Bergenia plants, or pigsqueaks, are low-growing perennials perfect for borders, beds, and neglected pathways. They’ll spread over time, filling your garden with bright-colored blooms and squeaky foliage. Join seasoned grower Jerad Bryant and learn how to plant, grow, and care for these lush flowering plants. Easy-growing perennials are incredibly valuable in the home garden. They require little care and maintenance to thrive and grow well in a wide range of environments. Poor soils, harsh exposures, and low moisture levels are no match for rugged perennials. Bergenias, or piqsqueaks, are a group of tough plants that fit the bill. They sprout thick, glossy, and round leaves that squeak when you rub them together. In spring, pink, white, and purple blossoms emerge atop thin stems above the foliage. Attract pollinators, fill empty spaces, and beautify your garden with bergenias. They’re adaptable and dependable, working well around your yard. Learn how to best take care of them, and they’ll thrive for years to come! What Are Bergenias? These spreaders are evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous depending on the species and the growing location. They’re exceptional garden plants, tolerating droughts, frosts, and extreme weather events. When other plants fail, piqsqueaks thrive! Native Area These perennials originate from parts of Asia. They’re native to the Himalayas and other mountain ranges in China. Though they’re native to mountainous regions, they work well across the globe in various gardens. Part of why bergenias are tough and durable is because of their native range. They need frost, drought, and heat-tolerant qualities to survive extreme alpine weather conditions. When you plant them at low elevations instead of up high in the mountains, they retain their durable qualities without growing weak or frail. Characteristics Many pigsqueaks resemble each other, though some species have distinct qualities. They sprout heart-shaped green leaves with toothed edges that sprout off long stems in a central rosette. They resemble cabbage plants before they form their heads. After new leaves appear in spring, flowering stems emerge from the rosettes. Clusters of white, pink, or red blooms open on each stem, creating a lush effect in the springtime garden. They attract hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. Some bergenias are extremely hardy; they have a thick, rugged rootstock that protects them from water loss in summer and frigid temperatures in winter. Though tough, their leaves may wilt after many weeks without water. Planting Whether you’re transplanting potted plants or growing seedlings from seed, getting bergenias into the garden is a simple, straightforward process. Many hybrid varieties are only available as potted plants from nurseries and retailers, while heirloom varieties and bergenia species grow well from seeds.

Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus), is a Mediterranean herb that has been used for centuries. Once believed to be a hybrid of garden origin, between Thymus pulegioides and Thymus vulgaris, it has since received its classification after DNA analysis revealed it is its own species (Thymus citriodorus). The aesthetic appeal and the many uses of lemon thyme in garden design are reason enough to plant this aromatic treasure. Using lemon thyme in a garden can bring interest and appeal in various ways. Lemon thyme makes an excellent border plant in a rock garden and thrives in those conditions. If looking to xeriscape, thyme is perfect and will provide color when it flowers, or, depending on the cultivar, can add yellows and lime greens. Whether you are growing lemon thyme for culinary or ornamental uses in a fixed spot in your landscape or a container, this olfactory delight is relatively carefree. Lemon Thyme Care Here are the primary care requirements for growing lemon thyme: Plant outdoors in the garden or a container in full sun. Grow indoors only if you have a spot with bright light. Keep in a warm, dry climate and make sure your soil is well-draining. Water this citrusy herb every few weeks. Harvest before the plant flowers in the early summer or pick the lemon lemony leaves from spring until the first frost. Light Lemon thyme demands bright, sunny locations that recall its origins. It will tolerate some shade, but it will never thrive and give its best foliage or aroma in anything but full sun. If your yard lacks a location that gets full sun, lemon thyme grows wonderfully in containers and can be kept on a sunny window sill. Soil When considering ideal soil conditions for lemon thyme, consider its native conditions. In thyme’s case, this would be the dry, sandy, rocky limestone mountainsides of the Mediterranean. This environment creates the perfect dry, alkaline soil for growing lemon thyme. While these conditions are ideal, lemon thyme and many Mediterranean herbs will grow in almost any soil since they are adapted to growing in rocky, infertile soil. Water Watering lemon thyme is a low-maintenance affair. It prefers dry conditions, so watering it weekly or even every few weeks is fine. Once the soil is truly dry to the touch, water it until it's drenched. Temperature and Humidity Lemon thyme thrives in warm, dry weather, so it reaches its peak performance during the summer. This is when you will see the lovely lilac flowers bloom, as well as reap the benefit of the volatile lemony essential oils released by the warm air. It will go dormant during the cooler months but may remain green throughout the year in all but the coldest climates. Fertilizer Treating herbs, not just lemon thyme, with fertilizer is often a bad idea. Add some organic compost when planting to proactively encourage vigorous growth. Pruning Lemon thyme is a hybrid plant prone to spreading. Clip it back after it flowers with a clean, sharp pair of shears to control the spread and encourage new growth. When pruning, keep it compact with plenty of fresh leaves. If you leave lemon thyme untrimmed, it will become leggy and woody at the base. Propagating Lemon Thyme Once you have an established plant, you can easily propagate thyme. Cutting is a common propagation method. Cut a stem section 4 inches long with sterile scissors or snips just below the leaf node. Remove the leaves below the node, then submerge the stem of the cutting in distilled water. Put the cuttings in a place that gets plenty of light. Wait a few weeks for the plant’s roots to begin developing. Once a good root system develops, transplant it into a pot to grow further. Alternatively, you can dip cuttings in a rooting hormone and push them into seed-starting soil. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, the plant's roots will begin to develop. How to Grow Lemon Thyme From Seed Growing lemon thyme from seed is possible, but it is often slow to germinate. Place two to three seeds per cell in a seed-starting tray filled with seed-starting medium. Keep the medium consistently moist. Use a domed cover to keep the seeds and soil warm and moist. Put the trays in a bright window or under a grow light on a heating mat. Remove the dome once your seeds have germinated. Place a small fan beside the tray to allow indirect air to flow over the seedlings at all times. The constant pressure from the air creates more robust plants and root systems. Move them into pots to allow them to mature a little before planting outdoors. Harden off the seedlings before you take them outside after the first frost. Potting and Repotting Lemon Thyme If you plan to propagate thyme or want to grow thyme in a container rather than in the garden, having an excellent potting mix is essential. Start with a base of three parts seed mix, two parts compost, one part vermiculite, and one part topsoil. This mix will give you the suitable organics, draining, aeration, moisture retention, and texture for your herb to be happy. Overwintering Lemon thyme is very hardy and can survive the winter, but a little extra protection won't hurt, especially if it is a wet winter, as the herb does not like being wet. A good pruning and a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the roots will offer extra warmth. If lemon thyme is grown in a pot, it can be brought indoors over the winter. Water it slightly and place it in a window with plenty of natural light. Common Pests & Plant Diseases Lemon thyme may be plagued by spider mites, ants, and aphids, which can be found on new plant growth and the underside of leaves. Eradicate them with water or insecticidal soap. An added benefit of having lemon thyme in your garden is that it repels mosquitoes and attracts bees for pollination. It is also resistant to deer. The herb is most susceptible to root rot and Alternaria blight, the latter of which can see dark brown to black spots on leaves. If not taken care of, the spots spread, and leaves are killed. Common Problems With Lemon Thyme Lemon thyme is a very easy-to-care-for plant with few problems. As long as it is kept dry and given plenty of sunlight, it will grow plentifully for seasons to come.

Statice is a beautiful flowering annual or perennial that adds color to flower beds and makes a long-lasting cut flower. Cut flower gardener Melissa Strauss shares how to grow and care for this fun and interesting plant in your garden. If you’re a fan of dried flowers, it’s likely that you’ve already heard about statice. If you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat! This is one of the most excellent flowers for drying and using in arrangements, and it’s so easy to grow! What is Statice? Statice is a wonderfully easy-to-grow flowering plant that is perfect for the cutting garden. Its long, sturdy stems and brightly colored clusters of papery blooms have an exceptional vase life. This are one of the very few flowers to retain almost all of its color when you dry it. Often referred to as everlasting flowers, these plants go by many common names, including sea lavender and sea pink. These sturdy, drought and deer-resistant plants make wonderful filler in the garden and cut arrangements. Let’s take a look at this lovely, nostalgic plant and how easily you can grow it in your own flower garden. History Statice has a long history of symbolism as a cut flower. Remembrance is the number one most common symbolic application, as statice truly does last a lifetime. Memorial wreaths and arrangements often contain this flower. They have common use as a symbol of success, as well. They can be added to an arrangement celebrating a new job or graduation. For the most part, they have a long history of representing good feelings and well wishes. Native Area The Limonium genus is a large one. Comprising close to 120 hundred species, they are native to many areas of the world. The bulk of species are native to a smaller area, including the Mediterranean Basin, the Canary Islands, and parts of Central Asia. They are small, perennial shrubs that have woody stems and are well-adapted to areas of high salinity. Salt in your soil won’t bother these one bit, making them excellent for the coastal garden. You will find this plant growing in alkaline, sandy soil. Characteristics Statice are semi-woody, perennial flowering plants. They grow between four inches and seven feet tall, with long, sturdy, winged stems. Most garden varieties grow between one and three feet. There are very few leaves on these stiff stems. The leaves that exist grow outward, coming to a point at the end, which faces upward. With so many different species and even more varieties, the flowers differ throughout the genus. The most noteworthy trait is that they bloom within papery, colorful bracts or calyxes. Within the bracts, the flowers are small and white or yellow. The bracts can be purple, pink, apricot, gray, lavender, white, or yellow. These plants are warm weather bloomers and are perennial in mild climate Zones 4-9. Many gardeners grow these plants as annuals. They are fast growing and bloom in their first year. They also reseed themselves freely, so you might see them popping up again next year, even in cooler climates. Uses Historically, this plant has many medicinal applications, but none are still in use modern day. In the garden, statice is an ornamental plant. Its long-lasting blooms add lots of color to the flower bed. This plant is very versatile and tolerant, so it finds a lot of use in gardens with poor, rocky soil and high salinity. Statice is most famous for its use as a cut and a dried flower. It retains its color for a very long time, including the intense blue and purple shades. The bracts fade very little over time. Where to Buy From seed is the most common way to cultivate statice. The seeds are widely available at nurseries and through online retailers. Planting Start statice indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost in peat pots that can be planted directly in the garden. This plant is sensitive to root disturbance. If you’d like to sow them outdoors, wait until the soil is workable, and sow groups of three seeds two to four week after your last frost. The seeds need light to germinate. Whether directly sowing them or starting them in cells, make sure to press them lightly into the soil, rather than covering them. Plant seeds in groups of three, 12 inches apart. When the seedlings are two inches tall, thin them to one every 12 inches. It takes between one and two weeks for seeds to germinate. Keep them moist during germination and until they establish roots and harden off. How to Grow These plants are hardy and easy to grow. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, including poor and sandy. They are drought-tolerant once established and require very little care. Simply cut the flowers and watch your plants grow more. Maintenance This is a cut-and-come-again plant, which is what makes it so great for the cutting garden. The more you cut the flowers, the better the plant can focus on producing new ones. Throughout the growing season, if you choose not to cut the plant while in bloom, remove the spent blooms. This will give you the maximum blooming impact for the season. When dealing with it as a perennial, follow the same guidelines. Feel free to trim off any dead or damaged stems and foliage. The plant will die back in winter, leave it intact until spring and then remove the dead portions if you prefer. It will not interfere with new growth.