The Best Gardening Gloves for Every Task

Several years ago while shopping at a big-box store, I spotted this tote in the household-cleaning section. In addition to carrying cleaning supplies, it can be used as a shower caddy, but I envisioned it as a garden-tool tote—balanced, sturdy, comfortable to carry, and with holes in each compartment for drainage. I’ve used it for a few years now, switching tools as needed so that I’m always ready for the current job. Cleaning the tote in spring or fall is as easy as removing the tools and spraying it out with a hose.

Although redbuds usually get the most attention in spring when a plethora of magenta-pink blooms burst out of every stem before the leaves emerge, this new cultivar has more to offer. Midnight Express®, a nativar that sports velvety purple leaves, fills out much faster and maintains a denser habit than the similar, more familiar ‘Forest Pansy’. As summer gives way to autumn, the interior heart-shaped leaves shift to a golden yellow-orange, while the outer ones stay burgundy. This gives the small tree the appearance of being on fi re. Silvery, ghostlike bark carries the interest into winter, making this plant a worthy year-round investment.

In 2020, as part of the annual trials at the University of Tennessee Gardens in Jackson, we grew ‘White Flame’ salvia, which was sent to us as a sample plant. It was an excellent performer and received our “Best of Show” award at the end of the season. As with other “annual” salvias, we expected it to die off over the winter. But to my great surprise, it returned the next year—as it has every year since, despite our temperatures dipping below zero on occasion. 

There are countless ornamental grasses to choose from, so narrowing down a list of my favorites is tough. However, the following assortment—categorized by their best season of interest—is a good start. Choosing at least one from each season will ensure that your grass-forward garden always has something spectacular going on.

From temperature extremes to shifting rainfall patterns, communities coast to coast are experiencing the increasing impacts of climate change. In many areas summers are hotter and drier, making gardeners more reliant on supplemental irrigation to grow the same plants that thrived for them in years past. Meanwhile, restrictions on watering in some regions make responding to drought more challenging. In the face of unpredictable rainfall and unprecedented temperature fluctuations, it’s more important than ever to invest in plants that can withstand waves of heat and drought.

You’ve measured your outdoor space, you’ve agreed on a style — contemporary, traditional, rustic or more — you’ve determined a budget, now it’s time to look for the perfect garden furniture set.

Would you like to perk up your garden this winter?  This guide to the best winter plants for pots has lots of gorgeous plant suggestions to inspire you.

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11 of the Best Fall Annuals for the South

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33 of the Best Melon Varieties