Lavender is one of the most drought-tolerant plants you can grow, but even this Mediterranean favorite can benefit from the right watering routine during prolonged hot spells. The trick is knowing when to step in – and when to leave it alone. Too much water is far more likely to damage lavender than too little, especially during summer.

Whether you're growing lavender in borders, gravel gardens or containers, understanding how to water it correctly will help keep plants healthy, fragrant and covered in flowers. While established lavender rarely needs frequent irrigation, heatwaves and extended periods of drought can sometimes call for a different approach.

To find out exactly how often to water lavender in summer, we asked gardening experts to explain how to water plants in hot weather, the warning signs of overwatering, and the simple techniques that will help your lavender thrive through the hottest weather. (And to get started, this is our favorite metal watering can, available from Wayfair, which doubles as a stylish patio feature.)

How Often To Water Lavender in the Ground

Lavender is a drought tolerant plant that hails from the Mediterranean, an area where there is a lot of heat and the soil is poor. It is a plant that does not need much watering and overwatering is a common lavender growing mistake. Water it too much and it can cause root rot, which can seriously damage plants.

The first thing to recommend using if you're not sure how much water to give your lavender is a moisture meter. A great example is this long probe moisture meter, available from Amazon. It can quickly and easily give instant results, and is ideal for deeper pots or for use out in the yard.

Hillary Alger, Flower Product Manager at Johnny’s Selected Seeds, describes lavender as a ‘low-water needs plant’ that is particular about its needs. She says: ‘Plants need ample water, but containers and soil should be well drained. Lavender doesn’t like to have roots constantly drenched.’

Any newly planted lavender should be watered once or twice a week during its first summer.

When the lavender is established then its watering requirements drop. It makes lavender perfect for drought tolerant planting ideas, as it does not need regular watering when established.

It can tolerate dry periods and only really needs watering during extended periods of drought, for example, if there has been no rain for two weeks. In which case, water early in the morning.

In extreme summer heat when watering lots of plants, it helps to have a really good hose, such as the Flexzilla hose from Amazon. It's easy to store, and super lightweight.

How Often To Water Lavender in Pots

When growing lavender in pots, plants need watering more often than those growing in the ground, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather.

Containers dry out much faster, but it's still important to resist watering too frequently. Lavender prefers relatively dry conditions, and constantly damp compost is one of the quickest ways to weaken or kill the plant.

When watering plants in containers, check the compost before reaching for the watering can. Push a finger a couple of inches below the surface – while the top layer may appear dry, there can still be plenty of moisture around the roots.

Alternatively, use a digital moisture meter (available from Ace Hardware) to test the soil.

When it is time to water, soak the compost thoroughly until water begins to drain from the holes in the base of the pot. This deep watering encourages roots to grow down through the container, helping plants become more resilient during summer heat.

It's a good idea to place your pots on metal stands or pot feet, such as these ones from Walmart, to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.

Allow the compost to dry out again before repeating the process. In the height of a heatwave this may mean watering every few days, whereas in cooler weather established potted lavender may only need a thorough soak every couple of weeks.

What to Shop

Lavender is a really low-maintenance aromatic herb that is perfect for any herb garden ideas.

However, it is possible to overwater it. Watering the plant too regularly, or failing to provide it with soil that drains very well, can both contribute to lavender becoming overwatered.

The signs that a lavender plant is being overwatered will include yellowing or browning leaves, drooping leaves and stems, mold on the surface of the sodden soil. Thankfully, it can recover well. Make sure any container has drainage holes in the bottom and you give lavender a very free-draining soil mix.

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Lavender is often treated as a 'plant-it-and-forget-it' staple, but July is when it may need some extra care.

By mid-summer, most varieties are in full bloom, pollinators are busy working the flower spikes, and the plant itself is putting its energy into flowering rather than leafy growth. What you do now will directly affect how healthy it looks for the rest of the season – and how well it performs next year.

I've always loved the scent of lavender and grow it in my own yard every year. Two of my favorites are Sweet Romance® English Lavender for its intensely fragrant purple blooms, and Royal Anouk Spanish Lavender from Plant Addicts, which thrives in hot, sunny conditions and adds striking color to borders.

The Essential July Lavender Jobs to Do During a Heat Dome

This year, lavender care is especially important as a widespread heatwave is expected to intensify across parts of the U.S. in mid to late July, bringing prolonged high temperatures and dry conditions in several regions. For anyone looking to grow lavender, this combination of heat and strong sun can actually benefit established plants – so long as they’re not overwatered.

It also makes choosing the right lavender varieties more important than ever, since English lavender tends to perform best in cooler northern climates, while Spanish and French types are better suited to hotter, sunnier regions.

In terms of landscaping with lavender, these heat conditions can actually enhance its role in drought-tolerant planting schemes, where it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Here's what to do with lavender in July to prolong its beauty, color, and fragrance.

1. Deadhead Spent Flowers to Extend the Bloom

Once lavender is in flower, regular deadheading is the single most effective way to prolong its display. Learning how to deadhead lavender correctly encourages the plant to put its energy into producing more flowers, rather than setting seed. As individual blooms fade and turn brown, they begin to divert energy away from fresh flower production and into seed formation.

The key is timing. Don't wait until the entire flower stem has finished blooming. Instead, snip off spent flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade, cutting just above the first set of leaves and avoiding the woody part of the stem. A sharp, clean pair of pruners, such as the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears from Amazon, will give you a precise cut without crushing the stems.

Done correctly, deadheading keeps lavender looking neat, encourages a second flush of blooms later in the season – particularly in repeat-flowering varieties – and prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production you don't need.

2. Harvest Lavender at Its Peak for Scent and Drying

July is the perfect time to harvest lavender, especially if you plan to dry it for bouquets, make fragrant sachets, or use it in culinary recipes. The best time to cut is just before the flowers fully open, when the buds are plump, richly colored, and haven't yet begun shedding pollen. Harvesting at this stage helps preserve the essential oils that give lavender its signature fragrance. For clean, precise cuts, a specialist tool such as the Lavender Harvest Sickle from Amazon can make gathering larger bunches quicker and easier.

For the most aromatic harvest, cut stems early in the morning after the dew has dried but before the afternoon sun becomes too intense. Gather them into small bundles, secure them loosely with twine or an elastic band, and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight. Within a couple of weeks, your dried lavender will be ready to display in arrangements, fill homemade sachets, or store in jars to bring its calming scent indoors all year round.

3. Don’t Cut Into Woody Growth

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make in July is trying to prune lavender too aggressively. While it's tempting to give plants a full tidy after flowering begins, lavender doesn't respond well to being cut back into old, woody stems.

Instead, only trim soft, green growth. If you prune into the woody base, the plant may struggle to produce new shoots – or fail to regrow altogether. If your lavender has become leggy or overgrown, save any major reshaping until late summer after flowering has finished, or in early spring when fresh growth begins. A gentle trim now is all that's needed to keep plants healthy without risking long-term damage.

4. Water Sparingly, Even in Heat

Knowing how and when to water lavender is just as important as knowing when not to. Although July can bring heatwaves and prolonged dry spells, established lavender prefers restraint rather than routine watering. In fact, overwatering is far more damaging than a short period of drought.

Lavender is naturally drought-tolerant once established, and consistently wet soil can lead to root rot, weak growth, and fewer flowers. Water newly planted lavender during extended dry spells, but mature plants typically only need a deep watering when the soil is completely dry a few inches below the surface. Whatever the weather, always make sure your plants are growing in well-drained soil, especially if they're in containers.

5. Feed Lightly – or Not at All

When it comes to feeding, less is more. Knowing when to fertilize lavender – and when to skip it – can make the difference between a plant that's covered in fragrant flowers and one that's all leaves.

Unlike many flowering perennials, lavender thrives in lean, well-drained soil and rarely needs regular feeding. In fact, too much fertilizer, particularly one high in nitrogen, encourages lush, leafy growth at the expense of blooms and can leave plants looking floppy.

If your soil is especially poor, a light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer in late spring or early summer is plenty, but by July it's best to let the plant focus on flowering and building resilience for the rest of the growing season rather than pushing fresh growth.

6. Leave Some Blooms for Pollinators

While it's tempting to deadhead or harvest every flower spike, try leaving a few stems untouched. Lavender is one of the most valuable nectar plants in the summer garden and, when planted in borders or low hedging, is among the best hedges for wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout July.

If you're cutting flowers for drying or regularly deadheading to encourage more blooms, leave a handful of flower spikes in place, particularly later in the month. You'll still enjoy a neat, productive plant while ensuring pollinators can continue feeding during hot, dry spells, when reliable nectar sources can become harder to find.

Shop Lavender Care for July

July is pivotal for lavender care. With the right balance of deadheading, careful harvesting, and restrained pruning, you can extend flowering, improve plant health, and set the stage for a stronger display next year.

As an aromatic herb, lavender rewards this attention twice over – both in the garden and in the home. Handled well, it will deliver not just colour in midsummer, but a fragrance that carries through your space long after the garden season fades.

Lavender is often seen as one of the easiest plants to grow, but June is a surprisingly important month for keeping it healthy, compact, and full of flowers through summer. As the weather warms up and growth becomes more vigorous, a few simple maintenance jobs can make a big difference to how the plant performs later in the season.

Whether you grow lavender in pots, cottage garden borders, or use it as part of your landscaping with lavender, early summer is the perfect time to refresh your care routine. Giving plants a little extra attention now can encourage stronger stems, healthier foliage, and longer-lasting blooms, while also helping prevent the woody, leggy growth older plants often develop. If you want to grow lavender successfully year after year, these small June tasks really do pay off.

1. Give Lavender as Much Sun as Possible

If you want to grow lavender successfully, giving it as much sun as possible is one of the most important things you can do. Lavender thrives in full sun, and June’s longer, brighter days create ideal growing conditions for both flowers and healthy new growth.

If plants are growing in too much shade, flowering is often weaker, and stems can become thin, floppy, or stretched. Most lavender varieties need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to perform well. For lavender growing in containers, it’s worth moving pots into the brightest part of the garden, balcony, or patio at this time of year.

The extra sunlight doesn’t just encourage more blooms either – it usually improves the fragrance too, which is one of the main reasons so many gardeners love growing lavender in the first place.

2. Water Carefully During Hot Weather

One of the most common questions gardeners ask is: ‘Is lavender drought-tolerant?’ The answer is yes – once established, lavender copes very well with dry conditions. However, newly planted lavender and container-grown plants can still dry out surprisingly quickly during hot June weather.

When you water lavender, the key is to do it deeply but infrequently rather than little and often. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, as lavender dislikes constantly damp compost. Overly wet conditions can quickly lead to weak roots, yellowing foliage, or even rot, particularly in pots without good drainage.

Container-grown lavender usually needs a bit more attention than plants growing in borders, especially during prolonged warm spells or windy weather.

3. Trim Lightly to Prevent Woody Growth

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make with lavender is waiting too long to prune lavender plants properly. By the time plants become heavily overgrown and woody, it can be much harder to restore their shape.

In June, a light trim around the edges of the plant helps keep growth compact and encourages a fuller, bushier shape through summer. It’s also a good opportunity to remove faded flower stems along with any dead or damaged growth. I use the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears from Amazon in my own garden, as they make it much easier to shape lavender neatly without tearing softer stems.

What you want to avoid is cutting deeply into old woody growth, as lavender often struggles to regrow from older wood. Regular, gentle trimming throughout the growing season is usually far more effective than attempting one hard prune later on.

4. Feed Sparingly

Lavender usually performs far better in poor, free-draining soil than it does in rich, heavily fertilized ground. In fact, too much feeding often encourages lots of soft leafy growth at the expense of flowers, which is why overfed lavender can end up looking leggy rather than compact and full.

If you do decide to fertilize lavender, keep it light. A small application of balanced fertilizer in June is usually enough to support healthy summer growth if the plant is looking pale or struggling to produce fresh foliage. Otherwise, established lavender generally needs very little additional feeding once settled in the garden.

Good drainage is often much more important than extra nutrients. Keeping soil light and free draining will usually do more for healthy lavender growth than regular fertilizing ever will.

5. Improve Drainage if Needed

Good drainage is essential for healthy lavender plants, particularly during wetter spells in early summer. Lavender naturally prefers dry, free-draining conditions, so soil that stays damp for too long can quickly lead to weak growth and unhappy plants. If your garden soil tends to hold onto water, try mixing grit or horticultural sand around the base of the plant to improve drainage.

For container-grown lavender, always make sure pots have proper drainage holes and avoid leaving them sitting in trays full of water after watering. Many common lavender problems, including yellowing foliage and poor growth, are often caused by overly wet roots rather than underwatering.

If you’re growing lavender in pots, something like the Self-Watering Planter Pot from Target can help regulate moisture more evenly while still allowing excess water to drain away properly.

6. Harvest Flowers Regularly

June is also the perfect time to harvest lavender stems, especially as the first flowers begin opening. Picking lavender regularly not only gives you beautifully fragrant stems for the house, but it can also encourage more blooms to appear through the rest of summer. Regular harvesting helps plants stay tidier and more compact, too, which can prevent lavender from becoming too leggy later in the season.

If you want to harvest lavender for drying, try cutting stems just as the flowers begin to open, when the fragrance is usually at its strongest. Fresh lavender can be displayed indoors, dried for arrangements, or used in homemade sachets and potpourri.

Shop Lavender in June Essentials

Lavender is one of the easiest plants to grow once you get the conditions right, but a little attention in June can make a huge difference later in the season. Plenty of sun, careful watering, light pruning, and good drainage all help plants stay healthy, compact, and full of flowers through summer.

Stay on top of these simple jobs now, and you’ll usually be rewarded with stronger growth, fragrance, and longer-lasting blooms, along with less woody, leggy growth as the plant matures. Even older lavender plants often respond well to a refreshed early summer care routine.

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By the time May rolls around, lavender has properly come into its own. The silvery foliage softens and fills out, stems start to stretch, and you’ll usually notice the first buds beginning to form. It’s a lovely stage – arguably one of the prettiest – but it’s also an important one. What you do now really does shape how your plant will look and flower over the summer.

If you’re figuring out how to grow lavender well – or thinking about landscaping with lavender in a more considered way – this is the moment to get a bit more involved.

Get that balance right in May, and your lavender will reward you with stronger growth, a more elegant shape, and far more generous blooms. Here’s exactly what to do now to ensure it thrives right through summer.

1. Lightly Trim To Shape And Encourage Fullness

If your lavender is putting on that soft, fresh spring growth, this is the moment where a little attention goes a long way. When it comes to pruning lavender, it’s all about being gentle rather than heavy-handed – and honestly, the right tools make it much easier to get it right.

I always reach for a good pair of secateurs, like the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears from Amazon. They give a clean, precise cut, which is exactly what lavender needs at this stage.

Think of it less as pruning in the traditional sense and more as shaping. Just pinching or snipping the tips of the new growth encourages the plant to branch out naturally. Over time, that’s what creates a fuller, more balanced shape and, ultimately, more flowering stems.

The key is to stay well within the soft green growth. Lavender really doesn’t respond well to being cut back into old, woody stems, so restraint is important here. If buds are only just starting to form, a very light trim can actually be helpful, slightly staggering the flowering and often extending the overall display rather than having everything bloom at once.

2. Keep It Dry, Sunny, And Well Balanced

If there’s one thing to be mindful of in May, it’s not overdoing it. When it comes to watering lavender, less really is more. Lavender thrives on a kind of easy, almost relaxed care – plenty of sunshine, excellent drainage, and very little intervention.

It’s worth remembering that lavender is drought-tolerant once established, which often surprises people. That natural resilience means it actually prefers soil that dries out between waterings, rather than consistently damp conditions. So while it can be tempting to reach for the watering can more often as temperatures rise, it’s far better for the plant’s long-term health to hold back and let the soil breathe.

In pots, this balance becomes even more important. Make sure water can drain away freely, and avoid leaving containers sitting in saucers of water. In garden borders, a simple layer of gravel or grit around the base does double duty – it helps with drainage, but it also gives that soft, Mediterranean look that lavender naturally suits so well.

3. Resist The Urge To Feed

It’s easy to assume that fertilizing lavender will lead to more flowers, but with this plant, that’s rarely the case. In fact, too much feeding often does more harm than good.

Rich soil or heavy feeding tends to push soft, leafy growth at the expense of blooms, leaving plants looking a little loose rather than neatly structured. Lavender really shows its best side in leaner conditions, where growth is slower, sturdier, and far more focused on flowering.

If your soil is particularly poor, a very light touch of compost is usually enough. Otherwise, it’s best to resist the urge to fertilize lavender and simply let it settle into its natural growth pattern – it will reward you far more generously for it.

4. Clear Space Around The Base For Healthier Growth

As lavender starts to bulk out in May, giving it a bit of breathing room becomes really important. It’s worth taking a few minutes to clear away any weeds or competing plants around the base – nothing heavy, just a simple tidy-up to keep things open and uncluttered.

A good weeding tool makes this job much easier. Something like the best-selling Grampa's Weeder from Amazon is ideal for getting right into the soil without disturbing the lavender roots, helping you lift weeds cleanly and keep the area around the plant neat.

It might feel like a small step, but it pays off. Better airflow helps keep lavender healthy, especially as temperatures rise, and it reduces the risk of issues later on in the season. There’s also the visual benefit – when the base is clear, lavender really shows off its natural shape, and the whole planting feels more intentional and refined.

5. Begin Light Harvesting And Deadheading

Toward the end of May, especially if you’ve had a warm spell, you’ll often start to see the first lavender flowers opening up. It’s a lovely moment in the garden, and also a useful one if you know what to do next.

This is when you can begin cutting a few stems for the house. Just snip them above a set of leaves, nothing too complicated. It’s one of those small jobs that pays you back straight away – you get fresh, fragrant stems to enjoy indoors, and at the same time you’re gently encouraging the plant to keep producing more flowers.

And it really is more of an ongoing habit than a single task. As the season moves on, you can keep coming back to it as needed. If you’re not cutting stems, it’s still worth taking a moment to deadhead lavender as the flowers fade. It keeps the plant looking tidy, but more importantly, it stops it from putting energy into seed production and instead pushes it back into new growth and future blooms.

6. Make The Most Of The Sun

Lavender really is a Mediterranean plant at heart, so if there’s one thing it cares about, it’s sunlight.

In May, especially if it’s in a container, it’s worth being a bit intentional about where you place it. I’ll often move pots around at this time of year just to make sure they’re getting the best of the light – lavender responds to it quickly, and you can usually see the difference within a couple of weeks.

Aim for at least six hours of direct sun a day, though more is always better if you can manage it. That one simple decision – just getting the positioning right – has a bigger impact than most people expect. It really does show up later in stronger growth and a much better flower display.

Shop Lavender Care for May

By this point in the season, the best thing you can do for lavender is resist the urge to overmanage it. Small tweaks are enough – keeping it lightly shaped, making sure it isn’t crowded, and maintaining those dry, sunny conditions it naturally prefers.

If you’re still planning additions to the garden, it’s also worth considering when to plant lavender, along with lavender companion plants such as rosemary, salvias, or echinacea, which all work beautifully in similar conditions and help build a cohesive planting scheme.

After that, it’s really a case of stepping back. Let the plant take over from here, and by the time summer arrives, it will have settled into something full, fragrant, and quietly impressive.

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If your lavender looks a bit grey, woody, or just slow to wake up this April, you’re definitely not the only one seeing that in the garden. Across much of the US – from the Northeast and Midwest to warmer areas like California – lavender is only just starting to come out of its winter dormancy, and in many yards it still looks a long way off from its summer self.

What’s important to remember is that April isn’t really about flowers. It’s more of a reset month. If you’re trying to grow lavender well, this is the stage that quietly sets everything up for later in the season, when plants are fuller, more fragrant, and actually in bloom.

As new green growth starts to appear, even in small amounts, that’s your signal that things are moving in the right direction. A bit of thoughtful care now also makes a real difference in landscaping with lavender, helping plants hold their shape and look intentional rather than tired or woody once summer arrives.

1. Wait For Signs Of New Growth

Before you start pruning lavender, take a moment to really look at the plant. In April, the biggest mistake is simply moving too fast. Lavender should only be pruned once you can clearly see fresh green shoots forming at the base or along the stems.

In cooler parts of the country, that new growth can be slow to appear, and it is not unusual for plants to still look completely brown well into mid-spring. It can be a little unnerving, but it doesn’t always mean the plant is struggling. The key here is patience – cut too early, and you risk removing the very growth that’s just starting to bring it back to life.

Once it’s time to start pruning, I usually reach for my trusted Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon. They’re sharp, reliable, and make it easy to get a clean cut without crushing the stems.

2. Lightly Clean And Shape The Plant

Once you can see fresh growth starting to come through, April is a good time to give lavender a light tidy. If you’re wondering how to prune lavender, the key is to keep it simple. You are not trying to reset the plant, but to clean up what winter has left behind and gently guide it back into shape.

Start by removing any stems that are clearly dead or brittle, along with last year’s spent flower stalks. After that, step back and look at the overall form before making any further cuts. Trim lightly into the soft green growth, keeping the shape rounded and even rather than letting it sprawl. That bit of restraint really pays off later in the season, helping the plant stay dense, balanced, and far less likely to open up in the middle once it starts flowering.

3. Avoid Cutting Into Woody Growth

One of the most common mistakes with lavender is going in too hard and cutting into the woody base. Those older, hardened stems don’t reliably produce new growth, so if you cut back too far, the plant can struggle to bounce back, and you may end up with bare patches that don’t really fill in again.

In April, it’s better to keep your pruning focused on the green, living growth you can actually see. Think of it less as a reset and more as a gentle shaping of what’s already there. A lighter touch almost always pays off in the long run, giving you a healthier, fuller plant that holds its form season after season.

4. Improve Conditions Before Active Growth Begins

April is also a good time to check that your lavender is set up properly for the months ahead. Lavender really doesn’t like sitting in wet soil, and with spring rain mixing with warmer temperatures, poor drainage can quickly become a problem. If your garden tends to hold onto moisture, it’s worth improving drainage now by working in some grit or gravel around the base of the plant.

And if you’re trying to grow lavender in pots, pay extra attention to drainage – make sure containers aren’t sitting in saucers of water and that the holes at the bottom are clear and free-flowing. It also helps to think about airflow, too. Giving the plant a bit of breathing room makes a real difference as humidity starts to rise.

5. Hold Off On Feeding For Now

It’s easy to feel like you should fertilize lavender in early spring to give it a boost, but at this stage it’s usually not needed – and can sometimes backfire. Strong, nitrogen-heavy fertilizers tend to encourage lots of leafy growth, which might look impressive at first, but often comes at the expense of flowers later on.

Lavender actually prefers things on the lean side. If your plant is already healthy, it may not need feeding at all. In most cases, it’s better to wait until you see steady, active growth later in spring before you even think about fertilizing lavender.

6. Refresh Container-Grown Lavender

If your lavender is growing in a pot, April is a good time to take a closer look at how it’s doing in your container garden. Potted plants can become root-bound over time, which quietly slows growth and leads to fewer flowers later in the season.

If the plant is looking crowded or you notice water rushing straight through the pot, it may be time to move it into a slightly larger container with a really free-draining compost mix. And even if repotting isn’t necessary, a simple refresh can go a long way – top up the soil, tidy the surface, and shift the container into the sunniest spot you’ve got. Those small adjustments can make a noticeable difference as the season unfolds.

Shop Lavender Care for April

April is a bit of a quiet turning point for lavender. You won’t see dramatic changes or flowers just yet, but what happens now really matters. It’s more about timing things right and stepping in gently where needed.

If you wait for clear signs of growth, prune lightly, and make small improvements to conditions without overdoing it, you give your lavender the best possible foundation. And come summer, that patience usually pays off with healthier, fuller, and far more impressive blooms.

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Ticks are one of those garden pests most of us would rather not think about – but they’re worth paying attention to. These tiny, blood-sucking insects aren’t just unpleasant; they can also pass on harmful diseases to both people and pets. Making your garden less inviting to them is one of the simplest ways to protect your outdoor space.

The good news is that planting choices can make a real difference. Just as with mosquito- or snail-repelling varieties, several tick repellent plants work by targeting one key weakness: their sense of smell. Ticks rely on scent to find hosts, so strong, fragrant flowers and plants can help throw them off and make your garden far less appealing.

If you’re going to start with just one, growing lavender is a brilliant choice. Beyond its calming fragrance and soft purple blooms, it quietly works to make your garden less attractive to pests, including ticks. Its aromatic oils – particularly linalool – are known for their insect-repelling properties, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

Lavender is one of those rare plants that really does it all – looks good, smells incredible, and helps you create a garden that feels more comfortable to spend time in.

How to Use Lavender for Tick Protection

Lavender really comes into its own when you treat it as part of a wider companion planting scheme rather than a standalone feature. It’s lovely on its own, of course, but when you weave it in with other fragrant, oil-rich plants, the effect is much stronger – both visually and practically. Ticks are incredibly sensitive to scent, so a garden filled with aromatic plants naturally feels less inviting to them.

For example, I’ve planted NatureZ Edge English Lavender Seeds in my backyard alongside Petite French Marigold Seeds from Amazon. Both are easy to grow, fragrant, and work beautifully together, creating a vibrant, multi-sensory border that not only looks stunning but also helps deter pests. I'll soon be adding the best-selling Phenomenal™ Lavender Plant from Fast Growing Trees to my flower beds, too.

Where you place it makes a difference, too. Try tucking lavender along paths, edging lawns, or around seating areas – anywhere you’re likely to brush past it and catch that scent as you move through the garden. Ticks tend to linger in damper, shadier corners, so planting lavender in sunnier, more open spots helps create a kind of gentle buffer between those areas and the spaces you actually use.

‘I’ve always thought of lavender as more than just a pretty face in the garden,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. ‘It’s one of those plants that quietly does everything well. There’s the obvious beauty and that unmistakable scent, but it also plays a really practical role in how a garden feels and functions. I often use it to shape spaces – planting it along pathways or near seating so you catch the fragrance as you pass. It creates a soft, sensory layer that makes the garden feel more immersive, but also a bit more considered.

It’s never about relying on one plant to do all the work, but when lavender is used thoughtfully, alongside other aromatic planting and good garden care, it helps tip the balance. You end up with a space that not only looks and smells beautiful, but also feels less appealing to pests like ticks – which, for most of us, is exactly what we’re after.’

Companion Planting for Extra Protection

You can boost lavender’s tick-repelling qualities quite easily by planting it alongside other fragrant, aromatic varieties.

Think rosemary, thyme, sage, or even marigolds – plants that not only pair beautifully with lavender but also bring their own strong scents into the mix. Marigold flowers are also known to help deter squirrels, making them a smart, multi-purpose choice for a pest-repellent garden.

When you layer these together, you’re creating more than just a pretty border. It becomes a kind of soft, multi-sensory barrier that ticks are far less likely to cross. The result feels intentional rather than functional – a garden that looks cohesive, smells wonderful, and quietly works a little harder behind the scenes.

One of the best things about lavender is how easy it is to grow. Give it a sunny spot and well-drained soil – even if the soil isn’t perfect – and it will reward you with months of soft purple blooms and that unmistakable, calming fragrance. It doesn’t ask for much; a simple trim after flowering is usually enough to keep it looking neat and encourage fresh new growth.

Lavender is also incredibly versatile. It works just as well in a relaxed garden edging as it does in a gravel garden or a container on the patio. No matter where you plant it, you get that gentle scent and graceful movement, and it will make your garden a little less appealing to ticks. It’s one of those rare plants that’s beautiful, practical, and almost effortless at the same time.

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It’s worth remembering that lavender isn’t a magic solution for ticks, and there may be other things in your yard that attract ticks.

However, it can definitely help reduce their presence, but it works best alongside good garden habits – keeping the grass trimmed, clearing away leaf litter, and letting sunlight reach shady corners. Lavender also prefers sunny, well-drained spots, so avoid heavy, waterlogged soil, and a light trim after it flowers will keep it looking neat and healthy.

Even with those small considerations, lavender is a plant that really earns its place in the garden. It’s vibrant, fragrant, and adds color, scent, and a touch of natural pest protection. When planted in the right places, it’s one of those rare plants that can do little wrong.

Organizing a linen closet can be an endless project. Towels and sheets can easily become mixed up, and piles of neatly folded dinner napkins can go awry (we have all been there).

Leave it to Martha Stewart to give us some helpful tips on how to organize a linen closet, with wisdom and simple steps that are easy to follow. Those tips stem from an old clip found on the treasure trove that is the Martha Moments Instagram account, they are just as applicable today.

'I think I first started dreaming about having a real, organized linen closet when I was a young girl in Nutley, New Jersey, babysitting for a very nice couple on Elm Place,' Stewart explains of her affinity for organizing linens. 'They had the nicest house on the street, and the woman was very organized. She had the most beautiful cupboards, all down the long hall, and in the cupboards were all her neatly folded sheets and towels, dinner napkins, tablecloths, and I thought then,' Wow, what a great idea. Maybe someday I'll be that organized.

She continues, 'It's hard to be organized like that, but I think finally, in this nice room that's devoted to storage, I have a place where I can organize all those linens that I need on a daily basis.'

Stewart gives a great tip for table linens, which are notoriously difficult to keep neat and tidy in the closet due to their size.

'It's awful hard to find a spot where you can keep great big squares of linen, the napkins, in an organized fashion,' Stewart says in the video. 'This is finally how I've solved the problem: take a roll of cardboard, and just roll your napkins around the cardboard. Then, I cover the roll, leaving the ends open for air, with clear cellophane. I have several rolls of different widths of cellophane, and this works so well. Then I just keep them right on the shelves, and all the napkins are kept just that way.'

With towels, Stewart recommends a simple technique of folding and stacking them in piles.

'As far as bath towels and all the towels for the bathroom, I keep them folded all the same way so that they hang very easily over the towel bars, and they look good,' she says. 'They're folded in thirds and then in half, and in half again. I just keep these on the shelves, organized according to size and color. Everything has its place now, every washcloth and every hand towel.'

Finally, she suggests keeping a linen closet smelling as good as it looks with the help of a dried flower.

'To keep everything really fresh, some homemade sachets made out of little handkerchiefs. Just tuck them in on the shelves. Lavender, really fresh and lovely.'

Lavender is one of the most valuable players in a cottage-style yard. It brings a delicate color that encourages calmness and tranquillity, a heady fragrance, a bushy beauty to flower beds, and definition to landscaping.

But this popular perennial has many other uses apart from creating pretty edging to a pathway or filling the air with scent. Growing lavender attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding a delicious hint of it to honey, and is a natural bug repellent, scaring away moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. Dried, it can be used for scenting storage and rooms, aiding sleep, easing stress, and even flavoring food.

However, unless you own a perfumery and want to fill your plot with lavender bushes to harvest it for its essential oil, you might want to mix things up with other plants and flowers that have as much to offer in terms of color, fragrance, versatility, and sheer plant presence. Here, our experts share eight of their favorite floral alternatives to lavender.

1. Rosemary

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, this herb has it in spades. It even grows in a similar way, in a dense bush of slender stems.

‘With its needle-like leaves and aromatic scent, it’s a great stand-in for lavender, especially in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 where it thrives,’ says arborist David Miller. ‘The fragrance is more robust than lavender, making it an excellent choice for seasoning meats or infusing oils.

‘Rosemary can be dried and used in sachets or wreaths. It’s also known for its potential health benefits, such as boosting memory and concentration. And the blue flowers are a hit with pollinators, so you’ll still have plenty of bees and butterflies gracing your yard.’

The herb likes a warm, sunny location with light, well-drained soil. It is also a good container plant for your sunlit terrace or balcony.

You can find great value rosemary plants available at Walmart.

2. Hyssop

With its thick mass of slim, woody stems, this perennial is another lavender lookalike, and is a secret scent weapon in your kitchen garden thanks to its fresh, herbaceous aroma.

‘Hyssop is a bit of an underdog in the garden, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a powerhouse of a plant,’ says David. ‘With its spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, hyssop offers a similar visual appeal to lavender. It’s also easy to grow, thriving in zones 3-10, and is a favorite among bees and butterflies.

‘Like lavender, hyssop can be used in herbal medicine, often as a remedy for respiratory issues. It can also be dried and used in sachets or teas, and is a great addition to potpourris.’

Belonging to the mint family, this herb is a semi-evergreen that likes the sun, but needs some shade during the heat of the afternoon. It should be pruned in the spring to keep it healthy.

You can find Hyssop Agastache 'Purple Haze' at Nature Hills.

3. African Daisy

From a color perspective, the African daisy can deliver a potent punch of purple.

‘This is an excellent alternative to lavender, and something a bit different,’ says Loren Taylor, a landscaper and gardener. ‘You'll get pops of purple and pink blooms that can look smashing next to lavender. They're pretty unfussy and thrive in zones 9-11.’

Also known as osteospermum, this quick-growing plant can transform from seed to flower within a couple of months after being planted in spring. It comes in a variety of hues, including purple, blue, pink, yellow, and cream as well as the more traditional daisy white.

They enjoy lots of sun – grow in the shade and they’ll produce fewer flowers – and like a rich, slightly acidic soil, and mild weather. Deadheading the flowers encourages reblooming.

Osteospermum plants are available from Burpee.

4. Catmint

Fill your banks and beds with this low maintenance, ornamental perennial, and blanket it in color over spring and summer.

‘With its fragrant, light bluish-purple flowers. Catmint grows easily, even for the most inexperienced growers,’ says Matthew Wilson, a horticulturalist. ‘It does well in zones 3-8, and is very popular with pollinators. Like lavender, it can also be used in cooking.’

Another member of the mint family, the leaves of catmint can be used for a soothing herbal tea.

Easy to care for, once you’ve planted it in well-draining soil that’s rich in the organic matter of old plants and where it can get full sun, you can leave it to its own devices. The plant is drought tolerant and will bounce back even after long periods of intense heat.

Catmint is available from Perfect Plants.

5. Mexican Bush Sage

For a purple haze that lasts into fall, look nor further than this late-blooming perennial.

‘Mexican bush sage is a great option for warmer zones,’ says Matthew. ‘It showcases purple flowers that bees and butterflies especially seem to love, but it prefers only zones 8-10. Again, similar to lavender, it can be dried for sachets or other decorative pieces.’

Native to Central America and Mexico, it needs the sun to grow dense and lush. It is also drought tolerant, though will need watering if nature doesn’t provide for longer than two weeks.

If planted in fertile, well-draining soil, it will grow quickly – its floral spires reaching up to three feet tall in a single season.

Mexican Bush Sage or Saliva leucantha, is available from Nature Hills.

6. Cotton Lavender

This is a horticultural curveball. It is called lavender, but it isn't. Nor is it cotton. And it is yellow rather than a pale pastel purple.

However, it does share some of the appealing properties of the eponymous flower-bed favorite.

‘For gardeners in drier regions, like zones 6-9, Santolina chamaecyparissus, or cotton lavender, has been a game-changer,’ says Ben McInerney, an arborist. ‘Its silver foliage and yellow, button-like flowers provide a similar structural element in the yard, and I've seen it thrive in areas where traditional lavender struggled, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners.’

This dwarf, evergreen shrub has aromatic leaves and its gray-green leaves offer interest all year round. It flourishes in full sun and can even adapt to poor soil. It is also salt tolerant, so can thrive in coastal yards. Very low-maintenance, it doesn’t need fertilizing, can cope with extended periods of dry weather, and only needs an annual prune after flowering.

7. Russian sage

‘This has been my go-to recommendation for clients seeking a lavender-like plant in harsher climates,’ enthuses Ben. 'Its silvery foliage and purple blooms create a similar aesthetic, while its hardiness often surpasses lavender.

'Thriving in zones 4-9, I once replaced a failing lavender hedge with Russian sage for a client in zone 4, and the transformation was remarkable. Not only did it survive, but it attracted even more pollinators.’

Russian sage is a delicate color combination of bluish-lavender flowers that last through summer and into fall, silver, almost white stems, and silvery leaves.

It is a fast grower that can reach up to five feet tall and four feet wide, so is excellent at filling beds or providing a bushy backdrop. A single bush will need support because of its height, but a group of shrubs will hold each other up.

Place it where it will get full sun and has room to spread. Prune annually to keep it looking neat. Its fragrant flowers can be dried for use in flower arrangements.

Russian Sage seeds are available from True Leaf Market.

8. Bee balm

Also known as wild bergamot, Bee balm will be a hit with gardeners looking for fragrant plants that add color and tempt pollinators into the flower beds.

‘It’s a showstopper with its vibrant blooms and minty fragrance. While it leans more towards pinks and reds, there are varieties that offer purple hues similar to lavender,’ says David Miller. ‘Bee balm thrives in zones 4-9 and is beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

'It’s a multi-purpose plant, used in teas and herbal remedies to soothe digestive issues and colds. The fresh, minty scented leaves and flowers can be dried and added to potpourri. It looks good and works hard, making it a real treasure in any garden.’

Bee balm is a native North American wildflower with distinctive spiky blooms. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and prefers non-humid conditions and moist soil.

Wild Bergamot seeds are available from True Leaf Market.

If you're a keen cook and love to garden, combine the two by creating your own herb garden. Nothing tastes as flavorsome as produce you have grown yourself, and we show you how to keep your store cupboard amply stocked. It doesn't matter if you don't have a big yard, we've got clever ideas for growing herbs in unusual containers both indoors and out, too.

If you want lots of new plants to add to your backyard next year, that dream can easily be achieved with a little bit of time and effort this month. But it will not be rigorous work, as taking plant cuttings is an enjoyable task and there are many plants you can propagate by cuttings in September.

There are popular flowering shrubs, perennial favorites, and striking tender plants that are all suitable to take cuttings from in September. That potentially means a plethora of new plants for next year and all it will cost you is potentially the price of some compost.

What doesn't sound great about plants for free and the potential for lots of extra blooms? If you have any of the plants mentioned below, your luck is in as you can take plant cuttings this month to boost your collection.

What cuttings can I take in September?

There are a lot of plants that can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings this month. It is not too late to take cuttings of many of the plants we highlighted in last month’s plants to propagate in August feature, such as lavender, rosemary, salvia, geraniums, verbena, penstemon, and sage. On top of that selection of plants, here are seven more that you can take cuttings from in September.

1. Hydrangea

The large and showy flowers of hydrangeas are striking additions to any space. There is a wealth of different hydrangea varieties to choose between, coming in different sizes, flowering styles, and colors - so there is bound to be one for any space.

If you want to propagate hydrangeas, they root easily from semi-ripe cuttings of the current season’s growth taken in late summer. Take 4-6 inch cuttings of healthy non-flowering shoots and place them into a pot filled with gritty compost - you can dip the cutting in rooting hormone to help speed up rooting, but this is not compulsory.

Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag, or placing it in a propagator, can provide humidity and added moisture that will help the cutting to take roots. Once the cutting has rooted, keep it in a greenhouse or cold frame to overwinter ready to transplant in spring.

2. Fuchsia

Fuchsia are colorful blooming plants native to South and Central America. There are over 100 species in the genus, with many thriving in tropical and subtropical locations. Fuchsias come in both hardy and half-hardy varieties and taking cuttings can help to boost your plant numbers and mitigate the risks of losing some fuchsias to the winter colds.

The months of August and September are ideal times to take fuchsia cuttings. Take six-inch cuttings, leaving only two leaves at the top, and place in a potting mix for seeds or cuttings. The roots should appear within a month and all fuchsia cuttings benefit from being kept indoors for their first winter.

As fuchsias root so simply from cuttings, taking them from your favorite fuchsias means you can always have new plants to grow your collection with little fuss - and you get these new plants for free.

3. Hebe

Hebes are evergreen shrubs with bottlebrush flowering spikes in summer that come in shades of purple, pink, and white. They are highly versatile plants, ranging from compact types to larger hebes ideal for flower beds and borders, while different varieties can offer variegated foliage or leaves tinged with pink or silver.

The flowering shrubs can be short-lived, often with a lifespan of under ten years, and some forms are more tender. This is where it is beneficial to take cuttings. Hebes will root well from cuttings in late summer so you can have a new generation of identical plants, or replacements in case you lose tender hebes in winter. It is a cheaper way to replace your hebes than buying new plants each time.

Place 4-6 inch cuttings, snipped at the base at a node, into pots filled with a free-draining potting mix, and keep them out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within a month when the soil is kept moist, but not sodden, and each will need potting into larger pots to grow on until they are planted in spring.

4. Coleus

The vibrant and colorful foliage of coleus plants brings a tropical garden feel whether they are growing indoors or outdoors. Coleus are valuable shade plants and ideal container plants for a shady spot.

There is no denying that these plants love heat and are only hardy in US hardiness zones 10 and 11, so growers outside of these must cultivate them as annuals, lift and overwinter them indoors, or grow new plants each year.

Coleus can be grown from seed, however, another simple solution is to propagate coleus from cuttings. Cuttings taken in late summer can overwinter in a protected space and be added to the garden in spring.

A good cutting from a healthy coleus will be 4-6 inches long and covered with a plastic bag, or humidity dome, to keep them moist. Keep the cutting in indirect light, not direct sun that can scorch it. Coleus cuttings can be propagated in water or soil.

5. Butterfly bush

One of the most popular backyard shrubs, a butterfly bush stuns with its spectacular and colorful flowering spikes that butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and more adore. The plants are dramatic and impactful and, as fast-growing shrubs, can quickly become a focal part of any backyard.

If you want to expand your butterfly bush collection, the good news is that they can be grown from cuttings throughout summer - and there is still time in late summer and early fall.

Take 4-6 inch cuttings of this year’s growth, that has no flowers, and remove all foliage bar the top 2-3 leaves. Place this into a pot filled with compost, put it somewhere warm, and keep it moist. Butterfly bush cuttings should root in 3-6 weeks and be kept indoors over winter to plant in the garden next spring.

6. Camellia

Few evergreen shrubs come to the fore in winter and spring more than camellias. Their dramatic and large flowers are a bright spark at a time when there is little other color. Even when they are not in flower, camellias play a valuable part in backyard ideas as their glossy leaves complement other flowering plants.

Camellia cuttings can be taken this month from the current season’s growth. Depending on your climate, the new growth should have developed from green to brown and be bendable - it wants to be neither floppy nor too rigid to bend.

Take a 4-6 inch cutting, as with other shrubs outlined above, cutting the base at an angle and scraping a small amount of bark away to expose the stem at the end. Place up to four camellia cuttings in a pot. It may take 2-4 months for the cutting to root, at which time each one will want putting into an individual pot.

7. Lemon verbena

The citrusy aroma of lemon verbena is a fantastic addition to any balcony herb garden or backyard kitchen garden. That lemon scent from the herb is given off whenever you brush the plant and the leaves cab be used fresh in cooking, desserts, preserves, or to brew into teas.

Lemon verbena is hardy is US hardiness zones 8-11, however, it can be easily grown year-after-year in cooler climates through taking cuttings in late summer or early fall. Take semi-ripe cuttings of healthy stems to root indoors and grow over winter.

If you are seeking other aromatic herbs that can be grown from cuttings in September, the likes of lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage can all easily be propagated through semi-ripe cuttings this month.

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FAQs

Can you take lavender cuttings in September?

September is an ideal time to propagate lavender from cuttings. This simple and reliable method can give you lots of new lavender plants to add to your garden. It is key to pick non-flowering and healthy lavender shoots and root them out of direct sunlight. Lavender should root quickly from cuttings and they can be overwintered successfully in a greenhouse.

Can I take geranium cuttings in September?

Tender geraniums, also known commonly as pelargoniums, are not hardy and these geraniums need to be overwintered. Taking cuttings is a sensible way to ensure you have more of these plants in case the worst happens and September is a good time to propagate them from cuttings. Tender geraniums can be propagated in soil or in water this month.

Can you take rose cuttings in September?

Rose cuttings are most commonly done as hardwood or softwood cuttings, which should be done in winter and late spring respectively. The third option is to take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall. These cuttings can be taken in September and should root in 6-8 weeks.

If taking all those cuttings this month has wet your appetite for getting ahead for next year, there are flowers to plant in September that can give you early blooms in spring. By sowing flower seeds and starting to plant spring bulbs this month, your garden can be full of color come spring next year.

If you're lucky enough to have a warm patio area that receives plenty of sunlight, there's no doubt you'll want to take advantage and use this space to grow a whole range of plants. Sunny patios are also the perfect spot for summer hosting, so greening up your space can make it more inviting for guests.

The good news is that there are plenty of patio ideas that can be adapted to sunny patios. Unlike a more limited range of plants for a shady patio, there are lots of plants that thrive in sunnier environments and will benefit from patio container planting.

With so much choice, where do you get started? Look no further - here are the top 5 plants experts recommend growing on a sunny patio.

5 plants for a sunny patio

Sunny patio plants will work particularly well if you have a south-facing garden or south-facing balcony where these sun-lovers can have all-day access to sunlight. Here are the best plants for a sunny patio to get you started.

1. Citrus trees

If you're a keen fruit and vegetable gardener and are looking for ways to extend your kitchen garden to your patio will beautiful edible plants, opting for citrus trees in a sunny spot is ideal.

'Potted citrus like lemon or lime trees are a beautiful addition to a sunny patio. They require plenty of sunlight and thrive in warm climates,' says Evan Torchio, tree expert and CEO of Tree Mender. 'Just be sure to grow citrus indoors during freezing temperatures,' he adds.

Citrus trees, whether its orange, lemon or lime, tend to thrive across US hardiness zone 8 to zone 10, and you can get many different potted citrus trees that will work for a patio - like this Semi-Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree from Nature Hills.

During summer, take care to also fertilize citrus trees to encourage an abundant harvest.

2. Rosemary

Why not dedicate a section of your patio to creating a herb garden, as many herbs require plenty of sunlight to thrive for longer. One of the most popular herbs that grows well in sunlight is rosemary.

Rosemary thrives in US hardiness zone 8 and higher, requiring lots of warmth for new growth. It's also one of the most aromatic herbs and is a perfect plant to make your patio smell nice.

Harvest rosemary from your sunny patio to cook with, and take care to prune rosemary so that it continues to grow lusciously.

Find rosemary plants from supermarkets, like these rosemary starter plants from Walmart.

3. Zinnias

While you may be concerned that direct sunlight will scorch leaves and petals, there are actually plenty of flowering plants that thrive best in a full sun position.

'Zinnias are vibrant flowers come in many compact and shorter varieties that love the heat,' says Laura Janney, founder of The Inspired Garden. 'Zinnias are available in a range of colors and textures and will bloom more the more you cut them. Plus, they're deer-resistant plants,' she adds.

You should deadhead zinnias after blooming to encourage further growth and more flowers. They do well in container gardens because they do best when well-drained.

Grow these colorful blooms in US hardness zone 2 to zone 11 using these zinnia seeds from Walmart.

4. Echeverias

For lovers of Mediterranean gardens, having a sunny patio can work in your favor as many Mediterranean plants will do well here. Succulents like echeverias, for example, are great additions for summer patio planting.

These rosette-forming succulents come in a wide range of colors and shapes that mean you can find the right one to uplift your patio space. They're popular for creating outdoor table centerpieces, putting on an impressive when planted en masse.

To add to their desert-feel, you can pot echeverias up in terracotta planters. This will also aid essential drainage, thanks to the porous material of the clay.

They will do best in the warmer climates of US hardiness zone 9 to zone 11, and it's wise to bring them indoors for winter to provide these succulents with winter care.

Find echeveria plants from a range of suppliers, like this Echeveria Elegans from Nature Hills.

5. Lavender

Plenty of container plants for pollinators will also do well on a sunny patio, such as lavender. This purple flowering plant is a classic for sunny positions, blooming profusely during late spring and summer.

'When these plants flower, bees and other pollinators enjoy them greatly and they are so beautiful to look at when visiting your patio,' says Sarah Warner, greenhouse manager and plant expert at the Case Western Reserve University Farm.

Many varieties of lavender are drought-tolerant and will do well in a sunny spot across US hardiness zone 5 to zone 10. Take care to prune lavender to encourage further blooming and harvest lavender to use in the kitchen.

You can try growing lavender from seed with these lavender seeds from Gardening Know How.

FAQs

How can I create shade on my sunny patio?

There are plenty of ways to create patio shade so that you can sit somewhere cool during hotter days. Whether you choose the best low-maintenance trees for pots to create some canopies over your patio, invest in the best patio gazebos or umbrellas or even add patio curtains for pergola shade, you can still take advantage of a warmer patio without overheating during summer.

Having a sunny patio provides a whirlwind of opportunities for growing some of the most beautiful and bright plants throughout summer. From trees to flowers, there are so many plants to choose from that will work well in this space.

If you're looking for ways to extend your garden indoors, check out our expert guide to the best indoor plants for direct sunlight which will work well near south-facing windows.

Martha Stewart's garden is a treasure trove of flora and fresh produce, serving as a constant inspiration for our own planting ideas. As the seasons change and progress, so too does Stewart's Instagram page and blog, which we keep (literal) tabs on.

Her latest venture comes in the form of brilliant, purple blooms. 'Gorgeous flowers are blooming in my gardens such as these purple and lavender larkspurs.' Stewart states in the caption of her recent Instagram post.

A member of the delphinium family, experts say that larkspurs are a gorgeous flower to grow at home, and also come in a few color variations.

'Larkspurs are romantic cottage garden plants that are hard to beat when grown in the yard,' says gardens content editor at Homes & Gardens, Thom Rutter. 'As Martha Stewart shows, tall flowering stems of lavender, pink, and white are right now filling borders, containers, and meadows with striking colors, often seen buzzing and humming with pollinators who adore these nectar-rich flowers.'

Larkspurs are truly a seasonal flower; as Rutter explains, these blooms don't last beyond a few months, but with proper care and attention, it makes their short lives very worth it.

'When considering how to grow larkspur, it is vital to remember while they are in the same genus - plant family - as delphiniums, larkspurs are different plants,' he explains. 'Larkspurs, or Consolida ajacis, are some of the best annual flowers, meaning that they germinate, grow, bloom and die all within one season. The delphiniums that most gardeners will know and love, with big and bold pale blue blooms, tend to be biennials or short-lived perennials.'

Proper conditions are crucial to a larkspur's growth. As such, Rutter recommends a few key practices in order to maintain these elegant flowers and ensure they grow to their full potential.

'Many different larkspur varieties look good in a flower garden or when placed in a vase indoors,' he says. 'These plants typically need a sunny spot with moist but well-draining soil, and with regular deadheading, these blooms can last long into the fall. One of my favorite larkspur varieties is Consolida ajacis 'Misty Lavender' - which produces delicate lilac-purple blooms on tall stems, a real showstopper when planted in the yard.'

For those with ample garden space like Stewart, we can't picture any better location for larkspurs than a wide, open field.

While it's common to buy already-established lavender plants, it is also possible to grow lavender from seed. Doing so can be a fun activity and a good way to use any seeds from your existing lavender plants for a doubled display next summer.

You can harvest lavender seeds after they have finished flowering at the end of summer. If you live in US hardiness zone 5 to zone 10, planting seeds is a simple and free way to propagate lavender for an abundant purple display the following year.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planting lavender seeds if you want successful germination. Here's what experts told us about how to plant lavender seeds.

The best way to plant lavender seeds for sucessful germination

Lavender is a garden staple thanks to its easy growing habit, and tolerance of poor soil. But did you know you can collect seeds from existing plants and use them to double your lavender display for free? Here's all you need to know for successful growing.

Prepare your lavender seeds before planting

'Growing lavender from seed may not be the most common way to propagate this popular plant, but it is perfectly doable and there are just a few little hurdles to overcome for success,' says Drew Swainston, former professional gardener and content editor at Homes & Gardens.

The key to success with sowing seeds indoors is ensuring they are in the right condition to germinate. 'The first important step is to give seeds a period of cold stratification ahead of planting them. This means subjecting the seeds to a period of cold for a few weeks, which will encourage them to follow their natural life cycle and improve the likelihood of germination,' says Drew. 'To do this, place the seeds in some moist soil in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator,' he adds.

Knowing when to plant lavender can make all the difference, so you should aim to sow lavender seeds after a few weeks of cold stratification. 'It's better to start it indoors roughly 12 weeks before the last frost,' notes Veronica Sparks, garden and homesteading expert from Homesteading Suburbia.

Provide the right conditions for seed germination

You can sow your lavender seeds onto the surface of compost and cover with a thin layer of compost. 'Lavender seeds want light to germinate so do not cover them with too much,' notes Drew.

Keep them somewhere warm to encourage germination. 'Somewhere between 70-75°F,' says Drew. 'The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged,' he adds. You might find a DIY indoor greenhouse useful for germination, but take care to provide air circulation so that the soil doesn't hold on to excess moisture - a common seed sowing mistake that risks failed germination or even killing off seedlings.

'Lavender seeds do take their time to germinate and can take up to a month before you’ll see the first signs of life,' Drew notes.

Plant lavender seeds at home

FAQs

When should I transplant lavender seedlings?

Lavender seedlings will start appearing after around a month of the seeds being planted. It's best to then transplant lavender outdoors when the weather warms up in spring, after the risk of late frost has passed - around 12 weeks after planting your seeds is when the seedlings should be larger enough to plant up.

Planting lavender seeds is simple to do and with the right care, you can encourage seedlings to grow. Within just a few weeks, you'll have lavender seedlings ready to grow outdoors for a vibrant, summer display.

Read up on how to winterize lavender so you can keep your plants in a healthy condition through the colder months.

Getting to grips with companion planting can be the key to success for a thriving garden. It entails pairing plants together that will protect each other from pests and encourage healthy growth.

There's a bit of an art to companion planting, with many factors to consider. 'To successfully grow lavender, you can pair it with plants that thrive in similar conditions: well-draining soil and full sun,' says garden designer Laura Janney. You will also want to take into account the plants that can keep pests away and even aesthetic factors, such as complementing colors.

But where do you get started when there are so many possibilities? Look no further; we've compiled an expert list of the best lavender companion plants so that you can curate a perfect display for your yard.

8 lavender companion plants

When it comes to lavender, there are lots of plants that make suitable companion plants. We've narrowed it down to eight of the best lavender companion plants for you to choose from.

1. Thyme

It's no secret that lavender is loved for its strong aroma, making it a popular option for a fragrant garden. Choosing other aromatic herbs can make for good companion planting, like growing thyme.

'Thyme's wonderful aroma complements lavender’s scent, creating a delightful sensory experience,' says Laura. 'Its soft texture provides a lovely contrast to lavender’s vertical structure,' she adds.

Thyme is also among the plants that can help with lavender pests and problems. 'It has natural insect-repelling qualities, enhancing the garden's pest defense,' says Laura.

US hardiness zone 5 is where thyme will thrive best, but it can be grown across most zones. Find thyme starter plants from supermarkets, like this thyme plant from Walmart.

2. Rosemary

Like growing thyme, growing rosemary near lavender can enhance the aroma of your garden. The combination of all three can be a great way to create a herb garden.

'Both native to the Mediterranean, lavender and rosemary work well together,' says Laura. Both rosemary and lavender have similar growing requirements, so it's effective to plant them together.

'Note that rosemary doesn’t winter well in colder climates,' Laura adds. Rosemary will thrive in US hardiness zone 8 and zone 9 and it can be a good idea to overwinter rosemary, as well as winterize lavender.

Find rosemary plants from a range of suppliers, like this this rosemary plant from Walmart.

3. Roses

If you're looking for other plants to grow in your well-draining soil beside lavender, consider planting roses. The good news is, there are plenty of rose varieties to choose from, so you can find the best one for your space.

'The lushness of lavender can hide the legginess of roses, and lavender attracts ladybugs which eat aphids that are drawn to roses,' says Laura. 'The soft, airy texture of lavender complements smaller, dense rose bushes, and their combined scents are heavenly,' she adds.

Planting lavender at the base of rose bushes can help to create an attractive display, as Laura notes. Lavender is also a great rose companion plants to help combat rose pests.

The type of rose will determine the US hardiness zone it grows in, but roses can generally be grown across US hardiness zone 7 to zone 9.

4. Citrus trees

To enhance your kitchen garden even further, try planting lavender near your citrus trees.

'Lavender attracts pollinators, which are essential for citrus trees,' Laura notes.

Citrus tree care can be very particular, and having the help of pollinators can encourage a more abundant harvest. Lavender is one of the best flowers that attract bees, so having this purple flower near your citrus trees can enhance pollination.

Lavender is also a plant that can help get rid of aphids, a pest that often targets citrus trees.

Citrus trees tend to grow best across US hardiness zone 8 to zone 10. You can find citrus trees from a range of suppliers, like this Meyer Lemon Tree from Fast Growing Trees.

5. Alliums

To make a garden for pollinators, try planting allium bulbs with lavender. Allium varieties like Allium 'Purple Sensation' can also add to your purple plants display.

'The similar color palette creates a soothing visual in the garden. The bold, round blooms of allium contrast nicely with lavender’s small, delicate buds, adding a wonderful accent,' says Laura.

You might also choose to plant edible alliums, like growing garlic, in your kitchen garden alongside lavender.

Depending on the variety, alliums can grow well across US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9. Find alliums from online nurseries, like this Millenium Allium from Nature Hills.

6. Marigold

Arguably one of the best companion plants to repel insects, marigolds are often used in vegetable gardens and are a great option to plant near lavender to keep pests away.

'Drought-tolerant like lavender, marigolds have one of the strongest scents in the garden and excel at repelling insects,' says Laura. 'Their bold, compact form contrasts beautifully with lavender’s long stems and airy appearance,' she adds.

You can grow marigolds from seed and grow marigolds in pots, making them versatile and easy to move around to different areas of your yard to keep pests away.

Marigolds can grow across US hardiness zone 2 to zone 11. Try growing marigolds with this marigold grow kit from Nature Hills.

7. Catmint

Just as lavender is drought-tolerant, it can be a good idea to choose other plants for your drought-tolerant landscaping. This includes catmint, a purple flowering herb that has a similar appearance to lavender.

'Drought-tolerant and sun-loving, catmint has a similar purple hue. It's more rounded, yet still has a soft and dreamy appearance,' says Laura.

Take care to prune catmint after flowering to encourage returning blooms next spring.

It will grow best across US hardiness zone 3 to zone 8 and can be bought from a range of suppliers, like this catmint from Walmart.

8. Sage

If your planting isn't smelling enough for you just yet, why not grow sage with your lavender? Sage is a good pest-repellent plant thanks to its strong aroma, helping to keep surrounding plants safe from pest damage.

'This herb pairs wonderfully with lavender. Its muted green hue complements the soothing color of lavender, and it adds a lovely scent to the garden,' says Laura.

'Companion plants not only thrive alongside lavender but also enhance the overall beauty and functionality of your garden,' she adds.

Grow sage in US hardiness zone 4 to zone 10 for an earthy addition to your herb garden. Find starter plants at supermarkets, like this sage plant from Walmart.

FAQs

What shouldn't be planted next to lavender?

When it comes to companion planting, it's key to choose plants that all thrive in the same conditions. Lavender is considered fairly drought-tolerant and therefore doesn't work well with plants that require a higher moisture level, such as ferns and azaleas. Always research optimal growing conditions before pairing plants together.

Choosing the right companion plants can help your lavender thrive - try planting these ones and watch your lavender display bloom. You can explore our expert ideas for landscaping with lavender for more ways to use lavender in your backyard.

Ticks are one of those pests you want to avoid having in your yard to protect both family members and pets. These bloodsucking insects can pass on dangerous diseases from host to host when they latch onto skin.

One of the best methods for repelling ticks in your yard is choosing plants that these little critters are naturally deterred by. Like mosquito repellent plants and snail repellent plants, there are lots of plants that ticks can't stand - largely due to aromas that set off their sensitive sense of smell.

We've compiled an expert list of the best tick repellent plants, so that you can incorporate the right ones in your yard to protect others and yourself from the danger they pose.

5 tick repellent plants

Keep ticks away from your yard by growing tick repellent plants. We spoke to experts and they said that these are the best plants for naturally deterring these pests and making your yard safe.

1. Rosemary

The best way to repel ticks is by designing a fragrant garden. Like many other pests, strong aromas are a natural deterrent and some of the most successful deterrent plants are aromatic herbs like rosemary.

'Rosemary is considered the most effective in repelling ticks. This is because it contains strong aromatic compounds such as camphor and cineole that disrupt the tick's sensory perception,' says Nicole Carpenter pest control expert and President of Black Pest Prevention.

'What makes rosemary more effective than other plants is its high concentration of these repellent compounds. To protect yourself from ticks, plant rosemary in areas where you spend a lot of time outdoors,' she adds.

Rosemary does well across US hardiness zone 8 and zone 9, enjoying a full sun position best. It can be a good idea to grow rosemary around your outdoor living room or where children play to prevent any ticks latching on to any unsuspecting visitors in your yard.

You can find rosemary plants from supermarkets, like this rosemary plant from Walmart.

2. Lavender

Another fragrant option, gardeners have long been using lavender to deter ticks and other pests – it's a great snake repellent plant, mouse repellent plant and tick repellent plant.

'Lavender essential oil has been proven to repel ticks. Thankfully, lavender is visually pleasing and provides a pleasant scent to humans, making it the perfect addition to a garden,' says Rocky Beninato, pest control expert and founder at Quality Affordable Pest Control.

Lavender is easy to grow, thriving in US hardiness zones 5 to 10. It enjoys plenty of sun and you should also keep on top of pruning lavender to encourage longer blooming and returning blooms.

Another bonus is that lavender is a great plant for pollinators and choosing to have this plant in your yard will bring plenty of bees and butterflies, while keeping ticks away.

Find lavender plants online, like this Grosso Lavender from Nature Hills.

3. Chrysanthemums

It's a known fact that chrysanthemums can deter ants and other insects, thanks to its natural repellent qualities.

'Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, an ingredient often used in natural insect repellents,' says Nicole. 'Pyrethrum in chrysanthemums works on a chemical level and affects the nerve cells of ticks, which leads to loss of coordination and paralysis of the tick,' she adds.

Growing chrysanthemums is straightforward, so long as they are grown in a sunny spot and maintain a happy moisture level. These beautiful flowers thrive in US hardiness zone 5 to zone 9 and can be grown from seed, like with these chrysanthemum seeds from Amazon.

You can also keep chrysanthemums blooming for longer by deadheading them and providing optimal care - this way you will have a colorful display through spring and fall that keeps your yard free of ticks.

4. Marigolds

Another flower that is known to deter pests, are marigolds. Marigolds keep bugs away due to their strong fragrance, making them one of the best pest repellent plants.

'Marigolds have a strong scent that deters ticks and also contain terpenes, thiophenes and pyrethrins, which are known for their insect repellent properties. Ticks avoid areas planted with marigolds,' notes Nicole.

It can be a good idea to grow marigolds in the areas of your yard that you use most to deter ticks, as well as planting marigolds in your vegetable garden to protect crops from other pests.

Marigolds will bloom from spring to fall, thriving in US hardiness zone 2 to zone 11. Provide them with a sunny position and make sure to deadhead marigolds after flowering to encourage continuous display.

Try growing marigolds with this marigold grow kit from Nature Hills.

5. Lemongrass

If you want to create a tick repellent barrier, growing lemongrass is an effective solution. This scented herb can grow to around 3 feet tall and gives off strong citrus smell that drives ticks away,

'Lemongrass, just like citronella grass, lemon balm and lemon eucalyptus, contains citronella, a compound that is effective in repelling ticks,' says Nicole.

It's also among the best wasp repellent plants and you can harvest lemongrass to cook with. It grows best in US hardiness zone 10 and 11 and is a valuable addition to herb gardens. You can also try planting it among ornamental grasses for privacy to create garden screening.

Find lemongrass plants online, like these lemongrass plants from Walmart.

FAQs

How do I protect my yard from ticks?

There are a number of things you can to do repel ticks in your yard. As well as growing tick repellent plants, you can cut back your lawn to remove hiding spots for ticks, use tick repellent sprays and create barriers. If you think you might have a tick problem in your yard, the best thing to do is seek pest control help and check that anyone and any pets who have been in your yard doesn't have ticks on them.

Growing tick repellent plants is an effective way to naturally deter these pests from your yard. The strong scents of certain plants is too much for ticks to handle and will steer them away. If you think you might have a tick problem in your yard, you might find our expert guide on why ticks are in your yard helpful.

Summer container ideas come into their own in the warmer weather, with a wide selection of flowering plants to choose from that are at their very best. From ideas for large patios and decks to more modest terraces and balconies where space is tight, there are plenty of planting ideas that will work for you.

A simple mix of color, texture and form using containers in a variety of heights and sizes has maximum impact. Whether you like tiny terracotta pots featuring individual flowers or large tubs packed with a range of plants of varying textures, you'll be needing ideas and inspiration on how to create successful color schemes and planting combinations that work for your space.

Our brilliant selection of simple summer container planting ideas will inspire you to freshen up your garden with instant displays of vibrant summer plants that will last for months. 

Create instant impact with these 11 summer container planting ideas

Want to fill your outdoor space with stunning planting combinations this summer? Our expert tips and tricks will help you tick all right boxes. 

1. Opt for low-maintenance summer blooms

Plant up easy-care, brightly colored pelargoniums in containers to create a lovely summery mood. Pelargoniums promise abundant and continuous blooms, and these diverse flowering beauties score highly with their bright colors. They also require very little care.

To ensure the plants develop well, the containers should have a diameter of about 8in or hold at least two litres of soil.

You can plant pelargoniums individually in pots and place several next to each other to build up a central display for your patio gardening ideas. They will thrive in even the smallest pots and won't need lots of watering either. In full sun to partial shade locations, standing, semi-trailing and trailing pelargoniums are ideal as a planting theme.

2. Create a seasonal display with a stylish window box

Sleek steel window boxes, like this one from Wayfair, will look stylish planted up simply with one variety of flower such as these dainty mauve scabious. As well as for working on window sills of period properties, window box ideas like this look just as good in a modern aesthetic.

Scabious is also known as the pincushion flower because of its shape and comes in a range of colors, from white through various shades of blue to darkest burgundy. It makes an excellent filler in summer container ideas but also looks good on its own. It's a long flowering plant that's loved by pollinating insects too. Just remember to keep snipping off any faded flowers to keep new blooms coming all summer long.

3. Fill a hanging basket with tumbling flowers

Make a great first impression at the front of your property with some summer plants for hanging baskets crammed with beautiful blooms to give you loads of pleasure right through the warmest months of the year. Plant plenty of colorful blooms and lush foliage that will spill generously over the edges of the basket to create a naturalistic look.

Some of the best plants for hanging baskets include Calibrachoa (million bells) with its trumpet-like flowers in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, red, yellow, orange and white. Team this with clouds of dainty lobelia, and trailing petunias, which come in a range of colors from white to dark purple – and look out especially for the gorgeous petunias with ruffled double blooms that will add a touch of luxe to your look.

4. Try an unstructured look for your summer container

Loose and airy planting of flowers like cosmos, achillea and verbena bonariensis lets you create a wonderfully natural and unstructured look in your summer container ideas. Walmart has a great deal on 6 verbena starter plants. 

Offering sumptuous color all summer long, a trailing petunia like the 'Tidal Wave Red' pictured above looks wonderful with its rich, velvety red flowers spilling over the edges of a pot. It thrives in full sun and moderately fertile well-drained soil, and will flower from late spring to the first frosts.

Petunias are a versatile choice for seasonal containers. Choose from trumpet shaped or double ruffled blooms, or more subtle ones featuring delicate marbling detail on their petals. They look particularly spectacular planted in a solid color block of magenta pink, inky purple or dark crimson. 

5. Combine a fragrant mix of lavender and summer herbs

Scented herbs such as thyme and rosemary, and flowers like lavender can be combined in pretty summer container ideas that appeal to the senses as well as being a handy option for the kitchen. Hailing mostly from the Mediterranean these tough drought-tolerant plants combine to create a tapestry of muted soft grey-green and pale blue colors that's easy on the eye.

Mediterranean plants like a sunny position if they’re going to thrive and they do well in poor soil, so this means they're easy and low maintenance when combined in a container. 

The mild winters and hot dry summers of the Mediterranean lends itself to hardy and low-growing plants that like these conditions including lavender and herbs. So if your garden gets plenty of sun and you have mild winters, a summer container planted up with these will suit your space well.

6. Style up a summer container with succulents

If you've been learning how to care for succulents, filling a summer container with them is a beautiful and versatile alternative to traditional planting schemes, and it’s so easy to do. There's such a huge range of succulents available now that you'll have a hard time choosing a look. Plus, they make a great option if you're creating an outdoor table centerpiece. 

Go for a combo that works well in terms of shapes, colors and textures. A good place to start is by checking out common succulent varieties like echeveria, sedum, sempervivum and aeonium.

Try to vary the colors of your succulent garden to include a mix of greens, reds and mauves. Most of the plants used in this container will be available from your local garden center or nursery, or you can find assorted succulent packs such as this one from Amazon.

Use plenty of grit with the compost to create the well-drained soil that succulents love and go easy on the watering too.

7. Fill hanging planters with pelargoniums

Happy go lucky pelargoniums are one of the varieties of flowering plants that are happy planted up on their own in quite small pots that can then be grouped together to create a display, such as these pretty hanging planters. They're one of the best balcony plants too as they don't take up much space.

They are a great choice if you haven't got much time and are looking for low-maintenance plants as they don't need a lot of watering or care. Just remember to keep snipping off any faded flowers to keep on enjoying the Mediterranean vibe.

8. Add height and texture to pots with ornamental grasses

Rhythmic planting of airy ornamental grasses in summer containers creates texture and interest, as well as an understated elegance. The choice is huge as they come in a range of eye-catching colors and textures, everything from rich gold and luminous silver to inky black and lush green varieties. 

You can discover a wide range of ornamental grasses at Nature Hills. 

The trick to add that special wow factor is to plant one type of ornamental grass in a container to maximize the impact rather than mixing them in with other plants as a filler. The shimmering grass becomes the star of the show rather than the supporting act. 

Grasses can be the crowning glory of even the smallest urban garden. They look after themselves, don’t need watering or feeding, and require no deadheading, which makes them a definite plus if you’re looking for low-maintenance options. 

Generally undemanding about soil, they enjoy dry conditions, so add some horticultural grit to the compost when planting up your container.

9. Plant up vintage-look containers for summer color

Old containers, pots and planters can be picked up in thrift stores and online. As well as looking good they have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive, making them a brilliant option if you're looking for inexpensive garden ideas. This old tin bath is planted with lupins, zinnia, pelargoniums, foxgloves and ivy for an untamed look that's right on trend.

Galvanised tubs and buckets are great and widely available - these oval galvanized tubs from Walmart are exactly what you need to get the look. Remember to add drainage holes in the bottom if you find one. This will help prolong their life as you don’t want the bottom to rot. Using plenty of grit or other drainage material in the base too will ensure any water flows through freely.

10. Pick white flowers for an elegant summer vibe

Choosing one color for your planting scheme is an easy way to create a professional look for your containers, and none is more elegant than white.

Bright and breezy daisy-like cosmos add height, floaty texture and luminous white flowers to containers all summer long. They’re easy to grow, love the sun and don’t need much looking after. Just snip off the flowers as they fade and more will keep coming.

Fill out your display with verbena to add another layer of abundant, pure white blooms. Very easy to grow, they will flower reliably all summer as long as your container is in a sunny spot and has well-drained compost.

Both cosmos and verbena are easy choices if you're new to summer container ideas, and they both come in jewel bright colors too if you're looking for a bolder look for your garden color scheme.

11. Choose sustainably and opt for eco containers

If you're interested in creating a sustainable garden, look for eco-friendly containers made from recycled materials like rubber, plastic, fibreglass and crushed stone, many of which are frost proof and will not fade, rot or crack so they're good buys long-term too as they won't need replacing so often. 

Try also looking for terracotta pots at salvage yards and upcycling old drawers for your planter box ideas as another way to reuse existing materials. Large catering cans that previously held olive oil or pureed tomatoes and old wooden wine boxes are also good options.

FAQs

What can I plant in a summer container?

For ideas on what to plant in a summer container think about what you would most like to grow as there are no hard and fast rules. In fact, most things will work given the right growing conditions and it's a great opportunity to try out new ideas.

It can help to choose a theme such as grouping together plants that are bee friendly, a particular color or scented. Alternatively focus on the position of your container and choose plants that will thrive in either a sunny or shady spot according to the location and conditions.

If you're interested in growing vegetable in pots, containers are ideal for creating a mini-veg garden especially if space is tight. Salad leaves like lettuce and rocket, herbs such as parsley and basil, edible flowers like nasturtiums, chillies, tomatoes and dwarf French beans are all good crops to try.

Likewise if you would like to try your hand at growing fruit, such as raspberries in pots, berries and dwarf or miniature fruit tree varieties are the way to go. Try strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants, while lemons and figs are good mini-tree options too.

The range of plants, flowers and vegetables you can grow throughout the summer containers is vast, so you're bound to find plenty of varieties to suit you. Try out our herb planter ideas for even more inspiration.

Pests are an all too common issue for all vegetable growers. It is something we all have to face and there are different approaches to take against the list of pests who want to feast on the leaves, stems, and fruit of vegetable plants.

Far too often, the first move is to reach for the bottles of chemical pesticides to deal with pest problems. However, taking proactive steps to avoid potential pest problems is a much-preferred way to have a flourishing pest-free vegetable garden.

Companion planting is a fantastic method to protect your vegetables and you can combine beauty with usefulness. This is because there are some great flowers to grow that will look amazing and protect your crops from all manner of nasties.

8 flowers for vegetable garden pest control

Planting any of the flowers below can be valuable when planning a vegetable garden as they can deter a wide range of pests. Organic gardening options and using natural companions as pest control should always be the preferred option to deal with pest issues. Here are 8 fantastic plants to deter pests in vegetable gardens.

1. Calendula

Calendula are annual flowers that are easy to grow from seed. The flowers come in bright colors - in shades of yellow, orange, and gold - as calendula are both attractive and useful plants to add to a vegetable garden. As well as looking good and deterring a long list of pests, calendula are edible flowers too.

Calendula are also known as pot marigolds, but they are not to be confused with marigolds. Despite being called pot marigolds, calendula is not a true marigold. It is in a different family and originates from a different part of the world - it can be confusing.

Known to repel: Whitefly, aphids, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, squash beetle, corn earworm

Discover the range of calendula seeds to sow at Burpee

2. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums - commonly known as mums - are great perennial plants that harbour a secret that makes them great for companion planting. The blooms of chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide and a common ingredient in many natural insect repellents.

It means that planting chrysanthemums can deter ants and many other pests, while the blooms of the flowers can also be turned into homemade bug sprays. Either plant mums individually around plants you want to protect or add a row of them to create a border around vegetable beds or raised beds.

Known to repel: Ants, whiteflies, ticks, mosquitos, thrips, spider mites, beetles, aphids

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are bright and cheery additions to any garden. They are great flowers to attract bees and other insects - which can perform natural pest control for you. Marigolds also keep bugs away and repel many pests from eating your precious crops. There are different types of marigolds and the French marigolds and signet types are the best for companion planting.

Marigolds are particularly efficient at repelling root-knot nematodes, and other nematodes, due to the chemicals emitted from their roots. These plants are also known to attract slugs and snails so can be used as trap plants to keep them away from other vegetables. Overall, it is highly recommended to plant marigolds in a vegetable garden.

Known to repel: Nematodes. cabbage moths, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, Mexican bean beetles, flies, wasps, mosquitoes

Discover the range of marigold flower seeds at True Leaf Market

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are beneficial to use as trap plants, to attract beneficial predatory insects to help get rid of aphids and other pests, and to repel bugs too. You can not turn up your nose at those three benefits of planting nasturtium - I have commonly grown them in vegetable gardens as part of natural pest control. The plants are also bright and attractive, coming in a range of colors, and both their flowers and leaves are edible.

Known to repel: Cucumber beetle, squash bug, cabbage worms, Mexican bean beetle, Colorado potato beetle, whiteflies

5. Hyssop

Hyssop is a great herb to grow and its flowers are fantastic too. The spikes of blue or purple flowers appear during summer and they are great plants for pollinators - adding this unusual herb to a vegetable plot will attract bees to the garden.

Hyssop is a perennial herb that contains essential oils and has a strong aroma that repels many pests. It is particularly beneficial to plant hyssop when growing cabbages, as they repel cabbage moths and cabbageworm. These pesky pests can also attack other vegetables in the brassica family like kale, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Known to repel: Cabbage moths, cabbage worms

6. Borage

Borage is an annual plant that will set seed around the garden to reappear year after year. It produces glorious star-shaped blue flowers that are loved by bees and other pollinators. The blooms and leaves are also both edible.

Borage is a great tomato companion plant as it deters tomato hornworms - a major tomato pest that will chew leaves and defoliate plants. It is also a great partner for brassicas as it repels cabbage worms and cabbage moths. The beneficial insects attracted to borage will eat many other pests too and, for example, it is also a perfect companion plant for strawberries.

Known to repel: Tomato hornworm, cabbage moth, cabbage worm

7. Nepeta

Nepeta is a fantastic pest-repellent plant that can look fabulous in a cottage garden border or a vegetable garden. The best variety for deterring pests is catnip (Nepeta cataria).

It is a perennial that produces an abundance of spikes full of small white flowers that can bloom throughout the summer and into fall. There is a long list of pests nepeta will repel, making the plant an ideal companion for many vegetable garden crops.

Known to repel: Japanese beetle, aphids, Colorado potato beetle, mosquitoes, cabbage looper, flea beetle, squash bug

8. Petunia

Petunias are popular annuals for flower beds and borders, pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. However, they should also be planted in the vegetable garden. The simple-to-grow plants come in many different types, sizes, and colors and can bloom from spring through to the first frosts.

Petunias are a great option to plant if you grow potatoes, squash, tomatoes, or beans, as they can repel many common pests that trouble these crops.

Known to repel: Aphids, squash bugs, tomato hornworm, Mexican bean beetle, asparagus beetle, leafhoppers

See the range of petunia flower seeds at True Leaf Market

FAQs

Does lavender repel bugs?

Lavender does repel some garden pests, including aphids, mosquitoes, and moths, with its strong fragrance. There are many lavender varieties to pick from and English lavender has a stronger fragrance than French lavender. Lavandin is a hybrid plant and part of the lavender family - it features a more intense scent than other types of lavender.

Does mint keep bugs away?

Mint is another aromatic herb that can repel garden pests with its fragrance. It is thought that mint varieties such as spearmint and peppermint are the best options for repelling pests, including mites, spiders, and mosquitoes.

You can reap the pest control benefits of any of the above flowers in productive gardens of any size. It can be as simple as adding small pots of beneficial flowers to a small vegetable garden or a vegetable container garden to keep away pests. You can enjoy the flowers safe in the knowledge that the pests will not and that means better vegetables to harvest.

Did you know that the pests we find bothersome, indoors and out, can be deterred by scents that we love? Better still, the majority of these scents are natural and easy to introduce to our home and backyard. 

From floral essential oils you can put in a diffuser, and pretty pest-repellent plants you can pot, to natural insecticides that can replace chemical alternatives, there's a wide range to choose from to tackle a whole host of bothersome insects. 

We talked to pest experts to discover which scents we love are hated by pests.

Scents common pests hate – and how to use them

From homemade bug sprays, to citrus reed diffusers and herbs, these nice-smelling scents can work wonders to deter garden pests. 

1. Citrus

We've all heard of cleaning with lemon juice, but that's not the only home maintenance task lemons are good for – this gorgeous smell can also work well to repel pests. 

Brett Bennett, director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions adds: 'Many pests hate citrus scents. The strong lemon smell is popular for its mosquito-repellent properties. You can use citrus essential oils, and you can also find this scent in many candles or sprays.' 

As well as lemon, leaving orange peels around your patio can also help warn off insects. The peels contain limonene, a natural chemical that is toxic to insects yet harmless to plants and animals.

Another option for deterring pests with gorgeous scents is to plant out citronella shrubs, which, Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, says are amongst the best mosquito repellent plants and 'are an excellent natural pest repellent. Many mosquito repellents, for example, actually contain oil from the citronella shrub, but you can easily grow these shrubs for a more effective, around-the-clock deterrent. 

If you want to try citronella to repel mosquitoes, you can buy citronella plants at Walmart and local plant nurseries.

Rocky Beninato, founder and licensed exterminator at Quality Affordable Pest Control also adds, 'for spiders, ants, and silverfish, boil lemon or orange peels in water, then bottle and spray in areas where pests are seen. Citrus oil can also be combined with water and vinegar to create a cleaning solution.'

2. Lavender

Growing lavender is another yard-friendly way to deter pests and is one of the best plants for pollinators. It can be grown in borders or you can grow lavender in pots near your patio. 

'The smell of lavender can be so potent that it masks the smell of other plants, deterring pests who may be seeking out desirable plants,' explains Chrissie Handley, lawn care specialist at Online Turf. 'It targets mosquitoes, flies, and moths whilst attracting beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.'

And if pests are a problem in the home, too, you can grow lavender indoors, or dry lavender buds and put them in sachets. These can be placed anywhere you want to deter pests, such as in drawers and closets, or under furniture.

3. Natural insecticides

If you're looking for a lovely-smelling store-bought pest control solution, think 'natural insecticides,' says Mark Crames, CEO and chief perfumer of Demeter Fragrance. 'They have recently become a popular DIY method for lawn care, both for their cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly benefits. 

Using a natural alternative to harsh, chemical-based pesticides ensures that they’re not harmful to your plants and, as they biodegrade, reduce the risk of harmful chemical residue into the environment and ecosystem too. Plus, if they smell good that’s always a bonus.'

We like Amazon's Mighty Mint insect and pest control, diatomaceous earth peppermint powder, which kills and repels bugs, including getting rid of roaches naturally.

4. Cedar

If you're looking to get rid of moths, think: cedar. 

'Cedar is a naturally strong scent that repels clothing moths, mice, pantry moths, silverfish, carpet beetles, and even cockroaches in some cases,' says Rocky Beninato. 'Cedar blocks or balls can be hung in closets, on hangers, in garment bags, or placed in dressers to deter moths, particularly as they tend to target clothing. Cedar chips can also be filled in sachets and placed in cupboards, pantries, or near entry points.'

You can buy cedar blocks at Amazon – these are the best sellers.

5. Peppermint

'Peppermint targets moths but it can also help to get rid of fruit flies, get rid of earwigs, get rid of silverfish, centipedes, mice, mosquitoes, and it can help to keep spiders away,' says Rocky Beninato. 

'You can grow mint in pots outdoors or soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them in entry points, closets, or crawl spaces is an effective way to deter pests. You can also mix peppermint oil and water and use it as a spray around your home or garden.' You can even use peppermint oil to get rid of mice.

You can buy peppermint oil spray at Amazon – Mighty Mint peppermint oil insect and pest spray is the best buy.

6. Eucalyptus

'Eucalyptus is another scent that can repel cockroaches, pantry moths, mosquitoes, and fruit flies in many cases,' says Rocky Beninato. 

'Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus can be mixed with water and used as a spray solution. Fresh and dried eucalyptus can also be kept in your home in a vase, next to your sink, or hung in your shower, providing beautiful decor, pleasant odors, and pest control all in one.'

Organic eucalyptus essential oil is Amazon's top seller.

7. Herbs

Herbs, such as basil, thyme, and rosemary are some of the best fly-repellent plants and are amongst just some of the aromatic container plants that give off scents ants hate. 

Grow them indoors on windowsills or outdoors in containers around lounging and dining areas. You can also burn rosemary to deter pests, too.

8. Marigolds

Do marigolds keep bugs away? In short: yes, but only if you choose the strong scented varieties, such as French marigolds, at Walmart rather than modern varieties that don't give off the pungent aroma that pests hate. 

Growing marigolds in pots won't just keep pests away – they are also the perfect tomato companion plant, protecting them from bugs that like to eat your crop.

Similarly, pests hate the smell of chrysanthemums and petunias.

9. Tea tree

'Tea tree is another strong scent similar to peppermint that can help to get rid of pantry moths, spiders, lice, and centipedes,' says Rocky Beninato. 'It is a popular essential oil for cleaning purposes and head lice removal, so you may already have it on hand. Combining it with vinegar and water effectively cleans surfaces where pests have been seen.'

You can buy Organic Tea Tree Oil at Amazon. 

10. Bay leaves

'Bay Leaves are good for keeping pantry moths, cockroaches, mice, earwigs, and silverfish at bay,' advises Rocky Beninato. 

'Inside the home, you can use dried bay leaves in your pantry to deter pantry moths or in your sink and bathtub to prevent silverfish. You can also crush bay leaves in satchels and hang or place them where pests may be hiding.'

11. Spices

You can use spices to deter common garden pests. Those lovely-smelling spices that we love but pests hate include cinnamon (ants and silverfish), sugar-free vanilla extract (mosquitoes), and cloves (aphids).

FAQs

What perfume do bugs hate?

Bugs hate perfumes that contain citrus in particular. Think perfumes with extracts of lemon and orange, but also lemon verbena. Many insects also hate lavender and peppermint. Choosing room scents or diffusers with these scents will help make your home smell nice and repel bugsall in one.

If you're looking for a quick-to-find bug repellent that smells nice for your houseplants, dish soap is an excellent choice. Diluted in warm water to make a weak solution, and put into a spray bottle, it should be applied to both sides of the plant's leaves and all around the stem. Repeat as necessary. It can be used on garden plants, too.

It can be a joy to see different wildlife enjoying your yard, from pollinators to nocturnal garden wildlife. However, sometimes you will want to control which areas wildlife make use of so that they do not damage or disturb certain plants.

Mice are one of those garden critters that are cute to see but can cause damage by feeding on foliage, fruit, bulbs and more. But like snake repellent plants and fly repellent plants, you can make careful choices in your planting to naturally deter mice from particular areas in your yard. 'Mice try to avoid the environments where repellent plants are present because the scent of these plants prevents them from searching for food efficiently and detecting predators,' says Nicole Carpenter pest control expert and President of Black Pest Prevention.

Experts have shared the best mouse repellent plants to steer them away from your yard and ensure your plants don't become damaged by these curious rodents.

7 mouse repellent plants

There's no doubt that mice can be sweet to see but you might consider mouse repellent plants if you find they are damaging your plants. Experts share the best mouse repellent plants to naturally deter them from your yard.

1. Mint

One of the most effective mouse repellent plants is mint. There are plenty of mint varieties to choose from, some with stronger aromas than others.

'Mint, specifically peppermint, contains menthol, which mice find very unpleasant,' says Nicole. 'Plant peppermint around the perimeter of your property for higher effectiveness. By planting mint strategically, you create an anti-mice fence that protects your home and outdoor area from mice infestation,' she adds.

You can grow mint in many different ways, such as growing mint indoors and transplanting it or growing it straight outdoors as part of a kitchen garden. Make sure to prune mint plants to both harvest it and encourage further growth.

Find mint plants online, like these sweet mint plants from Walmart.

2. Rosemary

Along the same lines, rosemary is another aromatic herb to grow in your yard to deter mice. Growing rosemary is easy and rosemary deters mosquitoes as well as mice.

'Rosemary emits compounds that disrupt the olfactory system of mice, making it difficult for them to search for food and detect predators. This sensory confusion can deter them from entering an area,' says Nicole.

You can use rosemary in your yard in a range of ways, all of which are effective in naturally repelling mice.

'You can plant rosemary around your garden, use rosemary infused sprays or sprinkle dried rosemary,' says Rocky Beninato, pest control expert and founder at Quality Affordable Pest Control. 'Sometimes dried rosemary may be more potent, but would likely lose it's intense aroma once it rains,' he adds.

Make sure to prune rosemary during spring and summer to boost and encourage bushier growth.

This plant grows best in US hardiness zone 8 and zone 9 and can be bought from many nurseries, supermarkets and retailers, like these rosemary plants from Walmart.

3. Lavender

If you're looking for flowering plants that repel mice, consider growing lavender for a fragrant garden.

'Lavender follows the same logic as rosemary and mint, as it also has a strong smell,' says Rocky. 'Some people find lavender to be a more desirable scent than mint or rosemary, so it is often used indoors as well as an extra measure of protection against mice infestations,' he adds.

You can harvest lavender to dry it and keep it in your home, or grow lavender in pots to move it around. Planting it around the borders of your yard or in designated areas will help keep mice out of your planting.

Lavender is perennial and will grow back each year, just make sure to prune lavender after flowering to encourage returning blooms. It tends to thrive best in US hardiness zone 5 to zone 10.

Find the right lavender plant for your yard online, like this Grosso Lavender from Nature Hills.

4. Marigolds

It's no secret that gardeners grow marigolds to deter pests, and often you will find marigolds in vegetable gardens to protect crops.

'Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents,' says Nicole. 'Plant marigolds around your garden and home perimeter to deter mice and other rodents and insects,' she suggests.

These flowers are versatile and many will grow marigolds in pots for flexible moving and placing in different positions as needed. They thrive in a sunny spot and will grow well in US hardiness zone 2 to zone 11.

You can find marigold seeds to plant online, like these marigold seeds from Amazon.

5. Daffodils

For perennial flowering bulbs that will come back each year to deter mice, opt for planting daffodil bulbs.

'Daffodils, with their bright blooms, are not only visually appealing but also act as a deterrent against mice,' says pest control expert and entomologist David Price. 'The bulbs of daffodils contain alkaloids that are toxic to mice, thus providing a natural form of pest control when planted in gardens,' he adds.

You can brighten up a mouse repellent border by adding daffodils. Make sure to deadhead daffodils when their blooms start to fade and you'll be rewarded with returning blooms next spring.

'Daffodils can be harmful to pets, so avoid planting them in areas where pets can easily access them,' notes Nicole.

Daffodils grow best in US hardiness zone 3 to zone 8 and can be bought from many suppliers, like this double daffodil blend from Nature Hills.

6. Catnip

You can keep mice away from your yard by planting something that will make your pet cat happy - catnip, or Nepeta cataria. This purple plant will naturally deter mice from your yard, while providing pops of color to your planting.

'Catnip, while attracting cats, effectively repels rodents due to nepetalactone, the essential oil it produces,' says David.

It's also possible to use a catnip oil to spray around plants you would like to deter mice from.

'By using catnip, you kill two birds with one stone: in addition to repelling mice with a pungent smell of nepetalactone, you attract predators such as cats, which keep mice away and reduce their population,' says Nicole.

Catnip will thrive in US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9 and can be bought from a range of suppliers, like these catnip plants from Walmart.

7. Sage

If you're looking to expand your herb garden with even more fragrant plants that will keep mice away, consider growing sage.

'Sage contains volatile oils such as camphor and thujone, which are natural repellents,' says Nicole. 'Plant sage in garden beds or along borders where mice and other pests are likely to enter,' she adds.

Sage is versatile and can be grown in raised beds, as well we being a herb you can grow indoors and then transplant outside.

It does best in US hardiness zone 4 to zone 10 in a full sun position. Make sure to provide plenty of drainage for growth to be successful.

Shop for sage plants online, like this sage plant from Nature Hills.

FAQs

How do I mouse-proof my yard?

As well as planting mouse repellent plants in your yard to naturally deter these rodents, you can do a few things to mouse-proof your yard. Try keeping your backyard tidy to reduce the number of places for mice to nest. This includes cutting back overgrown plants. You should also try to keep waste bins secure so that mice don't make their way in to settle.

Mice can be a nuisance in your backyard if they feed on your fruit and foliage. It's best to incorporate mouse repellent plants in your garden if you want to naturally deter them.

If you want to find out about alternative ways to support wildlife in your yard, you might enjoy our feature on inspiring wildlife garden ideas.

Decorating with lavender is a refreshing color to incorporate into the home, especially at this time of year. 

Known to have calming qualities, lavender feels reminiscent of springtime and is a go-to hue for creating slightly feminine spaces, particularly in restful spaces such as bedrooms. 

From saturated lavenders to more muted variants of this color, lavender paints vary in intensity to cater to a wide range of room types and decor styles but are generally a less intense way of decorating with purple. We asked designers for their top picks to narrow down the very best among them. 

6 best lavender paints

For any of the below lavender paint ideas, it's worth considering which colors pair best with this pastel hue. Interior designer Robin Gannon shares her top color pairings: 

'I love lavender paired with charcoal gray, cream, and olive green. These colors complement each other beautifully. Lavender tends to have a bit more gray in it – it's a little softer – and charcoal gives it some grounding. I like a really rich cream – almost like a cake batter cream – as it balances out any brightness in the lavender. And then olive green gives you a little bit of an organic element – it just feels like springtime.'

1. Peignoir, Farrow & Ball

'My favorite lavender paint color is Farrow & Ball's Peignoir,' says interior designer Sasha Bikoff, part of The New York Design Center Access to Design program, who used this paint color on the walls here. 'It’s a very elegant lavender that has a moody gray undertone.'

According to Farrow & Ball, this is one of the brand's most popular purple paints due to its muted quality, making it a very liveable wall color. 

Farrow & Ball's brand ambassador Patrick O'Donnell shares some of his favorite ways to style this understated lavender paint throughout the home: 'Its gentle, muted qualities look wonderful simply teamed with Strong White on your trim and ceiling, perfect for adding a touch of romantic whimsy to a kitchen scheme. Or, use Peignoir over the walls, ceiling, and woodwork in our new matt Dead Flat finish, for a cocooning room that exudes a sense of calm. Peignoir pairs beautifully with the deeper lavender of Brassica, or with the green-blue depth of Inchyra Blue for a pop of color.'

2. Queen's Wreath, Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore's Queen's Wreath is a much darker lavender paint that's a favorite for interior designer Betsy Wentz. 

'Queen's wreath is a soft, yet deep shade of lavender that plays well with almost every other color in the rainbow,' shares Betsy. 'Because of its depth and versatility, it’s perfect for lacquer mirrors and light fixtures. This is demonstrated in this colorful powder room, where Betsy used this lavender paint across the frame of the mirror. 

3. Dove Tale, Farrow & Ball

Interior designer, Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design recommends Farrow & Ball's Dove Tale as a favorite lavender paint: 'It’s a soft, subtle lavender with just the right amount of depth so that it doesn’t scream purple. I completely color-drenched my laundry room from floor to ceiling in this hue – and what could have been just an average, utilitarian space feels calm and welcoming instead.'

Of all the favorite lavender paints, this is the most subtle. With plenty of gray tones, this paint reads almost neutral which gives it a relaxing quality and doesn't feel at all overbearing. 

4. Iced Lavender, Benjamin Moore

'I love Iced Lavender by Benjamin Moore,' shares interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'This is a really subtle and versatile shade of lavender that has a sophisticated feel thanks to cool gray undertones. This paint pairs beautifully with French country and modern farmhouse design motifs because it takes a look that might read as a bit rustic and elevates it instantly.'

Iced Lavender is also a favorite for designer Dara Segbefia of The Zen Experience. She adds that it 'pairs harmoniously with a variety of colors, making it versatile for different design schemes.'

5. Sugared Almond, Farrow & Ball

Another popular lavender paint by Farrow & Ball is Sugared Almond, a slightly more saturated and playful take on this color trend.

'Farrow and Balls Sugar Almond is a refreshing color that adds a sophisticated yet whimsical personality to a space,' says interior designer Louise Hane of Louise Hane Interior Design. 'Painting furniture with this color is a creative way to incorporate the refreshing hue without committing to a whole room.'

6. Grape Mist, Sherwin-Williams

'I love Sherwin-Williams Grape Mist,' says interior designer Olivia Westboorks.  'It has a gray undertone which brings down the vibrancy. I could see this color on a cabinet paired with lilac or Calacatta Viola marble for a luxury designer look in a bathroom.'

If you're looking for a classic lavender paint color, Grape Mist is a good choice. It has just enough gray tones to ensure it's liveable throughout the home, without feeling too muted or neutral. 

Whether you're on the lookout for a muted lavender paint to act as a backdrop color, or a more vibrant lavender to make a colorful statement, these paints cover all bases and work well for so many interior design styles.

If you are like me and love to overstuff your dresser drawers or keep your shoes stowed away in a closed cabinet, you might be accustomed to a musty smell arising whenever you dig through them. 

This is far from ideal if you would rather your clothes stay smelling as fresh as when you just washed them, however. But how do you ward off these nasty smells? 

Besides cleaning bedroom drawers and cabinets to get rid of dust and freshen up the lining, I rely on homemade lavender sachets my Mom taught me to make.  

How to make lavender sachets

There are several hidden tricks people with nice-smelling homes use, but hiding scented sachets and liners in their drawers and storage cabinets is one of the best and most effective. While you can make them with a range of flowers and spices, my mom’s favorite was always lavender – cut and dried fresh from the garden. 

This is how my family makes our scent sachets at home. 

Materials you will need to make lavender sachets

• Lavender: preferably freshly cut, or store-bought dried lavender, from Amazon
• Rice, uncooked
• Drawstring bags
• Essential oils: optional to help boost the fragrance

1. Dry freshly cut lavender

For the best results and strongest-smelling fragrance, it helps to do this with freshly cut lavender that you can dry yourself. My mom would always cut the lavender from the garden using sharp pruners before hanging it to dry upside down in our boiler cabinet, where it was dry and warm. This allowed the lavender to dry while maintaining its fresh scent. 

However, this can take weeks, which is impractical if you are looking for a quick way to make a house smell nice. I will buy pre-dried lavender instead when I feel lazy, or it isn't the right season. This doesn't always last as long, however, so the convenience sometimes comes with its drawbacks.  

2. Combine with rice in a fabric bag

Although rice might not be the most obvious addition to a lavender sachet, it is one of the best ways to prolong the flower's dried scent. Uncooked, dry rice will absorb the lavender scent and boost the fragrance without you having to regularly top up the sachet. It also means you can use a little less lavender in each bag and make more to hide around your home. 

We combine one part lavender with two parts rice in a small fabric drawstring bag. Tea-straining bags, available at Walmart, often work best as they are designed to keep small particles in while letting aromas out. 

To prevent the bags from accidentally opening and spilling all over the inside of my home storage ideas, I tend to tie a double knot at the top. It makes it a bit harder to open up and refill when the scent wears off, but it is worth it to save on cleanup.  

3. Add essential oils

If you really want to boost the scent or are interested in experimenting with fragrance layering, adding a few drops of essential oil to the exterior of the bag can go a long way. My mom would always add more lavender, but I have experimented with adding other floral fragrances such as lily, or neroli, and been quite pleased with the results.  

4. Place and replace as needed

With the bags filled and the string tied off, I will usually hide one or two in each storage unit. These will typically last for around four to six months before I notice the scent starts to fade, at which point I will either replenish the dried lavender or add a few more drops of essential oils.  

FAQs

Do you have to dry lavender to make sachets?  

When making scented sachets, you should always dry the lavender first. Using fresh lavender may smell more pungent, but the buds will be more susceptible to mold and mildew, causing musty odors and possibly even damaging your clothing.  

What is the best fabric for lavender sachets?  

When making your own lavender sachets, it is a good idea to opt for natural, breathable materials such as jute, linen, or cotton to allow the lavender scent to escape without causing it to sweat or degrade. Tea-straining bags are ideal for this, or you can opt to sew your own if you are crafty. 

When making scented sachets for your home, consider using spices such as cinnamon and star anise to make a home smell like fall, or add in other dried flowers such as rose petals for an alternative fragrance.

Fancy something a little less fussy? Try making DIY scented drawer liners instead.

Fragrant lavender plants are a herb favorite of many gardeners. Typically considered easy to grow and low-maintenance, lavender plants are reliable and resilient herbs that can be trusted to bloom for many months across the spring and summer. 

When considering how to grow lavender, many gardeners will be familiar with the basic conditions for successful growing. They enjoy warm weather and need plenty of sun and loose, free-draining soil. If these three requirements are met, you cannot go too far wrong. As a gardener, I have grown lavender in many different situations, and it seems to do just fine if left alone, save for a good amount of sunshine. 

While lavender plants are often considered pest and disease-free, there are a small number of problems to be aware of. Combatting lavender pests and infections as early as possible will prevent small problems from developing into bigger issues later in the year, ensuring that your lavender plants bloom brilliantly for as long as possible.

Lavender pests and problems

While many of the best lavender varieties are considered easy to grow, there are a small number of lavender pests and problems for gardeners to be aware of, and early identification will help to quickly resolve any issues. Here, garden experts share advice to help you successfully identify and combat lavender pests and problems.

Graying, browning or wilting lavender foliage

One common issue with lavender plants is graying, browning and/or wilting foliage. Often this is caused by high humidity and high moisture levels in the soil, which is one of several lavender-growing mistakes to avoid. Ensure that your herbs are planted in free-draining soil with plenty of air circulation. Remember that these aromatic herbs are native to the Mediterranean, thriving with minimal water and in very dry soils. 

Often, graying or browning foliage can be a fungal infection called botrytis, which develops when conditions are humid and wet. Common in the backyard, this infection can attack several different plants, including lavender, and it is also considered one of the top peony pests to look out for. 

Graying and browning foliage should be easy to spot, typically beginning near the base of the plant and spreading further up the stem with time. It is best to remove stems that appear infected, disposing of them to prevent the spreading of the fungal infection. 

Once infected stems are removed, inspect the soil at the base and around your lavender plant, as it might be a good idea to add some drainage material, such as grit and mulch, to improve drainage. In addition, consider improving air circulation by lifting neighboring plants to give plants more space in your borders. 

Organic fungicide sprays, available from Walmart, can also be applied in the growing season to control the spread of fungal infections.  

Rosemary beetle on lavender plants

'Rosemary beetles can be incredibly damaging to aromatic herbs like rosemary, lavender and sage,' says Lisa Fontanarosa, a lavender expert and grower based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Indeed, rosemary beetles are considered one of the pests that can destroy plants in your herb gardens. They are brilliantly colored, shining in metallic hues of green and purple, as can be seen in the image above. 

Despite their scientific name, Chrysolina americana, 'the rosemary beetle is not a common problem in the Americas,' Lisa adds, which contrasts greatly with Europe, where it can be found for much of the growing season across the continent. 

'Fairly small in size, measuring no more than half an inch in length, rosemary beetles are easy to spot due to their beautiful, shiny coloring,' Lisa adds. 'The damage is easy to spot, with brown, dying lavender plant tips.'

'They typically dine on the tender new shoots of herbs, first appearing in late spring, with their numbers ramping up through summer. Where you see one rosemary beetle, there will be many more.' 

'Where possible remove beetles by hand before serious damage occurs,' Lisa says. 'Simple tap or shake the branches over a piece of newspaper spread underneath the plant' to capture the beetles and larvae, disposing of the pests in a bucket of soapy water.

'I grow organically and so encourage wildlife in the garden, which is why I don’t recommend or use pesticides, even organic types,' Lisa continues. 'Pesticides reduce biodiversity, including natural predators, impact soil health and have wider adverse environmental effects.' 

Spittlebug on lavender plants

Spittlebugs, often nicknamed froghoppers, are small bugs with white, brown, black or orange-striped coloring. They are easy to identify, leaving a foam-like white substance on plants as they feed. They are typically drawn to lavender and rosemary plants, and while unattractive, they are generally low risk. 

White foam can often be spotted on plants during the spring and summer months, and those affected stems may wither and die. However, spittlebugs do not generally cause much damage to garden plants, and seeing small blobs of foam will be unsightly, but should be tolerated. 

If you are concerned about lavender plants in the borders, or for those gardeners who grow lavender in pots, a powerful jet of water with the hose can knock the bugs off and clean the plant, but typically, spittlebugs do little damage, so it is not something to worry about. 

Lavender plants are generally easy to grow and pest-free, yet knowing how to identify and manage problems is an important part of gardening. For more growing care advice, consider our guide on deadheading lavender or how to revive woody lavender plants, to keep your herbs looking their best this year. 

As spring and summer rolls on, blooming lavender plants are a common sight in backyard borders and pots. I know of no person, gardener or otherwise, who dislikes this flowering herb. Lavender flowers perfume the air for much of the growing season, and what's more, they are loved by pollinators. 

While you may already be confident in terms of how to grow lavender, have you wondered whether or not you should fertilize lavender plants? As with watering lavender, it is good to know the right approach for this cherished herb. Over-watering lavender can damage the plant, and unnecessary fertilizing is much the same. Often, when gardeners think they are tending and nurturing their prized plants, too much love and attention can be a bad thing. 

Here, experts share advice on whether or not aromatic herbs, like lavender, need fertilizer during the growing season. So, before you grab the plant food container and reach for the watering can, take a moment to consider if feeding lavender is necessary. 

Should you fertilize lavender?

Lavender plants are herb favorites in the garden. Bees, butterflies and birds adore their blooms just as much as we do, and many of the best lavender varieties produce fragrant flowers that are hard to beat in the herb garden. 

To keep lavender plants looking their best, many gardeners ponder the question: should I fertilize lavender? While it might sound like a good idea, sometimes feeding plants can do more harm than good.

Should you fertilize lavender plants in the ground?

'Slow-growing herbs like lavender, rosemary and thyme do not tend to need feeding,' says Gail Pabst, gardening expert and Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau. 

Considered one of the best drought-tolerant herbs, lavender typically grows in dry, arid regions of the Mediterranean, thriving in nutrient-poor soils that lack minerals and moisture. For this reason, lavender can grow just fine in the backyard without feeding. 'They do great with no fertilizer at all,' Gail adds. 

Indeed, understanding where plants come from can be helpful when discerning how to care for them. 'This knowledge can provide gardeners with valuable guidelines for preparing the garden soil and watering,' says Susan Betz, herb expert and Honorary Master Gardener. 'To make your herbs feel at home, try to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.'

Lavender thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure. 'For optimal soil health and growth, you do not need to fertilize. Instead, consider adding a light mulch of coarse sand or pea-sized gravel to the soil beneath the plant on an annual basis,' Susan adds. 'This can improve growth, increase flower and essential oil production, safeguard against diseases, and prevent winter damage from waterlogging.'  

Conditioning the soil before planting lavender

While it is not necessary to fertilize lavender plants once they are established, it can be a good idea to condition the soil before planting, to ensure that your herbs have the best chance to succeed. For gardeners considering flower bed ideas and asking when to plant lavender, this herb can be planted during early to mid-spring, or in the fall.

'Most herbs enjoy alkaline to neutral soil,' Susan continues. If you are unsure about the pH of your soil, consider using something like a soil pH test from Walmart, which will help you assess whether your borders are acidic, alkaline or neutral. 

'If your soil is acidic, fear not,' Susan adds. 'Lime can be added to your soil which will help to neutralize the ground and should be applied in the fall, several months before planting your herbs.' 

One low-cost option that is widely available is chicken grit. 'This is a cost-effective option and is available in many animal feed stores,' Susan says. 'Importantly, it is an inexpensive way to add a slow-release lime to your soil.' 

Should you fertilize lavender plants in pots?

Lavender plants in pots do not need fertilizing. Much the same as lavender plants in the ground, those in pots will thrive on neglect. 

When considering how to grow lavender in pots or perhaps you are creating a balcony herb garden, it is important to remember that you do not need to feed your lavender plants, instead, ensure that pots are positioned in a warm, dry environment and receive at least six hours of full sun each day. Positioning your pots in a suitable place will ensure they thrive, without any need to feed them. 

When planting in pots, ensure that you incorporate plenty of drainage material, such as sand or grit, to ensure that excess water and nutrients can quickly drain away. Lavender plants will not do well if their roots sit in water. 

While many gardeners might consider feeding lavender plants and other herbs as an act of care, it can do more harm than good. Most commercial fertilizers are high in nitrogen, and using this will encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers. 

FAQs

Should I feed lavender plants that do not flower?

No, it is not recommended to fertilize any lavender plant. If your lavender plant did not flower, or only produced a few flowers, consider the position and quality of the soil. Lavender plants grow best in sunny, warm, sheltered positions, and do not like sitting in water. 

Lavender plants do not need fertilizing. Instead, they thrive in nutrient-poor and well-draining soils. So, plant your herbs in the correct position, giving them plenty of sunshine, and they will grow without the need for any fertilizer. 

If you are considering how best to care for your lavender plants, why not read our guide on reviving woody lavender plants, providing you with all the information to maintain older, woody plants in the backyard.

Lavender plants are timeless garden favorites. Come summer, purple blooms fizz and hum with pollinator activity as the familiar fragrance perfumes the air. Lavender plants can live for up to 20 years with the correct care and maintenance, and established plants can reach an impressive size in garden borders.

Knowing how to prune lavender is crucial, and without regular and appropriate pruning, lavender plants can begin to look dishevelled and woody, perhaps past their expiration date. Whether you have inherited old, woody lavender plants, or maybe your garden has been a little neglected of late, there is hope for your lavender plants.

As a professional gardener, I have pruned too many lavender plants to count, many of them old and woody, and while there might be many beautiful herbs to pick from at the garden store, or you might be tempted by some of the best lavender varieties you have seen online, gardeners should not give up on woody lavender plants. Here, I share all I know about pruning woody lavender plants, and how to propagate lavender plants from cuttings.

Can you save a woody lavender?

Pruning woody lavender plants is not without risk. Many gardeners might be tempted to dig up the old, woody plant, and replace it. However, much like caring for woody rosemary plants, pruning your lavenders in the right way and at the right time, can help to revive your plant.

When to prune woody lavender plants

If you have woody lavender plants in the garden borders, action is required to save them. Pruning is, of course, the key to correct lavender growing mistakes, helping to rejuvenate your lavender plants, but this must be done at the right time. It is not necessary to fertilize lavender plants, even if they are woody, and this will not save lavender plants from turning woody.

Spring is the ideal time to take on the job of pruning woody lavender plants, after the last frost. While your approach will vary depending on your US hardiness zone, it is advisable to wait until at least mid to late April, when there is little chance of frost. This is because frost would damage or kill any new growth.

How to prune woody lavender plants

Before you reach for the secateurs or pruning shears, take a moment to get up, close and personal with your lavender plant. Inspect the plant closely, looking for signs of life, which might be green shoots already emerging or small growth nodes waiting to spring into life. You can also gently scratch woody stems to inspect for green signs of life.

Depending on the condition of your woody lavender plants, and your appetite for risk, I would recommend starting slowly and with caution. Some woody plants might not need a severe hair cut, and you might be able to prune to just above a growth node, forming a neat, rounded base for the plant to regrow from. However, some woody lavender plants might be too far gone for this approach to work, as can be seen in the image here.

If woody stems are long, gnarled and crooked, I would suggest taking cuttings, as an insurance policy, and pruning these lavender plants quite severely. While this is not usually recommended, I have done this previously on old lavender plants that I was prepared to lose, and often they will surprise you and resprout. It is important to remember, however, that this is a risky approach, so do not prune if you are not prepared to lose these plants.

One idea is to slowly and methodically prune old, woody lavender plants over a period of three years, leaving some old, woody stems, while cutting back a small number of stems. This approach will not cause so much stress and shock to the plant as would be the case if you chopped the whole plant to the base at one time. While it may take a dedicated gardener many years to finish this job, this can be done to great results.

How to take lavender cuttings

If you are worried about your woody lavender plants, it is a good idea to take some cuttings before pruning them. These cuttings will go on to become your lavender bushes in future years. While there are many ways to propagate lavender, softwood cuttings can be taken during mid to late spring and early summer.

You can find everything you need to know about how to propagate lavender, from both hardwood and softwood cuttings, in our guide.

Always use a pair of clean, sharp secateurs, and when you are taking cuttings from an older, woodier plant take this year's growth, which will appear green and soft (not woody). Cuttings should be approximately 3 to 4 inches in length, with three or more leaf nodes along the stem, and a few leaves found at the top.

FAQs

When is the best time of the year to take lavender cuttings?

Softwood cuttings, as described above, should be taken in the spring time, after the last frost. Doing so at this time gives the cuttings plenty of time to root and establish before the end of the growing season. Hardwood cuttings are typically done in fall, cutting into the woody part of the plant.

There is hope for woody lavender plants, and while pruning is not without risk, with careful care and maintenance, you can bring your old plants back to good form. Why not also consider tidying up old roses in the backyard, which is another time-critical gardening job? Consider our guide on lavender pests and problems for more information on caring for this fragrant herb.

Discovering beetles in your home is far from ideal. Whether they are damaging your carpets, raiding your pantry, or just making an unwelcome appearance, beetles are pests that many homeowners would rather live without. 

Thankfully, getting rid of them and keeping them out for good isn’t as daunting as it might seem. After consulting with pest control experts, we've found plenty of simple and effective methods to get rid of beetles quickly and prevent their return.

From natural deterrents to a spot of spring cleaning, we share some tried-and-tested beetle repellents below. 

How to get rid of beetles inside your house

'Beetles are the most numerous animals on the planet. There are more different species of beetles than any other animal species, thus there are more possible infestations from beetles than any other pest species,' explains Scot Hodges, Vice President of Professional Development and Technical Services at Arrow Exterminators. 'So when you ask 'how do I get rid of beetles?' The simplest answer is 'it depends'.'

Identifying types of beetle

Before you can get rid of beetles inside your home, it's important to know what you're dealing with. Here are some common types of household beetles that you may encounter: 

• Carpet Beetles: Look for small, oval beetles approximately 1/8 inch long with colorful patterns of white, brown, yellow, and black on their hard shells. They are often found in textiles and closets.
• Drugstore Beetles: Identify these pests by their small, cylindrical brown bodies, about 1/10 to 1/8 inch in length, and their ability to penetrate packaging to infest dry goods.
• Click Beetles: These are recognizable by their elongated bodies (up to 1 inch long) and their unique ability to snap their bodies to produce a clicking sound to right themselves if flipped over.
• The Asian Beetle: These can be identified by their round, dome-shaped bodies that range in color from light tan to orange-red with varying numbers of black spots on their wing covers.
• Japanese Beetles: Distinguished by their shiny metallic green and copper brown wing covers, about 3/8 inch long, often seen eating plants in large, damaging groups.

What types of beetle require pest control? 

Depending on what type of beetle infestation you have, you may want to take a different approach. Scot Hodges explains:

'There are pest species of beetles that eat wood and can cause significant damage to your home. There are beetle species that eat fabrics and cause significant damage to your clothes, furniture, rugs, and other animal-derived materials. There are beetles that are considered “stored product pests” or “pantry pests” that eat the same foods you feed your family and can destroy or contaminate different foods in your pantry or cabinets.'

These are the approaches Scot recommends for each of the above: 

• For wood-destroying beetles, it will be necessary to contact a professional to identify and treat them to avoid costly damage to your home and/or wooden furniture.
• For pantry pests, I recommend thoroughly inspecting all food items in the cabinets and pantry to determine what has been infested and discarding infested items.
• For fabric beetles, it is recommended that you consult a pest management professional for proper identification and treatment.

If your beetle problem hasn't tipped over into a full blown infestation, you may want to try the following techniques to get rid of beetles in your home before calling the experts in:

Seal your home

Certain beetles – such as Lady Beetles – can invade our homes in large numbers during the spring and fall in some areas and will overwinter in homes. The best way to prevent this is to seal and caulk entry points to limit how many get inside your home.

Inspect all windows, doors, and foundation walls regularly for cracks or gaps and seal these areas with silicone caulk or weatherstripping. You may also find it helpful to install door sweeps at the bottom of your exterior doors. This not only keeps beetles out but also helps prevent other pesky insects from entering your home.

Ensure that all of your home's vent covers are intact and free from holes. Use this opportunity to replace any damaged screens on windows or attic vents to keep flying beetles and other pests out.

'Lady beetles are flying pests, so you may still notice large numbers around the structure of your home, and they will also still try to enter,' explains Scot Hodges. 'So, the effectiveness of this method needs to be judged based on how many enter your home since you may still see large amounts around the exterior of the structure.'

Clean & Declutter

Beetles and other pests love to hide in cluttered, undisturbed areas, so it pays to regularly declutter your home and dispose of unwanted items to minimize potential hiding spots for beetles.

You should also commit to regular cleaning sessions to sweep away any potential beetle eggs or larvae (carpet beetle larvae can be particularly damaging if left unchecked). Focus on often neglected areas, such as the spaces under furniture and corners where lint and debris can accumulate.

Beetles are also attracted to food sources and moist environments, so clear your kitchen counters and remove any leftover food from kitchen surfaces. Keep your pantry staples airtight and regularly empty trash cans containing food. Fix any leaky faucets, pipes, or drainage issues in and around your home, and try using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or laundry rooms to lower humidity levels. 

Maintain your yard

'Another way of preventing beetles from entering your home is maintaining a well-groomed yard,' explains Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. 'Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your house, as this removes the natural 'bridges' beetles use to find their way into your home.

'Similarly, while mulch can beautify your garden beds, it can also attract beetles if it’s too close to your home’s foundations. Try to keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the walls.'

Some plants are natural pest repellents, so planting beetle-repellent plants like garlic, chrysanthemums, and rue around the perimeter of your house can naturally deter these pests from settling in. 

Use natural beetle remedies

Before resorting to toxic chemicals in your home, it's worth exploring natural beetle remedies to get to the bottom of your problem.

Lavender 

Although lavender is widely hailed as one of the best scents for wellbeing, its strong aroma is disliked by many insects, including beetles. So, you can put this fragrant herb to use in various ways throughout your home:

• To repel fabric pests such as carpet beetles, try placing sachets of dried lavender in closets, drawers, and cupboards.
• Create your own lavender oil spray by mixing 10-15 drops of essential oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Mist this solution around windows, doors, and other beetle entry points. You could also create a DIY lavender rug freshener to ward off beetles and keep your carpets smelling fresh in the process.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural pesticide found in the seeds of the neem tree and is safe for use around pets and children when used properly. It's an excellent all-around pest repellent and can disrupt the life cycle of beetles by preventing their larvae from developing properly. 

To use it in your home, mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap (to emulsify the mixture). Spray this DIY solution on houseplants and on entry points for beetles, like windowsills and doorways. Repeat every two weeks for best results.

You can purchase a 2oz bottle of Organic Neem Oil at Walmart for under $6.

Peppermint Oil

Another tried-and-tested natural beetle repellent is peppermint oil. Its strong scent is known to get rid of mice, and it is particularly effective against many types of beetles. To use it, simply add a few drops of peppermint oil to cotton balls and place them in areas where beetles are a problem, like under appliances, inside cabinets, or near entryways.

Alternatively, combine 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray along baseboards, in corners, and other beetle-prone areas.

Remember - natural oils tend to evaporate or degrade over time, so for the best results, it's a good idea to reapply your homemade repellents every 1-2 weeks or after heavy rains if used outdoors.

You may also wish to use these natural deterrents in combination with other methods, such as sprinkling diatomaceous earth and sealing your home entry points. A multi-pronged approach can double or triple your chances of success.

'For the most part, beetles are beneficial insects, and we can coexist with them easily,' reminds Scot Hodges, President of Professional Development at Arrow Exterminators. 'Although there are a large number of beetle species that can and will cause damage to your home, the percentage of those species is very small compared to the number of beneficial species.' 

So, if you can get rid of beetles in your home without causing them harm, you can do your bit for your local ecosystem. 

Flowering hedges can add spectacular color and scent to your yard, and the best hedging plants can also provide privacy, security and year-round form.

Often overlooked as an opportunity to squeeze more glorious blooms into your garden, flowering hedges can create a true seasonal spectacle – whether you opt to plant a vibrant single species such as forsythia, or go for a dazzling mix of varieties. With decorative hips or berries often following the flowers, these plants can also become an invaluable food source and habitat for insect and wildlife too, all helping to boost the biodiversity of your outdoor patch.

We’ve compiled an expert list of the best flowering hedges, so you can choose how best to brighten up those boring boundaries.

12 of the best plants for flowering hedges

If you're planning on planting a hedge in your garden this year, and would like it to include that added element of color, our top picks are sure to inspire you. 

1. Lavender

Conjuring up heavenly images of French lavender fields and English cottage gardens, a lavender hedge in full bloom is a sight to behold. Lining entranceways, enveloping alfresco dining areas and poolside terraces, these masses of tiny blooms set against silver-green foliage come in all shades of white, lilac and deepest purple.

Adored by bees for their nectar, these hardy plants are a must in any summer garden and if clipped annually after flowering, they can form a neat, evergreen boundary. English varieties - Lavandula angustifolia, such as this one from Nature Hills, and Lavandula intermedia tend to be more frost hardy than French lavender - Lavandula stoechas. Some types of lavender can also be relatively short lived – lasting two or three years – so may need replacing often.

Learn how and when to plant lavender for healthy, long-lasting results. For a neat, straight hedge, space lavender plants 16 inches (40cm) apart and water regularly until established.

2. Spirea

Smothered in masses of tiny white or pink, showy blooms from spring to late summer, a spirea hedge is a breathtaking sight. They are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, making them one of the best hedges for wildlife into your yard.

The attractive, smooth green and variegated leaves turn to spectacular shades in fall but do leave slender bear stems throughout winter, so are best used for hedging where privacy is not an issue.  

There are among 80-100 different species to choose from, many of which are ideal for planting as hedges. Tolerant of temperatures down to 35F, these hardy shrubs are popular with many landscapers not only for their good looks and reliability, but for their unfussy nature too. The Renaissance spirea variety from Nature Hills has spectacular cascading spring blooms. Learn how to prune spirea correctly for long flowering shrubs that will dazzle for weeks on end.

3. Camellia

If you love hedges with flamboyant, bold blooms and glossy foliage, camellias are for you. Easy-to-grow and evergreen, they will bring a vivid dash of color to the neighbourhood when little else is flowering.

Camellias make wonderful flowering hedges, providing dense evergreen screening year-round and bursts of color at certain windows in the growing season

While commonly recognized for their bold lipstick pink and red colors, less traditional favorites are white blooming varieties like Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka' which blooms in soft, papery single petals late fall into winter, grows 8-10' (2.4-3m) tall and can be clipped to maintain a consistent shape. The soft ballerina pink Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Pearl' reaches 6-8' tall, and shows off in late winter and early spring with dense, double blooms jammed with geometry and ombre colors.

4. Forsythia

If you are looking for a tough hedge that’s happy growing in most conditions, then forsythia is a winner. Tolerant of full sun and part shade, it will quickly grow into a dense hedge up to 10ft high. 

Sporting fresh green foliage from spring turning brilliant red in fall, it’s the early show of dazzling yellow flowers that really make this shrub stand out. Tammy Sons, founder of TN Nursery agrees. ‘The forsythia shrubs are one of spring's first blooming shrubs. It's intoxicating vibrancy of bright yellow blooms adorn the entire branches of the shrub and is low maintenance and drought tolerant making it a favorite of most homeowners.’

Reaching up to heights of 8 feet, and hardy in zones 5 to 9, this popular shrub can live for many decades and can be easily propagated from softwood cuttings. Discover how to grow forsythia in your yard and learn how to prune it like a pro for healthy growth. 

5. Hydrangea arborescens

Laden with striking mop-headed blooms in summer, hydrangeas are hugely popular and instantly recognisable. Bringing show stopping color and sculptural form to every corner of the yard, they can also be planted as statement boundaries.

Preferring a sunny spot, but also tolerant of partial shade, these garden favorites are pretty easy going and require little attention. Hydrangeas have huge snowballs for blooms, are highly fragrant and have a long blooming cycle in spring and late summer making it a favorite, especially of old southern plantation homes and homesteads.

When it comes to choosing varieties there are plenty of stunners to choose from. Tammy suggests: ‘The top choices in hydrangeas are the Nikko Blue, which has dinner plate size deep blue snowball blooms all throughout the summer months. The Pee Gee hydrangea, available here from Walmart, is also a favorite shrub, hardy in the moderately warmer zones of 6 to 9, it has large vibrant white blooms in mid-summer.'

‘For smaller yards, Hydrangea arborescens makes a gorgeous summer flowering hedge,’ says landscape architect Carolyn Gange. ‘A late winter cut-back will give enough time for these hydrangeas to regrow as the weather warms up for summer.’

6. Escallonia

True sun lovers, escallonia are robust shrubs that are covered in red, white or pink bell-shaped blooms from June to October. Most varieties are evergreen with their small, glossy deep green leaves showcasing the clusters of waxy flowers. Tolerant of salty conditions – they are often spotted thriving in coastal gardens and make stunning garden hedges.

The flowers are hugely popular with pollinators, so be sure to only clip hedges into shape once flowering is over.

Originating in South America, these woody shrubs are hardy to USDA zone 7 but will succumb if temperatures dip below 23F (-5C). If in doubt, grow next to a brick wall for added protection.

7. Japanese azalea

Providing they are clipped immediately after flowering, Japanese azaleas make an impressive garden hedge. With their extraordinary display of cerise, red or white blooms in mid to late spring they will dazzle the neighbourhood with their theatrical display.

Best suited to a sunny or part shady spot with acidic soil, these evergreen shrubs need little attention throughout the year, rewarding with a show of dense glossy, green foliage.

There are many varieties of azalea to choose from so check the height spread of a mature plant before planning your hedge. Ranging from dwarf varieties 1ft 6” (0.5m) up to 6ft (1.8m), there are plenty of options for creating a sturdy and long lasting hedge. It is also a good idea to consider feeding your flowering hedges. If you are unsure, read our guide on how and when to fertilize hedges. Flowering shrubs, such as azaleas, can be hungry, and feeding can help with their floral display.

8. Philadelphus

Also widely known as mock orange, this shrub is instantly recognised for its sweet, fruity fragrance and delicate, white, cup-shaped flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it’s display season may be fleeting but it is a seasonal highlight worth looking forward too.

Often planted as a standalone garden shrub or placed at the back of a border, philadelphus, available from Burpee, can actually be trained into a striking hedge. Preferring full sun or part shade, it can reach a height of 10-21 ft (3-3.7m) and will thrive in most soil types, as long as they are well drained.

Best pruned immediately after flowering, this woody shrub will quickly form a relaxed, informal boundary laden with a mass of deciduous, deep green leaves. Discover other fast growing shrubs here.

9. Lilac

A cottage garden favorite, lilacs are adored for their cascades of highly perfumed flowers in dreamy shades of white, mauve, purple and pink. Set against their lush, bright green leaves these conical blooms make a striking springtime spectacle and are adored by butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

Usually grown as a standalone shrub, they also make a beautiful, dense hedge growing up to 1 to 2 feet in a year. A deciduous woody plant, they can look a little bare and spartan during the colder months, but this is soon forgotten once the foliage and blooms reappear in April and May.

Best suited to a sunny spot – too shady and the shrub won’t bloom – lilacs, such as this 'sensation' variety from Nature Hills, thrive in US hardiness zones 3 to 7. They prefer a neutral to chalky, fertile soil and hate having their roots sat in wet, waterlogged soil, so make sure your soil is free draining. Aim to plant lilac hedging plants roughly 20 inches (50cm) apart and clip regularly to form a thick, healthy hedge that’s smothered with flowers. Knowing exactly when to prune lilacs  is key for spectacular blooms.

10. Rosa rugosa

Also known as Japanese rose, this plant forms a thick, sturdy hedge that is covered in magnificent white or pink flowers from June to September. These blooms are then followed by handsome, large red hips in fall that are hugely popular with garden birds and mammals alike.

A real tough beauty, the stems of this plant are covered with ultra sharp thorns, ideal for security but, perhaps, not for lining narrow pathways or seating areas. Thriving in exposed, coastal areas and tolerant of temperatures as low as -4F (-20C), the Japanese rose is happy growing in the poorest of soils, including sand dunes and salt-laden soil. It can become too comfortable in some situations if left unchecked, so do check for straying suckers throughout the growing season.

11. Viburnum carlesii

It’s hard to beat beautiful Rosa Rugosaiburnum carlesii as a hedging plant. With its clusters of white trumpets fringed with pink coupled with the sweet – spicy fragrance its sure to stop you in your tracks. Also known as Arrowood or Korean Spice viburnum, this springtime beauty is ideal for lining path and driveways and has a loyal following amongst garden designers.

'I love viburnums and I think my favorite viburnum carlesii is perfect for a hedge. It’s 8ft tall, narrow and semi-evergreen, blooming early in the spring it smells phenomenal,' says designer Irene Kalina-Jones, owner of Outside Space NYC.

In fall juicy black-blue berries appear throughout this deciduous shrub and provide a feast for garden birds. Grow in US hardiness zones 5-9, either in a part shade or sunny spot.

12. Hawthorn

Attractive and a magnet for wildlife, hawthorn is a fabulous hedging option. Grown widely across the UK and North America it will form a dense, prickly boundary perfect for protecting birds, mammals and an effective deterrent for unwanted visitors too.

Smothered in nectar-rich white flowers in spring followed by red, shiny berries in fall, it makes an attractive - if slightly wild-looking boundary - perfect for rural gardens. Apart from very wet and shady spots, this deciduous shrub will thrive in most situations including very exposed, wind blown and coastal areas. 

A speedy grower - hence it's common name quickthorn - this plant is great if you need to a establish a fast growing hedge in a short timeframe. Clip back after flowering, to keep in shape, or if nesting birds are present, wait until fall.

FAQs

What is the easiest flowering hedge to grow?

There are plenty of low maintenance options when it comes to growing a flowering hedge but one of the most resilient choices has to be privet.

Privet plants makes an excellent border, privacy and hedge plant that is evergreen which means they stay lush and green year-round. They also bloom in both spring and summer season, depending on the variety, and offer the best of both worlds, year-round beauty, flowers and privacy.

Inspired to replace boring garden boundaries with flowering hedges? Well, discover how to plant a hedge plus other ways to encourage wildlife into your garden.

Whatever your garden style there's always room for some landscaping with lavender. It's equally at home planted in loose drifts in a Mediterranean or cottage garden, and works well clipped into smart geometric designs in modern urban spaces too. It's also the queen of containers and window boxes to dress up the front of the house.

Lavender can easily be worked into your backyard landscaping ideas and has been grown in gardens since late-medieval times. The scented spikes of blue, mauve and purple (and occasionally white) flowers bloom right through summer too. All lavender varieties look great used as repeat planting to divide up or add interest to herb gardens. Lavender itself is actually a herb and is related the mint family which accounts for the fact it slots so beautifully into herb garden designs. 

It can also be used as low hedging to zone flower beds, as well as for edging paths and growing in containers as a plant to make your patio smell nice, so you get hit by a waft of fragrance every time you pass by. If you're interested in creating a sensory or wildlife garden landscaping with lavender is a must too, as it attracts pollinators in their droves.

15 design ideas for landscaping with lavender

We've brought together all the inspiration you need for your own yard, whether you're searching for front yard landscaping ideas to add curb appeal, or simple ways to beautify your space in an instant with some gorgeous lavender planting ideas.

1. Design a garden path with lavender borders

Every garden path needs an edging of lavender that you can brush your fingers through as you walk by. Whenever lavender is used it's always important to ensure that at least some is planted close to a path so that the delicious scent is released as you brush past.

Edging a path with lavender plants looks incredibly pretty too. Making the planting symmetrical so that both sides match as much as possible is a design trick that works every time for stunning garden path ideas, especially if you're looking for a professional-looking finishing touch.

2. Try underplanting trees with lavender

Why leave soil bare when you can make the most of the space underneath trees by filling it with pretty plants. This layered look maximizes interest and is known as underplanting. It's a great way of landscaping around trees by introducing a tapestry of plants.

It’s good for cramming more color and plants into a small garden when space is tight too. Plus of course it means less weeding, as the extra layer of plants around the base of the tree helps to stop weeds from growing. 

Choose two or three plants that work well together with the shrub or tree you want to underplant, in terms of color, shape and texture.

3. Plant lavender next to stone walls

Imagine an old stone garden wall baking in the sunshine with lavender bushes growing next to it. It's a staple look in cottage gardens, where of course fragrance is the cornerstone of any design and helps to attract pollinators too.

It's easy to transform dull boundaries with the best plants for garden walls, and lavender definitely fits into this category. Although it's not the type of plant to cling to walls or settle in crevices, soft cushions of lavender will thrive next to a sunny wall or in raised wall beds, particularly if situated in a sunny spot.

4. Choose partner plants that lavender loves

Lavender is well known as a traditional companion for landscaping with roses, and when combined with herbaceous plants such as delphiniums, Salvia caradonna and fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus), it creates a  gentle, pretty scheme.

Combining lavender with other plants like santolina ‘Edward Bowles’ with its cream button-like flowers and purple sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') will take the scheme in another direction altogether giving a more Mediterranean look and feel to your landscaping with lavender ideas. 

5. Plant lavender around seats

Every garden needs a comfortable place to sit, somewhere you can enjoy being immersed in all it has to offer. The planting can add a sensory experience to the enjoyment of the garden, somewhere that offers a restful interlude for your outdoor seating ideas.

Scented plants come into their own in spaces like this and none more so than lavender. The best variety to choose is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is strongly scented, and covered in masses of purple-blue flowers with silvery-grey leaves. Favorite varieties include ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’. 

6. Add lavender to a herb garden

If you're looking for lovely herb garden ideas try including lavender in the mix. It's a magnet for pollinating insects so will attract all the right visitors. Plus of course lavender itself is a herb so it will slot seamlessly into the mix.

When you've chosen a bed for your herb garden add repeat planting of lavender throughout in a loose and naturalistic style to tie together the design.

Alternatively show off the beauty of a lavender and herb mix with a more formal design in a potager garden. Since ancient times herb gardens have been laid out in geometric patterns and this parterre style suits small urban gardens really well. 

7. Border steps with lavender

Framing steps either side with swathes of uniform planting is a really eye-catching design. The idea of creating a stairway of flowers is one of our favorite looks when landscaping with hydrangeas too.

There is quite a choice when it comes to lavender varieties to use to create a look like this. The hardy, low-growing 'Hidcote' is a good choice for garden edging ideas but the main thing to remember is that all lavender varieties love a sunny position. So give your lavender what it needs by making it feel at home in a sheltered sun trap that offers protection.

Shop lavender plants

8. Include lavender in a sensory garden design

The soft mauve-blue palette and beautiful scent of lavender, as well as the soothing buzz of bees hovering over the flowers on a summer’s day, are a heavenly addition to any garden but particularly for sensory garden ideas. 

The best variety to choose is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is strongly scented. French lavender (Lavandula stoecha) has flowers that are a different shape to the English varieties, topped by pretty feathery tufts, but their scent is not as strong.

Find out how to propagate lavender and you can get even more lavender for planting in drifts in your sensory garden.

9. Landscape with lavender in a rock garden

Soft cushions of planting interspersed with pebbles and rocks is a landscaping with lavender choice that suits most spaces and can be left to evolve from year to year. It's one of the low maintenance garden border ideas that takes inspiration from the natural scenery of the Mediterranean.

If you're landscaping with river rocks, the gaps between the stones will soon be colonized by drifts of low-growing lavender which helps your landscaping design subtly evolve into a naturalistic and wild look. 

How much your lavender plants will spread varies significantly according to the variety and whether they are receiving the right care, primarily in terms of sunlight, soil and regular pruning.

10. Introduce a smartly clipped border

Imagine the wonderful scent and color you would enjoy on warm days right through summer if you were passing by on your way to this garden retreat!

A border of lavender works particularly well as a smart lawn edging idea and for zoning different areas of the garden. 

As well as looking good it's a great low maintenance garden design option too. Remember that gravel isn’t just for driveways and paths. Use it as a decorative mulch in the border to show off plants like lavender really well. If you spread a thick layer of gravel on top of a weed suppressing membrane it cuts down on garden chores, too.

11. Frame a doorway with lavender

As you walk up your path one of the most welcoming sensations on arriving home is being hit by a waft of delicious fragrance. Planting lavender is one of the best front porch ideas to really give your entrance the standout factor whether you decide to opt for a traditional or more modern garden design. 

Landscaping with lavender around doors and windows will fill your garden with delicious scent and soft color hues all summer long in a way that's reminiscent of sun-baked settings in Provence.

12. Put lavender top for Med-inspired gardens

Plants that work for Mediterranean garden ideas predominantly love hot and sunny conditions with free-draining soil. This suits lavender perfectly. Typically it will have a gravel mulch to help keep any moisture in the soil and reduce the need for watering. 

Lavender is a key component in Mediterranean gardens design-wise too, as repeat planting adds, shape and form creating a rhythm that guides the eye through the planting for a cohesive feel.

To create a mid-layer plant lavender, together with cistus, santolina. Add splashes of colour with agapanthus, nepeta and bearded iris, while Verbena bonariensis and Russian sage make superb vertical shapes.

To introduce softness, try landscaping with grasses using ornamental Stipa gigantea and Stipa tenuissima, which both work really well with lavender. 

13. Mix lavender plants with topiary

Strong structural elements like evergreen topiary paired with lavender has been used for centuries in grand country gardens, but the same technique can be used to great effect in smaller gardens too. 

Smart clipped topiary such as lollipop-shaped trees and low hedging contrasted with beds of soft planting works by introducing a touch of elegance to landscaping with lavender ideas.

14. Use lavender for ground cover

Low-growing varieties of lavender can be mixed in with other flowers and planted densely in garden borders and beds as hard working ground cover plants. Not only does this give the effect of full planting (the idea is no bare soil should be seen) but it means there's less chance of weeds popping up too. 

Aim to create a tapestry effect by using different flowers and foliage to add interesting shapes and textures. Choose the best low maintenance ground cover plants and you will create a beautiful garden that will virtually take care of itself.

15. Create a wow factor front yard with lavender

One of the easiest ways to improve the look of your home is to smarten up the front yard by giving it a makeover. This is where landscaping with lavender comes in. It will create a welcoming entrance as well as being an easy, low-maintenance option that looks both modern and stylish. 

Symmetry and structure are key when it comes to designing a smart front garden, and when it comes to planting keeping it simple is often the way to go for the best results. Well-defined flower beds, solid areas of planting and straight lines are a good starting point, and this works for small front garden ideas too. 

Opt for a neat and formal look with clearly defined lavender beds. Think about how your house can be framed by planting and what can be quickly installed to enhance the facade such as elegant potted topiary to contrast with the soft beds of lavender.

Sometimes the best garden design ideas mix up themes such as modern and new, and there is huge scope to experiment with lavender planting. It's clear from our inspirational ideas here that knowing how to grow lavender in your yard will bring immense value to your space, whatever your style of garden. 

When working from home, incorporating the right scents into your workspace can significantly boost productivity by stimulating your brain and creating an environment conducive to work. 

Studies have revealed that different scents can activate areas of your brain that can keep you motivated and focused, enhance your memory, and even reduce stress. Additionally, since the brain forms associations between scents and experiences, harnessing scents associated with productivity during working hours in your home office can condition your brain to enter a focused state when exposed to those scents.

So, if you struggle to maintain focus and energy when working remotely, consider integrating these scents into your environment to make your home workspace more productive. 

The best scents for boosting productivity 

'In our ever-evolving understanding of the human brain, one often underestimated factor plays a crucial role in shaping our behavior: scent,' says Tracy Pepe, perfumer and Founder of Smelling Pink. 'The relationship between scent and cognition is rooted in neuroscience. Scents can trigger the olfactory system, directly influencing brain areas responsible for emotions and memory. This activation can have a profound impact on mood and cognitive function.'

'Aromas can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, contributing to improved mood and reduced stress levels' continues Tracy. 'This, in turn, creates a more conducive environment for focused work.'

Below, our experts have explained the best home fragrances for boosting your cognition for better work.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary, while the perfect herb for flavoring meals, also has stimulating properties when used as an essential oil. 

Rosemary has uplifting and mood-boosting properties that can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It can also promote a sense of calmness and clarity, allowing for greater focus and productivity. 

'Rosemary essential oil has been found to improve memory retention and increase alertness,' explains Tracy Pepe. Since rosemary oil helps us to focus and retain information, it may be especially helpful during teleconferences or virtual business meetings when it's crucial to recall data.

The scent of rosemary has also been linked to enhanced cognitive performance including increased focus, mental clarity, and concentration. 

2. Citrus

'Scents like orange, lemon, and grapefruit are known to have energizing effects on the brain when used in aromatherapy,' says Nate Masterson, an aromatherapy expert for Maple Holistics.

'Citrus can promote a fresher environment which can increase your energy levels and lead to increased productivity. Studies have also shown that these scents can enhance concentration, alertness, and mood by stimulating the central nervous system,' explains Nate Masterson.

3. Cinnamon

'There’s a link between the spicy, sharp scent of cinnamon and its ability to create a warm, comforting environment. By doing this, it’s believed that cinnamon has the ability to promote greater cognitive function and possibly further your attention span,' says Nate Masterson.

'When you are inhaling the scent of cinnamon, you’re able to reduce distractions and hone in on the tasks in front of you, being able to stay more focused for longer periods.'

Because of the calming, inviting atmosphere cinnamon creates, this can reduce stress and boost relaxation, allowing for greater focus and productivity. In turn, this can elevate mood and motivation, making it easier to stay productive throughout the day.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint is renowned for its ability to invigorate the mind, enhance concentration, and stimulate clear thinking.

The aroma of peppermint stimulates the brain's hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. This activation leads to improved cognitive function, thereby fostering sharper focus and better retention of information, making peppermint an excellent scent for productivity.

'When I’m working from home, peppermint is my go-to for enhancing focus and motivation. Its fresh, uplifting scent has a way of waking you up and making your mind feel sharper,' says Nate Masterson. 'The stimulating scent increases alertness and allows you to tackle tasks with more energy and focus. 

'Usually, after lunchtime I find my productivity levels begin to dip, so using a peppermint essential oil after lunch has a great impact on my productivity. I feel like it wakes me up and helps my brain get going.'

5. Lavender

Lavender is a well-known scent for relaxation and sleep, but it can also be beneficial for productivity by creating a positive atmosphere conducive to focused work.

While it may not seem that the best scents for sleep can also be helpful for productive work, lavender's calming aroma has been found to reduce anxiety, irritability, agitation, or stress, which, as well as improving sleep, can also help promote more calm and focused work.

By reducing negative feelings, lavender can create an environment for improved cognitive function by cleaning the mind of distractions and allowing for greater focus and mental clarity. This can be particularly beneficial during high-pressure tasks.

6. Eucalyptus

'The invigorating scent of eucalyptus is often used to clear the mind, lessen weariness and mental fog, and stimulate mental focus,' explains Nate Masterson. 'The fragrance of eucalyptus also has decongestant properties, helping to clean nasal passages and improve breathing. Improved respiration can lead to increased oxygen flow to the brain which can enhance cognitive performance, ultimately boosting productivity.'

'Ultimately, learning to use scent is a lifelong journey. While the process may seem as simple as the nose on your face, its impact on productivity and well-being is profound,' says Tracy Pepe, perfumer and Founder of Smelling Pink. 'By incorporating the right scents into our home offices, we can unlock new levels of focus, creativity, and overall satisfaction in our work-from-home endeavors.'

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's $60 million is something of an architectural phenomenon, complete with a wine cellar, spa, and zero-edge pool. It's only fitting, therefore, that the kitchen is worthy of such a property – and this begins with the cabinets.

In true mega-mansion style, the sleek cabinets are far from conventional. The glossy fronts stretch almost the entirety of the wall, offering all the storage room we could ever need, but while we can't all replicate their size and shape, we can tap into their color. The hue in question? A warm gray that designers say has the ability to transcend fleeting design trends. 

While this tone often has a controversial reputation, Jennifer and Ben's gray kitchen cabinets remind us of its unwavering power. We love how their hue has a subtle warm glow under the light, so inevitably, we should look toward warmer grays to achieve a similar aesthetic. However, Clara Ewart, the head of design at Kitesgrove, explains that all gray kitchen hues are worth the investment. 

'Different shades of gray are hugely versatile – from cool off-white shades through warmer neutral mid-tones to the very deep and mysterious,' Clara says. 'They have more color and texture within them than straight black – a monochrome scheme of black and white is much more unforgiving than one of shades of slate and clay, which will change subtlety with the light throughout the day, giving them personality and character.'

Cabinets aside, Jennifer and Ben's kitchen follows a similarly neutral palette, with marble countertops and white-painted walls. Decorating with neutrals is a failsafe way to ensure our spaces stand the test of time, but Helen Shaw, a color expert from Benjamin Moore, explains there are yet more ways to bring this color to life. 

'Remaining a go-to neutral, gray pairs well with almost every other hue. For a bolder look, pair with jewel-inspired tones such as deep forest green or a rich navy. This combination creates a glamorous and sophisticated classic scheme that is great for both a modern or classic kitchen space,' she explains.

'For a softer approach, opt for pastel hues such as blush pink. Such hues married with a lighter gray create an airy, minimalist feel, perfect for creating a feeling of calm and tranquility in a busy space such as a kitchen.'

Colors aside, we're tapping into Jennifer's space with these inspired buys below.

Shop the Jennifer Lopez-Inspired Edit

She's best known for making dresses for Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even Michelle Obama, but this spring, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier has curated some stunning tablescape items.  

All inspired by fresh-cut French lavender, this new collection brings a crisp, airy feel to spring decor. Whether you’re in need of new servingware or want to refresh your table linens with crisp, seasonal touches, Monique's collection has some beautiful pieces that are perfect for spring decor.

I trawled through the whole collection to find the choicest picks. Whether you're refreshing your current decor or totally starting from scratch, I've found a few gems in her latest collection. 

The new Pottery Barn Monique Lhuillier Collection 

I like Monique's collection but as spring approaches lots of other designers and retailers are dropping seasonal collections. I've scoured the entirety of the Anthropologie spring collection and picked out the best Anthropologie spring tablescape ideas. I've also been hard hard at work going through Joanna Gaines' Hearth & Hand spring collection as well as the Crate and Barrell spring collection. If you can believe it, Williams Sonoma's Easter collection is already here too. There's lots of options our there for elevating your spring decor. 

Whether you have an abundance of lavender in your yard or want to make the most of a bouquet, learning how to dry lavender effectively is key to maintaining a fragrant scent for months.

There is no limit to what you can do with dried lavender: it's ideal for scented sachets, potpourri, DIY lavender carpet fresher, or as a fragrant way to decorate with dried flowers. 

It can also be used to add scents to your upholstery, and with these techniques, you can dry lavender to enhance and prolong its scent. Our experts have explained the four steps to dry these flowers to keep them smelling nice.

How to dry lavender and keep it smelling nice

'It's important to keep in mind that not all lavender plants are created equal. Specifically, some varieties have much stronger scents than others,' explains Ryan Farley, the CEO of LawnStarter. 'For dried lavender, the stronger the scent, the better. Lavandin or English Lavender are good bets here.'

You can check out our guide for the best lavender varieties. You can also find English Lavender at Walmart.

1. Harvest the lavender at the right time

The first step in preserving lavender's fragrance is to ensure you harvest it at the right time.

For best results, harvest your lavender in dry conditions, just as the first flowers are starting to bloom. 'This is when about half the buds on the flower spike are in bloom,' explains Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible. 'This is when the essential oils are at their peak, imparting that beautiful aroma.' 

The ideal time for harvesting lavender is typically in the morning after any dew has dried, but before it gets too hot.

To harvest the lavender, use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the lavender stems, leaving two inches of green on the plant. We recommend these Fiskars pruning shears, from Amazon.

2. Hang your lavender and let it dry

Next, gather a small handful of about ten to fifteen lavender stems. Tie the stems of each pile with yarn, twine, or a rubber band with all the stems facing in the same direction.

'Ensure the bundles are not too large, as proper air circulation is crucial in the drying process,' advises Zahid Adnan.

'Hang the lavender bundles upside down in a cool, dark place. The darkness helps preserve the color, while the cool, dry environment is perfect for drying without losing too much fragrance. Attics, garages, or even a closet work well for this.

'Allow your lavender to air dry for about two to four weeks. Check the bundles periodically to ensure they are drying evenly. The key is to be patient, as rushing the process might lead to loss of fragrance.' Air circulation will limit any mold formation, especially in the first few days.

Zahid Adnan continues, 'While drying, it's important to protect the lavender from dust and debris. You can loosely cover the bundles with a paper bag or a mesh bag to keep them clean.'

3. Remove the buds and store them

'Once your lavender is dry, gently strip the buds from the stems,' says Zahid Adnan. 'This is where the true essence of lavender lies. You can store these buds in an airtight container to keep the fragrance intact until you want to use them.'

Julia Kahlig-Garuba, CEO of Herb & Root advises, 'After the lavender has thoroughly dried, one of my favorite ways to store lavender is in mason jars – it's aesthetic and allows you to locate the dried lavender quickly when you need it. 

'For long-term storage of the flowers, you may decide to use anti-humidity packets.' You can use this Dry & Dry rechargeable moisture absorber, from Amazon. You can also keep them in a vacuum-sealed bag, such as this 20-pack, from Amazon.

Keep the lavender buds away from light and heat, since these can cause the scent to diminish over time.

4. Enhance the fragrance with preservation techniques

If the scent of your dried lavender is fading or if you simply want to boost its fragrance, you can gently crush the buds to release more fragrance. This is the perfect method when using the lavender in sachets or potpourri.

'To extend the longevity of your lavender's fragrance, consider adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your dried buds before sealing them in an airtight container,' suggests Zahid Adnan. Gently shake the container to mix the oil and buds. The buds will absorb the essential oil's aroma, rejuvenating the fragrance.

You can find lavender essential oil at Walmart.

To enhance the fragrance, place your dried lavender buds in a container with uncooked rice. The rice absorbs excess moisture that could compromise the fragrance, and also takes on the lavender scent, creating fragrant rice that you can use as a natural air freshener or even for cooking.

FAQs

You can also use dried lavender to make fragrant sachets by combining dried lavender buds with rice and sewing them into fabric pouches, or use drawstring bags, such as these Tendwarm bags, from Amazon. 

Lavender sachets can be placed under your pillow to help you sleep, in furniture to make them smell nice or in your wardrobes and drawers to repel clothes moths.

You can also put dried lavender bags into clothes drawers to keep them smelling nice. This can be a great idea for out-of-season clothes in storage that won't be used for a while. 

Creating a DIY lavender rug freshener is the ideal simple and cost-effective way to keep your carpets bacteria-free and deodorized. This natural method requires few ingredients and can be made with items you already have at home, making it the ideal, non-chemical way to clean an area rug and make your home smell nice.

'Lavender is not only known for its pleasant scent but also for its natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for freshening up your home,' explains Michael Gottron, cleaning expert and owner of Germicidal Maids.

Our experts have explained how to make and use a DIY lavender rug freshener using lavender buds or lavender essential oils with baking soda, and how to use it, all in six simple steps. 

DIY lavender rug and carpet freshener

This is one of the key tricks people with nice-smelling homes always use, since baking soda is a natural deodorizer and works well to neutralize odors in rugs and carpets, while lavender not only adds a pleasant scent but also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent choice for a freshener.

You will need:

• Dried Lavender Buds: You can dry your own or you can find these at health food stores, herb shops, or online, such as these dried lavender buds, from Amazon. If you are drying your own from your garden, you can check out our guide for how to dry lavender to keep it smelling nice.
• Baking Soda: This acts as the base for your freshener and helps absorb odors.
• Glass Jar with a Lid: For storing and shaking up your freshener. You can use this anchor hocking jar, from Walmart.
• Sieve: For sifting the freshener and catching any large lavender pieces.
• Lavender Essential Oil (optional): This enhances the fragrance and adds an antibacterial element. We recommend this HBNO lavender essential oil, from Amazon. However, this step is optional if you are concerned about using oils on your rug.

How to make your DIY lavender rug freshener

1. 'Measure your ingredients. For every cup of dried lavender buds, you'll need about two cups of baking soda. Adjust the quantities based on the size of the area you want to freshen,' advises Angela Rubin from Hellamaid. 'In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried lavender buds and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.'

Alternatively, you can combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil in a mixing bowl.

2. 'Sift the lavender and baking soda mixture, removing any large lavender pieces and ensuring the freshener is fine and easy to sprinkle,' continues Angela Rubin.

3. 'Carefully pour the sifted lavender and baking soda mixture into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the jar is airtight to preserve the fragrance.'

3. Michael Gottron recommends, 'Close the container and shake well to distribute the lavender and essential oil evenly.'

4. Let the freshener sit for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the lavender to release its aroma and to help the baking soda to absorb the fragrances. Some experts recommend leaving this to sit for a couple of days, but you can decide depending on the time constraints you are on or how potent you want the smell to be. 

6.  'When ready to use, simply shake the mixture onto your carpet or rug, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum it up,' explains Michael Gottron. 'Your home will be left with a refreshing lavender aroma.' You can check out our guide for the best vacuum cleaner of 2023.

Precautions and additional tips

'While this homemade freshener is great for most rugs and carpets, it's essential to avoid using it on delicate or antique rugs,' explains Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. 'The baking soda might be a bit abrasive for these. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first if you're unsure.'

Be sure to avoid using this DIY rug freshener on delicate silk rugs or antique carpets, as the baking soda may be too abrasive and cause damage.

Muffetta Kruger, cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants recommends, 'Store the DIY freshener in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness and fragrance.'

You can also customize the scent of your DIY freshener by adding other dried herbs such as rosemary or mint, or essential oils such as eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint or even a combination of several scents to create a unique aroma that suits your home's ambiance.

We recommend this Essential Oils by PURE AROMA kit, from Amazon, for a range of fragrances.

FAQs

Lavender not only adds a soothing fragrance to your rugs, but can also help to repel moths and insects. 

Regularly using this homemade freshener will not only keep your carpets smelling fresh, but can also extend their lifespan by reducing the build-up of odors and dirt, ensuring you have a nice smelling entryway, living room or bedroom.

Q: I have lots of lavender shrubs in my front yard. As they're doing so well, I would like some more to plant at the back of my plot, too. Is it possible to collect the seeds from the flowers to sow new plants?

A: Collecting seeds from your garden flowers is a fun and relatively easy task – and, of course, rewards you with more plants for free. When it comes to propagating lavender, however, it's not the most common approach.

'Collecting seeds is certainly doable, but it is something we tend to avoid,' says Stephen Robins, Founder of Pelindaba Lavender. 'The reason for this is that non-sterile lavender varieties hybridize readily in nature. If one is looking to propagate a specific variety, growing from seeds can result in variable outcomes (and it takes quite an investment in time).

'We much prefer propagation by taking cuttings from a mature plant,' he continues. 'This method ensures variety integrity and is also the only way to propagate sterile varieties of lavender.'

However, if you fancy experimenting anyway, there are a few steps you'll need to follow.

How to harvest lavender seeds – in 4 steps

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), lavender seeds should be harvested in late summer. Lindsey Chastain, a homesteader and the Founder of The Waddle and Cluck blog, shares her step-by-step tips.

1. Wait until the lavender flowers have dried out on the stalk. They will look brown and brittle. 
2. Next, cut the entire flower stalk off the plant with pruners or scissors. Do this in the morning after any dew has dried for ideal results.
3. Place the cut lavender stalks into a paper bag, folding over the top to close. Hang the bag in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for a week or two. This encourages the flower pods to burst open, releasing the tiny seeds inside.
4. Then, remove the stalks from the bag and rub the flower heads between your fingers over a bowl to separate all the remaining lavender seeds from the husks. Pick out any plant debris. 

How to store and sow lavender seeds

'Place the clean seeds in an envelope or jar labeled with the variety,' instructs Lindsey. They can then be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. 'Sow them shallowly in starter trays and keep them moist until germination. In a few weeks, young lavender seedlings will emerge, ready to be transplanted outside into your herb garden after hardening off.' Bear in mind that lavender grown from seed can take a couple of years to bloom.

If you don't get round to planting them in spring, don't worry – 'With proper drying and storing, lavender seeds can remain viable for up to five years,' Lindsey says.

Your new lavenders will need proper maintenance to thrive – and remember to stay clear of the common lavender growing mistakes. With a bit of luck, you'll soon have healthy, happy plants that, once established, are ideal for drought-tolerant schemes, cottage-style gardens, garden edging, and more.

Q: I have a row of lavender shrubs along my front yard path. I've heard that pruning is required to keep them healthy and looking good, but when is the best time to do so?

A: It's true – pruning is important when growing lavender. It encourages good flower development and prevents overly woody stalks, as Stephen Robins, the Founder of Pelindaba Lavender, explains. But it's equally important to get the timing right – and cut them back before it gets too cold – otherwise, they can be vulnerable to frost damage.

When to prune lavender

'We find the best time to prune lavender is fall, well before the first frosts come,' says Stephen. 'This allows the plant to focus on transitioning into winter dormancy once flowering has finished, and prevents the formation of woody lavender plants.'

'Generally speaking, October is an ideal month for pruning,' he continues. 'This may, of course, vary depending on the micro-climate of your own garden. At our Pacific Northwest farm, we usually see the first frosts in early November, so we focus on getting our 30,000+ plants pruned and put to bed for the long winter’s nap by the end of October.'

'You do not want to prune in temperatures above 80°F if you can avoid it,' Anna Ohler, the Owner of Bright Lane Gardens nursery adds. If it's still warm outside, consider pruning in the evenings so the plant can recover overnight when temperatures are coolest. Thoroughly water your lavender for the next few days after pruning, she adds.

Stephen highlights a second benefit of pruning lavender during the fall: at this time of year, it's easy to see on the plant how far back you should cut. 'The summer growth is still green and clearly differentiated from the gray or brown woody base of the plant,' he explains. The plant should be pruned to within two leaf nodes above the woody part of the stem (leaving approximately 2-3 inches of green stalk).

'All of the over 400 varieties of lavender profit from annual pruning in this manner,' he adds.

However, if you forget to prune your lavender in the fall, you can prune the shrubs in spring instead, when new growth starts to appear. 

If you have the time, it's also possible to prune lavender twice a year: once after flowering, and once when temperatures warm again. With this approach, the shrubs are lightly clipped at the end of summer or in the fall, which creates a neat and attractive shape over winter and provides extra frost protection for the plants. A harder prune – leaving about 2in of green stalk as described above – can then be carried out in spring.

When should you deadhead lavender?

Many varieties of the species Lavandula stoechas (French lavender) will flower for longer if you deadhead them throughout the growing season, says Stephen.

Like deadheading coneflowers, zinnias, or dahlias, you can deadhead as and when needed, once the flowerhead has faded and the petals have turned brown.

Of course, you can also harvest lavender when it's still in bloom if you wish – they make pretty cut flowers when fresh, or can be dried for aromatic, long-lasting posies. But however you cut yours back, just remember to always use clean and sharp pruners and stay clear of the common pruning mistakes for happy, healthy plants.

Feng Shui has some weird and wonderful ways of increasing your luck and prosperity by attracting positive energies to your life – but does lavender really attract wealth?

If you are familiar with Feng Shui, then you will likely know about the feng shui wealth corner, and how it can improve your luck with money, but it turns out that lavender could have the same effect on its own. 

We consulted Feng Shui experts to learn more about lavender and prosperity, and why this plant is sworn by for good luck with finances. 

Does lavender attract wealth? 

Usually used to help improve sleep and relaxation, and promote good energy in bedroom Feng Shui, lavender is an unsung hero when it comes to wealth and prosperity, says Feng Shui expert Victor Cheung, founder of Feng Shui Nexus. 

‘Lavender's vibrant purple color is associated with wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui symbolism,’ he explains. ‘This color association further reinforces the belief that incorporating lavender elements in the wealth corner can enhance the energy related to abundance and financial well-being.’

But what makes lavender as a Feng Shui plant so different from simply decorating with purple? Jennifer Kropf of Healthy Happy Impactful, explains that it is about calming fragrance: ‘Lavender helps set the stage for an environment where minds were receptive, where the flow of good energy could circulate freely as it relaxes, soothes, and calms.

‘So whether it's a live plant or an essential oil diffuser, you're looking to enhance the atmosphere in your home,’ she says. ‘Consider what lavender might do for you. In my own journey, it has proven to be more than just a scent or a color; it has been a catalyst for peace, positivity, and even abundance.’

Lavender also has the added benefit of channeling the wood element in Feng Shui. In the meaning of Feng Shui, wood is thought to be the most prosperous of the five elements, symbolizing wealth, family, and health. Growing lavender indoors in the right areas of your home can, therefore, increase your luck in these areas by helping to balance the energy, Victor Cheung continues.

‘To harness the potential of lavender in the wealth corner of the Feng Shui energy map, place live lavender plants or dried lavender sachets in the far left corner of rooms, or your home. This infusion of lavender's scent and color can enhance the ambiance and energy of the space, contributing to the overall positive energy flow.’ 

FAQs

Whether you buy a fresh lavender plant for your home, or channel its relaxing scent and peaceful color, creating good Feng Shui in your home and incorporating some element of this easy-to-care-for flower is a great way to de-stress and refocus your attention, possibly unlocking more opportunities to increase your wealth.

A pastel scheme ushers in a look that has been popular over the centuries, the Georgians loved to use soft pastel tones, and the Rococo period was an unrivaled light-hearted delve into charming pastels. In America, the 1950s and1960s embraced a soaring rise in the use of pastels and soft tones in interiors. Strawberry ice cream pink, soft muted greens, lavender, and baby blues were bought in abundance, and displayed throughout the home in post-war middle America. Pastel room ideas were once the choice for optimistic interiors, a style decision chosen by millions of joyful, nuclear families in 1950s America.

However, the historical undertones of pastel tones often invite strong, love it or loathe it responses, despite these soft and beautiful tones found in profusion in the natural world. So, what is the resistance to using pastels? Is it the association with children’s toys and clothes and the, not so, distant saccharine past?

We discover how professionals decorate with pastels, uncovering that pastel living room ideas are definitely not childish and when paired with darker tones, rich natural materials, wood, or brass, this style trend is as mature, chic, and elegant as you can imagine.

Pastel living room ideas to calm your space 

Dive into the world of soft and delicate pastel living room ideas with us. Track down the best place to start building your mood board, where to find inspiration, and discover if specific pastel colors work better together or if they all just connect. What colors from this unique palette should we consider when designing a living room and which materials could be used alongside?

1. Let nature be your inspiration

When choosing from the pastel palette where to begin? A simple rule of thumb, to inspire your designs, is the scene directly beyond your living room: nature. This kind of blue-sky thinking is a brilliant starting point when considering interior design, choosing colors that are reflected outside will create synergy inside. The natural world provides a bounty of gorgeous pastel tones from a delicately soft, aqua blue sky, pale leafy, green tones, subtle petals from a blushing rose bush, and many more in between. 

‘Blend the indoors with the outdoors, come rain or shine with a palette inspired by the countryside. Off-whites, muted pastels, and shades of green work together to create a fail-safe palette, working beautifully against reclaimed wood, rustic accessories, and plenty of chunky throws for added comfort. Whatever your preference, be it neutrals or darker hues, choose shades with warm undertones for a cozy and effortless country scheme,' says Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColors.

This nature-inspired style can be seen in a living room designed by Tom Scheerer, the green pastel tones are softened with natural wood, woven rope, and cane furniture. The paintings and houseplants add to an overall sense of the natural calm created in this country-chic design.

2. Go deeper if a hue isn't your thing

Pastels don't have to be loud, garish, or particularly sugary, instead, why not try a contemporary coastal living scheme?

‘It’s possible to create a sophisticated pastel sitting room by combining muted tones. Pastels are very versatile, mix with pale to mid-tones to create a balanced interior that feels more grown up rather than sickly sweet,' says interior designer Kate Guinness.

Karen Wolf, interior designer at K&Co Living, agrees: ‘Pastel living spaces exude softness and modernity. Choosing a color to anchor the space is the best place to start. These delicate colors add light and texture to a living space without feeling overpowering. You can use pastels on pillows, furnishings, or walls.'

3. Combine light and dark pastel shades

For centuries pink was extremely fashionable, intrinsically connected with nature, flowers, and love, it is a popular and beautiful starting point for a pastel-hued living room. Mamie Eisenhower introduced the American public to this pretty tone, her legendary pink palette seen through her clothing, chinaware, and her interiors kickstarted a passionate pink love affair in the 1950s and '60s America. 

To avoid that saccharine pink tone becoming too sweet, combine pastels with a bolder hue. Deep plums, dark greys, and rich blues all work well. The soft pink in this sitting room is stabilized with the injection of dark tones, seen on the radiator, and then anchored and reflected further in the skirting and the rug all combining to provide a seamless and smart look.

‘Pretty pastel pinks, mint greens, sky blues, pale buttery yellows, and delicate lilacs all work together to create a charming and playful atmosphere in a living room. For an elegant scheme add a darker hue for an impactful yet intimate atmosphere,’ suggests Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

4. Add subtle touches of pastel

Scared of color? Lots of homeowners are, despite a huge shift towards the use of color in the last decade. Pastel tones, however, are a failsafe and low-key way to bring colors into your living room without overwhelming you.  

Designer Liv Wallers, co-founder of Yellow London, explains: ‘Pastel colors are ideal for introducing subtle color to a living room, especially if working with brighter colors feels intimidating. Pastels are a perfect way to add hints of color to a more neutral space and are particularly effective when used to create an understated backdrop that allows stronger colors and patterns to come to the fore without overpowering the space.’  

5. Create warmth with two shades together

Principal designer, Rozit Arditi of Arditi Design, uses pastel tones to create warmth in her projects. Beginning with the walls Rozit chose a pastel pink grass-cloth wallpaper as the foundation for this project.

‘We wanted to create a welcoming space for the family, I approached it by bringing in soft pastel tones and mixing it with brighter colors and textures in the rest of the furniture. I don’t believe in any set rules when scheming a room, especially if we are designing with color in mind.’

7. Use a pastel as a neutral base

Creating a neutral backdrop as a starting point for your sitting room will provide a calming frame. Pastels are extremely versatile making them an important component in the neutral palette. Using a neutral tone with hues of pastel layered beneath creates a wealth of gentle color opportunities. Dominic Myland CEO of Mylands agrees: ‘Pastel shades are incredibly versatile and easy to work with and are subtle enough to be used as a neutral within a larger scheme.’

This sophisticated sitting room has a purple-based pastel hue as the neutral tone on the walls and ceiling. Dominic adds: ‘Soft lavender purples are calming and relaxing, and ideal for creating a restful living space, or try a light shade of green to create an earthier atmosphere and a space that feels on-trend yet timeless.’

They gently tease out the neutral color you chose through artwork and furnishings to create a joined-up look. Quietly layering the pastel neutral allows it to speak without overpowering the rest of the room.

8. Create depth by layering with other colors

Edward Bulmer, founder of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, explains: ‘The more a color depends on white, the cooler it becomes. So therefore, if you get the tonality right, pastel shades will flatter the pieces in a room and provide a light and airy but furnished feel.’

Interior designer, Corey Damen Jenkins chooses layers of pastel tones to create a light and ethereal palette. Blush pinks, mint, and celadon greens alongside layers of black, white, and gold finishes. ‘Reflective surfaces, artworks, antiques, and modern light fixtures surrounded by organic motifs, brought this haven to life.'

9. Nuanced tones for a relaxed feel

Create harmony using the walls and include the ceiling in your chosen pastel tones, the color palette selected will change the feeling of the design.

'Consider the light filtering into your sitting room,' says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow and Ball, adding: ‘If you are looking for a touch of warmth in your interior then pinks and yellows is the start point but if you want something cleaner, then use blues and greens as the palette to play with, the latter responding especially well to east facing and coastal light.’

These softer tones are perfect for layering with richer and bolder colors, as seen here, a deep denim blue sofa provides a grounding foundation in the center of the room, while pops of bright yellow and deeper pinks ensure added dimensions.

Patrick continues: ‘The classic decorating trope of white ceilings and trim are always successful with pastels but consider whites that share characteristics of your chosen wall color for a softer transition.’ This ceiling has been painted white with elements of ground pink to create nuance.

10. Choose a bold accent

‘Pastel works well in a home that wishes to introduce lots of depth and color. Working almost as a neutral, pastel shades like a soft peach, pink or blush work as a less harsh alternative to white or cream where a lighter complement to bold colors are needed,' says, Sophie Chapman, of The Vawdrey House, who won Interior of the Year at British Institute of Interior Design earlier this year.

Sophie adds: ‘Pastels offer a soft and feminine vibe to a space. They can also be used to good effect as a counterbalance in a living room where you wish to inject darker more masculine colors or jewel tones. Pastels work well in heritage properties, or homes working to create a more traditional aesthetic and make a nice complement for darker furniture such as walnut and cherry timbers.’

11. Introduce pastels into fabrics and furniture

The art of subtlety can be incorporated when designing with the gentlest pastel palette. Soft and dusky pastel hues of peach, pink, apple green, or sky blue can be found in the most delicate of paint choices.

If you would prefer to use more inconspicuous pastels, you can introduce understated pastel tones using materials and fabrics, such as the curtains, rug, and furniture chosen in this living room, designed by interior designer, Katie Lion, at Kitesgrove, whose use of subdued notes of pink and peach generate a relaxed and elegant look.

Katie explains: ‘Soft pinks and pastel shades that introduce color without overwhelming a space are successful in living rooms. Pastel hues add subtle hints of color and can be introduced in different ways, introduce pastel detail with drape, decorative objects, or cushions.’

12. Include neutral shades and accents

There are no rules to what can be pastel-colored and what cannot, says interior designer Amanda Barnes at Amanda Barnes Interior.‘Working with pastel colors in a living room is no different than working with a moody, or bold palette. When layering in soft colors you need to have contrast to bring the design to life. If there are soft tones upholstering the sofas, a dark wood coffee table is the perfect complement. 

If the walls are a pretty shade of pastel, a bold piece of art will take the design up a notch. The key is to make sure to layer in neutral shades and bold accents so everything will sing in the same space.'

FAQs

One of the most recognizable garden plants, lavender can greatly enhance the pleasure your backyard brings, but do you know about their different varieties?

All lavender varieties are neat-growing, aromatic, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, evergreen shrubs that appreciate good drainage and plenty of sunshine. Though they vary in size from 14in-4ft, many are highly suited to borders, path edging, and low hedges, plus patio pots and large containers. An essential ingredient in many fragrances, new varieties feature a higher oil content, plus attractive foliage and improved hardiness. Most have gray foliage that sets off their purple, lavender, pink, or white flowers prettily. 

Most types of lavender fall into two groups. Hardy lavenders are those that are rated by the USDA as Zone 5 or above. These are mainly derived from the Mediterranean Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and from L. x intermedia (lavandin).

For those keen to grow lavender, hardy types make fine small specimens. They create attractive edging for garden paths and driveways, and they are the richest in aromatic oils.

Patio lavenders are less hardy (USDA H7), but can be moved into a cold greenhouse, sunroom, or sunroom for winter. Lavenders grown in containers need warmer winter temperatures than they would in the ground. Patio lavenders are derived from L. dentata with toothed leaves, L. lanata with woolly leaves, plus L. pedunculata (Spanish lavender), L. stoechas (French lavender) and lemon-scented L. viridis (green lavender).

14 modern and classic lavender varieties for every garden

This selection of some of the best lavender features new varieties bred specifically for variegated foliage and extra hardiness, as well as the best fragrant flowers you can grow. 

‘The large diversity of lavenders offers a range of suitable growing conditions,’ says Jim & Dotti Becker of Goodwin Creek Gardens in Oregon. ‘You can’t grow all lavender varieties in all parts of the US, but with planning there is a lavender for everyone.’ Try ‘Nana Alba’ and ‘Sweet Romance’ for windowboxes, ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Imperial Gem’ for hedges, and ‘Meerlo’ and ‘Tiara’ for a patio pot. 

New varieties arrive in garden centers and nurseries every year, yet some of the golden oldies are still among the best.

• Shop lavender at Amazon
• Shop lavender at Burpee
• Shop lavender at Nature Hills

1. Lavender BeeZee Series

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 15in
• Good for: Low hedges, containers, drought gardens

The BeeZee Series of lavender varieties are some of the hardiest you can grow. They are ideal for drought-tolerant planting ideas as well as containers and low hedges. They form a series of five matching compact, prolific and early flowering varieties. These lavenders produce flowers in three shades of blue, plus pink and white.

2. Lavender ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’

• Type: Lavandula dentata hybrid
• Hardiness: USDA Z7
• Height: 3ft
• Good for: Patio and deck containers

If you are looking for the best patio plants as well as the best lavender options, this is an excellent choice for patio and deck containers. Foliage with this lavender, discovered in Oregon, can be both untoothed and toothed in silvery gray. The flowers, stems and spikes of ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’ are unusually long and topped with violet sails. 

• Shop for ‘Goodwin Creek Gray’ at Goodwin Creek Gardens

3. Lavender ‘Hidcote’

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 26-30in
• Good for: Hedges, dry gardens, Mediterranean gardens

‘Hidcote’ is another of the hardiest types of lavender you can grow and it has been popular for over a hundred years. It works especially well with other Mediterranean plants, as well as dry gardens and hedges. This is one of the classic lavender varieties with dense spikes of violet flowers held above slender, grey-green leaves. ‘Hidcote Giant’ is different, with floppier growth. 

• Shop for ‘Hidcote’ at Walmart

4. Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 26-30in
• Good for: Hedges, dry gardens, Mediterranean gardens

Compact, bushy and hardy, ‘Imperial Gem’ is one of the most intensely colored lavender varieties in our selection. If you are looking for richly toned purple plants then this is one of the best lavender options you can try. The dense spikes of deep violet flowers are darker in color than those of ‘Hidcote’ and the leaves are more silvery. Ideal for dry gardens, hedges and Mediterranean plantings.

• Shop for ‘Imperial Gem’ at Etsy

5. Lavender Javelin Series

• Type: Lavandula stoechas
• Hardiness: USDA Z8
• Height: 14-20in
• Good for: Patio and deck containers

These types of lavender are perfect if you are growing herbs in pots and need something for a patio or deck container. Two series make up this group: Forte and Compact. Varieties in the Javelin Forte Series make slightly larger plants than the Javelin Compact Series. The Javelin Forte Series of lavenders are also ideal for beds, borders and dwarf hedging. All are unusually disease resistant.

• Shop for Javelin Forte at White Flower Farm

6. Lavender Little Lady (‘Batlad’)

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 20in
• Good for: Very low hedges, window boxes, individual pots

Little Lady (‘Batlad’) is an excellent hardy garden lavender. It is perfect for tidy yet attractive lawn edging ideas, as it is neat and compact in growth, and naturally bushy without pruning. This is amongst the best lavender varieties for window boxes and low hedges. Its lilac-blue flower spikes rise above unusually glossy green foliage which is more aromatic than most.

7. Lavender ‘Meerlo’

• Type: Lavandula dentata hybrid
• Hardiness: USDA Z9
• Height: 40in
• Good for: Pots on the patio or deck

‘Meerlo’ is one of the best lavender varieties if you want ornamental shrubs for containers you can keep on a patio or deck. Fragrant and variegated, its foliage is quite a departure from a lot of other lavenders you might recognize. Each grey-green toothed leaf is edged in cream, topped by spikes of pale blue flowers on long stems.

8. Lavender ‘Miss Katherine’

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 2ft
• Good for: Hedges, dry gardens, Mediterranean gardens

Another of the finest hardy garden lavenders, ‘Miss Katherine’ is also amongst the best drought tolerant herbs you can grow as part of hedges or dry gardens. These types of lavender are some of the darkest pinks available, and very prolific. Individual flowers have a neat star-shaped mark, and the grey-green leaves are very aromatic.

• Shop for ‘Miss Katherine’ at Goodwin Creek Gardens

9. Lavender ‘Nana Alba’

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 12in
• Good for: Very low hedges, window boxes, individual pots

If you are looking for unusual lavender varieties to harmonize with white garden ideas or silver color themes, this is one of the best lavender options. ‘Nana Alba’ is a fine hardy lavender for window boxes and very low hedges. This dwarf and bushy variety has unusually broad, highly aromatic foliage in a pretty grey-green shade that sets off flowers nicely. 

• Shop for dwarf ‘Nana Alba’ at Goodwin Creek Gardens

10. Lavender Phenomenal (‘Niko’)

• Type: Lavandula x intermedia
• Hardiness: USDA Z4
• Height: 3-4ft
• Good for: Drought gardens, growing with roses

Phenomenal (‘Niko’) is one of the best types of lavender for drought gardens and does well in the west and south. It is also one of the most striking plant partners if you are interested in dramatic rose garden ideas for cottage gardens and modern themes. Long, slender, purplish blue flower spikes are held above silver foliage on large plants that are unusually tolerant of heat and humidity.

• Shop for Phenomenal at Burpee

11. Lavender Sensational (‘Tesseract’)

• Type: Lavandula x intermedia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 2-3ft
• Good for: Drought gardens, small specimens, large containers

Another of the best lavender options for drought tolerant plants for pots, Sensational (‘Tesseract’) is also excellent for drought gardens. They are also great lavender varieties to grow as small specimens. Narrow, brightly silvered foliage makes for very attractive plants. In spring and summer, you will be treated to densely packed purple flower spikes.

• Shop for Sensational at Nature Hills

12. Lavender Sweet Romance (‘Kerlavangem’)

• Type: Lavandula angustifolia
• Hardiness: USDA Z5
• Height: 12-16in
• Good for: Edging, very low hedges, patio pots

Lavenders for containers don’t come much better than Sweet Romance (‘Kerlavangem’). This compact lavender is ideal for patio planting ideas as well as pots, low hedges and edging. Its low, grey-green mound of foliage is topped by an unusually long season of deep purple flowers. These types of lavender will start flowering before most varieties. Flowers open low on stems for a richer display.

• Shop for Sweet Romance at Plant Addicts

13. Lavender ‘Tiara’

• Type: Lavandula viridis hybrid
• Hardiness: USDA Z7
• Height: 26in
• Good for: Pots on the patio or deck, sunny gravel gardens 

If you are looking for dramatic lavender varieties for dramatic garden color schemes then ‘Tiara’ is ideal. This is also one of the best lavender options for vibrant patio or deck-based container gardening, as well as sunny gravel gardens. Its playful flowerheads feature a vivid combination of rich blue flowers topped with white sails tinted green at the base.

14. Lavender ‘Willow Vale’

• Type: Lavandula stoechas hybrid
• Hardiness: USDA Z7
• Height: 20in
• Good for: Patio and deck containers, and sunny, sheltered borders, gravel gardens

‘Willow Vale’ is one of the most vigorous lavender varieties and another excellent choice for patio and deck containers. This strong-growing lavender is also ideal for delicate gravel garden ideas and sunny, sheltered borders. These two-toned types of lavender feature grey-green foliage and long, slightly crinkled sails topping each violet flower head.

The rich diversity of lavender varieties means that whichever breed you choose, you are helping to add color and character to your plot. You are also helping to attract pollinators and wildlife by growing enduring sensory garden plants that will reward you with fragrance for years to come. Also, once you harvest lavender, you can use it decoratively at cut flowers, as a fragrant edible in the kitchen garden, or homeopathically as an ingredient in essential oils.  

Boosting curb appeal has never been easier than with these front door plants that will transform the entrance to your home. A fast planting refresh is quick to get done yet will create the most stylish welcome to your home.

Your front door is on display 24/7 so it makes sense to enhance it in the best possible way. Add pops of gorgeous color with containers of flowering plants, smartly clipped evergreens in stylish planters, cascading hanging baskets, and fragrant path edging leading up to the door.

Whether you're looking for modern ideas for a contemporary home or something more traditional, these plants will set off your front yard landscaping to perfection.

10 ways to dress up your front door with plants

Selecting the right plants for your front door area can transform it into a welcoming and charming space. Use plants to add pops of vibrant color, texture and scent, either in containers, planted in the garden or displayed on your front porch.

1. Geraniums

• Best for: Containers, hanging baskets, window boxes
• Type: Perennial (if overwintered), annual
• Hardiness: USDA 10,11

Also known as pelargoniums, these are one of the best front door plants as they look good for months and don't need a lot of attention. All you need to do is find out how to deadhead geraniums to keep the show going.

'These are my go-to plants for containers and hanging baskets,' says gardening expert Amelia Haslehurt, co-founder of Locally Grown Gardens. 'Their clustered blooms, which can range from vibrant reds and pinks to more subtle whites and pastels, add a lively pop of color to any space.'

Geraniums are hardy and adaptable, making them a good choice for any beginner gardener. They can handle full sun to partial shade, and once established, they're considered to be a fairly drought-tolerant plant too. These perennials are also known for their long-lasting flowers too, blooming from spring right through to fall, providing a constant source of vibrancy and color to your porch.

Find out how to overwinter geraniums and they will come back the following year too.

2. Petunias

• Best for: Containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, borders
• Type: Annual, perennial
• Hardiness: USDA 10, 11

Another popular choice are pretty petunias, especially the trailing varieties that will tumble from a hanging basket or window box to make a really attractive feature. They are one of the best plants for hanging baskets if you're considering what to display on your porch.

'With their wide range of colors and long blooming seasons, versatile petunias are perfect for creating eye-catching displays,' says plant expert Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal.

They will thrive in containers, hanging baskets, and also as border plants. Remember to deadhead petunias regularly to keep more flowers coming. 

Whether you prefer soft pastels or bold, vibrant hues, petunias will add a cheerful and lively ambiance to your front entrance adds Gene. Plus, they are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate various sunlight conditions, making them an excellent choice for different areas of your outdoor space.

3. Pansies

• Best for: Containers, window boxes
• Type: Perennial, annual, biennial
• Hardiness: USDA 7-11

Pansies are a fantastic addition to your collection of front door plants because they're incredibly versatile, making them excellent for container gardening, window boxes and hanging baskets.

'What sets pansies apart is their extensive color palette – you can find them in almost every shade, from whites and yellows to purples and even black,' says Amelia Haslehurt. 'Some varieties even have a "face", a darker center that provides a stunning contrast to their vividly colored petals.'

Their delicate, velvety petals may seem fragile, but don't let that fool you. 'Pansies are incredibly hardy and can thrive in a variety of climates, even cooler ones,' says Amelia. 'They prefer cooler weather, which makes them an excellent choice for early spring and fall when many other plants aren't in bloom yet.'

If you choose a fragrant variety, you'll also enjoy a subtle and sweet aroma to welcome you home.

4. Wintergreen boxwood

• Best for: Containers, borders, clipped topiary including low hedges
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Hardiness: USDA 5-9

If you like the look of evergreens around your front door there is one shrub that experts choose time and again. Clipped boxwood is one of the best shrubs for the front of the house and looks smart planted up in containers or clipped into low hedges to delineate borders around your entrance.

'A standout favorite for front door greenery that I recommend is the boxwood shrub,' says Kerry Sherin, gardening expert at Ownerly. 'This evergreen shrub is a robust choice for a container or lining a path. It's hardy in many climates and doesn't require much water, thriving in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure. Its compact, dense foliage keeps its shape throughout the year, making it a great low-maintenance option.' By trimming boxwood bushes at the right time of year, you can keep your plants looking their best.

Horticulturalist and nursery owner Tammy Sons agrees that's it's a good choice and suggests using it under windows around your front door area too. 'Wintergreen boxwood doesn't grow over 38 inches and they don't require pruning. They are excellent for under window landscaping, especially as they stay lush and green year round.'

The enduring popularity of this shrub combined with its versatility makes it an excellent choice for tasteful, year-round curb appeal. For a look like the one in our picture, try Winter Gem boxwood available from Nature Hills, which grows well in full sun or part shade.

5. Lavender

• Best for: Containers, window boxes, lining paths, borders
• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness: USDA 3-9

When choosing your front door plants try to select resilient plants that bring beauty and life to your front yard year after year. Lavender should be on your list as it provides an additional sensory layer with its delightful fragrance that will transform your entire front door area.

'This fragrant perennial is another favorite of mine, as it's incredibly hardy and reliable,' says Amelia Haslehurt. 'Lavender has beautiful gray-green foliage with vibrant purple flowers that not only add color to your front garden but also a lovely, calming aroma.' 

It's also a plant that's as useful as it is beautiful. Lavender is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, making it environmentally beneficial too. Plant lavender in full sun, and it will reward you with continuous blooms throughout the summer.

6. Hostas

• Best for: Containers, lining paths, borders
• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness: USDA 5a-9a

'Hosta, also known as plantain lily, is a perennial that I hold dear for its low maintenance and hardy nature,' says plant expert Violet Joy, founder of Greeny Thumbs. 'This plant thrives in shaded spaces, making it an excellent choice for front door areas that may not receive full sunlight.'

Hostas come in a variety of sizes, colors, and leaf textures, offering a delightful visual treat. Their lush foliage creates a welcoming ambiance, and while they may not flower throughout the year, their leaves provide a green backdrop that complements any home exterior. Find out how to grow hostas in pots or plant them in the ground. Either way they will look great.

'Hosta are not just my favorites, they're crowd-pleasers too,' adds Violet. 'They offer a balance of visual appeal, hardiness, and low maintenance, making them ideal choices for next to your front door.'

7. Miscanthus

• Best for: Containers, lining paths, borders
• Type: Ornamental grass
• Hardiness: USDA 5-9

'When it comes to the best front door plants, favorites of mine are ornamental grasses, particularly the Miscanthus variety,' says Gene Caballero. 'These grasses bring texture, movement, and a touch of elegance to container gardens, hanging baskets, and border plants.'

With their feathery plumes and gracefully arching foliage, Miscanthus creates a soft and airy backdrop for other flowering plants. They add depth and interest to the overall composition, and their rustling sound in the breeze creates a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Ornamental grasses are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and pruning, making them a practical choice too.

'In my opinion, these plants are excellent options for lining a front yard walkway because they offer versatility, visual appeal, and easy care,' says Gene. 'By incorporating ornamental grasses for texture and movement, you can create stunning compositions that enhance the curb appeal of your home.'

We love the look of this easy care Little Zebra maiden grass, available from Nature Hills. It works equally well in a deep container or planted in the ground.

8. Chrysanthemums

• Best for: Containers, window boxes, borders
• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness: USDA 3-9

'Chrysanthemums are one of the best front door plants because they make a statement,' says Dale Williams, owner of Bloom’d Florist. 'Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and colors, so depending on your taste, they can produce a big appearance or a simple yet elegant aesthetic.'

Chrysanthemums are a great choice for the front of your home because they are also said to bring luck and abundance. 

It's important to find out how to grow chysanthemums. Dale points out they enjoy the sun, so need extra care and attention, but under the appropriate circumstances, they will repay you with lovely blossoms. 'Regular fertilization and uniform moisture maintenance will encourage good flowering. Put them somewhere with lots of sunlight and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. '

9. Cypress tree

• Best for: Containers, borders
• Type: Evergreen tree
• Hardiness: USDA 7-10

Versatile cypress is one of the best evergreen shrubs for the porch. It can be grown as an ornamental tree in a container or in the ground, and is a smart addition to the porch area. Another great thing about cypress trees is that they don't need a lot of fuss and attention, so they're a low-maintenance tree for your front yard. All they will require is a yearly trim to keep them in shape.

'Potted cypress trees are a really great option if you want a uniform look,' says interior designer and lifestyle alchemist Chantelle Malarkey. 'You can also trim and design them in a specific shape which is visually interesting and makes your front porch look really nice. They are great for having multiples because you can easily control and maintain its shape.'

If you're interested in topiary ideas to smarten up your front door area cypress trees are the perfect choice.

10. Succulents

• Best for: Containers, borders
• Type: Succulents
• Hardiness: can be grown outside in frost free areas (USDA Zone 10+). In colder zones, they can be grown in containers and moved inside for the winter.

If you live in an area that is affected by drought and want a water-wise garden, succulents are one of the best additions to style up the area around your front door or on your porch. If you cultivate succulents indoors it might be time to move them outside for the summer season.

Aeoniums, agaves and aloes are all great choices, either planted up in container displays or in the ground if you live in a mild climate where they will thrive year round.

'I love low-maintenance succulents for a modern look,' says Chantelle Malarkey. 'These are especially cool looking in concrete planters. This is a look that is a good fit with the aesthetic of contemporary homes.'

Chantelle Malarkey has one final tip that works well for creating interest next to your front door. Give some of your favorite indoor plants a summer vacation outdoors, as they will thrive on your porch and welcome the fresh air.

'Indoor plants like pothos, coleus and jade plants look great as containers on your porch,' says Chantelle. 'Just make sure to give them regular watering. Plants that can thrive in low light or shade are best in case your porch is shaded for part of the day.'

Martha Stewart gets it. We all want to fill our homes with beautiful, home-grown arrangements – but we're reluctant to sacrifice the blooms in our yards. However, it is impossible to enjoy our flowers inside without interrupting our yard's aesthetic – and it comes in the shape of cutting gardens. 

'There's a way to keep your lush, flower-filled backyard garden intact but still have gorgeous blooms to make arrangements with: Plant an additional garden (called a cutting garden) and fill it with flowers that are meant to be displayed in a vase,' Martha explains. 'You get the best of both worlds.'

Planning a cut flower garden can initially sound like a lot of extra work, but despite its name, it doesn't involve creating an entirely new plot just for cut flowers. Instead, you only need an empty bit of ground and a few packets of seeds. Here's what you need to know, according to gardening experts.

'Before choosing your flowers, you'll need to figure out where to plant them so your garden will flourish,' Martha says before pointing to her blog for more tips. 

Experts say choosing a place where sunlight is a priority and that is well-drained will ensure flowers don't become overly moist. And, for every flower-filled garden, it's essential to choose a place with fertile soil that will assist in plant health. Picking up a soil test [such as this one on Amazon] will help determine which nutrients may be missing in your soil – so you can add them accordingly. 

Then, after finding the right spot for your cutting garden, you need to choose the best plants. Of course, this comes down to personal preference – but for inspiration – Gardening Chores investigated the most beloved booms across the US – and what makes them so popular.

Which popular plants look best in a cutting garden?

As Martha mentions, the aim of a cutting garden is to create flowers that will eventually become a part of arrangements – whether in our own homes or as a gift for someone else. So, it's natural to want to start with the blooms that are currently most admired around the country: beginning with lavender. 

1. Lavender 

'Lavender is America’s favorite flower, with an average of 69,430 collective yearly searches,' the experts at Gardening Chores say.

It's easy to see why lavender is so loved, however. 'It's renowned for its delicate purple flowers and wonderful fragrance that promotes relaxation,' they say. 'It can provide a welcome shock of color to any space and is great for pollinators, so can attract bees to your garden, too.' 

2. Roses

'Synonymous with romance and passion, it appears America's love extends to roses as well. With 41,030 searches per year on average, the rose ranks as America’s third most popular flower', and it's coincidentally perfect for a cutting garden.

'The sheer variety of species can seem overwhelming, but it means there is likely to be a variety to suit whatever space one might have,' they say. 'Roses generally grow best in full sun, with soil of medium moisture and a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. However, specific types of roses can tolerate conditions outside of this range.'

3. Peonies

The striking peony is also America's most favorite flowers, with an average of 36,870 yearly searches, meaning it is a failsafe option for our cutting garden, and will instantly impress in any home when the time comes. 

'Peonies are a perennial plant that blooms briefly in late spring and early summer,' the experts say. 'They grow best in full sunlight or partially shaded areas that receive a lot of afternoon sun in the summer. They are also quite particular about the soil they grow in, preferring loose, well-draining, fertile, rich soil.'

Deadheading lavender is a task that is not always seen as essential, but it does offer great benefits. It can prompt a second flush of flowers in some lavender varieties, keep the shrub looking neat and compact, and be part of helping ensure a great display of blooms year-on-year.

I worked at Hidcote Manor Garden in the UK during the early years of my professional gardening career. As well as being a world famous arts-and-crafts garden, it is also a name synonymous with lavender, in the form of the hugely popular Lavender 'Hidcote'.

Both in gardens I worked in, and in my own at home, I have maintained lavender plants over the years. Whenever you are growing lavender they do need proper care and cutting to stop the shrub from going woody and looking unruly. The simple process of deadheading and regular pruning can help keep your lavender neat and prolific.

Do you deadhead lavender?

Deadheading is a common gardening task, especially during the summer months, to remove old flower heads that have faded from grace. This helps the plant promote more energy into putting out more flowers, rather than putting it into producing seed. 

Lavender tends to bloom in late spring and summer and its flowers are a great way to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators into a garden. Removing that first flush of flowers after the blooms start to fade can help the low-maintenance shrub flower again before the end of the season.

Lisa Fontanarosa, the co-owner of Jo’s Farms, a lavender flower farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, says: ‘We encourage everyone to deadhead lavender because it will encourage new growth.

‘The lavender flowers usually start to fade by August so it would be a great time to deadhead and remove the faded blooms if you haven’t harvested them before then. By deadheading them, they will come back into bloom.’

Spanish lavenders are the ones that benefit most from being deadheaded. They are capable of blooming multiple times throughout the season and removing faded flowers will be a big help to that. Lots of varieties of English lavender will also bloom again after being deadheaded, including varieties such as ‘Sharon Roberts’, ‘Blue Cushion’, ‘Buena Vista’, and the aforementioned ‘Hidcote’. 

Deadheading lavender also neatens up the whole appearance of the shrub, as well as providing you with a lavender harvest of aromatic stems, that are still highly perfumed even when it looks like they are past their best.

Ruth Hayes, gardening expert for Homes & Gardens, admits: ‘I do like to collect a few handfuls of English lavender stems to dry and store to scent the home, as the perfume lingers even when the flowers start to go over.’

How to deadhead lavender

Deadheading is a simple and enjoyable task that requires only a few garden tools. You need a pair of pruning shears, or hedge shears, and a container to collect your trimmings into. These micro-tip pruning snips on Amazon are ideal for deadheading lavender as they are great for precise and intricate pruning.

Always make sure that shears are clean and sharp when deadheading. Keeping tools sharp always means a clean cut and clean garden tools reduce the risk of diseases being moved from plant-to-plant in the yard.

Deadheading lavender can be done in four simple steps:

1. Identify a spent flower bloom at the top of the stem.
2. Follow the stem back from the flower until you reach a set of leaves.
3. Cut the stem carefully just above the set of leaves.
4. Repeat the three steps above for each flower stem.

If you have a lot of lavender being grown as hedging plants, or have lavender planted along the sides of paths in the yard, there is a quicker way to remove the old blooms and also keep the lavender looking in the best condition.

John Negus, gardening expert for Homes & Gardens, recommends: ‘Once flowering has finished, lightly trim over the plants with hedge shears to remove the old flower heads. Then, in early spring next year, cut them back much harder, as hard as you dare but without cutting into the woody stems.

‘Doing these two stages of lavender pruning every year will keep plants as strong and as vigorous as possible, and ensure a good display of flowers each summer.’

Using a pair of hedge shears, such as these on Amazon, can make quick work of trimming lavender bushes and the shock-absorbing bumpers will reduce the impact on your arms and shoulders.

It is important to consider when and how to prune any established lavender plants. Getting the pruning wrong is a common lavender growing mistake that can shorten a plant’s lifespan.

FAQs

One of the best reasons to grow lavender is for its versatility, both in the garden and also in its uses. You can grow lavender in pots or in a herb garden, it is not even out of place in a flower bed. 

Its stems and flowers can then be used in the kitchen, for its medicinal properties, or in cosmetics. Lavender is even a fantastic dry flower to display in the home. There are so many uses for lavender that it definitely pays to cut stems and deadhead the shrub, simply to get even more flowers to use.

Drought-tolerant container plants are the way to go for an easy-care patio display this summer. And happily, there are plenty of tough perennials to choose from. 

It's important to note that most drought-tolerant plants – particularly those in pots – will need regular watering as they establish for a strong start. But, once they're settled in their new home, they'll maintain their beauty despite drier periods.

Less time wielding a watering can means more time relaxing in your outdoor space. Plus, you'll worry less about your container garden if you're planning a vacation or two, or if a hosepipe ban comes into action. What's more, reducing your outdoor water usage is often more eco-friendly. It's a win on all accounts – and these top planting options make it easy to get started.

10 drought-tolerant container plants that will brighten your backyard

These undemanding choices are valuable backyard additions for drier climates – as well as gardeners who don't have tons of time for watering plants in containers.

1. Succulents

Tony O'Neill, a gardening expert, explains that succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, making them excellent choices for outdoor containers. There is a wide range available in a spectrum of hues, from glaucous to glossy almost-black (try Sempervivum 'Black' or Aeonium 'Zwartkop' for the latter). Their architectural form makes them well-suited to modern garden schemes.

Under the right growing conditions, many offer flowers, too. Echeveria elegans (available at Nature Hills) shoots up arching stems of pink flowers in summer, for instance, while Sedum kamtschaticum produces small, yellow blooms and makes a great filler plant for larger pots.

Succulents require infrequent watering and thrive in well-draining soil, says Tony. 'Place them in sunny spots for optimal growth.' Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, he adds. Otherwise, you can risk waterlogging the soil which can lead to root rot.

2. Mexican fleabane

A favorite for cottage garden styles, Erigeron karvinskianus produces masses of tiny, white, daisy-like blooms with a tint of pink. It looks just as lovely tumbling down the side of a container as it does on a stone wall or planted in the gaps between backyard paving.

This clump-forming perennial likes plenty of sun and well-drained soil. If you're oceanside, it's tough enough to suit most coastal gardens. Try planting it around the perimeter of a mixed-flower container to soften the edge, or let it take the spotlight by planting it by itself.

3. Bearded irises

Bearded irises make a striking focal point when planted in a garden border, but they are also a good choice for large pots in full sun. They need soil that's well-draining, and once established, watering is only necessary during long periods without rain. Like succulents, avoid overwatering: irises can easily succumb to root rot if the soil is waterlogged.

There are many options available with a dazzling array of hues, including the bold yellow-and-purple re-blooming 'Blatant' and the soft-blue 'Sea Double'. Deadhead irises during summer to keep them looking neat.

4. Lavender

Easy-care, sun-loving lavender will give your backyard a Mediterranean feel with its silvery foliage, purple flowers, and relaxing scent. It's also good for making your outdoor space more wildlife-friendly, as it's brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies. 

It's perfect for edging pathways, but also works well in pots to elevate a summer patio. Wherever it is in your yard, keep in mind that overwatering is a common lavender-growing mistake. Instead, allow the soil to dry out first, then water your lavender plants deeply.

There are various varieties of lavender available at Burpee.

5. Yucca

'Yucca is a striking architectural plant that thrives in outdoor containers,' says Tony. 'It has sword-like leaves and produces tall flower spikes.' Hardy in zones 6 through 10 and preferring drier conditions, it needs infrequent yet deep watering and plenty of sunshine. The bell-shaped blooms will help attract hummingbirds to your yard, as well as pollinating insects.

Choose a large, heavy pot so that it has plenty of room to grow and is less likely to topple over. This variegated yucca from Nature Hills is particularly stunning.

6. Rosemary

Another fragrant plant and one of the best drought-tolerant herbs, rosemary is an ideal addition to a paved backyard or deck. Not only does it provide evergreen interest with its aromatic leaves, but in summer, it also offers masses of blue flowers that bees adore. And, of course, it's useful in the kitchen for adding a boost of flavor.

Rosemary is suited to hardiness zones 8-11, prefers a sunny position, and like most drought-tolerant plants, dislikes waterlogged soil. Try 'Tuscan Blue' rosemary from Nature Hills which has a neat growing habit with a maximum spread of 2-3ft (it can be pruned to suit smaller containers). 

7. Echinacea

Give your container display a prairie-style edge with echinacea – a drought-tolerant, late-summer bloomer that's also known as coneflower. 

There are compact varieties that are well-suited to smaller patio pots, such as 'PowWow White' echinacea, from Nature Hills, which has pretty white flowers for weeks on end. Other more colorful options include the show-stopping 'Warm Summer' echinacea from Burpee.

Not only are they undemanding when it comes to watering, but these perennials are also winter hardy, and generally pest-and-disease resistant. They're perfect for a beginner or time-poor gardener.

8. Yarrow

A pretty cutting garden flower with feathery foliage, yarrow sparkles in summer with its clusters of small, often-colorful flowers. A herbaceous and unfussy perennial, plant it in a pot that gets plenty of sun and it will attract plenty of pollinators to your yard.

Only needing water during extended droughts, it looks lovely alongside echinacea for a relaxed display. 'Strawberry Seduction' from Nature Hills is an attractive choice with its red blooms with yellow centers.

9. Pelargoniums

There are lots of pelargoniums to pick from, including many with scented leaves. Their flowers are held in clusters and range from bright pink and red to deep purple and white. As they're heat- and drought-resistant, they are perfect summer plants for decorating an outdoor seating area.

'Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain away,' advises Tony. 'Regular deadheading and occasional fertilization promote continuous blooming.'

John Negus, a gardening expert, explains that they originate from South Africa and need to be brought undercover to a frost-free place in winter to survive in cooler climates. You can propagate these plants from shoot-tip cuttings.

10. Ornamental grasses

Many ornamental grasses are good drought-tolerant plants. Anemanthele lessoniana is one that John Negus recommends. 

Also known as the evergreen New Zealand wind grass or pheasant’s tail, it forms a large clump of slender leaves that start off green but become streaked with more fiery hues as the plant ages through the year, he says. In summer, it produces light flowerheads, and by winter, the fronds can turn red. 'This grass is best planted in full sun in organically rich soil,' John adds. It looks beautiful in pots.

For a cooler color palette, try Festuca glauca available from Nature Hills – a compact, blue-hued grass. Alternatively, Diana Cox of TheGardeningTalk.com recommends purple fountain grass. 'This stunning plant can withstand infrequent watering once it establishes roots and thrives in sandy, well-draining soil mixes,' she says. 'Pruning back faded flower stalks encourages fresh growth.'

Even if you're sticking to drought-tolerant plants, bear in mind that they will still need a spot of watering from time to time, especially in summer. Tony advises mulching the soil surface which can help to conserve moisture (and it will also help suppress weeds).

Remember that while some plants need lots of sun, others prefer things cooler where possible, so always check when positioning your pots to ensure that they thrive. Some other maintenance tasks may be called for, too, from winterizing to slug control.

And, if you want to go a step further and make the rest of your yard less reliant on water, xeriscaping could be the way forward – a landscaping technique that's proving increasingly popular.

Herbs offer a fantastic combination of beautiful foliage and scent that is capable of filling the backyard air. Many of the most popular herbs are also of Mediterranean origin and that makes them very drought tolerant and easy to maintain.

The fact that herbs can be some of the best drought-tolerant shrubs only adds to their mystique. With their intoxicating aroma and leaves perfect for using in cooking, baking, cosmetics, or for their medicinal properties, they offer so much to the gardener.

We take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant herbs to consider for your backyard. It may surprise you to discover quite how many of the hugely popular herbs can survive very dry periods when they are fully established.

8 drought-tolerant herbs for your yard

There is a great selection of herbs that can be used as part of drought-tolerant planting ideas, perfect for if you are starting a herb garden or kitchen garden. 

All of the herbs can survive dry periods once they are established, however, when judging when to water plants, you must remember that just because they are known as drought-tolerant herbs it does not mean they can survive without water straight away. 

Not watering properly is a herb gardening mistake and all herb plants will need regular watering for their first season in the ground. That will help them put down a strong root system and that will make them drought tolerant for years going forward.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fantastic culinary herb that is a great Mediterranean plant and can thrive in dry conditions. The evergreen shrub loves well-draining soil and does not like sitting in wet ground, which makes it an ideal choice for any drought-tolerant landscaping ideas. 

There are two different types of rosemary, upright and trailing types of rosemary, and both are perfect for a drought-tolerant garden. It is a hardy plant down to 14˚F and, providing it is well looked after, you can harvest rosemary for 12 months of the year. It is important to prune rosemary each year to stop the plant going woody and keep it super-productive.

Buy rosemary seeds and plants from Burpee.

2. Lavender

People may wonder, is lavender drought tolerant? The answer is yes, it is a drought-tolerant plant that is very versatile whether grown in the ground or you grow lavender in pots. 

Native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, lavender is used to free-draining soil and little summer rainfall. Spanish lavender is the most drought tolerant of all the types, however it will need protection from the cold if you want to winterize lavender.  You want to plant lavender in the sunniest place in the yard and give it free-draining soil. Be careful with watering, as overwatering is a common lavender growing mistake.

Buy lavender plants from Nature Hills.

3. Lovage

Lovage is an under-appreciated herbaceous perennial perfect for any herb garden ideas. It's an unusual herb that produces tasty celery-like leaves that are commonly used in soups, stews, or salads. 

Lovage has a long taproot that can search deep for any moisture in the soil. Despite putting out tall foliage that can hit almost five feet, it can still withstand dry conditions. It is all thanks to that taproot, which helps make lovage a drought-tolerant herb and perfect for any xeriscaping ideas. Lovage can be harvested repeatedly throughout the summer and it will quickly grow back to be cut again.

Buy lovage plants from Burpee.

4. Marjoram

Marjoram is another Mediterranean herb which is hardy once established. Marjoram is closely related to oregano, and the two herbs are commonly confused for each other, but marjoram is milder in flavor. 

It is a very low-growing plant, reaching only around two inches high, and a low-maintenance herb to add to the garden. 

Commonly grown as an annual, but able to survive winters in US hardiness zones 9-10, it also puts out purple and white flowers in the summer. The herb wants a sunny location and well-drained soil. To propagate new herb plants, marjoram can be easily lifted and divided. 

Buy sweet marjoram from Burpee.

5. Chives

Both onion chives and garlic chives are drought tolerant once they are established. These perennial herbs are commonly part of kitchen garden ideas, due to their subtle taste and also their attractive pom-pom blooms. 

Chives are closely related to onions and are good options for perennial onions in the vegetable garden. They want to be planted in full sun and, once established, just need to be watered occasionally when the soil fully dries out. 

Harvest chives by snipping leaves as and when required throughout the summer. Chives are another plant that can be divided successfully and should be split every few years to keep a healthy clump.

Buy chive plants from Nature Hills.

6. Thyme

Thyme is another herb that likes to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Once thyme is established, it requires very little watering and very little maintenance at all. It can do with a regular trim to keep it in shape and looking neat. 

Growing thyme has other benefits as well, for example is it a smell that ants hate and can keep pests away from the home by growing it near buildings. 

Buy thyme plants and seeds from Burpee.

7. Oregano

Oregano is another one of the long list of Mediterranean herbs that grows well in full sun and is very drought tolerant. A perennial herb that needs to be kept compact to stop it getting too woody, it does have very low water requirements and can happily grow in pots or in the ground. 

Its ability to survive dry periods makes it a fantastic option for growing in gravel gardens, dry gardens, and for Mediterranean garden ideas. It is also a great plant for attracting bees into a garden and other beneficial insects. 

Do not get oregano confused with marjoram, oregano is spicier and more commonly used dried in recipes.

Buy oregano plants and seeds from Burpee.

8. Sage

Sage is an ever-popular herb that comes in many forms and most are very drought tolerant, including the common sage that is the typical herb used for many culinary purposes. 

This Mediterranean herb again likes a sunny spot and very free draining soil. As an evergreen and hardy herb it can carry on year-on-year with minimal fuss. Grow it in full sun or partial shade, but always make sure to give it good drainage. 

Sage can thrive growing in the ground or in pots and cut it back every spring to keep the plant in shape and give yourself a great crop of fresh young leaves throughout the season.

Buy sage plants and seeds from Burpee.

If you are looking for inspirational ideas for herb gardens and live in one of the drier US hardiness zones, then there is a wealth of plants you can consider for your space. No matter what you want from your herb plants, whether it is for their medicinal properties or for culinary purposes, there is a good selection that, once established in your yard, can provide you with wonderful fresh herbs for years to come.

Lavender is a herb known for its love of full sun and it evokes images of hot Mediterranean climates. It is a very versatile shrub and can be easy to maintain thanks to the fact it is a very drought tolerant aromatic plant.

There are many different types, varieties and cultivars of lavender to grow in your backyard, and the good news is that most are highly drought tolerant.

Although lavender is actually one of the most drought tolerant shrubs you can buy, it is the Spanish lavender that takes the crown as the most drought tolerant of all the lavenders. Though, rest assured, both English and French lavenders are also very tolerant of dry conditions too.

Is lavender drought tolerant?

Lavender is highly tolerant of drought conditions and that makes it an ideal aromatic herb for if you are planning a dry garden. Lavender as a plant is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, areas where the soil is very free-draining – often gravelly, rocky, and chalky – and it also gets little rainfall during the summer. 

William Alexander, an experienced lavender grower who runs Castle Farm, which cultivates over 100 acres of lavender in the UK, explains that lavender is a ‘xerophyte’, or a plant that has adapted to survive in very dry conditions.

He adds: ‘The oil content of its leaves and flowers helps to prevent evaporation of water. As long as lavender has sufficient moisture to get established as a young plant, it only requires occasional rainfall during periods of dry weather and can survive cold temperatures in winter.’

The important aspect to remember is that even drought-tolerant plants need watering during their initial rooting stages, so never neglect the watering after you plant lavender or transplant lavender in your backyard herb garden. When they are established, only then can the plants still thrive with less watering.

When planning for watering lavender, any watering regime will also be dictated by where you are growing the plants as, if you are growing lavender in pots, as part of a herb container garden, then it may require more watering than plants in the ground.

Which lavender is the most drought-tolerant?

While most lavender varieties are very tolerant of dry conditions and suitable for drought tolerant planting ideas, there are variances in their drought tolerance. 

There are 28 lavender species, with numerous cultivars and hybrids, and it is Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) that is the most drought tolerant. While it is ideal for drought tolerant planting, Spanish lavender is not the hardiest form and you will need to winterize the lavender by protecting it from the cold.

Amber Noyes, horticulturist and editor of Gardening Chores, claims that Spanish lavender thrives in ‘rocky, dry garden sites’ and is capable of ‘withstanding extended periods without water’. Spanish lavender is ideal for hedging, edging, and mass plantings.

She adds: ‘It's best suited for USDA zones 8 or 9 and above, particularly in regions with hot summers and mild winters such as Texas, California, Louisiana, Florida, and other southern areas of the United States.’

An excellent choice of Spanish lavender is the variety Otto Quast, which is available from Nature Hills. Good alternatives include ‘Primavera’ and ‘Silver Anouk’.

Is English lavender drought tolerant?

English varieties of lavender, which are actually native to the Mediterranean rather than England as their names suggest, are also some of the best drought tolerant herbs too. They are the most commonly seen lavender in gardens and are often used as mass plantings, hedging plants, edging, and more.

Nikhil Arora, co-founder of the organic gardening brand Back to the Roots, says: 'English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) cultivars, such as 'Grosso' and 'Provence,' are known for having a greater tolerance to dry conditions compared to other lavender species.’

Lavandin is a cross between English lavender and Portuguese lavender. This hybrid is less hardy than the traditional English lavender but still offers a similar level of drought tolerance.

Classic varieties of English lavender include ‘Munstead’ lavender, available from Nature Hills, as well as lavender ‘Hidcote’, also from Nature Hills. Types of lavandin to choose include ‘Hidcote Giant’ and ‘Grosso’.

Is French lavender drought tolerant?

While English lavender is not from England but the Mediterranean, French lavender is not from France, it actually originates from northern Africa. 

French lavender (Lavandula dentata), as with all lavender types, does relish a hot planting position with lots of sun, though it is not as drought tolerant as its Spanish and English counterparts. Compared to other types, such as the classic and popular English lavenders, the French lavender is not as common throughout US backyards.

If you are planning to add more aromatic herbs to your backyard space and want something that is beautiful and easy-to-maintain, especially during long and sunny summers, then lavender offers a superb option. It is a drought tolerant plant and there is a wide variety of types and varieties to select from, all of which are capable of thriving in dry conditions.

Lavender is a hugely popular aromatic herb that is used in baking, beauty products and for its medicinal properties. The plant is commonly seen in gardens around the world and is a simple plant to propagate from cuttings.

If you are growing lavender in your garden and want to propagate more plants, then there are several options. While lavender can be grown from seed, it is recommended to propagate existing lavender from cuttings and these can be either softwood or hardwood cuttings.

The differences between the cuttings include both their timing and how long the cuttings take to root. Seen as both offer quicker and more guaranteed solutions than from harvesting seed from your plants, cuttings should be top of your list if you want to propagate lavender. 

How to propagate lavender

William Alexander, Lavender Grower at Castle Farm, claims that, while lavender is a ‘semi-woody’ aromatic herb that can be propagated from cuttings or from seed, cuttings do represent the best way of propagating lavender as it ensures that ‘pure varieties’ of lavender emerge that replicate the parent plant.

Lisa Fontanarosa, co-owner of Jo's Farms, a lavender flower farm in New Mexico, adds that lavender cuttings should be taken from mature plants and then rooted in either water or soil – but she favors soil. 

She adds: ‘The best time to propagate lavender is during mid-late summer during their active growing season and when it's hot and humid outside. We prefer to do this at the end of the harvest which is typically mid to end of July. 

‘If you take the cuttings too late in the summer, or in the fall when the plant is starting to go dormant for the winter, they may not root.’

There are two times to take lavender cuttings, either softwood cuttings in spring or summer as outlined by Lisa, or from hardwood cuttings that are taken from the woody portion of the plant later in the year.

How to take softwood lavender cuttings

Softwood cuttings are taken from the new, soft, green growth that appears on lavender bushes in the spring and early summer. The advantage to softwood cuttings is that they root quickly. You must work quickly when taking softwood cuttings and get them into the soil fast, so have the soil prepared to cut the risk of the cuttings drying out before propagating them. Use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears for taking cuttings to ensure a clean cut and reduce the risk of disease. 

Lisa Fontanarosa advises that you ‘cut from the base of the stem’ when taking softwood cuttings of lavender and each stem you remove for the cutting should be several inches long, have three-to-five leaf nodes, and with some fresh growth at the top.

• Your cuttings should be three to four inches long and his year’s growth
• Shoots should not be flowering, and free from pests and disease
• Remove these away from the main stem with a thin strip of bark still attached
• Remove the lower leaves so you have three inches of bare stem
• Dip the end in rooting hormone and place in pots of compost. One example is the Gardentech Rooting Hormone Powder available at Amazon
• Water well and cover with a clear bag or plastic lid. You can get pots with humidity domes that are perfect for propagation, such as the MIXC Plant Nursery Pots available at Amazon
• Place the pot in a warm and shady spot, out of direct sunlight
• Remove the cover after about a month and, once rooted, cuttings are ready to be potted up or you can plant the lavender out in the yard

How to take hardwood lavender cuttings

Hardwood cuttings are taken during the fall and winter months and William Alexander claims these are ‘more hardy and reliable, however they do take longer to root’. He says: ‘We recommend taking hardwood cuttings in late fall after flowering is complete, and the plant is dormant.’

For hardwood cuttings you want to choose a healthy side shoot and cut below a bump in the older brown wood. Lavender hardwood cuttings will be longer than ones taken for softwood cuttings, and want to be four to six inches in length. These cuttings can be taken at the same time as regular lavender pruning that occurs in fall.

Like with softwood cuttings, strip the lower leaves to leave a bare patch of stem and dip it in rooting powder before inserting into compost. The pot should be put in a well ventilated and shady area, watered sparingly, and then potted up individually when well-rooted. Remember that hardwood cuttings can take four to six weeks to start rooting.

How to propagate lavender in water

It is possible to propagate herbs, including lavender, in water.  The advantage of propagating lavender in water is that the cuttings will start rooting quicker than in soil. However, their survival rates overall may be lower as they do not always respond well when it comes time to transplant the lavender.

Both softwood and hardwood cuttings can be propagated in water, however roots will develop quicker on softwood cuttings. 

To grow lavender indoors in water, fill a glass with around two to three inches of water. Take your lavender cuttings and strip the bottom few inches of the stem of leaves. You do not want any leaves below the water line, or touching the water. Put the stem into the water and place them somewhere light, like on a windowsill, but not in full sun.

The roots should start to form quickly, within two weeks for softwood cuttings but more than double that for hardwood. Keep the water topped up and change the water if it becomes discolored. 

Once the cuttings have developed a good root system, it is time to plant the new young lavender. You can either pot it up to grow on, or plant it straight out in the backyard.

Propagating lavender is a fairly simple task and the best way to grow more aromatic herbs for your herb garden at home. Whether you want to take softwood or hardwood cuttings is up to you, both are viable ways of getting new plants. The other option is to get a packet of lavender seeds, such as from Burpee, but it is a slower way and it will be much longer till you can harvest lavender from those plants.

If they are planted in the right place and given the right care, lavender bushes can last for years, but they are quick to fail if they are not happy.

With its grey-green leaves, striking pink and purple flowers and distinctive scent that has been loved for generations, lavender is one of the most recognisable shrubs to grow. Loved for it herbal uses and aesthetic charm for centuries, it is a favorite for many gardeners.

For all of those reasons and more, I've grown lavender in my own garden for many years. However, experience has taught me that there are several common mistakes that can prevent your lavender plants from thriving. 

6 lavender growing mistakes you need to avoid

These are the top six reasons why lavender plants fail, plus my tips for avoiding them so you can successfully grow this shrub in your herb garden.  

1. Choosing the wrong variety

In spite of its Mediterranean roots, lavender can grow in US hardiness zones 4-10. However, some varieties are more frost-tender, while others are susceptible to excessive heat and humidity, which can cause fungal problems, so for this reason you need to choose the variety that will thrive best in you garden

You may need to winterize lavender to help it through the coldest months when they go dormant. Some of the hardier varieties, such as English lavender, can survive winters where the temperatures fall to -20˚F, whereas others will only survive down to 20˚F or 30˚F. 

There are three main types of lavender and you should choose the one that will suit your climate the best to avoid making a lavender growing mistake:

• English lavender: Cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia are characterised by their narrow, scented flowerheads that range in color from darkest purple to pale mauve. They are hardy and can overwinter in growing zones 5-8. However, gardeners in the north may wish to protect plants with a thick layer of mulch over the roots and use frost protection such as fleece insulation for the main plant like these frost blankets available on Amazon when very harsh winter weather is forecast.
• French/Spanish lavender: Lavandula stoechas can be recognized by the 'tufts' pf petals emerging from the top of the hard, elongated flower heads. These types are not as hardy as English varieties and are ideal for gravel gardens and container gardening (as the best soil for lavender is free-draining). In hardiness zone 7 and warmer, they will flower all summer and well into the fall.
• Hybrid lavenders: Lavandins are hybrids of English lavenders and are grown throughout southern France for their strong scent and oils, which are widely used in the perfume industry. They have long, loose-growing stems with tapering flowers and grow well in hardiness zones 5-10.

2. Overwatering lavender

Lavender hails from the Mediterranean where it thrives in the dry heat and poor soil. Despite its elegant appearance and wealth of scented blooms, it doesn't need much watering and lavender is drought tolerant – in fact if you are too generous when watering lavender you can cause the roots to rot and kill the plant.

You should also take into account what soil type you have when planting lavender. The best soil for lavender is free-draining, gritty soil that drains fast, but if your yard is on clay we would recommend digging a planting hole 2-3 times as big as the plant’s rootball, then breaking up the sides and base with a garden fork.

If you don’t do this, the hole can become a 'bucket', holding on to water instead of letting it drain away, and this is more likely to cause root rot. This can lead to additional lavender pests and problems. 

Before planting your lavender in clay soil, add some compost like this Ribbons Organic Compost on Amazon and grit such as Garden Pummice, available on Amazon, to the planting hole to further improve drainage and keep the lavender roots healthy.

If your soil is very heavy, or you don’t have the space to plant in a border, add lavender to your herb planters, containers and vegetable garden containers.

3. Overfeeding lavender

Overfertilizing lavender is as bad as overwatering it, and another common mistake that can cause your plants to fail.

Like many woody-stemmed Mediterranean herbs, including sage and thyme, lavender has evolved to grow well in poor, dry soil. Too much fertilizing, especially with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, can cause the plants to produce excessive amounts of leaves and not many flowers.

This soft growth is also more at risk of contracting fungal diseases such as powdery mildew because a proliferation of stems blocks healthy ventilation, and is more likely to be attacked by pests.

4. Planting in shade

Lavender evolved to thrive in hot Mediterranean sunshine, so grow it in the sunniest place in your yard. The plants need 8-10 hours of sunshine to do their best, and if you plant them in shade their famous scent won’t be as strong. 

When you plant your little lavenders, whether they will be single plants or used as a border to a pathway or a scented low-growing hedge, make sure they have plenty of room and are not likely to get overshadowed in the future as the surrounding plants grow larger.

If you are not sure which is the best area for growing lavender, try sun-mapping your garden – it is easier than you think.

The best place for them is a south-facing area of your garden that gets the most sun, a gravel garden where they have space to flourish away from other plants that may cast a shadow, or a Mediterranean garden border with lots of similar sun-loving plants that have the same care requirements.

If you have planted your lavender in the wrong place don't panic. The best time to transplant lavender is in spring or fall when the soil is warm and damp, though this works best for young plants.

If your lavender has grown old and woody it is unlikely to relocate as successfully, so take plant cuttings and make new plants that can grow in a sunny, free-draining spot in your yard.

5. Planting too close together

Lavender bushes can become quite large so they need enough space to help them grow healthily and reach their full potential. If they are grown too close together, your lavender is at increased risk of fungal diseases caused by poor airflow. Plants crammed together also make it easier for pests to travel from one to another.

And while lavenders do thrive in poor soil, if you have several plants growing in close proximity they will be competing for water, nutrients and sunlight and may fail to thrive.

You can buy lavender as small plug plants or as larger shrubs. The best time to plant is April and May when the soil is damp from spring showers, and warming up after winter. 

If you are planting a group of lavenders in a flower bed, set them 3ft apart – it sounds a lot but in the right conditions they will soon grow to fill the space.

If you are planting lavenders as low-growing hedging plants, place the plants 1ft apart and they will quickly fill out and form an attractive scented barrier. 

If you are planting lavender in a container, use free-draining potting soil and add some horticultural grit or gravel to further improve the drainage.

6. Getting pruning wrong

Once your lavender is established it will need pruning each year. How to prune lavender depends on the variety you have and the age of the plant. Get it right and you will create attractively shaped mounds with plenty of scented flowers, but prune badly and you risk being left with leggy, woody skeletons with little visual appeal and reduced flowering.

Small or single bushes can be tackled with pruners, such as this excellent value four-pack of Kotto tools and gloves on Amazon, while it can be easier to prune larger shrubs or a collection of plants with shears, like this Gardena hedge shears, also on Amazon.

Make sure they are sharp or the blades will crush and bruise the stems, and always clean your tools well after use.

One of the best reasons for growing this low-maintenance shrub is so you can learn how to harvest lavender flowers for drying to use in pot pourri, or to dry flowers for use in flower arrangements and even as edible cake decorations. 

By avoiding the most common lavender harvesting mistakes and harvesting it at the right time, you will find this popular plant has a wealth of uses.

Lavender grows well in pots and containers and the trick is to get the conditions right for it to prosper. It wants a large pot, well-draining soil, to be placed in a sunny spot, and not to be kept too moist. 

All lavenders are suited to growing in pots and can survive happily in containers, though the half-hardy types are best. They will grow at their optimum in terracotta pots filled with a light and well-draining potting mixture and put in the sunniest spot in your yard.

Growing lavender brings fragrance, evergreen foliage, and soft flowers to a space and it also is a great plant for bees and other beneficial pollinators. It can be a simple plant to maintain and, by growing lavender in pots, you can enjoy it on a patio, deck, terrace, or balcony.

Does lavender grow well in pots?

Lavender can be a really low maintenance shrub and the key to success with growing lavender in pots is to think of its natural habitat and try to replicate that in a containerized environment. Lavender is drought tolerant and native to dry and sunny Mediterranean regions, where the soil naturally drains very well, so you want to give the plant a spot to bask in the sun and a soil that provides excellent drainage. 

Janice Cox, the author of ‘Beautiful Lavender’ and education chair for The Herb Society of America, claims that many people say ‘not to plant lavender in a pot’, however this is because people have a tendency to over-water and this can cause the plant to wither and even die. 

She says: ‘When it comes to growing lavender the three things that are essential are drainage, drainage and drainage.

‘I like to use pots for tender varieties of lavender. It allows you to move them close to the house or into the greenhouse during cold winter months. It also allows you to move them into full sun in the summer. I have also seen people use pots of lavender outside of greenhouses and gardens to help attract pollinators to come inside.’

Lavender is a great fly repellent plant and mosquito repellent plant, so planting pots outside the home or building can keep pests away. While it repels unwanted pests, the lavender flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators into the garden.

Best lavender for pots

There are commonly two main types of lavender, and that is Spanish lavender and English lavender. The latter tend to be larger and hardier types of lavender that are commonly seen as flowering shrubs planted in landscapes and the English lavender has larger leaves than its Spanish counterpart. 

Both types require the same cultural guidelines, want full sun and good drainage, and can happily grow in pots. The Spanish lavender is more tender and you will need to winterize the lavender, moving it to a protected area to see out the winter months.

The best lavender to grow in pots is the tender and half-hardy varieties, as well as dwarf varieties. Tabar Lindsay Gifford, Customer Experience & Partnership Cultivator at American Meadows, claims the smaller and more compact varieties of lavender are ‘great choices’ if you want to grow lavender in pots.

She recommends: ‘Varieties like Thumbelina Leigh, Goodwin Creek, SuperBlue, Blue Cushion, Wee One, Anouk and Silver Anouk are some excellent options well adapted to growing in pots.’

By utilizing dwarf varieties, it is even possible to grow lavender indoors in pots and it works as one of the best balcony plants as you can get wonderful fragrance coming into the home with pots of the aromatic herb in your outdoor space.

Buy lavender plants from Nature Hills.

How to plant lavender in a pot

Lavender wants a pot that is large enough to accommodate its spreading roots, so choose a pot with a diameter of at least 10 inches or greater. It’s best to plant lavender in terracotta pots, available at Amazon, as the material is porous, so will allow the plant to breathe. Avoid a common lavender growing mistake by ensuring that any container has drainage holes to allow excess moisture to drain away. 

Susan Betz, author and member of the International Herb Association, recommends that ‘a light well-draining potting mixture’ is essential and you should avoid using the likes of sphagnum and peat moss or too much compost, as they will hold too much moisture and cause root rot.

She recommends adding drainage through ‘non-organic elements’, saying: ‘A classic soil mixture for producing healthy, vigorous lavender plants contains these ingredients: 3 parts soil-based potting mix, 1 part coarse sand, 1 part compost, and 1 part perlite.’

To plant lavender, or transplant lavender, into a pot, fill your chosen pot with your growing medium and make a large hole, larger than the root ball of your plant. Put the plant in the hole and plant it at the same level as in the nursery pot. Backfill the hole and firm the plant in well and give it good water. Place the pot in a warm and sunny position, ideally a spot that gets 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Lavender is a plant that performs poorly when it is too wet, so it makes judging when to water plants all the more important. When it comes to watering lavender, it has lower water requirements than many other plants and the soil should become moderately dry between waterings. It is better to do deep and less frequent waterings. 

FAQs

If you want to add aromatic herbs to your backyard herb garden, then lavender is a must. As the plant can work so well in pots, it means you can even have lavender in a herb planter or a dedicated herb container garden. 

If you get the pot, compost, and location right, then lavender can be easy-to-maintain. Its fragrant summer flowers will be a treat to the senses and it will bring bees and other pollinators into your yard. 

Shrubs are key pieces of any garden design and can offer both beauty and structure to a space. Coming in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and colors, many of the most popular shrubs are suitable for growing in containers.

Some are evergreen shrubs and provide low-maintenance year-round structure and interest, while others may fill a space with fragrance and attract pollinators into the garden. Growing shrubs in containers can also help create privacy by picking fast-growing types that can provide a barrier. 

There are shrubs out there suitable for all backyard spaces and growing positions. Many shrubs also now come in modern dwarf or compact varieties that make them suitable for growing in pots in even the smallest of spaces. Even if you don’t have any soil in your yard, it does not deprive you of the benefits that shrubs can bring to a garden.

Best for evergreen color

1. Japanese laurel

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10 
• Height: 6-10ft 
• Spread: 5-9ft 

Japanese laurel, also known as Aucuba japonica, is a fast-growing shrub that can tolerate both partial or full shade. It has large, thick, and glossy leaves that often feature yellow spots or patches. The shrub also has bright red berries on female plants, as long as a male plant is growing nearby. 

While plants are capable of reaching 15ft, consider a dwarf plant for your container that may be more manageable. It can be used as a great shrub for privacy as well as just for its evergreen foliage.

Buy Aucuba japonica 'Gold Dust' plants at Fast Growing Trees.

2. Mexican orange blossom

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-10 
• Height: 4-10ft 
• Spread: 4-5ft 

Mexican orange blossom, or choisya as it is also known, is one of the best shrubs for containers in milder climates. It has a strong citrus fragrance and the leaves are also renowned for the smell of oranges. 

It is a popular shrub that has white flowers in spring and early summer that attract numbers of bees. Smaller cultivars are perfect for growing in containers and the plants will need winter protection USDA Zone 6 against frosts.

3. Boxwood 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9 
• Height: 2-4ft 
• Spread: 2-4ft 

Boxwood shrubs are very slow-growing and a great plant for pots. Any container needs to be tall and wide, as the shrubs put out shallow and far-reaching roots. 

These classic landscaping shrubs work best when given annual feeding and boxwood bushes are trimmed in the spring. It is well regarded as one of the best shrubs for the front of the house and also one of the top shrubs for topiary. 

Buy Dwarf English Boxwood plants at Nature Hills.

Best for fragrance

4. Rosemary 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-10 
• Height: 2-4ft 
• Spread: 2-4ft 

Rosemary is a highly fragrant shrub with evergreen leaves that are commonly used in cooking, baking, cosmetics and in herbal medicines. As a Mediterranean shrub, it thrives in full sun but, when growing rosemary, you may need to provide the plant with winter protection. 

It needs a pot of at least 12 inches diameter and pruning rosemary is an important annual task.

Buy Rosemary seeds and plants at Burpee.

5. Lavender 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9 
• Height: 2-3ft 
• Spread: 2-4ft 

Lavender is another fragrant shrub used in kitchens and toiletries that can provide color and beautiful fragrance in a pot in your backyard. Different varieties of lavender have either silvery-grey or green leaves and the shrub’s flowers are great for attracting bees. 

Lavender is generally a low-maintenance shrub for pots, providing it has very free-draining compost and lots of sunlight, around 8-10 hours per day. Hardy types of lavender can survive winter, while half-hardy types will need to be protected over the cold months. Pruning lavender can stop the shrub from getting woody and keep it in a compact shape.

Buy lavender plants at Nature Hills.

6. Daphne 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9 
• Height: 1-5ft 
• Spread: 2-6ft 

There are over 70 Daphne species and these shrubs are one of the best fragrant flowers in the garden, known for their highly scented flowers that are white-to-pink and on show in spring. They are a slow-growing shrub that are happy in full sun or partial shade and want to have moisture at their roots, but not to be water-logged – therefore free-draining compost is a must.

Eternal Fragrance Daphne at Nature Hills is a small shrub that's ideal for containers.

Best for privacy

7. Jasmine  

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9 
• Height: Up to 10ft 
• Spread: Up to 7ft 

Jasmine is perfect for growing over any trellis as it is a vigorous vining shrub that can provide a dense, yet beautiful screen. The plant produces clusters of star-shaped and highly fragrant white or yellow flowers that will grow quickly. 

To grow jasmine, give it plenty of sun and lots of water and it will be happy growing in a container. As an evergreen climber, it can be a terrific garden screening plant over any trellis or fence, though you may need to add wires for the plant to scramble over if you want it to cover a fence.

Buy Star Jasmine plants at Fast Growing Trees.

8. Cherry Laurel 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9 
• Height: Up to 25ft 
• Spread: Up to 30ft 

Cherry laurel is a fast-growing plant that can work as everything from a hedge to topiary. It is a vigorous grower and has thick, glossy, dark-green leaves together with small white flowers in spring. The plant can tolerate most conditions and is fully hardy. 

It needs a large planter, upwards of five gallons, good drainage, and watering only when the soil is dry. It handles pruning well and, given its fast-growing nature, it is best to prune laurel back at least once a year as it can quickly get out of control.

Buy Cherry Laurel 'Centre Court' plants at Fast Growing Trees.

9. Firethorn 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9 
• Height: Up to 12ft 
• Spread: Up to 12ft 

Firethorn, also known as Pyracantha, is a dense growing shrub that offers interest year-round. From its white flowers in spring to bright red berries in the fall, it can quickly develop into a thick screen that offers privacy, beauty, and berries that attract lots of birds. It likes full sun but will grow happily in partial shade and is very low maintenance. Firethorn can also be grown as an espalier and is a good plant to hide a garden wall.

Buy Red Cushion Firethorn plants from Nature Hills.

Best for small spaces

10. Hydrangea 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9 
• Height: 2-3ft 
• Spread: 3-4ft 

Compact varieties of hydrangeas are fantastic shrubs to grow in pots in smaller spaces. The smaller types make it easy to grow hydrangeas in pots and they require little upkeep, barring keeping on top of watering, a good feed, and regular hydrangea pruning. 

If you are planning to grow hydrangeas, they want a spot that offers dappled shade and to be protected from the elements.

At 3-feet tall and wide, the Red Sensation Hydrangea at Fast Growing Trees is a perfect hydrangea for containers.

11. Skimmia 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-8 
• Height: 3-4ft 
• Spread: 4-5ft 

Skimmia is an easy-to-maintain shrub that also comes in compact varieties perfect for pots. It is ideal for container gardening and likes to grow in shade or dappled shade. 

Skimmia is a fragrant spring-flowering shrub, and many types also offer berries in fall and winter. 

12. Butterfly Bush 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-10 
• Height: 3-4ft 
• Spread: 2-3 ft 

While many types of butterfly bush, also called buddleia, produce large plants, there are dwarf varieties that are as beautiful and only reach 3-4ft tall – making them suitable for smaller spaces. 

The large flower heads appear in late summer and are fantastic at attracting bees and pollinators into the garden. An added bonus of growing a butterfly bush is that they are a great drought-tolerant shrub.

Buddleia Pugster Pinker from Burpee is a small buddleia that grows to three feet tall and wide and is suited to containers.

There is a wealth of shrubs suitable for growing in pots, so there is no need to feel restricted when looking for container shrubs. When planting shrubs in pots, drainage is key so make sure all containers have drainage holes at the bottom and fill the pot with a free-draining compost. 

Never use garden soil in pots and pay attention to watering plants, especially during periods of hot weather, and also feed them regularly to keep them healthy and performing year-after-year.

A silverfish is a most unwelcome visitor when we are reclining in a hot bath or simply visiting the bathroom, but the good news is they are relatively easy to get rid of.

Areas that have had particularly wet weather recently, such as San Francisco, have seen an increase in these common pests, which enjoy the dark and damp conditions of our basements, bathrooms and attics.

Once you've spotted signs of a silverfish infestation, these are five steps to eradicate them, preventing damage to items like books and clothing.

How to get rid of silverfish quickly

Much like with getting rid of mice, if you see one, there are probably more of these little creatures knocking around, so it's a good idea to take measures to remove them as soon as you spot one. 'It is important to know that they don't like the light or being out in the open, so if you see one you can assume there is a much bigger problem hiding somewhere in the house,' says Matt Smith, a pest control professional.

Outside, these creatures tend to live under tree bark, preferring dark and damp areas. They are nocturnal and active throughout the year, and make their way into our homes through crevices and pipes.

Home organizing and cleaning will go a long way in preventing them, but here are a handful of options to try right away.

1. Use silverfish baits and sprays

'The fastest way, we have found, to get rid of silverfish is to use baits along with sprays,' shares pest control professional Matt Smith of Green Pest Management. 'The bait we use contains Borax, along with a spray that the silverfish are known to frequent. Using this combination cuts down the population very quickly.'

So if you want to get rid of them as soon as possible, pick up baits, at Amazon and silverfish sprays at Walmart and use both. Sprinkling a small amount of Borax – or diatomaceous earth, at Walmart – in the affected area will also help. You can also make a newspaper silverfish trap, too.

2. Deter with lavender

If you'd rather try a natural remedy first, add lavender essential oils, at Amazon into cleaning sprays, or dab onto cotton wool and place in the area you have seen silverfish coming from.

You could also use lavender sachets, but this may be less practical in moist areas. These pests also dislike citrus scents and cedar, so lemon juice and cedar oil are two other good, natural options with the added benefit of making your home smell nice.

3. Use a dehumidifier

The best dehumidifiers on the market are not only brilliant for reducing mold and mildew, but they will also deter silverfish. 'Another way to prevent these pests is to have a dehumidifier. Silverfish need moisture – they love damp dark areas, and they thrive in humid parts of the country,' says Matt Smith.

4. Keep the area clean

Silverfish are fairly common pests so there is no judgment here, but following everyday cleaning tips in your bathroom, basement or attic will prevent them from coming back. Paulo Filho, a cleaning professional and owner of Celestial Cleaning Service says that regular cleaning will significantly reduce the likelihood of a silverfish infestation in your home.

'If the problem persists or becomes severe, it's best to consult a professional pest control service for complete eradication,' he says.

5. Keep rooms well-ventilated

Another way to deter these bristletails is to keep the space well-ventilated, opening windows and letting natural light in. Leave the bathroom door or window open after using the shower or bath to encourage airflow, so you don't have to take measures to get rid of black mold build-up caused by damp conditions later down the line. Avoid leaving damp towels around in areas where they will not get dry.

Other preventative measures include fixing leaks and generally keeping rooms free of clutter.

FAQs

While silverfish are harmless to humans, they certainly aren't welcome in our bathrooms and other living spaces, given that they will chew through books and clothing. If you see one, it could be a sign of other issues like excess moisture, so it's well worth improving the ventilation and using a dehumidifier to prevent future problems further down the line.

Fixer to Fabulous star Jenny Marrs may be recognized for large-scale renovations, but her interests also lie in more intimate design projects – starting with the bedroom. 

The designer recently sat down with H&G to discuss how to sleep better following a partnership with Natrol, and bedroom colors were at the top of her agenda. 

'I love to have fun with design, but I really avoid loud paint colors and patterns in the bedroom because I want to promote a calming sensation the minute you walk into the room,' Jenny says. 

The opposite of calm, according to Jenny, is red. 'You shouldn't paint your bedroom red because the color is associated with energy and social interactions – and it can raise your blood pressure. That is not what you want before bed when you're trying to wind down.'

And Jenny is not alone in her observations. Geoff McKinnen, certified sleep coach at Amerisleep, describes red as an 'invigorating color' that will increase your heart rate before your sleep. 'One study found the color red increases brain activity and boosts alertness, something you don't want when trying to relax and fall asleep,' he adds. 

When it comes to promoting a calming sleep sanctuary, sleep experts and designers agree that you should never paint your bedroom red – but this isn't the only hue on Jenny's banned list. 

'Additionally, I always avoid painting bedrooms with extremely dark colors because they make a space feel and look and feel much smaller,' she says. 

'Dark colors are also difficult to use in warmer climates because dark colors hold heat better than light colors. This can make your bedroom hotter than other rooms in the house, making it more difficult to sleep.'

Alongside being a poor choice for small bedrooms, Geoff adds that purple, in particular, should be avoided due to their similarities with red. 

'Bright purple hues have reddish undertones, increasing energy levels and keeping you alert, but softer purple shades may boost sleepiness,' he warns. However, 'if you're set on painting your bedroom purple, try to choose a more muted tone, like lavender, because of its cool undertones.'

Alongside lavender, Jenny Marrs recommends choosing more neutral wall colors' such as creams or light grays, to help the space feel spacious' and more therapeutic. 'Leave the bright, bold patterns for other parts of the home,' she says. 

You can read about Jenny's work with Natrol (and join their Sweepstake to win a $10,000 bedroom makeover) via their website.

Every square inch of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's home (or, at least, every inch the model has shared) impresses us. But in all its glory, few spaces rival the kitchen. 

Designed by British-born, now-Californian Jake Arnold, the space is awash with luxury kitchen ideas – from the white and brown marble waterfall countertop to the built-in stovetop burners that are fit for the famed culinary enthusiast. 

Since gaining fame as a model, Chrissy has established herself as a force in the kitchen – penning a series of Cravings cookbooks and launching a brand of cookware of the same name. Her kitchen is undeniably inspiring, so if you (inevitably) want to get the look, you can, with these five key pieces, some designed by Chrissy herself. 

1. Invest in an iconic red Dutch oven

It is no secret that Le Creuset cookware is loved by celebrities worldwide (we recently spotted this similar Dutch oven in Stanley Tucci's home, after all). Like Stanley, Chrissy has chosen to showcase her Cerise-hued Dutch oven on her Instagram, where she is seen mixing greens on her marble countertop.

This piece is a Le Creuset-icon, found in the homes of cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs alike. It is versatile enough to endure any kind of culinary task, from slow cooking to baking and frying. We love Chrissy's timeless colorway, but of course, this piece will look good in any tone – and every kitchen.  

2. Add color with vibrant cookbooks

With only a glance at Chrissy's kitchen, it is hard not to notice the model's collection of multi-hued books that dominate her shelving.

While much of the kitchen appears neutral (from the marble backsplash and shelves to the crockery) – these books interrupt the subtle kitchen color ideas and inject pockets of vibrancy in the center of the space. 

Though it is impossible to note every title, multiple posts by Chrissy showcase the third edition of her Cravings cookbook franchise – so we're taking that as a natural starting point. 

3. Try Chrissy's lavender cookware

Chrissy's red Le Creuset Dutch oven indicates the model's love for colored cookware – but nothing is quite so Chrissy Teigen-approved as her own kitchen line.

Cravings by Chrissy Teigen (yes, it's the same name as her book) – is a firm asset in the model's home – as she exhibits in the video above. And with a color option as stylish as lavender (the therapeutic color of 2023), this series is certainly hard to resist. 

4. Dress your open shelves with colored glass and crockery

We may have already admired Chrissy Teigen's kitchen shelving ideas – but this time, we're focusing on her colored glassware and crockery. There is a lot to love in this ever-changing space; however, her pink-hued wine glasses are a beautiful place to start. 

Whether you style them on your shelf or bring them into your tablescape, these glasses will struggle to go out of style anytime soon – especially if they remain at the forefront of Chrissy Teigen's kitchen shelving. 

5. Dine on plush bar stools

It's hard not to steal a glance at the plush bar stools hiding under Chrissy Teigen's marble waterfall island. This kitchen island seating is discreet yet stylish – hiding in plain sight until it is ready to be used.  

For a similar look, opt for short, gray (or cream) stools that can hide underneath your breakfast bar until you're dining, drinking, or hosting. 

What happens when design powerhouse Jake Arnold joins forces with LA fashion maven Chrissy Teigen? You get the most stylish collaboration of the year (and the year is very nearly out, so there is a lot of competition). 

Jake, for the uninitiated, is the British-born, now Californian interior designer of Chrissy Teigen's home where she lives with her husband, Grammy award-winning singer John Legend. In late 2020, he shared a glimpse into the couple's chic home, including their living space, which is filled with rust-colored soft furnishings and an abundance of marble.

While it may have seemed hard to top this neutral room (pictured further down the article), Jake's latest post has done just that. Sharing a photo of Chrissy and John's bathroom, Jake Arnold teaches you how to turn pink bathroom ideas into a striking reality that will stay in style long after the Barbiecore trend wavers. 

'Pretty in pink,' Jake said when sharing the photo – and we're certainly inclined to agree. The dusty rose bathroom is, in itself, something to note – and is the perfect example of how to incorporate a bold color without overwhelming your space.  

The designer accentuates the somewhat 'drained' down pink with metallic accents –seen through the gold-fringed mirror and faucet. 

Perhaps the most striking feature in the space, however, is the statement marble sink that draws from the similarly-toned marble floor ideas to make it appear as though the material is flowing throughout the room.

This marble complements the pink walls effortlessly – creating a blushing, radiant space that is as luxurious as it is beautiful – and undeniably soothing. This is Chrissy Teigen's bathroom, after all. 

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's bathroom is a masterclass in pink room ideas, courtesy of one of the most talked-about designers of the moment, but it's no surprise that the color works so well in this space. 

Clara Ewart, the Head of Design at Kitesgrove, explains that pink is the perfect color for a bathroom because, despite its vibrancy (even in dusty shades such as Chrissy's), it is soothing enough to work in the most intimate room of your home. 

'Pink and purple are warm, inviting shades used to create timeless interiors. Shades can vary hugely from blush to electric pink and lavender to deep violet,' Clara says.

'The varying tones can be used to make a strong impact through bold accessories or as a backdrop for a warm, comforting space such as a pretty pastel bedroom.' 

With these benefits (and Chrissy's nod of approval), we're quite sure pink will continue to top color trends long into the New Year. And we're starting with the bathroom.