Begonia Helen Harmes

In certain parts of the United States, people have been affected by wildfires and the resulting smoke for years, dealing with air quality warnings and orange, dusty skies on a semi-regular basis. But this year, wildfires burning in Canada have put other regions at risk, and apocalyptic-looking skies have prompted fresh questions for those unfamiliar with wildfires and their effects: Should I wear a mask outside? Can I leave my windows open? Do I need to clean my air filters?

Ground covers fill up the spaces with intriguing foliage and blooms. But, have you ever wonder if you could also plant some of those in the home as houseplants? Check out our list of Ground Covers that Become Excellent Houseplants!

A glossy appearance is innately alluring to people, whether it’s found in a shimmering pool of water, a freshly-detailed car, or the lovely lips of that special someone… and with the glossy-leafed wax begonia, you and your landscape can take full advantage of its inherent attractiveness.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy f

The idea of a “hybrid” has always struck me as super cool.From demigods in Greco-Roman mythology to the massive feline l

My name is Helen Stephenson, and I have been gardening in the Halton Region of Ontario for over 20 years. For the past 10 years I have tried to plant mostly native species. I am on the northern edge of the Carolinian eco-region, which is an area that makes up just 1% of Canada’s total land area but contains more flora and fauna species than any other ecosystem in Canada. I believe it is my duty to preserve this little bit of heaven on earth!

When it comes to growing rex begonias, the amount of sunlight plants get in the spot they're growing can make a big difference in how great they look. Indoor light for rex begoniaIf you're growing rex begonias indoors plants will thrive near a bright, north- or east-facing window or under artificial lights. Be sure you grow them in a pot with a drainage hole

The courtship of Helen and Jerry Unruh was long-distance. “He had a florist deliver a rose to me every day,” Helen recalls. After two years, a bloom arrived with a card reading, “Will you marry me?” That was in 1975. Today, Jerry still indulges his wife’s love of flowers: They have 1,700 azalea bushes at their home in Odessa, Delaware—all squeezed onto their 1 1∕4-acre property. “They are such gorgeous things in the springtime,” says Helen. “It makes you happy you’re alive.”

You may know that many plants don’t grow well – or at all – under walnut trees. This fact has been observed and documented since the first century AD.But what about pecan trees? Do they h

The great thing about rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) is that there's a huge variety of colors and patterns, leaf shapes, sizes and textures to choose from. They do flower but those dainty blooms aren’t the main attraction. They can also be grown indoors or out! The collection of rex begonias above showcases some of the gorgeous foliage you can find. Scroll down to see a photo gallery of our favorites that shows even more variety. (Just a note, these are the colors you can expect from mature specimens. Young plants aren’t always as colorful when you first get them, but are worth the wait!) While growing rex begonias is usually pretty easy, I talked with a few expert growers to get their advice and ensure success with these foliage beauties. How to grow rex begonias indoorsRex begonias are tender perennials that are only cold hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11, they are commonly grown as an annual or indoor plant. They're grea

OK, so its not a hardy plant, but its not half a show off. Begonia Firecracker one of those tuberous upright Begonias which looks great in containers or for bedding out

The story of Begonia Flamboyant started in 1902 with the introduction of a semi double flowering canary yellow Begonia named Royal Renaissance Helen Harmes.

Making a big deal of two early to bloom Heleniums