Also known as the pink lantern plant and rose grape, Medinilla magnifica belongs to the Melastomataceae family. Medinillas bear panicles of flowers that resemble clusters of small grapes, which stand out against attractive dark green foliage. Some Medinillas have showy bracts at the base of their flower clusters, which resemble flower petals. Medinillas are evergreen shrubs in their native habitat, which includes Java, the Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, and Sumatra....

In the summer, this outdoor palm tree variety produces drooping clusters of cream-colored flowers that give way to black fruits. The round trunks range from reddish-brown to gray as they age, adding a lovely, colored backdrop for its green foliage. As fronds die back, they droop to create a dense skirt around the base of the fronds, further adding to this palm’s attractive profile. This palm is considered invasive in Florida, California, and Hawaii....

Moonflower, as a member of the Ipomoea genus along with morning glory, is recognized as having hallucinogenic seeds and being mildly toxic to humans and pets. Gardeners should be cautious about their use of any Ipomoea species in homes with small children or where dogs, cats, or horses are present. If you don’t want the vines to reseed in your garden, remove the spent flowers before they can drop seeds....

Purple waffle plants are excellent specimens for the patio container or hanging basket. When planted in combination with other tropical plants, they serve the function of a trailing plant or “spiller.” Paired with a tall specimen such as ti plant, the purple waffle plant will nicely cover the soil. Light The purple waffle plant does best in partial sun outdoor or in bright indirect light indoors. Direct sun can cause the edges of leaves to scorch or the color to bleach, and the cool metallic sheen of the leaves may also fade in direct sun....

The tree is tough—so tough, in fact, that it is frequently used in restoration sites with depleted soils because sassafras sends out root suckers that grow into colonies and thickets. This makes it a great choice for naturalized plantings or screens where it can spread freely. But sassafras can also be grown as a single specimen. Sassafras is dioecious, with female and male flowers on separate trees. Male flowers look fuller and only female trees develop fruit if pollinated....

The cottonwood is polarizing; people either love it or hate it. The divide is as big as the tree itself. You will have to make an equally big decision: is it the right tree for you and your landscape? Light Your cottonwood will fare best if you place the tree in a location that gets full sun throughout the day. One of the most appealing features of the species is its beautiful fall color, and good light will ensure you get that brilliant gold in the autumn you are hoping for....

The tiny pink, lavender, or white tubular flowers of thyme plants show up in the spring and summer months and are well-liked by bees. Its tiny gray-green leaves remain evergreen, and most thyme varieties can even be harvested in winter in the zones where it is a perennial. Thyme can be planted at almost any time. It will mature enough to allow for harvest within a few months, then will reliably return year after year in the climate zones where it is hardy....

Jalapeño peppers are planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed from nursery starts or from seeds started indoors. They have a fast growth rate, taking three to four months from germination to produce fruits that can be harvested. Be aware that the leaves and fruits of jalapeño plants contain capsaicin, a compound that creates a burning sensation and can be toxic to both people and pets....

American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) are native to Eastern North America, and while they are not nearly as widely cultivated and not yet considered a commercial crop, they are much more cold-hardy than the larger Asian persimmons. This makes them the ideal choice for amateur enthusiasts to try planting in their yard in spring after any frost has passed. The American persimmon is the focus here. These trees are rather slow-growing and it can take seven to 10 years for them to be fruit-bearing....

Serve Small Bites Who doesn’t love appetizers of all kinds? There’s no need to serve a heavy meal to your friends, but be sure to offer plenty of small bites; it isn’t a get together without some food, after all! Consider serving caprese skewers, mini quiche, tea sandwiches, or other seasonal or on-theme treats that guests can easily enjoy while walking around and mingling. Ensure that you have a variety of vegetarian and gluten free options on hand for guests who may have dietary restrictions....

Diagnosing and controlling stem rot or wilt depends on which garden crop is affected. Here’s how to control stem damage from both fungi and the squash vine borer. How to Prevent Stem Rot As with many fungal diseases, once a plant is affected, there is not much to be done. Once you notice stem rot, there is usually already damage to the roots or other parts of the plant. That’s why good gardening practices and preventive measures cannot be over-emphasized....

Determine Whether It Can Be “Carried Through the Ages” “Timeless to me is about quality materials, lighting fixtures, furniture, et. cetera, that work with every style and can be carried on through the ages. Most trendy items have a hard time fitting into all design direction as they are very specific to an age or theme. I try to steer away from what is super hot and zeitgeist-esque, as it tends to get overused and worn out quickly....

As potted plants grow full and leafy, their roots are also expanding. These roots tend to break down the soil in the pot, as they expand. Roots then displace the soil and break down the soil nutrients to absorb them. The second problem is that the roots will go looking for more room to expand and will start to wind themselves around in circles, girdling themselves in the process. This is what is meant by the term “pot bound”....

Bypass those high costs and tight supply lines by making new wood look old. Aging and distressing new wood is an ancient craft that you can learn in no time at all. Aging new wood is easy to do, requires simple tools that you may already have on hand, and uses liquids that are inexpensive and easy to find. There are three main methods: mechanically aging wood with devices such as nails, screws, and chains; chemically aging the wood with white vinegar or stains; or creating the look of weathered, painted wood....