Herbs

Lavender is one of the stars of a cottage garden. Its fragrant purple blooms, silvery foliage, and long flowering season pair beautifully with many other traditional garden favorites. The key is choosing plants that enjoy the same growing conditions—plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. Here are some of the best flowers to plant…

Lavender is one of the most beautiful and fragrant plants you can grow, but if you’re hoping to create more plants by dividing an established lavender, you may want to reconsider. Unlike many perennial flowers, lavender doesn’t respond well to division because of its woody root system. The good news is there are better ways…

Lavender is one of the easiest herbs to grow, but many gardeners make one common mistake—they fertilize it too much. Unlike heavy-feeding vegetables and flowers, lavender actually thrives in lean, well-drained soil. Too much fertilizer encourages leafy growth instead of the fragrant flowers the plant is known for. If you’re wondering whether your lavender needs…

Deadheading bee balm is a simple way to keep your plant healthy and blooming longer.  You should cut off the faded flowers just above the first set of leaves or where you see new buds starting. This helps the plant focus its energy on growing new flowers instead of making seeds. You don’t need fancy tools;…

There’s something magical about walking through the garden and brushing against fragrant lavender. Its silvery foliage, purple blooms, and soothing scent make it one of the most beloved plants in a cottage garden. The good news is that lavender is easy to grow—if you plant it in the right place. Choosing the proper location is…