate; 1 to 2 feet per year is typical. It is normally planted as a potted nursery specimen in the fall. Plant the shrub in a well-prepared hole at the same depth it was in its nursery container, and keep it very well-watered for its first year. Dense clay soils should be amended with plenty of organic material (peat moss, compost) before planting....

Light This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade; the hotter the climate, the more it will appreciate some shade. This species tolerates more shade than most other Campanula plants. Soil This plant prefers moist but well-drained soil but does fairly well in average soil types without much organic material. Water Dalmatian bellflowers have typical needs for water. About one inch of water per week, in the form of rainfall or irrigation, will keep them blooming....

Gloriosa lily is generally planted in the spring from purchased or divided tubers. Gloriosa is grown as a perennial plant in warmer zones, but in colder regions, you can either grow it as an annual or dig up the tubers and store them for the winter to replant in the spring. It is a fast-growing plant that will reach full height and blooming maturity within a couple of months. Like all plants in the Colcicaceae family, gloriosa lily contains the highly toxic alkaloid colchicine in all plant parts, but especially in the tubers....

Unlike the Hoya carnosa, the Compacta variety has a pendulous growth habit and the trailing vines and leaves look great when hanging over elevated shelf ledges or in hanging baskets. The beautiful pinkish-white, fragrant, tiny star-shaped flowers are another element that makes this plant popular. They grow in ball-shaped clusters and appear from early spring right through the summer. The flowers can last up to a few weeks, and healthy plants flower prolifically....

Lily of the valley can be planted by root divisions, potted nursery plants, or seeds in the fall, though spring planting is also acceptable. It is considered invasive in much of the Midwest and Northeast, where planting it may be strongly discouraged or even outlawed. Be aware that lily of the valley is toxic to humans, as well as to dogs, cats, and horses. It contains glycosides and saponins that can cause cardiac symptoms as well as digestive upset if large quantities are eaten....

Along with other species in the Vernonia genus, New York ironwood holds appeal to gardeners who prefer native plants. Growing up to 7 feet tall, this member of the aster family is popular in wildflower gardens, where during the growing season butterflies, bees, and other pollinators flock to it for its nectar. Out of season, the New York ironweed’s tall, dead stalks provide sturdy perches for migrant birds. New York ironweed is a fast-growing, fast-spreading plant that is normally planted in the spring from potted nursery starts or in the fall from direct-sown seeds....

Light Norway spruce needs full sun to partial shade. Look for a position that receives at least six hours of sun per day. They do not tolerate full shade. Soil You will need to plant the tree in moist and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The Norway spruce will thrive in rich and sandy soil. Water Once your tree is established, it should not require regular watering. For the first year, you will want to make sure your tree is well-watered....

Prairie smoke has a moderate growth rate, and clumps of it will slowly spread via rhizomes (underground stems). It can be planted in the spring or fall. Because it can cope with gravelly, dry conditions, prairie smoke works well in a rock garden. It’s also ideal for a native plant garden. However, because it isn’t the largest of plants, make sure to position it where it will not get overshadowed by more vigorous and larger species....

The leaves of moderate-growing princess flowers are 2- to 6-inches long and 1- to 1 1/2-inches wide. Its flowers are 3- to 5-inches wide and a deep, vibrant purple. In the right climate, princess flower can produce blooms year-round, especially if it is deadheaded to encourage the formation of more flower buds. Its fruit is a small brown capsule, less than 1/2-inch long. Use princess flower as a specimen plant or for borders and foundations, it’s best to plant it in the spring....

They tend to spread via suckers and can create a dense thicket. They’re considered invasive in some areas due to their ability to spread, so be sure to check your local regulations about planting. They have a fairly quick growth rate and can be planted in the fall or spring. Use caution when planting them near entry areas and walkways. The thorny canes, which you don’t want in your path, will often bend when heavy with flowers....

Though typically cultivated globally year-round as a hanging plant, in its east African natural desert habitat, string of pearls plants are terrestrial and form a ground cover. You can plant it any time but will have the most success in the warmer months. In addition to its unique sphere-like leaves, the string of pearls produces white flowers in spring with a pleasant cinnamon-like scent; although, it rarely flowers indoors. This plant is toxic to humans and pets....

Because of this passion for soil, few flower gardeners consider hydroponic gardening as a serious alternative to conventional gardens that grow in containers or in the ground. To most, hydroponic systems are simply something one ponders at a science exhibition; curiosities that consist of a maze of tubing with unknown chemicals piped throughout. However, what many fail to realize is all the unexpected benefits that come from tending to a hydroponic garden—suppliers have even expanded their offerings to make it easy for novice gardeners to get involved in the hobby....

Moreover, different varieties of parsley yield different flavors, so consider how you’d like to use the herb before choosing what to plant in your garden. For example, curly parsley is a little bitter for some palettes, while flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) is more in favor with today’s cooks. Selecting a Planting Site The planting site should get lots of sun and have good soil drainage. Container growth is also an option....

Shallots multiply in the ground like garlic, but the individual bulbs have concentric layers like onions. Moreover, shallots are generally smaller than garlic bulbs and have a mild onion flavor. They are relatively easy to grow. Like garlic cloves, they should be planted in the fall or early spring, and with their fast growth rate, they are usually ready to harvest in 100-120 days on average. Be warned that all parts of Allium cepa species and varieties are toxic to pets....

Do Birds Really Need Help Building Nests? Of course, birds are perfectly capable of building nests without human assistance, and trillions of birds nest successfully each year with no help at all. Bald eagles create huge, generational nests with sticks and twigs, chinstrap penguins collect the perfect pebbles for their nest mounds, laysan albatrosses scrape shallow depressions in the grass, and many other birds also build their best nests without any human help....

This shower theme isn’t usually best for a co-ed shower since the food is lighter and the decorations are more feminine, but it doesn’t mean male friends or family of the bride are not welcome. If a bride is interested in opening her bridal shower tea party up to members of the opposite sex so be it! An exclusive party is never a fun one, so it’s nice to keep an open mind about who might enjoy this kind of event when sending out invites....

The tarantula hawk wasp is most active during the hot summer months, flying very low to the ground to search for prey. This species feeds on nectar, pollen, and fruit. Tarantulas and other large spiders are only a food source for their brood. Most experts recommend that these wasps be left alone, as they don’t cause damage and only sting when seriously provoked. Even though they are not aggressive, a female may defend her burrow if threatened; only females will sting....