April 2026

IS BOXWOOD BACK?

Natalie Carmolli, Proven Winners® ColorChoice®

For decades, boxwood has been one of the most reliable structural shrubs in gardens and landscapes. Dense evergreen foliage, adaptability to pruning, and usefulness in everything from formal hedges to informal borders made it nearly indispensable. Then came a series of challenges that caused many to reconsider their reliance on this classic shrub.

3 NEW PLANTS WITH PIZZAZZ!

Dan Heims, Terra Nova

Whoa, campers! Crazy weather as usual. People are getting hit by “mini summers” this spring, pushing plants quickly out of the cold, damp ground. But we gardeners persevere. Campers, today’s secret buzzword is “pizzazz.” Pizzazz is what a container needs to shine. Pizzazz allows the gardener to direct the focus of a viewer. Pizzazz adds excitement. Today’s introductions include three new children that can wow.




5 FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING PRUNING SHEARS

Centurion Brands

Every gardener needs a good pair of pruning shears. Pruning is a skill that is made easier with quality tools and knowing how to use them. Let's look at five features to consider when choosing your next pair of bypass pruners.


GREAT PLANTS FOR GIFTING

Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers

Did you know that Mother’s Day is the top floral holiday? Valentine’s Day gets all the love, but the offerings are very limited in February. Plus, most people have a mom, but not everyone has a sweetheart. As you’re shopping at your local garden center, there’s never been a better opportunity to select something special.

MAKE YOUR PATIO A HUMMINGBIRD HANGOUT THIS SUMMER

Susan Martin, Proven Winners

One of the simplest pleasures of gardening is watching pollinators and birds enjoy what you’ve grown. This summer, take a front row seat to the hummingbird show by planting these five nectar-rich favorites on or alongside your patio. 

ROSY DAYS AHEAD: TOP 6 WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR GARDEN WITH ROSES

Sara Grasmon, Monrovia

Modern breeding has created roses that are both easy to care for and well behaved, while still providing the elegance, fragrance and romantic aesthetic gardeners have loved for decades. The key is to choose a variety with the desired traits to achieve your goals. Here are six ways to incorporate roses into your garden design.

FIVE STANDOUT PHILODENDRONS FOR YOUR HOME

Justin Hancock, Costa Farms

Philodendrons are popular houseplants for a reason: they’re attractive, adaptable, and surprisingly forgiving. Here are five exceptional philodendrons that are easy to grow and will make a big impact in your home décor.

SPRING GREENHOUSE SUCCESS STARTS WITH CONTROL

Trevor Dueck, BC Greenhouse Builders

A greenhouse doesn’t just extend the season. It changes the entire experience of growing. It gives you more consistency, more confidence, and far more control over how your season unfolds. And in spring, control changes everything.



YES, YOU CAN PLANT THAT IN A CONTAINER!

Star® Roses and Plants

If you think containers are just for herbs or perennial mixes, think again! Many roses and ornamental shrubs can thrive in pots when given the right care. Here are five surprising plants that prove you can plant almost anything in a container.

DISCOVER GIBBS GARDENS' NEW SECRET GARDEN

Barbara Schneider, Gibbs Gardens

Jim Gibbs never stops creating new garden experiences and sweeping views for Gibbs Gardens’ visitors to enjoy. This spring is no exception. His new and intriguing Secret Garden will delight garden visitors and provide home gardeners with intriguing ideas for designing their own gardens.



FEED YOUR NEW PLANTS: THE POWER OF FISH FERTILIZER IN THE GARDEN

DRAMM

Over 20 years ago, Kurt Dramm (son of Dramm Corporation’s creator, John G. Dramm) began using fish hydrolysate fertilizers, created from the fishing industry’s waste, in his own greenhouse and was amazed by the results. He was compelled by the opportunity to offer high-quality, easy-to-use fertilizers to his customers while also helping to solve an environmental problem.

TOP PLANT PICKS FOR LOW-MAINTENANCE GARDENING

GrowJoy

Everyone loves a stunning landscape—it's a personal retreat, a source of joy, and a point of pride. Yet, time and money can hold us back. We're here to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that fits your lifestyle.



SPRING OR FALL? WHEN YOU PLANT ROSES DETERMINES HOW WELL THEY BLOOM

Jackson & Perkins

When to plant bare root and container roses and why the timing makes a difference.

HUMMINGBIRDS ARE WORTH THE WAIT

Wild Birds Unlimited

Waiting for something often makes it more exciting. This is especially true as you anticipate the first glimpse of a hummingbird each spring. The excitement of their arrival at your feeders is guaranteed to bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. So be patient and rest assured that hummingbirds are on their way. 


PLANT THESE PERENNIALS ONCE AND ENJOY THEM FOR YEARS TO COME

Ashley Hosmer, Heirloom

To achieve a well-rounded garden, one with something in bloom each season, year after year, you need reliable perennials. A little thought now as you build your garden will result in a space that feels full, layered, and cohesive. These are six perennials I’m excited to add to my garden this year and enjoy for years to come.

YOUR GARDEN DOESN'T HAVE TO PEAK AND FADE

Wayside Gardens

Most gardens have a moment. A three-week window in June when everything hits at once, and then a long slide toward green. It doesn't have to work that way. The solution isn't planting more. It's planting strategically. Here's how to build a garden that keeps moving.

FOUR TOMATO VARIETIES, ZERO YARD REQUIRED

Park Seed

Park Seed's 2026 container guide narrows the field. These are the four worth starting with and the full 2026 guide is waiting at Park Seed.

BOOST YOUR BLOOMS: 3 SIMPLE UPGRADES FOR A BETTER FLOWER SHOW

Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf Market

Spring is here, and gardeners everywhere are looking for bigger, brighter blooms. But those impressive floral displays require more than good seeds or healthy starts. They rely on using the right soil mix, container choice, and plant food to produce a real show-stopping floral display. 



GROW MORE TOMATOES

Melinda Myers

Enjoy the fresh-from-the-garden flavor of homegrown tomatoes. Grow one or more in a container, a dedicated vegetable garden or plant them with flowers in garden beds.

PLANTING TIPS FOR AZALEAS

When thinking about the natural habitat for an azalea, we typically think about a lot of humus in the soil. What other requirements do azaleas have that we need to consider at planting time? Watch the video...

A BEAUTIFUL AZALEA GARDEN THREE YEARS AFTER PLANTING

In this Episode GardenSMART takes a trip back to one of our favorite gardens to see how it looks three years after it was planted and featured on GardenSMART. We also caught up with Buddy Lee, one of the world's most important azalea breeders. Learn more...

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