Organic Gardening News

In the world of interior design, trends and influences are constantly changing. Colours have a few years in the spotlight before fading from view, kitchen and bathroom fixtures move through finishes from metal tones to black and back again and the cool tones of once ubiquitous, grey-toned flooring are making way for warmer looking options. But through all these shifts there are some basic rules that guide interior design — here three interior designers share their insights on rules that can — and can’t — be broken.

Danielle Keoghan had rules in mind when she named her Victoria, B.C.-based interior design business, Maverick Designs .

“I’ve never been interested in spaces that are led by trends. I want to design homes that feel like the people who live in them. Rules in design aren’t wrong — the key is to understand what problem they were created to solve. Maverick is a reminder to ask which ones actually apply,” she says.

Keoghan’s first rule is good planning come before shopping.

“It sounds obvious: Get the right plan, understand proportions, flow and function. After that everything is easy and enjoyable. If you skip that step and buy a sectional that is too big, faces the wrong direction and blocks traffic, then you’re asking (an interior designer) to remediate a problem,” she says, adding by that time the options are usually very limited.

Madeleine Sloback, founder and creative director at Madeleine Design Group in Surrey, B.C. says a rule that should never be broken is the often-referenced function before form.

“Before choosing finishes, furniture or decor a space needs to support how you actually live. The best interiors are designed around movement, routines, storage needs, conversation areas and daily habits. A beautiful room that doesn’t function well will never feel right long term,” she says.

Samantha Muller, principal and interior designer at South Surrey, B.C.-based Kleen Design agrees function always comes first. When she is designing interiors for developments such as townhomes and condos, she prioritizes storage and pays attention to dedicated zones that reflect how people live and that maintain traffic flow.

“You don’t want to compromise your traffic flow for esthetics,” she advises.

In some apartments there isn’t space for a full dining room so look for dining solutions that are practical.

“Sometimes this means forgoing a full dining table in smaller apartments in favour of counter stools at the kitchen island or a flexible, fold-out table that can be used when needed then folded away (to maintain traffic flow),” says Muller.

In kitchens space planning is essential to ensure functionality. While there are many aspects to consider in kitchen layouts from the work triangle to allowing space for appliance doors to open, one of the first considerations is the distance between perimeter cabinets and a kitchen island.

Muller says rules often need to bend in smaller spaces.

“In townhomes sometimes that distance is as short as 36 inches. In a larger home I prefer 40 inches. Sometimes you just have to accept that a space can’t accommodate an island, and you have to take it out and redraw the plans,” she says.

Muller’s superpower is an instinctive understanding of scale, one of the most important rules in the playbook.

“As a visual thinker one of my strongest points is scale,” she says. “Understand your furniture sizes, how much space you need to walk around the space. Not using oversized furniture if your space isn’t large — or has high ceilings — so it doesn’t overwhelm the space,” she says pointing out that undersized furniture can make a room feel unfinished.

Muller says balance is inseparable from scale and can be achieved through cohesive furniture groupings and intentionally layered textures, such as mixing velvets and cottons and varying pillow textures to create harmony.

For art, she advocates “less is more,” recommending selective statement pieces, visual pauses on some walls and simple combinations like one artwork and one mirror in a room, noting that more than half of her own art remains un-hung after a recent move.

“You don’t have to hang every piece you own, says Muller.

For Keoghan lighting is a non-negotiable design priority: layered, dimmable, well-placed lighting can make even rule-breaking interiors feel right, whereas rooms with only recessed overhead lights on one switch feel uncomfortable, despite good furnishings, she says.

Sloback agrees and says lighting should come from multiple sources.

“Relying on one overhead light or one type of light source flattens a room. The most inviting spaces layer ambient, task and accent lighting. Combine ceiling fixtures, lamps, sconces, under-cabinet lighting and natural light to create warmth, depth and flexibility throughout the day,” she says.

A rule that is often broken is making everything match, says Sloback.

“Perfectly matched interiors can make a space feel overly staged. Mixing materials, eras, textures and finishes often creates a more layered, collected and personal feel, as long as a sense of continuity ties everything together, such as flooring materials, hardware finishes and trim,” she adds

One of the rules Keoghan breaks is the idea that every room needs a focal point or feature wall.

“I prefer balanced spaces that draw you in quietly rather than relying on a single overperforming element,” she says.

She also disputes the rule that all furniture legs must sit on an area rug, arguing that front legs only layouts often work better, with rug sizing driven by proportion and the need to anchor groupings while allowing floor to show. Common mistakes include buying readily available but too small sizes like a five-by-seven-foot instead of larger, more appropriate rugs.

Keoghan also has opinions on the often-quoted guidance that says dark colours make a room feel smaller.

“That’s true, until it’s not,” she says.

“Colour washing (or colour drenching) is a great strategy for small or awkward rooms,” she says.

Painting walls, trim, doors and ceilings the same colour and introducing subtle variation through the finish of the paint can visually expand spaces, soften edges and create immersive atmospheres, says Keoghan.

She recently used this technique in a small den in a condo.

“We colour washed it in charcoal. We had a lacquer finish for the built-in millwork, an eggshell finish on the walls and the trim in a satin finish. So there was subtle variation between the colours just from a finish standpoint,” she says, adding that a cream area rug and seating in an off-white shade created a “gorgeous” space that felt larger.

It seems the old adage that rules are made to be broken applies when bending or adjusting them is necessary to adapt to specific situations. Maybe Pablo Picasso said it best: “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

Related

• A trio of connected cabins create a multi-generational forested escape on Savary Island
• More than just a feature wall, gradient painting injects unique personality into a room

Roses are known for their graceful beauty and intoxicating aroma. Unfortunately, they are also known for their painful thorns. But did you know that not all roses have thorns? Whether you want climbers, shrubs and miniature beauties, these pain-free roses are ideal for patios, walkways, and other growing spaces where there is a chance people might brush against them.

You can easily grow roses that don’t lash out and enjoy months of gorgeous, fragrant blooms without ever having to worry about a wayward nip. From dramatic vertical climbers that can soften a bare wall to compact beauties tailored for tight patio containers, these varieties prove you don’t have to sacrifice classic rose beauty or rich fragrance just to keep your garden safe and snag-free.

To help you find the best options for your yard, here are 7 outstanding, virtually thornless varieties that cover all the bases for hybrid, climbing, shrub and tea roses, in a range of tones. Each offers smooth, touchable canes and balances disease resistance, reliable hardiness, and standout color.

The Best (Nearly) Thorn-Free Roses

Roses are known for their thorns, but thanks to centuries of breeding, you can find many varieties that are smooth or mostly smooth. Not only are thorn-free roses a real option, but they’re also surprisingly varied. You can choose from ramblers and climbers, traditional shrub types, small patio varieties, and low groundcovers. Make the right choice for your space based on type and mature size.

As you choose a thornless rose, also consider your climate and growing conditions. The rose should fall within your USDA hardiness zone, match the sunlight you have available, and have good disease resistance. It’s also a good idea to consider your soil condition before you start planting. These roses need rich, loamy soil that holds nutrients, but crumbles easily in your hand. Most importantly, they require excellent drainage. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (ideally between 6-6.5) to help your plants easily absorb the food they need to thrive.

(Image credit: Masako Ishida / Getty Images)

A good diagnostic tool like the Raintrip 4-in-1 Soil Meter from Amazon can help you quickly check moisture, pH, and nutrient levels so you can amend your planting hole as necessary with organic compost, coarse sand, or horticultural grit. Use this list as a starting point for finding your perfect, thornless roses in any color, growth type, and size. Here are some of our favorite options for smooth, pain-free roses of all types.

1. ‘Madame Alfred Carrière'

(Image credit: Mauren Winter / Alamy)

This classic climbing rose variety was first introduced in 1875. It’s suitable for zones 5 through 11 and is a repeat bloomer, rewarding good care with season-long creamy white flowers with an intoxicating scent. ‘Madam Alfred Carrière’ is particularly known for its smooth, thornless canes, which can grow 15-20 feet (4.6-6m) long. As a showy climber, this is a great option where you have a lot of vertical space. Grow it along pergolas, fences, arbors, or even walls. It needs some support and training each year to develop a sturdy hold. Deadhead flowers to encourage repeat blooms.

Plant it in a location that receives a minimum of 4-6 hours of daily sunlight. A bit of morning sun maximizes its magnificent flush. It requires deep, well-draining soil enriched with organic compost, and a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Add a thick mulch midsummer to conserve moisture. Fan the canes out horizontally along your trellis or arbor rather than letting them grow straight up. This forces the plant to unlock lateral buds, rewarding you with a dense wall of blossoms from top to bottom. For the same thornless, vigorous climbing habit, you can buy ‘Peggy Martin’ live plants from Amazon which swap the pale blush for rich pink clusters.

2. ‘Zephirine Drouhin’

(Image credit: Cathy Dewitt / Alamy)

This is another thornless climber to consider if you have a shady spot with vertical space. Unlike most roses, ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ tolerates partial shade. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Like our first rose choice, this bourbon climber blooms all season long after a heavy spring flush. The flowers are a rich cherry pink and have an intense aroma. ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ thrives in zones 5-10 and reaches 15 feet (6m) tall. This variety does have some susceptibility to fungal infections, so prune it to improve airflow and only water at the base.

Aim for rich, fertile soil that retains moisture but drains well, boasting an ideal pH between 6-6.5. It’s ideal for north- or east-facing walls, where other varieties languish. Add a generous layer of organic compost mulch to keep the roots cool, coupled with a monthly feeding of a phosphorus-rich rose food through midsummer to fuel its repeat-blooming cycle. Deadhead promptly through July and August to ensure a steady stream of gorgeous pink petals right up until fall. You can buy Green Promise Farms 'Zephirine Drouhin' from Amazon.

3. ‘Sweet Chariot’

(Image credit: Feifei Cui Paoluzzo / Getty Images)

‘Sweet Chariot’ is a miniature shrub rose developed in the 1980s, with double pink flowers and a rich fragrance. This rose is compact in size, but also has a trailing growth habit, making it perfect for containers on patios and even hanging baskets. ‘Sweet Chariot’ grows well in zones 5-9, but prefers full sun (at least 6 hours daily). If grown in containers, it will need to be watered frequently, but be sure the soil drains very well. Deadhead the flower clusters as they fade to keep blooms coming all summer long.

This patio-friendly perennial needs a highly fertile, lightweight potting mix blended with perlite or coarse sand to guarantee rapid drainage. Water daily during heatwaves, alongside a bi-weekly application of a diluted liquid seaweed or fish emulsion fertilizer. Choose a container with generous drainage holes at the base and raise it slightly off the ground on pot feet to prevent stagnant water from pooling. Keep a close eye out for spider mites, which frequently target container-grown patio roses in dry, hot weather, and give the foliage a gentle misting with water in the early morning to deter them. For a compact alternative that you can source online, try ‘Petite Knock Out’ from Amazon which also has a low prickle count.

4. ‘Mary Delany’

(Image credit: Sergey Kalyakin / Alamy)

Most classic shrub roses are very thorny. This exception (previously known as ‘Mortimer Sackler’) is a large shrub rose that grows up to 12 feet (3.7m) tall. ‘Mary Delany’ is known for its pretty, double pink flowers, fruity scent, and nearly smooth canes. Although it’s a shrub, you can train this variety to grow as a climber. It has strong disease resistance and continuous blooms that keep going through to fall. Just deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming. ‘Mary Delany’ is hardy in zones 5-9, and prefers full sun or a little shade. Give your rose regular deep watering.

Provide it with a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight. While it thrives in full sun, it is famously capable of handling a bit of dappled afternoon shade without losing its blooming power. It demands a deep bed of rich, loamy soil, with a neutral pH that has been heavily amended with organic matter to ensure good drainage. Add a balanced fertilizer right after the heavy spring flush and maintain a thick 3-inch (8cm) layer of bark mulch around the root zone to lock in moisture. Prune by about one-third in late winter to maintain a tidy, bushy shrub form if you aren't growing it vertically. You can buy ‘Mary Delany’ at Otto and Sons Nursery online.

5. ‘Smooth Angel’

(Image credit: Avalon.red / Alamy)

Hybrid tea rose types are known for their strong aromas and large flowers that grow singly on stems, making them ideal for cutting. ‘Smooth Angel’ is from Harvey Davidson, and was developed in the 1980s to be 95% thorn-free. The large flowers on this variety are a light peachy-cream color and have a heavy fragrance. Give ‘Smooth Angel’ a spot in full sun with rich soil that drains very well, and you’ll be able to enjoy smooth, thorn-free flowers in a few distinct flushes throughout the season. It’s an appropriate rose for zones 5-10 and will grow up to two feet (0.6m) tall.

This rose requires a fertile, loamy soil with an optimal pH between 6.0 and 6.5, heavily incorporated with aged organic compost. Give this rose a deep soaking at the root zone once a week and a balanced liquid rose fertilizer immediately after its initial flush to jumpstart the next wave of buds. Avoid planting it in tight, overcrowded spaces or heavy clay, as poor air circulation and stagnant water will quickly invite black spot. Otherwise, this is a hardy beauty. As a peachy alternate that might be easier to track down online, try Heirloom Roses ‘Just Joey’ from Amazon. It has very widely spaced thorns, making it smooth and easy to manage.

6. ‘Iceberg’

(Image credit: Kottapsm / Alamy)

Floribunda roses give you abundant clusters of flowers that bloom repeatedly through the growing season. ‘Iceberg’ floribundas were introduced in the 1950s, and they have good disease resistance, they grow vigorously, and they are nearly thornless. The original ‘Iceberg’ has white blooms, but you can now find this desirable variety in a rainbow of colors, including blush pink, bright pink, burgundy red, and yellow. ‘Iceberg’ grows up to 4 feet (1.2m) tall with a shrub form. It grows well in zones 5-9 and needs full sun for the most prolific blooms.

Plant this rose in a prominent location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. ‘Iceberg’ thrives in a well-draining, fertile loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6-6.5. Water deeply every week, and give it a mid-season feeding with a high-potassium fertilizer to keep the blooms coming. Prune back by about one-third in late winter to maintain its tidy 4-foot (1.2m) shape. Finally, shear off entire spent flower clusters rather than individual stems after each heavy flush, which triggers an immediate, explosive repeat performance that lasts straight until the first hard frost. You can buy Heirloom Roses Iceberg Floribunda from Amazon.

7. ‘Cambridgeshire’

(Image credit: Alex Manders / Getty Images)

This David Austin variety isn’t totally thornless, but it has very few spines on its short canes. It’s rare for a groundcover rose to be so smooth, so if you’re looking for a pain-free, low-growing rose, this is the one for you. It’s perfect for sunny areas along pathways. ‘Cambridgeshire’ grows densely and spreads widely while remaining no more than about 18 inches (50cm) tall. It is a repeat bloomer, and the flowers are colorful, transitioning through gold, red, dark pink and lighter pink. It thrives in zones 5-10 in full sun and rich soil drains well. Deadhead to get continuous flowers through the growing season.

‘Cambridgeshire’ needs a highly crumbly, well-draining soil, maintaining an ideal pH of 6-6.5 to support its continuous nutrient intake. Apply a fresh, 2-inch (5cm) layer of hardwood mulch around the base right after planting. Avoid planting it in low-lying depressions or heavy clay where standing water accumulates. Deadheading isn't mandatory, but give the entire patch a light trim with hedge shears in late winter to rejuvenate the plant, prompting an explosive, uniform blanket of colorful blooms. If you can’t find 'Cambridgeshire', try 'Sweet Drift' Groundcover Rose from Walmart which serves up a carpet of bubblegum pink blooms on virtually thornless stems.

Need more ideas for getting the most from your plants, indoors and out, and looking for the best seasonal expert advice delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter!

On a hot day, bees still need to stay busy in the garden. But they get thirsty doing it. A honeybee colony needs a steady supply of water right through summer, and not only for drinking – they use it to cool the hive and to thin out food for the brood. The catch is that the shallow puddles and damp ground bees usually sip from tend to dry up the moment a heatwave settles in.

You can help them with a quick DIY project. A pollinator water station is barely a project at all – at its simplest, it's a shallow dish with a few stones in it, filled with fresh water and topped up as it drops. You can throw one together in minutes from odds and ends already around the house, and it makes a real difference to the bees out working your flowers.

Why Give Bees Water in Summer?

Bees need water for more than a quick drink. On a hot day, a honeybee colony collects water and spreads it through the hive, then fans it with their wings so the evaporation pulls the temperature down. It's basically air conditioning, run on water. They also use the water to soften stored honey and mix food for the developing brood. When the mercury climbs, demand shoots up, and foraging bees spend real effort tracking water down.

Here's the problem, though: bees can't swim. They're light enough that the surface tension of an open bowl or birdbath can trap them. One badly judged landing on deep, smooth water and they don't get back out. A watering station gets around that by keeping the water shallow and giving them solid footing to stand, allowing them to drink safely.

(Image credit: Bee-cups.com)What You'll Need

You don't need much to make your bee watering station:

• A shallow, wide container. Terracotta plant saucers are ideal, or even an old pie dish.
• Pebbles or glass marbles to break the surface
• A few wine corks, which float and double as landing rafts.

The Saucer

Vensovo 6-Inch Terracotta Plant Saucers

As well as classic terracotta, this six-pack of saucers comes in eight colors so you can choose one to suit your garden.

The Pebbles

Fantian 1lb Flat Glass Pebbles

These flat glass pebbles allow bees to access the water without drowning. Their bright colors also make an attractive design element.

The Corks

Impnit 20-Pack Straight Wine Corks

Toss a few corks into your water station. Even if your saucer is overflowing, they'll keep the bees afloat.

How to Make Your Bee Watering Station

None of this is complicated. Five minutes, maybe less, and you've got a working bee bath.

1. Start with a Low Dish

Set your container somewhere level. Depth is the thing that matters – an inch or two (2–5 cm) of water is plenty, since bees only need to reach the edge of it, not wade in. A saucer or low bowl beats anything deep with steep sides.

2. Add the Landing Spots

Fill the dish with pebbles, stones, or marbles until they mound up above where the waterline will sit. The idea is to leave plenty of dry, grippy surface for bees to stand on. Even a handful of clean gravel from the garden will work.

(Image credit: Getty Images)3. Fill it Up

Pour in fresh water until it pools around the stones but leaves their tops poking out, so bees land on the dry stone and sip from the shallow edge. Check it daily in hot weather; a dish this size can evaporate down to nothing by late afternoon, and the landing spots only work while they're above water.

Shop Bee Water Stations

If DIY isn't your thing, these bee drinking stations look great and come ready to fill.

Ceramic Bee Cups – 5 Pack

These original Bee Cups have inspired many imitations. Available in a range of pretty colors, they were designed by a scientist-turned-ceramicist to attract bees and keep them safe.

Acostop Bee Feeder With Vivid Sunflower Design

This pretty hanging bee bath comes with 15 pebbles so it's ready to just hang and fill. It's anti-rust and weather resistant, so will last for years to come.

Teenyyou Metal Bee Watering Cups – 6 Pack

With removable stakes, these metal bee cups will develop a charming patina as they weather.

Keeping the Water Clean and safe

Standing water and summer heat mean mosquitoes, so refresh the dish every couple of days rather than just topping it off – that breaks the breeding cycle before larvae get going. Give the stones a rinse when algae starts to film them over, and skip the soap, since any residue does more harm than the grime did. Rainwater is fine, and so is tap water; the source doesn't matter much.

One thing to leave out: sugar or honey in the water. It sounds helpful, but sugar water pulls in wasps and can spread disease between hives. Honey from an unknown source may carry pathogens that hurt the very bees you're trying to help. Plain water is what they're after. If wasps or other insects start crowding in anyway, shifting the dish a few feet (1 m) usually settles things down.

(Image credit: Schankz / Shutterstock)Where to Position Your Bee Bath

Position matters more than you'd think. Set the station near flowers the bees already visit, so it's close to where they're working, and somewhere with a bit of afternoon shade so the water doesn't turn to bath temperature or evaporate by noon. A little morning sun helps them find it. Out of the wind is better too – a spot tucked beside a wall or a clump of planting gives some shelter.

Once bees find a reliable source, they come back to it and bring others, so keep the station in the same place and don't let it run dry mid-summer. Raised up on a low table or wall, it stays cleaner and out of reach of pets.

Change the water regularly, and you'll have happy bees who will help your garden stay healthy and blooming.

Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

1028 Cambie St., Vancouver

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,315 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,208,000

Listed for: $1,388,800

Sold for: $1,240,000

Sold on: May 8

Days on market in this listing: 94

Listing agent: Karim Virani at Virani Real Estate Advisors

Buyers agent: Cassandra Ariken PREC at Royal LePage Elite West

The big sell: This two-bedroom, three-level townhome forms part of Concord Pacific’s Marina Pointe development that comprises condominiums and townhouses with shared amenities including an indoor swimming pool, a sauna/steam room, a fitness centre, squash court, and 24-hour concierge services. It has a private entry off Cambie Street and comes extensively renovated with engineered hardwood floors throughout, air conditioning, a feature stone wall with an inset electric fireplace, and a completely redesigned kitchen with premium finishings, quartz countertops, and high-end appliances. The primary reception rooms are on the main level, with both bedrooms upstairs alongside a home office. An added convenience is a private two-car garage with direct access into the home, as well as a large storage space. The home’s monthly maintenance fee is $1,141.18, and the strata permits pets and rentals — both with restrictions.

2 — 3393 Victoria Dr., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom half duplex

Size: 983 square feet

B.C. Assessment: N/A

Listed for: $999,000

Sold for: $999,000

Sold on: April 12

Days on market in this listing: Six

Listing agent: Jessica Chen PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Ren Yoshima at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: The boutique complex of Mira at Trout Lake has recently been completed with four duplex homes that offer two- or three-level layouts, private patios, and a smooth indoor/outdoor flow through expansive sliding doors. This particular home sold for the full price in six days. It is a two-storey west-facing half duplex with herringbone wood floors on the main level, wide-plank oak floors upstairs, fluted limestone feature walls, overheight ceilings, arched passageways, and custom millwork. The kitchen shines with integrated Smeg appliances including a gas cooker, a pot filler, deep Blanco sinks, and quartz surfaces. The bathrooms have been elegantly finished with floating vanities, large format tiles, and a frameless glass shower. There is air conditioning for summertime comfort, insuite ventilation, acoustic windows, built-in speakers, a security system, and the 2-5-10 new home warranty.

12680 Ansell St., Maple Ridge

Type: Four-bedroom, four-bathroom detached

Size: 3,580 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,427,000

Listed for: $2,350,000

Sold for: $2,205,000

Sold on: March 30

Days on market in this listing: One

Listing agent: Sonja Jones at ReMax Lifestyles Realty

Buyers agent: Shannon Drummond PREC at Royal LePage Elite West

The big sell: This architecturally-designed four-level home was built in a West Coast contemporary style with natural elements that reflect the beauty of the surrounding environment with rock accents, wood-clad vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, a spiral staircase, wood-surround windows, and open living spaces that allow for abundant natural light while highlighting the mountain, forest and ravine views. The home was constructed in 1976 within Maple Ridge’s Academy Park and sits on two acres of — according to the listing agent — potentially subdividable forested land complete with old-growth cedar and fir trees. It was renovated in 2020 and displays a modern kitchen with white gloss cabinets and a tiled backsplash, four stylish bathrooms, and laundry on all levels. The property was on the market for just a day before being snapped up.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

Want more expert mortgage info? Robert McLister shares Canada’s best national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily.Related

• Sold (Bought): Ladner waterfront property boasts private boat dock, rooftop deck
• Sold (Bought): East Vancouver house sells for more than $300K over asking

When Joanna Gaines posts anything to Instagram (which is actually quite often), I have to immediately stop scrolling and see if I can do whatever she’s doing in my own house or garden. This time, she posted a video of summer scenes from her farmhouse in Waco, Texas, that featured horses galloping through fields, an adorable summer swing, and best of all, a view of her “Rose Shed,” of which we got a peek back in January 2024.

Naturally, there were climbing roses on the small roof outside, and there was something about the combination of romantic pink blooms, architecture, and sunlight that made me stop and stare at my own bare fence and feel personally victimized. Climbing roses are one of the most achievable upgrades in your garden, but you have to know what you’re doing. Fortunately, a couple of experts helped me out.

Joanna Gaines climbing roses

A photo posted by on

Use Your Vertical Space

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Most of the time, people think of gardens as horizontal: soil, beds, borders, etc., all at ground level. But climbing roses turn this logic on its head.

Marta Pawlik, Co-Founder and Director of Laik, which manages over 50 luxury vacation properties, has seen the difference firsthand. She says, “Most people only plant to the floor level and do not utilize any of the vertical space above them. When one of my clients decided to grow a single 'Zephirine Drouhin' up her bare stone archway, there was a dramatic increase in the number of bookings for that property. The vertical space is what it's all about!"

An arch, a pergola, a plain garden wall; all of these are just waiting for a climbing rose to make them feel complete.

Choose the Right Variety

(Image credit: Olena Malik / Getty Images)

It’s often a misconception that all climbing roses are created equal, and variety choice matters more than most people realize. Pawlik tells me she has a firm favorite: Rosa “Gertrude Jekyll” is the first climbing rose I always recommend. I’ve had a number of clients in the Lake District try three different climbing roses over five years (with little success in regards to photography) to be able to justify the asking price per week. By growing a single “Gertrude Jekyll” over her pergola, her listing was booked solid before the end of February. The flower is large, the fragrance is incredible, and the deep pink coloration is worth a lot in sunlight.

The 'Gertrude Jekyll' climbing rose, the variety Marta Pawlik swears by, produces large, bright pink rosettes with one of the strongest old rose fragrances of any English variety, and comes with a five-year guarantee straight from the breeder, David Austin.

For something thornless and forgiving (especially useful on archways where people actually walk through), 'Zephirine Drouhin' is a classic.

Gertrude Jekyll

David Austin® Gertrude Jekyll® Rose

Zephirine Drouhin

Zephirine Drouhin Climbing Rose

Lavender Crush

Lavender Crush Climbing Rose

Don't Neglect What Goes Underneath

(Image credit: Jorgeantonio / Getty Images)

A climbing rose on its own can look a little leggy at the base. Fortunately, the fix is simple: companion planting. Pawlik recommends French lavender beneath your rose as it covers the bare stems, smells incredible, and the purple-pink color combination photographs beautifully. Add alliums in the middle of the garden, and suddenly the whole space will look well-planned rather than accidental.

Thery Jean Christophe, founder of Musa Art Gallery, agrees on the layering approach: "I would pair them with softer companion plants like lavender, catmint, foxgloves, or herbs so the garden feels layered but not chaotic."

Plant a couple of these Hidcote Blue lavender plants (available on Amazon) at the base of your climbing rose. The deep purple blooms and silvery foliage are the companion for pink roses; they'll cover any bare stems, and the fragrance combination is frankly unfair to your neighbors.

Don't Cheap Out on the Plant

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This is where most people go wrong, and Pawlik is refreshingly blunt about it, saying, "I once planted a low-grade bare root rose that took the entire summer to explain to the owner why her rose arch looked like a twig with big aspirations."

The advice? Buy a grade-three plant, put it in the ground in autumn, and train every stem to grow horizontally from the start. This is where the blooms really come from; not the vertical stems shooting upward, but the horizontal ones fanning out.

Fake It While You Wait

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Climbing roses take time to establish, and for some of us, patience isn't always in plentiful supply. Jean Christophe has a practical workaround, telling me, "For homeowners who want the abundant look faster, I'd suggest combining climbing roses with trellises, containers, and fast-growing companion plants while the roses mature. That way the space feels romantic early on, but still has a long-term design foundation." To me it looks as if you’re dressing the set while the main act is busy getting ready.

The SCENDOR garden arch (available on Amazon) is a sturdy, iron structure standing nearly 8.2 feet tall with a double-layer design built to handle the real weight of a mature climbing rose. So, it’s not just for looks, but for the long haul!

While it may seem like it, Joanna Gaines’ aesthetic isn’t magic; it’s just a thoughtful use of height, the right plant, and the right spot (though the patience part seems like magic to me).

From zodiac signs to birth flowers, there are plenty of ways people like to assign meaning to the month they were born. But here’s a slightly more unexpected version: your birth month farm animal.

Yes, over the years, we’ve seen everything from birth month trees and birth month birds to bugs, trees, and even so-called “power animals” tied to different times of year. There’s something oddly comforting about it all, as it offers up a sense that the natural world around us might reflect something back about who we are.

Honestly? It often feels a source of comfort in a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and digital, serving as a reminder of a slower, more connected way of living. One that feels especially appealing as more people turn their attention to growing food at home, self-sufficiency, and getting back in touch with where things come from.

All 12 Birth Month Farm Animals

So, which birth month farm animal are you? Well, whether you’re a loyal collie, an independent barn cat, or a determined horse, each month has a barnyard counterpart said to reflect certain personality traits.

Time to find out, then, whether your farmyard alter ego feels strangely accurate or not...

January – Horse

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Strong-willed, ambitious and determined, January babies are often seen as natural leaders. And, just like a free-spirited horse, they’re independent, focused, and rarely back down from a challenge.

In fact, they prefer forging their own path and moving at their own pace. No bad thing, as I'm sure you will agree.

Shop Horse-Friendly Flowers:

Clovers Garden Chamomile Herb Plants

HOME GROWN Bachelor Button Flower Seeds

Nature Hills Nursery Strawberry Seduction™ Yarrow

February – Goat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Creative, curious and, yes, a little unconventional, February babies are the goats of the barnyard. In fact, just like their birth month farm animal, they’re adventurous thinkers who aren’t afraid to take the less obvious route, often surprising others with their originality.

Try paying homage to yours with this stunning Goat Willow (Pussy Willow) from Nature Hills.

March – Sheep

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Do people often refer to you as gentle, compassionate and calm? Born in March? That's the answer!

Yes, March personalities are represented by sheep. Which, sure, sounds bad on paper until you remember that these birth month farm animals tend to be thoughtful, peace-loving, and happiest in stable, harmonious environments where everyone gets along.

Honestly, the best way to be more sheep, then, is to consider how you might make your garden better for everyone... especially pollinators.

Shop Pollinator-Friendly Plants:

Nature Hills Nursery Butterfly Weed Plant

Nature Hills Nursery Common Milkweed

Nature Hills Nursery Swamp Milkweed Flower

April – Rooster

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cock-a-doodle-what? Yes, April-born people share traits with roosters. They’re outgoing, self-assured and often the ones setting the tone in any group they’re part of. Which means, much like their birth month farm animal, they are those sorts of people who are confident, expressive and full of presence. And, quite possibly, earlybirds.

There are a number of cover crops that roosters and chickens love, including:

• Alfalfa
• Clover
• Annual rye
• Kale
• Cowpeas
• Rabe
• New Zealand clover
• Turnips
• Mustard
• Buckwheat
• Grain grasses

May – Pig

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Look, I get it. Nobody wants to be told that their birth month farm animal is a pig (especially if they have ever read Animal Farm), but here's the thing. Pigs are sociable, warm and fun-loving. They are undeniably cute. And May personalities are like pigs in the best possible way: intelligent, adaptable, and happiest when surrounded by good company and comfort.

Be more pig, then, and get your garden set up for al fresco parties, stat.

Shop Solar Lighting:

soonanier Solar Fence Lights

XMCOSY+ Solar Pathway Lights

Linkind Smart Solar Spot Lights

June – Chicken

(Image credit: Martin Helgemeir / Shutterstock)

Nurturing, talkative and emotionally attuned, people born under this birth month farm animal are protective of those they love, tend to thrive in community, and always bring people together in a warm, grounded way.

Love chickens? Find out how to keep and care for backyard chickens, then, and make a whole new world of feathered friends in the process.

July – Cow

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sometimes, people (mean people, silly people!) use the word cow as an insult. How, though, could it ever be a bad thing to be compared to these steady, loyal and deeply dependable animals?

July babies are incredibly lucky to reflect the calm strength of cows. Especially as it means that, just like their birth month farm animals, they are nurturing by nature and often the emotional anchor in their friendships and family life.

August – Goose

(Image credit: Getty Images)

I absolutely love geese, so I'm a little jealous that August babies everywhere get to call this honking bird their birth month farm animal!

Protective, courageous and fiercely loyal, geese aren't afraid to stand their ground, and neither are those born at this time of year. In fact, when it comes to protecting the people they love, they are unstoppable, thus making them the dependable friend or family member others know they can count on.

Why not treat your inner goose to a mini pond?

elegantly lit

Latitude Run® Bubbler Resin Fountain

copper design

Pondo Stainless Steel Water Bowl

cool concrete

August Grove® Evita Concrete Pebble Fountain

September – Donkey

(Image credit: Getty Images)

My husband was deeply disappointed to learn that, as a September baby, the not-so-humble donkey is his birth month farm animal. I say, though, that he shouldn't be (ha!) such a donkey about it. After all, these hoofed cuties are practical, resilient and quietly strong.

Those born under their influence tend to be dependable problem-solvers, the kind who, even if they are underestimated at first, rarely disappoint. Mind you, they can be stubborn, too!

October – Barn Cat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

I hold my hands up and confess that I am an October baby, so I am especially interested in this birth month farm animal. And, while I can't say for sure that I'm charming (here's hoping) I do believe that, much like the ever-independent and observant barn cat, I value my freedom and trust my instincts.

October-born personalities are also said to have a mysterious, magnetic quality to them, which makes sense. Cats are pure mystery, after all! Try planting these plants beloved by cats, then, and see how your inner barn cat responds.

November – Highland Cow

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Highland cows are basically the stars of the farmyard. You don’t rush them, you don’t rattle them, and you certainly don’t tell them to hurry up, because they’re already exactly where they need to be.

Calm, steady and emotionally grounded, November-born people share that same energy. They have a quiet strength that doesn’t need to announce itself, and a reassuring presence that makes other people feel instantly more at ease. Even in chaos, they tend to stay unshaken, observing everything with a kind of slow, knowing calm.

Honor yours by planting some true Scotch heather, stat!

December – Collie

Collies are the overachievers of the farmyard: always alert, always moving, and somehow always three steps ahead of everyone else.

December babies share that same energetic, intelligent and endlessly curious spark. They like having a purpose, something to solve, somewhere to go. Give them a challenge and they’ll light up; give them routine with no direction and they’ll start inventing their own.

They’re quick thinkers, enthusiastic learners, and the sort of people who don’t just follow instructions: they improve them, streamline them, and somehow make them better. Maybe, then, you should try and grow a dog garden for you and your inner pooch?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Whether you see yourself clearly in your birth month farm animal or not, it’s all part of the fun. But don’t be surprised if, from now on, you find yourself quietly sharing a moment with with your barnyard alter ego the next time you see it lurking in a field or paddock.

Meaningful eye contact with a barn cat, then? Next on my list of things to do.

We’re seeing a huge trend in container ponds this heatwave summer, and no wonder! Floating solar fountains have made it so cheap and easy to create a stylish water feature that brings cooling sound and movement to our too-hot gardens. And now, next-gen solar fountains lit with LEDs are allowing us to take DIY microponds to the next level, with illuminated cascades of water that will pretty-up any patio, looking beautiful at night as well as bringing a cooling soundscape by day.

Making your own micropond with a watertight container and floating fountain is so quick to do, yet the soundscape and soothing water movement can transform a garden, creating a focus to make small gardens feel bigger or adding a pleasing detail to a larger backyard. As container garden ideas go, it’s a winner for sure! Water features you can install yourself without calling in a plumber or electrician are so cost-effective, too. And there are lots of clever ways to get creative with a cheap floating solar fountain, so you can fashion a unique feature bespoke to your garden style.

Not all LED solar fountains are created equal, though, so it’s good to understand a few basics before you start to DIY your cooling cascade of water. Luckily, everything you need to know to get a great result is right here, so you can get cracking and DIY an illuminated water feature this weekend. I've included plenty of product links so you know exactly what I'm talking about, but do support your local retailers too. Here’s exactly what to do, if you want to make a stunning water feature this weekend…

1. Choose a Watertight Container

Any container will work for a DIY water feature, as long as it’s wide enough to contain most of the fountain splashes, though obviously the bigger it is, the less frequently you’ll have to top it up. Containers purpose-made for a garden micropond are often expensive, but there are plenty of more budget-friendly options to try.

Pots intended for succulents don’t usually have a drainage hole, and a wide bowl planter such as this from Amazon makes a stylish alternative at a fraction of the price. It's also worth looking at planters intended for both indoor and outdoor use such as this well-priced half-barrel from Lowes, as they often don't have drainage holes either.

If you’ve already got an old plastic, resin or metal planter then it’s a quick and easy job to seal the drainage hole with a marine silicone sealant like this from Amazon. The same goes for repairing patches of damage on a vintage vessel to make it watertight. Being able to seal drainage holes and seams also opens up the world of resin containers such as this amazing urn that's on sale at Target. Have a hunt around your local hardware store, too: this steel tub from Ace Hardware would make an awesome micropond, as would this utility bucket from Home Depot.

(Image credit: Getty Images)2. Work Out How Powerful Your Solar Water Fountain Needs to Be

A floating fountain is powered by its solar panels and there’s a huge range in terms of quality and capability. The amount of energy the solar panels are capable of generating is measured in watts, which you’ll find in product descriptions as ‘W’ and it’s important to match this, which governs the force and shape of the spray, to the size of the container you're using.

While you want to enjoy a decent water flow and fountain height, it’s also vital to also think about minimizing water loss so you’re not forever having to top up your micropond. Water loss happens when the spray pattern is wider than the container, but also because of wind, so is affected by the height of the fountain, too.

A 1W or 1.5W solar fountain is typically designed to operate in a birdbath so will produce a pretty gentle bubble. If that's what you want, great. But because there are LEDs as well as a water pump to power, an illuminated fountain rated around 3.5W or 4W is best for most patio-sized containers. You’ll also find fountains at 5.5W and 6.5W which suit a larger diameter vessel if you're making a sizeable water feature.

Look at what material the solar panels are made of too. Glass panels are far more efficient than plastic, so will still generate plenty of energy on a partially cloudy day.

Best Solar Fountains For a Great Light Show

Well-spaced lights

Flower Design 3.5W Solar Fountain

This 3.5W fountain has 8 spray patterns from a gentle mist to a strong jet, and two rows of LEDs illuminate the water well.

All white

3.5W Solar Fountain With Auto LEDs

All the LEDs on this 3.5W fountain are white for a more serene light show, and 7 nozzles offer a good variation of spray patterns.

Vast variation

4W Solar Fountain With 60 LEDs

With 60 LEDs and 8 spraying modes, this 4W fountain has a huge 4000mAh battery capacity to power all those lights after dark.

Most solar fountains come with a handful of interchangeable nozzles that create different spray patterns in varying heights and widths, too. By combining a powerful energy rating with a nozzle that gives a narrow spray, you can enjoy maximum water flow without too much water loss.

In a small or shallow container, it's also worth looking for a design with stabilising arms. These prevent the fountain floating close to the container rim, and so help to reduce water loss. While you're reading the small print, check the fountain has run-dry protection so it automatically shuts down if there’s insufficient water, and a filter to prevent debris from entering the pump.

3. Check the Fountain Has a Battery Before You Buy

Some solar fountains have a battery to store the energy generated by the solar panels so it can still operate when the sun isn’t shining, whether that’s because it’s nighttime or simply a cloudy day. Some fountains don’t, which means they’ll only operate when sunlight hits their solar panels. You would think that all illuminated solar fountains are fitted with a battery as they’re intended for use after dark, but that’s not the case.

So, do check the solar fountain has a battery, and that the battery's capacity is relevant to its wattage and number of lights, as this will dictate how long it will run for after dark. Depending on how many LEDs it has to power, a typical 3.5W fountain with a 2000mAh battery will likely run for around 3 hours after sundown, after a full charge on a sunny day. If you want a fountain with a lot of lights, or one that runs for a long time, look for a higher-capacity 3000mAh or 4000mAh battery.

Best Solar Fountains for Battery Capacity

4-5 hours

4W Solar Fountain With 60 LED Lights

This 4W fountain has a 4000mAh capacity battery to power its 60 LED lights for 4-6 hours once the sun goes down.

5-6 Hours

4W Solar Powered Fountain With Color LED Lights

With a 3000mAh capacity battery, 8 light colors and a good nozzle selection, this 4W fountain will run for 5-6 hours after dark on a full charge.

6-7 hours

6.5W Solar Fountain With 8 Nozzles

While this 6.5W fountain is better for a larger container, its 3000mAh capacity battery and 7 LEDs mean it’ll run for 6-7 hours.

4. Position Your Water Feature Well

Depending on the size of your water feature, it’s a smart move to position the container before filling with water. You’ll need a fairly sunny spot to ensure the solar panels get fully charged, but most quality fountains with a battery fitted only need 4-6 hours of sun for a full charge.

Choosing a position which gets a little shade for part of the day will reduce evaporation and the frequency your water feature needs topping up. It’s also a good idea to position your feature away from overhanging trees or plants that may drop leaves into the water.

Consider other light sources, too, as the darker the area is, the more the illuminated water cascade will stand out.

(Image credit: Getty Images)5. Add Some Decor, if You Fancy

How you choose to pretty-up your water feature is entirely up to you – and honestly, a container with a floating fountain is simply lovely as it is. But you could add a compact water plant such as lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammua) or water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), both available from specialist supplier Pond Plants of America. How about adding a few rounded pebbles such as these from Amazon to the container itself, or around its base? And you’ll find all sorts of cute pond ornaments such as these floating faux water lilies from Amazon or this fishing tortoise figurine, also from Amazon, to add charm to your water feature.

A small wildlife ramp to ensure critters can climb out of your micropond, should they fall in, such as this from Amazon, is a must.

6. Fill With Water and Enjoy!

Now fill the container with water, pop the floating fountain in, and wait a few seconds for the sun to power it up. If you’re growing aquatic plants or want wildlife to use your micropond, it’s best to use harvested rainwater, otherwise tap water is fine. To enhance the reflections of the lights in the water, you can add a drop of black pond colorant like this from Amazon.

Then the only job left to do, once the sun starts to set, is to pour yourself a cooling drink, pull up your favorite patio chair, and enjoy your beautiful new garden water feature.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Do you dream of cascades of enormous wisteria flowers but get a vine-full of foliage instead? This plant blooms on the previous year’s growth so the secret to get bigger wisteria flowers next summer lies in what you do with it now. Prune wisteria in July and you'll direct all its energy into growing next year's flowerbuds.

In July, your wisteria vine has finished producing this year’s flowers and gets busy growing long, whippy stems full of leaves. Leave these straggly stems to flourish and you won’t just have a giant plant on your hands, but far fewer flowers next year, and perhaps none at all.

Remove those unruly long stems now, however, and you’ll force your vine to focus its energy on growing fat flowerbuds for a waterfall of big, beautiful blooms next May and June. And it's easy to do, even if you're a beginner gardener. Pruning a wisteria vine is a key July gardening job, and a summer trim also makes its second prune at the end of winter so much quicker to do. Ready? Here's exactly how to prune wisteria in summer.

How to Prune Wisteria in July

(Image credit: Getty Images)

First, trace the new, straggly stems – called whips – back to the point they emerge from the main framework of the vine. Then count five buds or leaf stalks along the whip and use bypass hand pruners such as these from Amazon or a pair of pruning scissors like these from Amazon to cut just above that fifth bud.

Shorten all the whips in this way. If you find some have already wound themselves into a big tangle, don’t worry about untangling them – just get snipping. It’s not critical to precisely count five buds or leaf stalks, that’s an optimum number to aim for.

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd)

If your vine also has bare stems hanging downwards, snip those off too. These are what’s left of this year’s flowers and they’ll soon turn yellow and look unsightly. If there are seedpods attached, you might want to leave them to enjoy the sight of these silvery adornments. But, if your goal is huge flowers next year, it’s best to remove them as that will prevent the vine from wasting energy on seed production.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Removing all this whippy growth halts the wisteria’s rampant growth and stops the plant putting all its energy into growing stems and leaves. And that's important: wisteria certainly isn't one of those well-behaved vines that won't scramble out of control. This vine has evolved to grow rapidly up through tall trees in a forest to reach the sunlight, so growing all these whips to help it clamber up through a tree canopy to get life-giving sunshine is its number one priority in summer.

So, removing the whips saves a whole heap of energy that can be used to grow bigger flowers.

Getting rid of this leafy growth also allows more sunlight to reach the short lengths of woody stems left, which is critical. Sunshine is necessary to ripen this wood, and more sun will grow fatter flowerbuds for bigger blooms. Skip pruning your wisteria in July and all the foliage that grows on the whips can block so much sunlight that your vine doesn’t flower at all the following year, as flowerbuds only form on sun-ripened wood.

The other advantage to pruning wisteria in July is that it keeps this vigorous vine, which has the potential to become invasive, under control. Leave these whips in place and each one is capable of growing up to 10 feet long. Once they've hardened into a woody tangle around drainpipes and chimneys, pruning them in late winter is a far harder task.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

So now you know exactly what to do, you can be confident about trimming your vine to get more wisteria flowers, avoiding common pruning mistakes. By shortening the whippy growth in July, your vine will produce less foliage and more flowers for a spectacular display next year.

How to Prune Wisteria in Late Winter

(Image credit: Alamy)

Wisteria needs pruning twice a year, once in late summer and once in late winter. And the good news is that shortening all the whips on your wisteria in July makes the main winter prune so much easier.

When winter-pruning a wisteria vine in January or February, you simply need to reduce those stems you cut in July further, to two or three buds. You can tell which are the flower buds and which are the leaf buds: the fat, teardrop-shaped buds will form flowers, while the thinner, flatter, more pointed buds will grow leaves. Creating these short spurs concentrates all the plant’s energy into the fattest buds at the base of the stems, giving you much larger flowers.

In late winter, you can also prune to remove dead, damaged or diseased stems, to keep your vine healthy, but leave the main framework alone.

Other Plants to Prune in July

If you’ve only got time to prune one plant in July, make wisteria your priority. Here’s what else can be pruned in July, once you’ve done that vital task:

• Early-flowering shrubs such as philadelphus (mock orange), weigela, forsythia and deutzia, if you haven't pruned these already. All these shrubs flower on the previous year’s growth so pruning them now gives them plenty of time to form fresh growth and next year’s flowerbuds.
• Fast-growing hedging plants such as privet. While you should trim slower-growing hedging plants such as box, hornbeam and beech at the beginning of summer, and again at the end, giving faster-growing plants such as privet a trim every 4-6 weeks will keep it in shape.
• Early-flowering honeysuckle, once it’s finished flowering. Reduce flowered shoots by a third and, if your plant is only flowering at its stem ends, cut up a quarter of stems to two feet from the ground to encourage blooms across the whole plant.
• Fruit canes that have finished fruiting, such as early-fruiting raspberries. Cutting old stems off at the base to make room for new stems.
• Rambling roses that aren’t rebloomers, if they’ve finished flowering. The ideal time to prune ramblers is immediately after they’ve finished flowering in late summer, shortening the side branches to around 4 inches and clearing out any old wood.
• Trained fruit trees such as cordon apples and pears. Standalone fruit trees are pruned in winter but shoots on highly trained trees can be shortened now.

America’s 250th birthday is just around the corner, and you can celebrate right in your own garden. Did you know that many of our founding fathers, including George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, had gardens on their estates, and were deeply invested in the different plants and flowers they grew? This makes sense when you consider how a thriving, self-reliant landscape reflects the thriving, free society they hoped to create.

While we can only speculate as to the contents and layout of the flower gardens of our founding fathers, history has recorded the species of beautiful summer flowers available in the young nation. Unlike some of our hot-house exotics today, yesteryear’s flowers were tough, resilient plants that could surmount issues in their growing environment in a way that reflects American grit.

What better way to celebrate our nation’s historical courage and persistence in the face of challenges than to add some of these amazing plants to your own landscape? We’ve put together a shortlist of 8 flowering beauties that our founding fathers might well have included in their own gardens.

1. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

(Image credit: Kait Lisabeth / Getty Images)

Talk about a plant with roots deep in the American experiment! The cardinal flower is a North American native, a tough, hardy perennial with brilliant red blooms that was chosen by Thomas Jefferson for his personal garden in Monticello in 1807. Well before that, Native Americans used the plant medicinally.

Today there are dozens of cultivars of this plant with different colored blooms. Plant it in USDA zones 3-9 in a full sun location and moist, well-draining soil. The plants require little maintenance. They grow rapidly and reseed themselves

Cardinal Flower Seeds

2. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

(Image credit: Alex Manders / Shutterstock)

The sweet pea is another plant that has been around for centuries. It is an elegant plant with a lovely fragrance that is said to have arrived in England as early as 1699. One can only assume that his graceful beauty, called the queen of the annuals, made its way to the colonies and into the gardens of our founding fathers.

Elegant, graceful and fragrant, sweet peas are vining plants that can get as long as 8 feet in areas with sun and well-draining soil. Vintage sweet pea plants offer vibrant colors and an intense fragrance, making your landscape feel like a cottage garden. Modern cultivars offer a wider variety of shades but some lack the traditional fragrance.

Sweet Pea Seeds

3. Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)

(Image credit: ncristian / Getty Images)

Cockscomb is another of the plants we know for certain that Thomas Jefferson planted in his garden. That’s because he noted the planting of Cockscomb seeds in 1767, describing it as “a flower like the Prince's feather."

Today, cockscomb is a popular garden flower, still noted for its unique “feather” form. The flowers are bright and last long on the plant and also as fresh or dried blooms. Plant cockscomb in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. You will find cockscomb with flowers in purple, blue, white, pink, or lavender. Coclscomb in the Celosia genus is an annual, while a sister variety in the Delphinium genus is a perennial.

Cockscomb Seeds

4. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

(Image credit: Oksana Schmidt / Shutterstock)

This showy plant with spires of pink-purple tubular flowers grows wild on my mountain in France. But foxglove seeds also made it to the colonies as early as 1735. The plant made the list as being ordered for Jefferson’s Monticello home.

Foxglove is not a diminutive plant, sometimes growing to 5 feet (2m) tall. It is magnificent and tough, growing in USDA zones 4-10 in anyplace there is drainage and some sun. It is toxic and can cause serious injury if touched with bare hands or ingested.

Foxglove Seeds

5. Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

(Image credit: Brian Woolman / Getty Images)

Twinleaf is a rare woodland wildflower native to North America. Reputed by family members to be in Jefferson’s gardens, it was named in honor of the founding father in 1792.

Twinleaf is a North American perennial with small white flowers that appear on stems in early spring, before the leaves have expanded. The unusual lidded seedpods mature in early June and often go completely dormant in summer.

Twinleaf prefers shade and makes a wonderful groundcover in a suitable location. It offers lush green leaves and flowers, small white blossoms that open in early spring before the leaves. Easy to grow, twinleaf plants are not for the hasty as they can take up to 8 years to bloom from seed.

Twinleaf Plants

6. Marigold (Tagetes species)

(Image credit: Schnuddel / Getty Images)

Most of us know marigolds, flower garden staples with their vibrant, colorful flowers. But did you know that they were planted in Thomas Jefferson’s Montecello in the early 1800s? Native to South America, they made their slow way to America via northern Africa and Europe.

These members of the sunflower family have evolved over time into double garden forms, but Jefferson planted the species form, with single, yellow flowers. Hardy in USDA zone 9 and above, they are generally grown as tough, resilient annuals.

Marigold Seeds

7. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

(Image credit: Alex Manders / Shutterstock)

Much of our knowledge about the flowers planted in the early days of our nation comes from the efforts of Thomas Jefferson. In a 1782 Garden Book entry he created a chart of flower bloom months that showed Hollyhocks flowering at Monticello from mid-June through July.

Today there are numerous species of hollyhocks available in commerce. They are known as cold-hardy, adaptable flowering plants, available in almost most colors of the rainbow. These can grow to 8 feet (3m) tall if planted in a full sun location. Use at the back of borders or against fencing for best effect.

Hollyhock Seeds

8. Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)

(Image credit: Brytta / Getty Images)

Is larkspur one of the toughest annuals out there? Even so, it is one of the plants traditionally used in cottage gardens and attracts pollinators to your yard with its delicate blooms. The foliage can only be called lacy, held high on showy, spiked stems.

This annual was brought to America from the Old World and quickly made itself at home in USDA hardiness zones 2-9. It is extremely hardy and replants itself every year by self-seeding. Just after the birth of our nation, Jefferson had it planted at Monticello. Larkspur prefers a full sun exposure and can grow to 7 feet (2m) tall.

Larkspur Seeds

A manicured lawn is no longer the default dream.

Across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, a quiet shift is taking place in backyards, side gardens and outdoor areas. Homeowners want beauty, comfort and privacy, but are increasingly asking for spaces that feel less controlled and more alive, says landscape architect Andrew van Egmond, founder of Designing Landscape.

The wild is being embraced more and more, he says:

“It’s a movement that is present in landscape design and landscape architecture globally.”

Originally from the Netherlands and now based in British Columbia, van Egmond works on projects across the province, from Ucluelet and Whistler to Quadra Island and Summerland. His work is subtle, minimal and deeply site-specific, shaped by local materials, native planting and the surrounding landscape.

This fall, he will bring that thinking to IDS Vancouver with a feature installation exploring the relationship between design and the dynamic forces of nature. The project will use layered planting, biodiversity-focused design and circular and upcycled materials to create an immersive landscape that changes over time.

Embracing the wild

There is a growing awareness that we’ve moved away from nature too much, and need to reconnect, and he’s seeing this in West Coast garden design, says van Egmond.

He points to designers such as Dave Demers and Botanica Design, as well as the Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, whose work includes Millennium Park in Chicago and the High Line in New York, as helping make looser, more naturalistic planting feel accepted by a wider public.

The next step is more radical and more local, says van Egmond.

“I think now it’s time to go one step further and let the spontaneity of a real native planting system back into our spaces close to where we live, our homes,” he says.

This means less yearly mulching, less heavy irrigation and less reliance on exotic plants that can become invasive.

“I think we are moving to a yard that is more in tune with nature, supporting the local ecosystem and accepting the flux of the seasons and nature that we so much value in B.C.”

A situated garden

In B.C., the mountains, forests, shorelines and native plant communities are so prominent, says van Egmond.

“We are fortunate to live in such an amazing part of the world, where nature is abundant, and what we all value and enjoy is something we want to have closer to home.”

For homeowners, the takeaway is practical. Look first at what is already around you. The trees beyond the fence, the borrowed view, the slope of the site, the light, the native plants that thrive nearby.

Subtle luxury

If you want to make an outdoor space feel elevated without being overdesigned, van Egmond suggests going big, matched with restraint.

“Don’t do too much, but what you do, do it well,” he says.

The trick is to create interest without clutter. He recommends large gestures rather than decoration, and a simple, restrained material palette. The planting can be rich, layered and wild, but the hardscaping should remain calm and well-balanced.

“I believe that working with real materials does benefit the overall feel of elegance and luxuriousness. So no plastics that pretend to be wood, no concrete elements that pretend to be natural stone, no plastic planters, etc.”

A simple stone path, a generous timber bench, a restrained terrace or a single strong planting move can carry more weight than a collection of small decorative features.

Green sanctuary

“Green, green and green,” he says. “If you surround yourself with an abundance of planting, you will create your own oasis.”

Planting softens the visual pressure of cars, asphalt and nearby buildings. It brings birds and insects closer to home. It buffers city noise. Add water, especially moving water, and the garden can begin to mask the sounds of the surrounding neighbourhood.

“The green comes with maintenance, and therefore many people build hard surfaces, fences and lots of mulching, but that does not create this feeling of well-being and sanctuary.”

Where to spend

For the biggest impact, van Egmond suggests avoiding expensive features that drain money, energy and maintenance unless they will truly be used.

“Not in a pool if you don’t use it regularly. It drains energy, uses lots of water, and requires lots of maintenance. Same for a Jacuzzi,” he says.

Instead, he advises investing in real, locally sourced materials, such as local wood and natural stone from nearby quarries. It may cost more than imported alternatives, but it gives the space a stronger connection to place, supports local business, and they weather well.

Big gestures also matter. A generous planting move, a large water feature or a substantial grouping of planters (think 12) can have more presence than scattered decorative pieces.

“Mimic the scale of nature,” he says.

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Plenty of lettuce quits the moment summer heat settles in, bolting tall and turning bitter before the salad season really gets going. But a few varieties were bred to hold their nerve, and those keep cutting well past the bolt.

Come July, the lettuce patch tends to be the first corner of the garden to fall apart. Leaves that were sweet and crisp back in May go bitter, the plants shoot up tall, and a flower stalk pushes from the center. Heat is the trigger. That whole stretching-and-flowering routine is bolting, and once it starts there's no going back.

Not every lettuce bolts that fast, though. The different lettuce types vary a lot in how much warmth they'll take before they turn, and a handful were bred specifically for it. Pick one of those, hand it afternoon shade and steady water, and you can keep cutting salads while the spring crop bolts and dies back.

When Heat Turns Lettuce Bitter

Lettuce is wired for cool weather. Once daytime temperatures stay in the 80s (around 27-32C), the plant takes it as a cue to reproduce, so it throws up a thick central stalk headed for flower. That's the bolt. Long summer days nudge it along too, which is why the closer you get to midsummer, the faster a susceptible variety goes.

As the plant stresses, the sap in the leaves goes milky and the flavor slides from crisp to flat-out bitter — sometimes before any stalk even shows. Germination drops off in the warmth as well, with seed often failing to sprout once the soil creeps past about 80F (27C), so a midsummer sowing may not come up at all. None of which is the end of it. It mostly comes down to which variety goes in the ground, plus a break from the afternoon sun.

6 Lettuce Varieties That Take the Heat

These are the ones that keep producing when the thermometer climbs. Most are loose-leaf or Batavian lettuce types, which run to seed slower than tight heading lettuce, and all turn up through the usual sellers.

1. Jericho

(Image credit: GomezDavid / Getty Images)

Bred in the Israeli desert, Jericho lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) was made for exactly this problem. A tall green romaine, it stays sweet and crisp at temperatures that turn most romaines sour, and it's slow to send up a stalk even with the heat on.

Keep the moisture steady and it forms big upright heads. Take the whole thing or pull leaves a few at a time. Super Jericho seeds from the Home Depot make it easy to get.

2. Nevada

For raw durability, not much beats Nevada. A Batavian type — summer crisp on some labels — it's still Lactuca sativa var. capitata, with thick glossy leaves gathered into a loose head. It holds up to both heat and a sudden cold snap, and stays mild long after softer types would have soured. It regrows after a cut, too, so one planting goes a long way. You can find Nevada lettuce seeds at Walmart.

3. Buttercrunch

(Image credit: merlinpf / Getty Images)

Most butterheads collapse in the heat. Buttercrunch is the exception that's kept it on seed racks for decades — a butterhead itself, Lactuca sativa var. capitata. An All-America Selections winner, it keeps that tender, buttery rosette later into warm weather than its relatives and resists bolting longer than most. It wants steady water and a bit of afternoon shade once things warm up. You'll find it nearly everywhere, including plenty of buttercrunch seed from Park Seed.

4. Black-Seeded Simpson

(Image credit: Nattawat-Nat / Getty Images)

Black-Seeded Simpson (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) ranks among the fastest, most forgiving lettuces you can sow. The light, frilly leaves are ready in roughly 45 days, which lets you slip a harvest in ahead of peak heat and keep resowing through the season. It isn't the most bolt-proof name here, but the speed covers for that. You're eating it before it gets the chance to turn. Burpee has black-seeded Simpson seeds for a good price.

5. Red Sails

(Image credit: Sinan Kocaslan / Getty Images)

Color is what sets Red Sails apart, though the staying power is the bigger draw. The bronze-red ruffled leaves — another looseleaf, Lactuca sativa var. crispa — are slow to bolt and slow to sour, and that red pigment seems to screen it from strong sun. It's an All-America Selections pick too, a cut-and-come-again grower. Strip the outer leaves and it keeps producing for weeks instead of finishing at once. You can grab a packet of Red Sails seeds off Amazon.

6. Slobolt

The name does the explaining. Slobolt (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) was bred to resist bolting, and it holds for weeks after other loose-leaf types have shot up and gone bitter. The leaves come light green and soft, mild enough to eat young and cut again as they regrow. It sometimes turns up on store shelves less often than the others, so finding Slobolt lettuce seeds rom the Thresh Seed Co. store on Amazon is more reliable.

Expert Tips

(Image credit: La Huertina De Toni / Shutterstock)

Lettuce will hang on longer in summer if you take a little pressure off it.

• A bit of afternoon shade makes a big difference, especially once temperatures stay high.
• Keep the soil from drying out completely—lettuce hates that stop-and-start stress—and throw down some mulch if you’ve got it.
• Cut their leaves early in the morning while they’re still cool. They taste better, and the plant doesn’t seem to mind the harvest much.

Keeping pots and hanging baskets watered through a hot summer can feel close to a full-time job. You make the rounds with the can first thing, and by mid-afternoon the baskets are dry at the edges and drooping. Heatwaves push it to twice a day, and the smaller containers wilt fast if you skip one.

The fix doesn't have to mean rearranging your day. A little know-how about when to water container plants goes a long way, and so does a soil additive called water-storing crystals. Mixed into the compost, they hold moisture down in the root zone and release it back as things dry. Containers stay damp longer between waterings, which is the whole point. They won't replace a watering can, but they do take the edge off the daily scramble.

What Are Water-Storing Crystals?

Strip away the packaging and water-storing crystals are a superabsorbent polymer, the same kind of material used in diapers. The garden versions are usually based on potassium polyacrylate, which soaks up many times its own weight in water and swells into a clear gel. Dry, the granules look like coarse sugar or grit. Add water and a single spoonful balloons into a fistful of squishy beads.

Worked into the mix, those swollen beads sit among the roots like tiny reservoirs. As the soil dries, roots pull moisture straight from the gel and the beads shrink back down; water again and they refill. That back-and-forth repeats for a good stretch – most potassium-based crystals keep working for two to five years before they break down and stop holding water.

Where Water-Storing Crystals Help the Most

Hanging baskets are where the difference shows up fastest. They're small and fully exposed and packed with foliage, so they dry out quicker than almost anything else out there. Crystals worked through the compost can widen the gap between waterings, sometimes by quite a bit, though how much you gain depends on the potting mix and the plant, and on how harsh the week turns. These water-storing crystals on Amazon are the standard potassium-polyacrylate type, and a small tub goes a long way.

Bigger pots benefit too, just less dramatically, since they hold more potting mix and dry slower to start with. Where crystals prove handy is around travel – a long weekend away in July no longer has to mean a ruined basket or roping in a neighbor for watering duty. They also even out the wet-then-bone-dry swings that stress container plants, holding moisture steadier between trips with the watering can.

How to Use Water-Storing Crystals (without overdoing it)

The one thing that matters most: follow the rate on the packet, and skip the urge to add extra for good measure. These granules expand enormously – a teaspoon (5ml) of dry crystals can swell to a cup (240ml) or more of gel. Overdo it and the swelling shoves the mix up over the rim, or lifts small plants clean out of the pot. Start light. You can always work a bit more in next season.

There are two ways to handle it. Stir the dry crystals straight into the compost, aiming for the lower half of the pot where the roots will end up, then water well and let them swell in place. Or pre-soak them in a bucket first, which takes the guesswork out of how much gel you're adding, and fold that through. Either way, blending them into a fresh bag of compost from Amazon at planting time beats trying to retrofit a pot that's already full and planted.

Water-Storing Crystal Cons

For all the convenience, crystals aren't a miracle, and the research on them is honestly a bit mixed. They buffer moisture rather than create it, so a pot baking in full sun will still dry out, just slower than it would otherwise. Hard water and heavy feeding chip away at their absorbency over time, since dissolved salts interfere with how the gel takes up water. And nothing lasts forever – once the beads degrade, you're back to plain potting mix.

Some plants are better off without them. Succulents and cacti are the obvious mismatch, along with lavender, rosemary and the woody Mediterranean herbs – all of them need to dry out between waterings, and permanently damp soil just invites root rot. Crystals suit thirsty summer bedding and moisture-loving annuals far better than anything built for lean, dry ground. It's a tool for the right job, not a default for every container.

Smarter Watering for Summer Containers

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Crystals or not, a handful of habits keep summer containers in better shape. Water early, before the heat builds, so more of it soaks in instead of burning off the surface – evenings work too if mornings are rushed. Water deeply, until it runs from the drainage holes, not a quick splash that only dampens the top inch (2.5cm). It also helps to cluster pots together where you can, since grouped containers shade each other and lose less to the air.

Drop the rigid schedule and check the soil itself – a finger pushed an inch (2.5cm) down tells you more than any calendar. Reaching a high basket or the back of a crowded bench gets a lot easier with a long-spouted watering can from Amazon. And if the daily routine has worn thin altogether, you can sidestep additives with self-watering planters on Amazon, which hold a reservoir in the base that wicks moisture up as the soil dries.

Decent garden storage doesn’t just make it easy to keep your outside space tidy, it means you can find your gardening tools when you want them. I like to think that spending on good outdoor storage actually saves me money because then I don't have to re-buy tools lost in all the shed clutter – and honestly, you don't have to spend much if you take advantage of the July 4th deals currently on. I don’t know if this heatwave has caused some kind of craziness at Target, because there are some cracking better-than-half-price deals on all sorts of affordable outdoor storage options.

From storage boxes to sheds, backyard cabinets to potting benches, there are so many stylish solutions to organize garden tools and accessories. I’ve only included great deals that offer a 50% or higher reduction, so you can get maximum outdoor storage for your money. I’ve also looked at different types of garden storage so there’s something so suit every backyard. Think about how you can customize whatever you choose to further fit your needs, too, because there are plenty of clever DIY ways to upgrade your garden storage.

If you’d love a garden with a place for everything and everything in its place, but don’t want to bust your budget getting it, here are Target’s very best deals on garden storage.

1. Waterproof Storage Trunks

An outdoor storage trunk is the best option to store patio cushions and throws, and pool toys. Available in a range of smart finishes, it’s an unobtrusive addition to a patio and makes that ‘Oh heck, it’s starting to rain’ garden dash to save non-waterproof cushions a breeze, and the large capacity means you can store most pool toys without deflating them first.

A backyard storage box also provides a handy surface for drinks and nibbles when you’re entertaining in your outdoor space. Do go for a sturdy option as someone – you included! – will inevitably use it as a bench at some point.

150 Gallons

ACOINEL Outdoor Storage Box

This weatherproof wood-look resin box has a huge capacity and a reinforced crossbar design for added strength. 51% off

125 Gallons

Large Wheeled Waterproof Deck Box

This waterproof PE rattan box has handles and two wheels for easy moving, and air springs for smooth opening. 50% off

96 Gallons

Costway Rattan Storage Deck Box

An appealing PE rattan outer in neutral tones, waterproof zipper liner and lockable wheels make this storage box a great buy. 59% off

2. Potting Benches With In-Built Storage

We all dream of having a potting bench in the garden so we can potter happily with our plants! Choosing a bench with built-in storage brings the best of both worlds, giving you a sturdy work surface as well as a spot to store your most-used hand tools and garden knick-knacks.

Great price

Costway Potting Bench Table With Hidden Storage

The work surface of this pinewood potting bench flips up to reveal a handy storage compartment. 53% off

Useful drawers

Outdoor Potting Bench With Stainless Steel Top

With locking wheels and a stainless steel worktop, this potting bench would double as a BBQ prep area. 50% off

Hidden sink

Outdoor Potting Bench With Removeable Sink

This wooden potting bench has a neat sliding worktop with a sink beneath, and a good-sized storage cabinet. 55% off

3. Vertical Mini-Sheds

If you don’t already have a vertical mini-shed, you won’t know how useful they are to store those everyday tools and garden bits and bobs. Compact and cute enough to stand right outside your back door, a microshed means your kitchen countertop won’t forever be cluttered with a pair of hand pruners and a ball of twine!

Most vertical sheds have a combination of shelves and a full-height compartment to store garden tools, and are typically raised on short legs to protect the stored goods from ground moisture. Those made of wood mean it’s a simple DIY task to add hooks or customize shelving but will need retreating periodically, while metal microsheds are maintenance-free.

Low-maintenance metal

MAYEERTY Metal Compact Shed

Lockable for secure storage, this mini shed measures H63.78” x W55.71” x D22.44”, including the open area. 50% off

Stylish wood

COZONY Waterproof Wooden Cabinet

Measuring H63” x W27” x D17”, this self-assembly mini shed is made from durable cedar wood with a natural finish. 80% off

Sleek gray tones

Garvee Vertical Wooden Storage Shed

Made from 20mm wood on a metal frame, this vertical shed with three shelves measures H5.66’ x W1.69’ x D2.53’. 60% off

4. Benches With Built-In Storage

If you’re pushed for space, then a multi-tasking bench with built-in storage is a smart option. Great for storing throws, pool toys and other outdoor living bits and bobs, this brings plentiful storage without compromising on style. Armrests double as carrying handles, making a storage bench easy to move so you can position it by the pool through summer, then shift it to a sundowner spot for fall.

Timeless design

Costway Wooden Storage Bench

This self-assembly bench made of eucalyptus wood has a sloping backrest and a removable inner storage bag. 50% off

Plentiful storage

Costway Outdoor Rattan Storage Bench

With pneumatic rods for easy opening, this 68-gallon capacity handled PE rattan bench has a cushion with a machine-washable cover. 63% off

Pretty patterns

Costway Wicker Storage Bench

With a charming woven PE rattan outer, this loveseat with gas-strut-assisted opening offers 40 gallons of storage. 50% off

5. Squeeze-it-in Sheds

Sheds are necessary but ugly structures that take up a lot of space in your garden, right? Wrong! There are plenty of smaller, smarter shed designs that mean you can squeeze in this essential storage without it being a garden eyesore. Of course, finally getting around to decluttering your shed will help, and you can get creative to switch up your garden shed from drab to fab.

Compact footprint

5x3 Outdoor Storage Shed

If you have a compact garden then you need a petite shed, and this H72” x W60” x D27” fully galvanized steel shed brings 67 cubic feet of storage on a small footprint. 65% off

Unobtrusive design

4x8 Metal Storage Shed

This H72.83” x W45.98” x D87.87” shed is designed to stand against a wall or boundary fence and its sleek, minimalist lines means it’ll sit unobtrusively in any yard. 50% off

Sliding doors

6x4 Galvanized Steel Shed

Measuring H6’ x W6’ x D4.6’ with 130 cubic feet of storage, this steel shed with a woodgrain effect has sliding doors so will fit in a spot where there’s no room for a hinged door. 68% off

6. Temporary Storage Solutions

It’s really useful to be able to temporarily increase the storage capacity of your garden when you need to, without wasting garden space on permanent fixtures you won’t need for most of the year.

Stackable crates

Costway 3-Pack Collapsible Storage Bins

While these stackable, collapsible boxes aren’t waterproof, they’ll be a boon to organise your shed contents, with opening sides for easy access and folding flat when not in use. 55% off

Fold-flat shelving

Costway Folding Wooden Storage Shelves

Available in 2- or 3-shelf options with a waterproof teak oil finish, these wooden shelves fold flat, so are a really useful option for extra storage as and when needed. 50% off

Secret Storage

Costway Waterproof Storage Side Table

This textured polyresin side table with faux wood top brings 11.5 cubic feet of waterproof storage – perfect for a last-minute tidy-up when unexpected guests arrive. 50% off

7. Stylish Garden Cabinets

There’s been a huge trend in stylish garden cabinets this year, and no wonder – we’re happy to give them pride of place on the patio, rather than trying to squirrel our outdoor storage away, out of sight. Cabinets are as practical as they are pretty, too, as the double front-opening doors make for good access.

Tall cabinets with shallow shelving let you organise hand tools and garden clutter where you can see it at a glance; unshelved cabinets with plenty of hanging space make it easy to wheel in a lawnmower, stack foldable garden furniture, or store pool hoses and long-handled tools.

Durable resin

ACOINEL Waterproof Outdoor Storage Cabinet

Made of durable polyethylene resin, this cabinet offers 66 cubic feet of storage. Shelves are sold separately. 56% off

Outdoor living vibes

ModernLuxe 3-Tier Wooden Garden Workstation

Styled like a kitchen dresser, this striking cabinet is made of fir wood and has multiple storage options. 62% off

Versatile storage

GDFStudio Riley 3-Door Garden Shed

Crafted from fir wood with a waterproof roof and adjustable shelves, this cabinet provides versatile storage. 50% off

I know what you're thinking. Vegetables? In July? Have I finally succumbed to the heat? Please, hear me out.

By July, many gardeners are convinced they've missed their window to sow vegetables for the year. After all, with temperatures soaring across much of the US, it's easy to assume the planting season is winding down.

But don't retire your trowel just yet, as July can actually be an excellent time to sow a surprising number of vegetables. Warm soil encourages rapid germination, and many heat-loving crops positively relish midsummer conditions? And better still, several can be harvested within just a few weeks.

A winning formula, as I'm sure we can all agree.

Plant These 7 Easy Heat-Hardy Vegetables in July

Of course, exactly what you can grow will depend on your local climate and USDA hardiness zone. Gardeners in hotter regions may need to provide extra irrigation or afternoon shade, while those in cooler northern states can often continue sowing well into late summer.

That caveat in place, then, these seven vegetables are among the most reliable choices for July planting across much of the US. Ready, set, sow!

1. Bush beans

(Image credit: Tom Meaker / Getty Images)

Say it with me, people: bush beans. Bush beans are honestly one of the easiest vegetables to sow in midsummer. They love warm soil, germinate quickly, and many varieties will begin producing tender pods in as little as 50 to 60 days.

July is also ideal for succession sowing, allowing gardeners to stagger harvests and enjoy fresh beans right through to fall. Sow seeds directly where they are to grow and keep the soil consistently moist while seedlings establish.

Try something like these Gold Mine Bush Bean Seeds from Burpee if you want very high yields of crisp, ultra-sweet wax beans (and, quite frankly, who doesn't?).

2. Summer squash

(Image credit: bhofack2 / Getty Images)

If you're looking for quick results, summer squash is hard to beat. Zucchini and yellow squash thrive in hot weather and can start producing fruits in as little as six weeks.

Given enough sun, water, and space, these famously prolific plants often produce more than enough for even the most enthusiastic gardeners.

Just remember that regular harvesting is essential (some stricter gardeners may even call it a non-negotiable, but you are your own boss in my world), as it will encourage plants to continue cropping throughout the season.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers adore summer heat. When planted in July, they often grow rapidly thanks to warm soil temperatures and long daylight hours.

Direct sow seeds in a sunny spot and provide a trellis if possible, as vertical growing improves airflow and can help reduce disease issues.

Remember: consistent watering is essential, especially during hot spells, as drought stress can lead to bitter fruits (not ideal if you want a tasty sandwich or salad).

Shop Cucumber Seeds:

Burpee 'Straight Eight' Slicing Cucumber Seeds

HOME GROWN Marketmore Cucumber Seeds

Burpee 'Summer Dance' Cucumber Seeds

4. Swiss chard

(Image credit: Paul Maguire / Shutterstock)

Many leafy greens struggle in summer heat, but Swiss chard (the standout star of my own scrappy little vegetable plot) is a notable exception.

This colorful crop is considerably more heat tolerant than lettuce and can continue producing nutritious leaves well into the fall. Just take care to harvest outer leaves regularly and plants will keep producing fresh growth for months.

In warmer regions, some gardeners are even able to harvest Swiss chard through winter. Go for Bright Lights Swiss Chard Seeds from Burpee, and get ready to eat your very own homegrown rainbow.

5. Okra

(Image credit: Abhishek Mehta / Getty Images)

For gardeners in the South, July and okra go hand in hand. This heat-loving vegetable thrives when temperatures climb and often performs best during the hottest weeks of summer (happily, it tastes amazing all year round).

Even gardeners outside traditional okra-growing regions are increasingly discovering its merits as summers become warmer. Sow something like these Clemson Spineless Okra Seeds from Burpee in full sun and harvest pods while they are still young and tender for the best flavor and texture.

And when you cook up a storm with them, be sure to invite me over for dinner. I'm a fiend for okra.

6. Black-Eyed Peas

Don't let the name fool you – southern peas, aka black-eyed peas – are some of the toughest vegetables you can sow in the heat of summer. In fact, they often perform better in July than they do in cooler weather, making them an ideal choice for gardeners in warmer parts of the US.

SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS Black Eyed Pea Seeds

Also known as Southern peas and cowpeas, these should be a staple for any vegetable patch.

Yes, you guessed it; these drought-tolerant legumes germinate quickly in warm soil and typically begin producing pods within 60 to 70 days. As an added bonus, they also help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, benefiting the crops you plant after them.

Give them a sunny spot, water while they're getting established, and they'll happily take the summer heat in their stride.

7. Beets

(Image credit: Nadezhda Nesterova / Shutterstock)

In cooler and northern regions, July is an excellent time to sow beets for a fall harvest. Warm soil encourages speedy germination, while cooler temperatures later in the season help roots develop excellent flavour.

Both the roots and leafy tops of these nifty little veggies are edible, making beets a particularly great crop for small-space gardens. Go hard or go home when you grow yours (and by grow hard, I mean plant something like these Detroit Supreme Beet Seeds from Burpee). You won't regret it.

Shop Vegetable Growing Essentials:

Freeport Park Iglesias Wood Raised Bed

Get yourself a rustic wooden frame without the hassle of measuring, cutting, and drilling your own heavy planks.

VEIKOUS Cedar Rolling Raised Bed

This elevated cedar planter features lockable wheels, so you can easily roll it across your patio to chase the afternoon sun.

VIVOSUN Grow Bag Raised Bed

This fabric bed sets up in seconds and features eight divided grids, making it absolutely perfect for square-foot gardening.

So there we have it, folks! If you thought July meant the end of vegetable sowing season, think again.

Honestly, with the right crop choices, you could still be harvesting homegrown produce within weeks – and setting yourself up for a productive late-summer and fall garden.

Roll on the homegrown goodies, I say!

As the 250th anniversary of America approaches, this year’s Independence Day is extra special. One way to show your patriotism and love of country is with a vibrant, red, white, and blue porch display made with thoughtful combinations of potted plants.

Container gardening is ideal for creating a special moment because it’s an easy way to customize a display and can be used for a big impact in small spaces. Your choices don’t have to be overly themed, just choose attractive flower and foliage plants with different heights and textures with an elegant red, white, and blue palette. (If you want to get really festive, you can add some American-made flags from Amazon to your pots!)

Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Full Sun Star-Spangled BannerShutterstockNature's Clicks / ShutterstockChaykoi / Shutterstock

Here’s a great combo to recreate the classic colors of the flag with sun-loving flowers. Red geraniums are easy to grow and love the heat of summer. Place these in the center of the pot and surround them with white alyssum, a carpet of scented and tiny bright white flowers. For blue, let blue cascade lobelia spill over the edge of the pot.

All of these flowers either prefer or will tolerate full sun and need soil that drains well. Be sure to deadhead your geranium as flowers fade to encourage ongoing bright blooms.

2. Shady American FlagLaura Walters / FutureYasuo Iwami / Getty ImagesChaykoi / Shutterstock

If you want to recreate the red, white, and blue of the flag but don’t have full sun, this combination is for you. Replace geranium with red dragon wing begonia, which has attractive foliage and graceful, arching red flowers.

Fill in the space around the begonia with white wishbone flower, a heavy bloomer all summer. Finally, add trailing blue lobelia, which can grow in either sun or shade. Make sure this container has rich soil that drains well, and keep it consistently moist throughout the summer.

3. Classic Cottage Garden PotKanokwalee Pusitanun / Getty ImagesGetty ImagesShutterstock

If an informal cottage garden is your style, try this mix for a soft, patriotic pot. White larkspur has feathery sprays of delicate white flowers that will rise above your red and blue options. You can find seeds for Galilee white larkspur from Territorial Seed Company.

A red verbena provides tight clusters of bright red blooms to fill in around the larkspur. Obsession red verbena seeds can be found at Park Seeds.

Petunias make soft spillers for the edges of a cottage pot. Try ‘Surfinia’ blue petunias, which cascade nicely and do not need to be deadheaded. Give this blend a pot with well-draining soil and a spot in full sun.

4. Contemporary Red, White, & BlueAnna Nikulnikova / Getty ImagesGetty ImagesIva Vagnerova / Getty Images

For a more modern garden style, look for geometric shapes and contrasting textures. Start with a clump of spiky blue fescue grass. Fill in around it with a coleus in a striking shade of red. Finally, add a white variety of million bells, which will trail over the side and bloom in flowers that look like mini petunias.

The best lighting for this combination is partial shade. The soil should be rich and moist, although it also needs to drain well.

5. Patriotic PollinatorsDaniel Ripplinger / DansPhotoArt / Getty ImagesDavid Kozlowski / Getty ImagesGabe Ginsberg / Getty Images

If you want to be patriotic but also support your local wildlife and attract pollinators to the garden, this combination is for you. Black and blue salvia, also known as anise sage, has deep cobalt-blue flowers that pollinators love. It will grow large and provide a good focal point for a big container.

Add pentas around the salvia to add nectar-rich white flowers that are magnets for bees and butterflies. Finally, red lantana adds a vibrant spiller element that pollinators love. Each of these plants thrives and flowers best in full sun. They are hot-weather flowers that will give you a good show all summer with regular watering and well-draining soil.

6. Monochrome in Blue Containers

(Image credit: Ali Majdfar / Getty Images)

It’s easier to find red and white flowers than blue, so another option is to create masses of red or white flowers in bright blue pots. Picture two cobalt-blue glazed containers, one full of white petunias and the other with red petunias. (You can find large cobalt blue ceramic planters from Home Depot.)

Or, mix red and white flowers together in a blue pot. Some other red and white options include salvia for sun or partial shade, impatiens for shade, or cosmos for sun and for a flower easy to grow from seed.

7. Colorful Hanging Basket

(Image credit: mauinow1 / Getty Images)

For a hanging basket, choose patriotic flowers that trail and that you can mix together in one or two containers. Million bells or wave petunias are good choices, and come in red, white, and blue varieties. You can’t go wrong with trailing lobelia for a touch of bright blue. These are best for full sun spots.

For some shade, try creeping snapdragon, which comes in shades of blue and white, likewise wishbone flower. For the red element, use dragon wing begonia, red impatiens, or trailing fuchsia.

A living decoration that brightens up your porch, home, and garden is a great way to celebrate this very special Fourth of July. Unlike paper bunting, your display has the potential to last all summer. Just be sure to combine plants with the same growing conditions in one pot for the best results.

Flies can ruin an outdoor gathering faster than you can say Diptera (the insect order in which the more than 150,000 fly species are found). They buzz around you, landing on food, and some species pack a powerfully painful bite. These pesky insects also make their way inside during the summer months and continue to annoy us in our own homes!

You can plant fly-repelling herbs and plants to help keep them away, but there may be some mistakes you are making around your yard and in your house that are attracting flies. Fixing these common issues can help reduce fly populations and help you and your family have a safe and swat-free summer.

Insecticides don’t generally work well for fly control, and they may hurt beneficial insects or harm pets or humans. You can use an insect trap like Zevo from Amazon to catch any strays that make it indoors. But the best way to control flies is to mitigate any issues that might be inviting them into your home or backyard gatherings.

Types of Flies and What Attracts Them

(Image credit: Miriana Stumpf / Getty Images)

• House Flies: House flies are commonly found indoors, are strong fliers, and can transfer diseases to humans and animals when they land or walk around on surfaces or food. They lay eggs in garbage, animal dung, and decaying vegetation like your compost pile.
• Blow Flies: Blow flies, or bottle flies, have iridescent blue/green/copper bodies and lay their eggs in rotting meat or animal feces. You’ll find them around your trashcans outside if you have any meat scraps or dog doo sitting around in your cans during warm weather. You also might find them indoors if you an animal has made its way indoors and then died in the walls or attic.
• Black Flies: Black flies are biting flies whose larvae are aquatic. They swarm and bite in the summer and, unfortunately, are more common in areas with clean, well-oxygenated moving water. Covering exposed skin with loose, light-colored clothing and your favorite bug spray is about the only thing you can do for black flies short of going inside.
• Fruit flies: Fruit flies lay eggs in fruit and the larvae eat the fruit leading to decay. In addition to ruining your fresh summer produce, fruit flies are really annoying to have flying around your kitchen or picnic! Removing and disposing of overripe fruit and using a trap like the Zevo fly trap from Amazon will help keep populations under control

5 Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them

Nobody wants flies buzzing around them indoors or outdoors and, moreover, flies can transmit diseases to humans and pets. Here are five common mistakes that might actually be attracting flies.

1. Not Keeping Spaces Clean

(Image credit: Hendri Kumbang / Shutterstock)

Keeping indoor and outdoor spaces clean will help keep many types of fly populations down. Remove trash from your home at least once a week and keep outdoor dining areas clear of food and beverage debris. Be sure to pick up and dispose of any fallen fruit from fruit trees in your yard.

Cleaning your outdoor trash bins will also help discourage flies and animal pests. If you still have a fly problem, the Terro Garbage Guard pest strip from Amazon can be used in outside trashcans to kill flies and maggots and prevent future infestations for up to 4 months. However, use with caution and only place in sealed, outdoor bins. It’s not safe to use indoors.

2. Leaving Compost Exposed

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Your compost is the perfect place for flies to breed. You can cover your compost pile with a black plastic tarp or move to a compost tumbler with doors that close like this Vivosun tumbler from Amazon. It will also keep animals out of your compost and makes it super easy to turn, no pitchfork needed.

3. Using Plants That Attract Flies

(Image credit: Razumhelen / Shutterstock)

Flies, despite our grossed-out reactions to them, are important pollinators. Unfortunately, that means some of the plants we like to look at also end up becoming a fly haven. You might see blow flies swarming your panicle hydrangeas, Manhattan euonymus, mountain mint, and linden trees.

Using plants that keep flies away around your patio, especially near windows and doors, is a good way to combat flies naturally. Rue, basil, lavender, and petunias all do a good job.

4. Insecure Doors and Windows

(Image credit: Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images)

Having holes, even small ones, in window and door screens will let flies right into your home. You can find screen repair kits from Amazon or your local hardware store.

Additionally, flies might be sneaking in if you accidentally left the door ajar while carrying hot dogs and hamburgers outside for that 4th of July cookout. A magnetic mesh screen door from Walmart is a good solution that is quickly and easily installed.

5. Leaving Food Uncovered

(Image credit: SimpleImages/Getty Images)

Cover your barbecue foods with mesh cloches from Amazon or even a mesh colander you have in the kitchen. Using a fan directed at the table or a tabletop insect fan will also keep flies and other insects from crashing your party.

Fly Control Essentials

Shoo Fly

Adawook Fly Fans for Tables

These rechargeable fly fans sit on your picnic table and shoo flies away from your food and drink.

Classic and Effective

PIC Fly Swatter

Simple, effective, iconic. A fly swatter will help you to quickly and effectively dispatch any rogue pests that have made it inside.

Blast Away Flies

BUG-A-SALT Salt Blaster

Our marketing manager's husband swears by this bug blaster that uses salt to kill flies and other bugs. Only use outdoors or you'll end up with salt all over your house!

I'm the sort of person who cries at adverts, so you'd best believe I'm always slightly heartbroken when a bromeliad finishes flowering. And can you blame me? After weeks – sometimes months – of those spectacular, colourful bracts stealing the show, it's all too easy to assume the plant's best days are behind it.

Fortunately, in a delightfully Sir Terry Pratchett-esque turn of events, the secret to coaxing more blooms may be sitting in your fruit bowl. Because, yes, there may be a way to encourage a bromeliad to bloom again, and it all involves our beloved bananas exploiting a new niche.

Don't believe me? Well, consider this: in the wild, bromeliads are exposed to ethylene as fallen fruit ripens around them, and the gas can act as a signal that it's time to flower. And where does ethylene gas come from?

Why, it's a naturally occurring plant hormone released by ripening fruit, of course. Ripening fruit like (you guessed it) bananas.

How Bananas Can Encourage Bromeliads to Bloom

That's right, folks; in the wild, these colorful houseplants are exposed to ethylene as fallen bananas ripen around them, and the gas can act as a signal that it's time to flower.

To recreate this at home, gardeners often place a mature bromeliad inside a clear plastic bag with a ripe banana or apple for around seven to 10 days. The fruit releases ethylene gas, which may trigger the plant to produce a new flower spike over the following weeks or months.

(Image credit: giodoga / Shutterstock)

Patience is essential, however. Bromeliads are not quick to rebloom, and results can vary depending on the species, the age of the plant, and growing conditions. Bright, indirect light and consistent care will still play a major role in encouraging flowers.

It’s also worth noting that the original bromeliad rosette flowers only once in its lifetime. After blooming, the mother plant gradually declines while producing offsets, or “pups,” around its base. These pups can eventually mature and flower themselves, extending the life of your bromeliad collection for years.

Still, for anyone mourning the loss of their bromeliad’s colourful display, the humble banana might just be worth a try. And bromeliads aren’t the only plants where ripe bananas can influence flowering behaviour. In fact, ethylene is already used in commercial horticulture to help regulate flowering and ripening in a wide range of crops.

Shop Bromeliad Essentials:

Costa Farms Live Bromeliad Indoor Plant

First things first, you need a healthy bromeliad to kick off your new houseplant obsession.

KUGAZ Self Watering Pots With Drainage Holesn

Make life easier for yourself with a self-watering plant pot (it saves a lot of heartbreak down the line).

Better-Gro Bromeliad Blend 8 Quart

This soil mix maintains the ideal moisture level for bromeliads while also allowing for excellent airflow to the roots of the plants.

In some ornamental plants and tropical species, exposure to ethylene can help trigger or synchronise blooming, which is why gardeners sometimes experiment with placing ripe bananas near plants that are reluctant to flower.

That said, this is not a universal flowering hack. Many common houseplants and garden species won’t respond at all, and some can even be negatively affected by prolonged exposure to ripening bananas in enclosed spaces. Which means you should think of the banana trick less as a guaranteed solution, and more as a gentle nudge for plants that are already close to their natural flowering point.

For bromeliads, though, that whole "just add bananas" idea remains one of the more intriguing experiments. It’s probably not going to turn your kitchen into a tropical greenhouse of miracles overnight, sure, but it does make you wonder if, somewhere in the background, your plants are quietly taking notes every time you restock the fruit bowl.

Ego Power+ Lm2114

The EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Cordless, Includes 56V 6.0Ah Battery And 320W Charger - LM2114 is a 3-in-1 machine that can mulch, bag, and side discharge. It has up to 55 minutes of runtime on a single charge and seven position-cutting height adjustments. Foldable for compact storage, it is compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. (Battery and charger are included).

Pros

• Weather resistant design
• Foldable

Cons

• Higher price tag

Greenworks MO48B01

The Greenworks MO48B01 48V 17" Cordless Push Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly machine that provides up to 45 minutes of runtime with two fully charged 4.0Ah batteries (dependent on grass condition). It comes with a single-level, 5-position height adjustment and a 2-in-1 design for mulching and rear-bagging grass clippings. It's also very low maintenance, quiet, and has a simple push-button start.

Pros

• Batteries and charger included
• Lightweight and easy to use

Cons

• Not suited to larger yards
• Bag needs emptying frequently

There are a few things to consider when it comes to outdoor gardening tools. From budget and battery life to additional features and power, choosing a cordless electric lawnmower can be a minefield. If you're trying to choose between Greenworks and EGO, you might be struggling because both brands have many pros and cons.

Brand names can influence our buying choices, and both Greenworks and EGO are well respected within the power tool industry.

But how do Greenworks and EGO hold up regarding price, availability, battery life, and performance? We've done the hard work of comparing the brands for you with the help of some experts. Read on to find out more.

(Image credit: Greenworks)

Greenworks and EGO are both heavyweight brands, but how do they differ? According to gardening expert Morris Hankinson, Greenwork offers a wide variety of tools, particularly for those with smaller gardens or those on a budget.

"EGO offers high-performance batteries, making them more suitable for professional gardeners or those with larger gardens."

He told us, "Greenworks has a universal battery system that can be used with different tools (lawn mower, trimmer, blower, or chainsaw, for example), making it very convenient for users looking to build an all-in-one setup with fewer battery swaps.

"EGOs are highly efficient, and their batteries are known for their long-lasting power, but they are specific to their platform."

Greenworks vs EGO: Price and availability

Greenworks and EGO offer a wide array of gardening tools, including mowers, hedge trimmers, blowers, pruners, and pressure washers.

The price of your gardening tool depends on its features.

"As a general rule, EGO tends to be more expensive and is known for its high performance and robust quality, which is used by homeowners and the professional market," says gardening specialist Matt Davies from Garden Lawncare Guy.

"Greenworks often comes in the more affordable range of tools without high-end performance."

Greenworks tools, such as an 80V 2ah battery, cost $175, and a top-of-the-line product like the 80V 21" lawn mower runs around $456.

Hankinson says that EGO products tend to be more expensive than Greenworks, but they have a better reputation.

He says, "Greenworks tends to be more affordable and widely available through popular retailers, offering value for those on a budget. EGO has a high price point, but that's justified by durability and efficiency."

You can buy Greenworks tools directly from its website or from trusted retailers such as Amazon, Lowe's, Best Buy, and Walmart. EGO is available from its website, Amazon, Lowe's, and approved EGO stockists.

Expect to pay around $179 for the EGO Power+ cordless leaf blower, $399 for the 56V 6.0Ah Battery cordless lawn mower, and $900 for the 42" ride-on mower.

• Verdict: Greenworks has the most affordable options, hands down. EGO is known for making high-quality tools but at a premium price. Greenworks are well-made, reliable, and durable but also more budget-friendly.

Greenworks vs EGO: Battery performance

Greenworks makes battery-powered cordless outdoor power tools in every voltage range, from 24V to commercial-grade 82V.

Hankinson says: "Greenworks models typically offer 80V max, while EGO runs up to 56V, but they are better for battery longevity and reliability."

Greenworks batteries are not only powerful but also extremely durable. Thanks to integrated deep discharge protection, battery life is significantly extended, and there is no risk of memory effect. This means you can charge the battery at any time, regardless of the current charge level.

Ideally, leave the charger unplugged and the battery disconnected unless it needs charging. It's recommended that the battery be stored at full charge. If it is stored for a long time when you don't plan to use it, check on the charge every few months.

Greenworks' drawback is that the batteries are not interchangeable. So, a 60V battery cannot be used in a 40V tool and vice versa.

EGO has an incredibly impressive battery selection and lifespan. The batteries are interchangeable across the entire cordless range, and as the batteries increase in size, so do the power capacity and run time.

An EGO Power+ 2.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will run a cordless blower for up to 10 minutes on boost, up to 22 minutes on boost, and up to 75 minutes on low. Meanwhile, a 4.0Ah battery will power a cordless blower for up to 35 minutes on high, and a 5.0Ah battery powers a cordless blower for up to 44 minutes on high.

Most people want a clear winner regarding battery life; however, the truth is, it depends, says Davies.

“Battery life really depends on the application of the tool - some outdoor jobs simply require more power than others, but in general, EGO batteries are known to be better suited to larger properties that need extra run-time, especially when using the high amp-hour versions of their batteries."

To maintain the lifespan of your EGO battery, it is recommended that you keep it in a climate-controlled area that is dry, ventilated, and between 50°F-80°F all year round. Fully charge the battery pack every six months after storing it. Additionally, it is wise to ensure the battery is off the charger and the charger is left unplugged when storing it.

Due to their high capacity, EGO batteries can be stored unattended for ten years without damaging capacity and cycle performance. After 30 days batteries discharge to 30% capacity (ensuring longevity).

• Verdict: EGO wins with its impressive battery life. You won't want to charge your batteries if you have a big yard or are far from your house. This is where EGO wins over Greenworks, as it will last longer.

Greenworks vs EGO: Additional features

The complete Greenworks range is massive, selling both corded and cordless products. The brand produces a wide range of batteries from 24V to 80V, and it's certainly one of the most popular brands for budget-friendly DIY tools.

Six out of 21 Greenworks tools use DigiPro brushless motor technology. This means more power, longer runtime, higher speeds, increased efficiency, and less noise.

The EGO Power+ range is extensive and includes grass trimmers and brush cutters with different cutting swathes and speeds suitable for smaller yards. It also includes pro and standard models with user-friendly features. Its cordless power tools include the world's first self-winding grass trimmer.

• Verdict: The EGO system is far superior to Greenworks, with more features to make your life easier, and the batteries are designed to last for years, but it is expensive.

Greenworks vs EGO: which is better?

Ultimately, the decision on which brand you choose - Greenworks vs. EGO - depends on the size of your garden, frequency of use, and budget. Hankinson says both brands deliver eco-friendly, reliable tools suitable for users with different needs, and both have pros and cons.

"Greenworks is very budget-friendly, with a wide range of tools, a universal battery system, and easy to maintain. However, it's not as durable as EGO, uses more plastic parts, and has a lower run time," he says.

"EGO, on the other hand, is very durable, has excellent battery life, and has advanced features like LED lights and super quick charging. But it's expensive, takes longer to charge larger batteries, and is harder to find in discount stores."

Davies said "The most critical thing when deciding on a brand is not the performance of an individual tool or battery but the entire ecosystem of tools.

"Nobody wants multiple garden tools with different batteries and chargers, and that's not the ideal solution for the environment. It is also costly to research which other tools the brand manufactures before committing to a brand or tool. Consider whether these suit your needs and if any deals are available. Start with the end in mind when buying battery tools. Even if you don't want multiple tools right now, keep the doors open for future purchases."

Ina Garten recently shared a short clip of her very Parisian-inspired water feature to her socials, and the internet collectively sighed while adding “stone fountain” to their Amazon wishlists (plus, the chairs looked soooo comfy).

The most encouraging part for those wanting to copy the look in their own garden is that you don’t need a house in the Hamptons or the budget of an influencer living in a Parisian apartment to try it for yourself. An elegant water feature can easily come in at under $300 – you just need to know what actually makes it work. Fortunately for our readers, I’ve consulted some experts who can help.

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Elegance Is About Restraint, Not Spending

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Every expert I spoke to said the same thing, independently, without being asked: the difference between a gorgeous water feature and a garden-center-looking eyesore is all about restraint.

Angelene Padilla from Bloomfield Farms, put it well: "The difference between an elegant water feature and a water effect that is simply a water ornament is a matter of moderation. The Paris-inspired style is more about one clean look than two competing looks. A simple stone bowl fountain is deliberate and sophisticated, compared to an elaborate tiered fountain that does not have a reflecting pool or any floating plants. The less it comes across as trying to impress, the more it does."

Jerry Moore, founder of Your Pond Pros, agrees: "Restraint and proportion. The most Paris-inspired garden fountains share one quality – they feel like they belong to the space rather than competing with it. The moment a water feature tries to do too much – too tall, too wide, too many spray patterns – it loses that quiet elegance."

In short: one beautiful thing beats three busy things every time.

The Best Budget Options

(Image credit: Future/Emma Kendell/AI)

For those working with a real-world budget (which, let’s be honest, isn’t much these days), you don’t need a lot to make some real impact. You can even DIY a garden water feature with a floating solar fountain, like this Aisitin one from Amazon.

Loren Taylor, owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, gives some genuinely encouraging numbers: "A terracotta pot with a mini-solar water pump and a couple of stones in it will definitely be perceived as an elegant addition to the garden if placed correctly and surrounded by other objects."

Padilla's budget suggestions follow the same logic: "A recirculating fountain from a large glazed ceramic pot or a simple preformed basalt column provides the visual and aural serenity for a couple hundred dollars or less, if you're budget conscious." She also flags something most people haven't considered: "A rill is a narrow channel of flowing water and can be made at an affordable cost with a simple liner and edging with stones and will give a garden path or border an incredibly elegant linear feature."

And Moore makes the case for self-contained units as the smartest starting point: "Self-contained garden fountains are consistently the highest-impact, lowest-effort upgrade for a patio or garden space. They arrive complete with pump and basin – no pond, no excavation, no electrician required. A quality tiered fountain or wall-mounted fountain in the $300–$800 range delivers both the visual focal point and the sound of moving water that defines the atmosphere of a well-designed garden."

This Glitzhome terrazzo fountain on Amazon ticks all of Moore's boxes.

Sound Matters More Than You Think

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The thing about water features that most people never consider (which is actually surprising) is the sound. The sound of a fountain is just as important, if not more so, than how it looks.

Moore is emphatic about this: "Sound is the underrated element. The gentle cascade of a tiered fountain creates a frequency of falling water that masks ambient noise – traffic, neighbors, wind – in a way that transforms how a small garden feels. Placement near a seating area amplifies this dramatically. We consistently advise customers to position a fountain where they'll hear it from where they sit, not just see it from across the garden."

Taylor echoes it: "The gentle trickle has a soothing effect that will help you relax and reduce stress, even if you do not pay it much attention initially."

Padilla nails the specifics: "A trickle is always the best sound for a water feature, as it doesn't seem to be a nuisance; it seems to be soothing. It becomes more of a reality when you place it in the middle of the garden, instead of at the end, and it is placed close to other plants so that it does not look like it was put there instead of growing there."

The Paris aesthetic Taylor references has a useful design rule built in: "The fountain should be symmetrical. This means that it should be placed on the central line with trimmed greenery on both sides and a seating area nearby."

Scaling for Small Spaces

If all you have is a small patio or courtyard, then it’s highly important to get the scale and proportions correct, as this can make or break the look you’re going for.

Moore is specific: "For patios under 200 square feet, a wall fountain or a compact tiered fountain under 30 inches tall keeps the water element present without dominating. For small patios, a wall fountain is often the better choice over a freestanding unit – it adds the sound and visual interest without consuming floor space."

When floor space is precious, a wall-mounted fountain like this Takamota vintage model on Amazon with a pump included delivers the sound and elegance Moore recommends without taking up an inch of floor space.

Daniel Crowley, CEO of Hello Gravel, adds a helpful framing: "A fountain must be proportional to its surroundings. It must not be too overwhelming or the opposite." And Padilla keeps it beautifully simple: "One compact, small element at eye level or slightly below is an effective way of bringing a small garden or patio space together in a very beautiful way without overpowering it."

The Five-Minute Maintenance Plan

(Image credit: Roberto Machado Noa / Getty Images)

The most common mistake people make with a water feature (after buying something much too large) is total neglect. Nobody wants to look at a murky, algae-filled disaster. While most people fear maintenance, it’s actually much simpler than they think.

Moore's practical advice: "The main tasks are keeping the pump intake clear of debris and topping up the basin during hot weather when evaporation increases. Running the fountain continuously rather than intermittently prevents the algae buildup that comes from stagnant water sitting in the basin between uses."

Padilla flags the most common overlooked issue: "Most problems can be avoided by maintaining the plantings around the pump so that no twigs or leaves collect in the pump to clog it."

Taylor even has a solution if the pump gives up: "The submersible pump is washed periodically, which requires buying a new one for $9." Nine dollars?! That’s the price of a couple of coffees these days, so you genuinely have no excuse not to buy one (unless you really like your Starbucks, of course)

If your pump does need replacing, the Uniclife submersible fountain pump on Amazon is even cheaper at just $7, and takes just minutes to swap out (so now you really have no excuse).

Shop Soothing Fountains

Gossi Outdoor Water Fountain With LED Light – Decorative Pedestal Bowl Design With River Stones

Arnulfo Streaming Falls Modern Polyresin 2-Tier Outdoor Water Fountain

Tankana Garden Water Fountain With Lights, Pump and Pebbles

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 has all the hallmarks of a premium grill, from its chic graphite grey porcelain enamel finish to its sleek design – yet it comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag. The question is, does it cook like a high-end grill too?

With four burners, the Freestyle 425 certainly has a generous cooking surface, capable of grilling up to 26 burgers at once. It also features two sizeable side tables for food preparation and holding dishes, along with three hooks for hanging your barbecue tools. And, unless you also want to invest in one of the best pizza ovens, you can even add a pizza stone to the grill for a perfectly crispy base. When the grill isn't in use, the side tables fold down to make storage more compact.

The stand features soft-close doors and sturdy wheels that enable you to move it around your yard with ease. The enclosed cabinet neatly conceals the gas bottle, keeping unsightly hoses and battered cylinders out of sight.

To find out how the Napoleon Freestyle 425 performs in the real world, I assembled it from scratch, noting how long the process took and how easy the instructions were to follow. I then put it through a series of cooking tests, grilling steaks, burgers, sausages, and vegetables, before roasting a whole chicken using the indirect grilling method (I didn't have the optional rotisserie attachment, which is sold separately).

Read on to find out how the Napoleon Freestyle 425 performed in my tests.

(Image credit: Future)Napoleon Freestyle 425: Key Specs

Fuel type

Gas (natural)

Cooking surface

Grate

Cooking surface area

621.3 square inches

Burners

5

BTU

38,000

Side burner?

Yes

Rotisserie compatible?

Yes (not included)

Dimensions

H45.5 x W52 x D25 inches

Weight

107 lbs

Price & Availability

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 currently retails for around $629. You can pick it up on Amazon, at The Home Depot, or Lowe's.

If you're looking for a grill in a similar price range, the Weber Spirit E-425 Liquid Propane Grill, available at the Weber Store on Amazon, is a good option. Both brands also sell a smoker box for that classic 'barbecued' flavor.

If you're on a tight budget, the Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane 54-Inch Full-Size Four-Burner Gas Grill is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper and has similar features. Keep in mind that the Napoleon grill has a 10-year warranty, which makes it a better value in the long run compared to the Cuisinart grill, which only has a three-year warranty.

Setting up the Napoleon Freestyle 425

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill is easy to set up. It comes with clear and concise instructions that make assembly a breeze, and the sturdy base has wheels that make it easy to move around. The grill is compact but not flimsy, making it ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, and the cookbox and lid are quite heavy and seem to be built to last with a 10-year warranty.

(Image credit: Future)Premium Design

The graphite grey color of the Napoleon Freestyle 425 gas grill gives it a sleek appearance that stands out from other gas grills with black or stainless steel finishes. Its porcelain enamel finish gives it a premium look, and it is less prone to greasy finger marks compared to other gas grills.

Rounded edges make it easy to move around safely, thanks to the sturdy wheels on the base. A large warming rack offers extra cooking space for quickly cooking items, while the main cooking area is spacious enough to accommodate up to 26 burgers.

The cast iron porcelainized enamel cooking grids feature Napoleon’s iconic wavy sear marks, while the temperature gauge has a retro look. An aluminum firebox aims to create a convective oven effect. On the right-hand side, the folding table is also home to three hooks to keep your tools within reach.

Grilling Performance

I experienced some trouble with the ignition system while using the grill, as I couldn't get the burners to stay lit initially. However, I eventually got the hang of it and didn't have any issues after that.

The grill heated up quickly, but I did notice that the temperature dropped rapidly when I opened the lid. On the other hand, it rose rapidly once the lid was closed again. There was a cooler spot towards the front of the grill, which could be problematic if you're trying to cook a large quantity of food at once.

In general, the grill cooked everything well, but it does burn quite fiercely. As a result, it may require some practice to get the temperature just right. Nonetheless, I was able to achieve a nice sear on my steaks, and I was also able to cook a whole chicken over indirect heat, which took around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

(Image credit: Future)Maintenance

The tables of the grill can be easily folded down for storage. Once assembled, the barbecue is lightweight and easy to maneuver. When the tables are folded, the width of the grill drops from 55 inches to 33 inches, which is a significant difference when you need to move it to a confined place for storage. If you want to keep the grill outside, you can purchase a specific cover for this model on Amazon. I found some online offers that included a free cover with the grill purchase.

Napoleon recommends seasoning the cast iron cooking grids to prevent corrosion. After use, mild dish soap and water should be used to clean them, but they should not be put in the dishwasher. It is advisable to use a brass wire brush to clean the inside and underside of the cooking box and scrape the sear plates using a plastic putty knife, like this Skrapr design. To avoid any chips or scratches, plastic putty knives or scrapers should be used on all porcelain parts.

The Napoleon grill has a drip pan that can easily slide out for cleaning, which should be done after every fourth or fifth cook. It is recommended to clean the control panel only with soapy water and to avoid using abrasive cloths or cleaners. After cleaning, make sure to cover the equipment to protect it from the elements. This will help keep your grill in the best possible condition until you use it again. Although it may seem like a fiddly job, covering your barbecue is an important step in maintaining it.

Napoleon Freestyle 425 User Reviews

Online customer reviews of the Napoleon Freestyle 425 are overwhelmingly positive, with buyers praising its ease of assembly, reliable ignition, and even cooking performance.

On Amazon, the Freestyle 425 has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, while Lowe's customers rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars. The Home Depot reviewers are even more impressed, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 85% of customers recommending the grill.

Like me, many owners highlighted the grill's straightforward assembly, heavy-duty cooking grates, and generous warming rack. However, a small number of reviewers said it struggled to maintain high temperatures when much of the cooking surface was in use, making it harder to achieve a good sear across a full grill load.

Should You Buy the Napoleon Freestyle 425?

The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a great grill that offers excellent value for money. It has a 10-year warranty, is well-built, and features a large cooking area with four burners. While it may not have all the fancy features found in premium models, it is a fantastic choice for those who want to cook for a large family or friends. However, it's important to note that this grill does not come with a side burner, which may not be suitable for some users.

How Does the Napoleon Freestyle 425 Compare?

While the Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a great option, there are plenty of other grills out there to consider too.

Charbroil Pro Series With Amplifire Infrared Technology, 4-Burner

The Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Gas Grill with Amplifire Technology is a strong alternative for anyone looking for greater cooking versatility. Like the Napoleon Freestyle 425, it features four burners and a similar-sized cooking area, but it also comes with a side burner and is compatible with optional griddle and charcoal tray accessories, allowing you to switch between gas grilling, flat-top cooking, and charcoal grilling. However, while the Charbroil offers impressive flexibility, the Napoleon backs its grill with a longer 10-year warranty, compared to Charbroil's more limited warranty coverage.

Weber Spirit E-425 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

The Weber Spirit E-425 is a good option for those who want a premium gas grill with powerful searing capabilities. It features four burners and a similar-sized cooking area to the Napoleon Freestyle 425, but its two Boost Burners create a larger Sear Zone that can deliver more intense heat for searing steaks. It also offers compatibility with Weber Crafted accessories (sold separately), allowing you to expand its cooking capabilities. Both grills come with a 10-year limited warranty, so there's little to separate them when it comes to long-term cover.

Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Stainless Steel with Side Burner

The Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner is a good option if you're looking to save money without sacrificing cooking space. Like the Napoleon Freestyle 425, it features four burners, an enclosed cabinet, and a side burner for preparing sauces or side dishes. While it lacks the Napoleon's premium finish and 10-year warranty, it costs significantly less, making it a great value choice for casual grillers.

How I Tested the Napoleon Freestyle 425

To test the Napoleon Freestyle 425, I assembled it from scratch, timing the process and assessing how easy the instructions were to follow. I then put the grill through a series of cooking tests, grilling burgers, steaks, sausages, and vegetables, before roasting a whole chicken using the indirect grilling method.

During testing, I evaluated how quickly the grill heated up, how evenly it cooked across the four burners, how well it maintained its temperature, and how easy it was to control the heat. I also assessed the quality of its construction, the usefulness of its features, including the folding side shelves and warming rack, and how straightforward it was to clean after cooking.

To provide a more rounded assessment, I also considered long-term ownership factors such as the warranty, replacement parts, and customer feedback, helping determine whether the Napoleon Freestyle 425 offers good value for money.