Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a hardy, summer-blooming shrub loved by pollinators and hummingbirds. Native to Asia, it's tough, fast-growing, and perfect for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. With varieties in vibrant shades and minimal care needs, it's a stunning, low-maintenance choice for gardens from Zones 5–9.

Over the last few years, I have noticed an increasing demand for plants that have a tropical ‘look’. Many are meant for gardens around pools, but there is also an increasing number of homeowners who prefer this style regardless of whether they have a pool. The problem is that many regions within the USA are definitely not in the tropics. Happily, there is a way of achieving a tropical vibe without having to relocate nearer the equator!

Someone once told me that bare soil is like a wound in the earth. It’s unnatural for soil to be exposed, so nature fills the gap, starting with weeds that grow from existing roots or from seeds carried by the wind. These weeds act like a scab, stopping soil from washing or blowing away and providing ground cover for insects, reptiles, and small mammals. From small beginnings, larger plants can grow, up to and eventually including the regeneration of forests.