The next two Instagram posts are/were sneak peeks of our "romantic garden" inspirations we can now resume.

♡ Sending warm winter solstice wishes and dreams of the spring equinox.

♡ A simple life is a peaceful life, and this is my quiet place. -Instagram

✓ Herbaceous perennial. Pink buds open to big, ivory-white double blooms. The lush mound of dark green foliage remains attractive all summer to frost. 2-3 ft. tall and wide. Zone 3-8 |  Wikipedia | Symbolism: Bashfulness, happy marriage, prosperity; Prosperity, honor (in China) Masculinity, bravery (in Japan)

✓ Herbaceous perennial. Large, luscious, fragrant, soft pink, double flowers with sweet cream tones. Fast growing; reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide.  Zone 4-8 |  Wikipedia | Symbolism: Bashfulness, happy marriage, prosperity; Prosperity, honor (in China) Masculinity, bravery (in Japan)

✓ Herbaceous perennial. Velvety, ruby-red, fully double blooms are displayed on the sturdy erect stems. Fast growing; reaches 2 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. Zone 4-8 |  Wikipedia | Symbolism: Bashfulness, happy marriage, prosperity; Prosperity, honor (in China) Masculinity, bravery (in Japan)

✓ Perennial, shrub, herbaceous. "These mophead hydrangeas bloom in either neon purple or raspberry red—perfect for brightening up the yard in a flash." 1.5-3' H and W.  Zone 4-9 | Wikipedia |  Symbolism: Thank you for understanding; boastfulness, Pink: heartfelt emotion or gratitude. White: boasting, bragging, purity, grace and abundance.

♡ Evergreen. Formal, elegant, pure white flowers in May with "spreading, glossy, dark green foliage forming a densely mounded groundcover. Filtered sun, Partial shade. Reaches 16" H x 30-36" W. Zone 6-9. TOXIC!   | Wikipedia | Symbolism: Take care, temperance, fragile, gratitude, passion, Chinese symbols of womanhood.

✓ Evergreen. dense dark green foliage contrasts well with its triple-blooming, medium pink blooms.; reaches only 3 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide. Zone 6b-10b TOXIC! 

(I lost five shrubs due to deer and rare deep snow this year.) | Wikipedia | Symbolism: Take care, temperance, fragile, gratitude, passion, Chinese symbols of womanhood.

♡ Ice N' Roses® Bianco Hellebore is an evergreen hybrid of (H. niger and H.orientalis). "A delightful cool-season bloomer, a wonderful addition to lightly to deeply shaded beds". | Size: 1-2' H x 1-2' W. |  Flowers: Multicolored, late winter to early spring blooms | Growth: Moderate | Conditions:  Once established, tolerates dry spells in cool, shady settings. Apply acid fertilizer after bloom. Protect roots with a thick layer of mulch. Water: Keep soil lightly moist | Soil: Organic |  Light: Filtered sun | Zones: 5-9 | Deer & rabbit resistant |  Garden.org | Wikipedia

♡  Ice N' Roses® Dark Picotee Hellebore is an evergreen hybrid of dark burgundy edges diffused into creamy white petals." | Size: 1-2' H x 1-2' W. |  Flowers: Multicolored, late winter to early spring blooms | Growth: Moderate | Conditions:  Once established, tolerates dry spells in cool, shady settings. Apply acid fertilizer after bloom. Protect roots with a thick layer of mulch. Water: Keep soil lightly moist | Soil: Organic |  Light: Filtered sun | Zones: 5-9 | Deer & rabbit resistant | Garden.org | Wikipedia

♡  Captain Kelso Calla Lily (Zantedeschia). Elegant blooms emerge from sword-like clumps in late spring through midsummer..." | Size: 18" H & W. | Growth: Moderate | Conditions:  Frost-tender herbaceous perennial in warmer winter areas; overwinter indoors in colder regions. Water: Keep soil lightly moist | Soil: Organic | Light: full to partial sun | Zones: 8-11 | Deer & rabbit resistant |  Garden.org | Wikipedia | Symbolism: Magnificence and beauty; feminine beauty; modesty

♡  Prunella Vulgaris (herbaceous - edible, healing,semi- perennial) is crowned with ‘cones’ with whorls of | Flowers: showy deep purple tubular that bloom at different times depending on climate; June to August | Size: ~30" T x ~30" W, spreads to form clumps.  Growth: aggressive | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, but well-drained | Light: full sun to shade | Zones: 4-9  | Wikipedia | Garden.org | Gardenia.net

♡  'Burgundy Glow Ajuga reptans' or 'Bugleweed' is "an excellent spreading groundcover that features colorful burgundy-tinged, pale green and cream variegated foliage...dense, carpet-like mat..." perennial, herbaceous. | Size: ~2-4" T x ~12" W | Flowers: deep blue spikes | Growth: Moderate | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, but well-drained | Light: full sun to shade | Zones: 4-10 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | GardenDesign

✓ Iris douglasiana, perennial. When the flowers emerge in spring, they range from deep reddish or bluish purple to pale purple having contrasting venation.  Moderate growth rate.  | Size: ~2' H x 4' W.  Zone 6-10 |  Wikipedia | Symbolism: eloquence, good news, light; faith, valor, wisdom, friendship; a message, (purple: wisdom, compliments)

✓ Lilium (/ˈlɪliəm/ LIL-ee-əm)[3] is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large and often prominent flowers..." | Size:  1–6 ft (30–180 cm) | Growth: Moderate | Conditions:  temperate climates and subtropics perennial. Water: Water when soil is dry | Soil: Organic | Light: full to partial sun | Zones: 3-8 | | Garden.org | Wikipedia | Gardenia.net | Symbolism: love, femininity and admiration  | TOXIC TO CATS!

✓ Oriental Lily Sunny Double Duty (Lilium Orientalis). Up facing fully double blooms of infused pink and white..." | Size: 18" H & W? | Growth: Moderate | Conditions:  herbaceous perennial. Water: Water when soil is dry | Soil: Organic | Light: full to partial sun | Zones: 3-8 | | Garden.org | Wikipedia | Gardenia.net | Symbolism: love, femininity and admiration | TOXIC TO CATS!

♡  Deciduous. "...produces spectacular clusters of fragrant lavender flowers in mid-May. Mild periodic drought tolerant when established. Reaches 12' H x 6' W. Zone 3-8. |  Wikipedia: Lilac: |  Symbolism: Affection for loved ones; majesty. Purple: first emotions of love.

♡  Deciduous. "Compact, mounded shrub with vibrant red new leaves. Clusters of small pink flowers contrast with bright gold mature foliage that turns rich russet red in fall". Full sun. Reaches 18-24" H x 24" W. Zone 4-9 | Also: Wikipedia: Spirea |  Spirea |  Spiraea Japonica 

♡  Deciduous. "...produces spectacular clusters of fragrant pure white flowers in mid-May. Reaches 12' H x 10' W. Zone 3-8. | Also: Wikipedia: Lilac: |  Symbolism: Affection for loved ones; majesty. White: Youthful innocence, humility

✓ Deciduous. A large-leaved barberry with bright gold, showstopping foliage on a compact form. Little to no pruning is needed.  2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide. Zone 4-8 |  Wikipedia | Symbolism: Sourness of temper, petulance

✓ Not available, reference only! Deciduous. Deep rose-red foliage is mottled with white and green in spring, bringing wonderful, warm color into the landscape. Bright red berries in fall and winter. Reaches 5' Tx 4' W. Zone 4-8 | Wikipedia | Symbolism

✓ Deciduous. Shiny, deep red leaves cover this naturally dense, globe-shaped shrub. No trimming is needed.  Slowly reaches 18 in. tall, 36 in. wide. wide. Zone 4-8 | Wikipedia | Symbolism: Sourness of temper, petulance

✓Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) Evergreen. "Compact Habit, Disease / Pest Resistance, Drought Tolerance, Dwarf, Easy Care, Heat Tolerance, Returns Year After Year, Variegated Foliage, Winter / Fall Foliage Color, Year-Round Interest. A full sun to part shade pick that requires NO pruning, golden variegated leaves, medium water needs." Moderate growing; reaches 2' T x 4' W | Zones: 6a-9b | Garden.org | Wikipedia | TOXIC! 

♡ Dwarf Japanese Barberry ‘Admiration’ (Berberis thunbergii) is a low maintenance, deer resistant, perennial shrub known for its bright, variegated reddish and chartreuse foliage. Size: ~2'' T x ~2' W | Flowers: yellow, spring.  Growth: slow | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 4-8 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | Home Depot | TOXIC!

♡  Sunjoy Mini Maroon® Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a noninvasive low maintenance, deer resistant, perennial shrub w/ deep purple-red foliage on a dense, nicely shaped mound. It needs no pruning to stay small and lush. Size: ~2-3'' T x ~2-3' W | Flowers: Yellow, Spring, Summer, Fall | Growth: Slow | Conditions: Soil: adaptive | Water: Moist, but well-drained | Light: Full sun to partial shade | Zones: 4-8 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | Home Depot | TOXIC!

✓ Deciduous. "A hardy, compact, repeat blooming machine with big, pink, mophead flowers, extra-dark green leaves, and a neat, mounded form. Perfect for foundations and borders. Harvest blooms for long-lasting cut floral arrangements."  4' H, 4' W.  Zone 4-9, Partial shade, Partial sun |  Wikipedia: Hydrangea: | Symbolism: General: Thank you for understanding; boastfulness, Pink: heartfelt emotion or gratitude. White: boasting, bragging, purity, grace and abundance.  | TOXIC! 

♡ Quiet moments in between.

♡  Evergreen. "Enchanting pink flowers on a vigorous, large, broadly rounded shrub with leathery, dark green foliage on red stems. Tolerates heavy shade and thrives in cooler regions." Moderate growing; reaches 6-8' H, 8-10' W.  Zone 4-9 | TOXIC! 

♡  Deciduous. "Low, spreading branches on a beautifully mounded, weeping dwarf form. Rich, red, deeply dissected foliage holds its color throughout the growing season, developing more vibrant red tones in the fall."  Slow growing dwarf reaching; 2-3' ft. H x 6-8' W in 12 yrs.  Zone 4-9

♡  Deciduous.  "A spectacular dwarf Japanese maple with dense, compact branching on an upright habit and a rounded, ovate crown. The stunning palmate foliage emerges red in spring and deepens as it ages. Cooler fall temperatures bring orange tones. Red stems add color to the bare winter silhouette. Well-suited for use as a container specimen."  6' ft. H x 6' W. Zone 5-9

♡  Deciduous. "The deep dissection of the beautiful purple leaves produces an attractive lacy appearance. As fall temperatures cool, the foliage transitions to a bright, apple red color. This graceful, small tree creates a stunning focal point or accent for lightly shaded gardens, patios, and entryways, and is ideal for containers." Slow growing; reaches 7-8' ft. H x 5' W. Zone 5-8

♡ Deciduous. "A handsome dwarf Japanese maple with a compact form. The freely branching growth becomes dense with maturity. New foliage emerges bright red and matures to a deep maroon red. Well-suited for use as a small lawn tree or on patios and entryways. An ideal size for a container specimen."  

Slow growing; reaches 6-8' ft. H x 8-10' W. Zone 5-8

♡ Deciduous.  "This columnar sport of the popular 'Bloodgood' boasts the same attractive, rich burgundy foliage, but offers a smaller, more narrow form. Foliage emerges bright red, darkens as it ages, and turns brilliant scarlet in the fall. Bare stems darken to blood red in winter."  Slow grower reaching; 10-15' ft. H x 6-8' W.  Zone 5-8

♡  Deciduous.  "A graceful form with black-red bark veiled in dark red foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet in fall. Leaves bud out later in spring, better withstanding damage from late frosts than less cold hardy varieties. Displays most intense color in full sun exposure. Ideal as a colorful specimen in smaller landscapes."  Moderate grower 15' ft. H x 15' W. Zone 5-8

♡ (Cercis canadensis) "Rosy lavender-pink flowers completely cover bare, slightly contorted, weeping branches in early spring. This truly unique selection can develop a beautiful umbrella of cascading branches covered in heart-shaped leaves if trained when young. Deciduous." Size: 5-6' H x 6-8 W | Growth: moderate | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | 

♡ (Cercis canadensis) "A lovely compact redbud tree with a weeping canopy that is perfect for a smaller-sized landscape. An excellent specimen plant with clusters of lavender-red, sweet pea-like blooms in spring. Small, semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall. Deciduous."  Size:6-8' H x 5-6' W | Growth: moderate | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | 

♡ Garden Gems™ Amethyst Redbud (Cercis canadensis) "This compact tree is a perfect focal point for small gardens or when potted on a patio. The small size and burgundy foliage provide the feel of a Japanese maple with the added bonus of an early spring bloom of violet-pink flowers before the colorful leaves emerge. Deciduous."  Size: ~8-10" T & W | Growth: moderate | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | 

♡ (Cercis canadensis) "Perfect for smaller landscapes, this phenomenal hybrid has lustrous, dark purple leaves. Foliage is similar to Forest Pansy, but with Texas Redbud in its genes, 'Merlot' offers excellent drought tolerance and thicker, glossier leaves that stand up to summer heat. Tight, dense, semi-upright habit. Bright lavender-pink flowers in spring. Deciduous." Size:12-15' H & W | Growth: moderate | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 6-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | 

♡ Forest Pansy Redbud (Cercis canadensis) "Beautiful landscape tree valued for its brilliant scarlet-purple color to new foliage, maturing to maroon. Rosy-pink flowers on bare branches bridge the gap between winter and spring! Deciduous." Size: ~20' T x ~25' W | Growth: moderate | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | 

♡ Carolina Sweetheart Redbud (Cercis canadensis) "Early Spring brings pink blooms on bare branches, but the colorful show continues as the leaves emerge, with young foliage displaying a range of color combinations of purple, pink, green, and white. Leaves eventually age to green with some white on the edges and purple undersides. Deciduous." Size: ~20-30' T x ~30' W | Growth: moderate | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | 

♡ Stellar Pink® Dogwood (Cornus)  Not available, reference only! "Profuse, large, overlapping, blush pink, flower-like bracts cover this small but vigorous tree in early spring. Deciduous." Size: ~20-25' T x 15-20' W | Growth: fast | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-8 | Garden.org | Wikipedia |  Symbolism: Durability; honesty, true nobility

♡ Variegated Stellar Pink® Dogwood (Cornus) Not available, reference only! "This superb new dogwood offers exciting color! Each leaf is edged in white, with overlapping hues of green and white, turning a brilliant red-purple in the fall. Seashell pink flowers smother the branches in spring, followed by decorative bright red fruit. Deciduous." Size: ~20-24' T & W | Growth: fast | Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia | Symbolism: Durability; honesty, true nobility

✓ Pink Dogwood (Cornus) Deciduous.  Produces pink flowers with white accents. Provides red fall color and features low branching. Rosy-pink flowers." Size: ~20-25' T & W | Growth: moderate| Conditions: warm, humid | Soil: adaptive | Water: moist, well-drained | Light: full sun to partial shade. Zones: 5-9 | Garden.org | Wikipedia |  Symbolism: Durability; honesty, true nobility

♡ Deciduous.  "Stunning new variety with a distinctively upright, columnar form. Big, beautiful, and lightly fragrant flowers in a gorgeous shade of claret red, cover the tree in early spring. A spectacular specimen tree for most climates, tolerating all but the coldest temperatures."  Moderate grower to 10-12' H x 3-4' W in 10 years.  Zone 5-9 |  Wikipedia: Magnolia | Symbolism: Perseverance, love of nature, nobility

♡ Deciduous, hybrid, "valued for its prolific, very late and long blooming habit. Frost-hardy buds open to large, exquisitely shaped, bright pink blooms with a lemony fragrance, providing a show for up to six weeks in spring, nearly four weeks after other varieties. Deep green foliage follows the flowers in late spring. Moderate growing; small tree; reaches 10-12' H x 8' W. Zone 5-8 |  Wikipedia: Magnolia | Symbolism: Perseverance, love of nature, nobility

♡ Deciduous "Vivid, large, fragrant flowers reach up to 10 to 12 inches, composed of thick, heavy, brilliant magenta petals. Blooms emerge on bare stems in spring; a dense crown of green foliage that follows will add a nice touch to the summer landscape. When young, its form is erect and open branched; becomes more rounded with age. Useful as a large, multi-trunk shrub or trained as a medium-sized specimen tree." Moderate growing; natural tree; reaches 10-15' H x 10-15' W.  As a trained tree: 15-25' H. Zone 5-9

♡ Deciduous. "This is the darkest, most dramatic tulip magnolia of any on the market, with rich, deep burgundy-red six-inch-wide blooms that appear before the foliage emerges in early spring. The small, slender, multi-branched form is outstanding for use as an elegant specimen tree, en masse to form a hedge, or as a container plant." Moderate growing; reaches 15-20' H x 6-10' W. Zone 5-9

♡ Deciduous "Magnificent 12-inch, highly fragrant hot pink flowers add exceptional beauty to the early spring landscape - as many as 100 blooms on a single mature tree each year. Its smaller stature with an upright, pyramidal form and attractive light green foliage is perfect for a small garden specimen tree or to accent larger landscapes." Moderate growing; reaches 16-22' H x 5-7' W.  Zone 5-9

♡ Deciduous.  "Spectacular large shrub or small tree valued for its beautiful large tulip-shaped blooms, purplish pink with white interior. Great garden specimen; use it to anchor shrub beds." Moderate growing; reaches 20-25' H x 20-25' W; smaller as a shrub. Zone 5-9

✓ Deciduous.  The Silver Maple has a wide, rounded crown with shimmering silver undersides of the vibrant green leaves, which glimmer in the breeze. The foliage turns golden-yellow in the fall, offering a stunning display of autumn color. Fast grower to 50-80' H x 35-50' W. Zone 3-9.  Also: Wikipedia: Silver Maple

✓ Deciduous.  "American Sycamore (detail) is a native species that evolved over 100 million years ago. They are flowering trees, but their flowers are inconspicuous. ...Sycamore leaves are broad, with four to five lobes and toothed margins.  After fertilization, the fruit forms an inedible brown, burr-like ball. During the winter, it is broken up into small seeds with brown hairs.

✓ Deciduous.  American "Sycamores are majestic in nature...nicknamed “buttonball” trees because of the 1-inch balls that hang from the tree." Flaking bark.  Fast growing; to 40'-100' H and taller x 40-70' W.  Typically living 200-600 years. Also: Wikipedia: American Sycamore

✓ Evergreen. Cone-shaped dwarf conifer displaying dense green needles. Slow growing; reaches only 4-6' H x 2' W. Zone 3-8

✓ Evergreen. Cone-shaped dwarf conifer displaying dense green needles. Slow growing; reaches 8' H x 5' W. Zone 2-8

✓ Evergreen. Cone-shaped dwarf conifer displaying dense green needles. Slow growing; reaches 8' H x 5' W. Zone 2-8

✓ Evergreen. Hardy, formal Boxwood with rich green foliage that can turn "a golden bronze" in the winter; reaches 4-6' H x 4-6' W. Zone 5-9. I lost six boxwoods due to prolonged, unseasonable weather, deep snow, and inadequate "container" insulation.  They did not have enough insulation.  |  Wikipedia: Boxwood | Symbolism: Firmness and stoicism, constancy

♡ The perfect evergreen hedge for tight spaces... Lustrous dark green leaves have a lighter green underside. Very columnar. Moderate growing; reaches 9 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide. Zone 5-9 

♡ Evergreen. Formal, elegant, dynamic, narrow columnar form of blue-green dense foliage.

Reaches 30' H x 3' W. Zone 3-9  |  Wikipedia: Juniper | Symbolism: Asylum, protection

✓ Perennial evergreen vine.  "...creamy white veins on lustrous dark green leaves...with self-clinging tendrils that easily climb or creates a dense groundcover".  Fast growing, reaching 15-20' long.  Zone 4-9  |  Wikipedia | Symbolism: Dependence, endurance; faithfulness, wedded love, affection; friendship

✓ Evergreen. "Gracefully bending, blue-green leaves create an interesting architectural quality. Stunning white blooms erupt from a tall flower spike for a spectacular summer show. An excellent accent that really grabs attention! A great choice for containers or as a xeriscape specimen" Moderate growing; reaching 6-8' H x 6-8' W Zone 7-9. 

✓ Evergreen. "...this upright conifer is versatile, strong-rooted and virtually disease-free. Its uniform shape seldom needs pruning but responds well to shearing. Thrives in southern heat and humidity" and reaches 25-30' H x 8-10' W in 10 yrs. and 50-60' over time! Zone 5-8 | Wikipedia  | Symbolism: Everlasting friendship, "live for me"; "thine till death"

✓ Evergreen. "Norway spruce prefers cool climates and moist soil. It is commonly found in forests, lowlands, or mountains and can thrive in a variety of climates, though the best growing conditions are areas with direct sunlight and moist, slightly acidic soils." Fast growing; reaching 150' H.  Also: Wikipedia: Picea abies, the Norway Spruce | 

✓ Evergreen. "Norway spruce are monoecious or bisexual, meaning they produce male and female cones. The female cones are larger and much longer than they are wide and hang from the branches like Christmas tree ornaments."

✓ Evergreen. "Compact Habit, Disease / Pest Resistance, Drought Tolerance, Dwarf, Easy Care, Heat Tolerance, Returns Year After Year, Variegated Foliage, Winter / Fall Foliage Color, Year-Round Interest. A full sun to part shade pick that requires NO pruning, golden variegated leaves, medium water needs." Moderate growing; reaches 2' T x 4' W. Zone 6a-9b 

♡ Often semi-evergreen in frost-free climates. "An edible jewel for garden, patio or balcony! Toscana features brilliant pink flowers that continue to produce juicy, deep red strawberries from summer until first frost". 12" H x 12-24" W. Zone 3-9. Full sun. | Wikipedia: Strawberry | Symbolism in Art & Culture

♡ Often semi-evergreen in frost-free climates. "Expect dependably high-quality fruit early in the season from this moderate day-neutral variety that will produce a continuous yield throughout the summer. Large berries have an exceptional appearance and flavor." 12-18" H x 18-24" W. Zone 3-9. Full - Partial sun.

♡ Often semi-evergreen in frost-free climates. "An edible jewel for garden, patio or balcony! Toscana features brilliant pink flowers that continue to produce juicy, deep red strawberries from summer until first frost. Spreads gently by runners in borders or herb beds, or spills beautifully from a container. Medium growth reaching 6-12" H x 12-18" W. Zone 4-10. Full - Partial sun

✓ Annual, but perennial if bulbs are lifted. ‘Peppermint’ becomes more colorful as it matures with a dark-rose red background with creamy white venation and green margin." Medium growth reaching 10-12" as a potted plant and 12-18" in the yard. Zone 9. TOXIC! 

✓ Annual, but perennial if bulbs are lifted. Deer and rabbit resistant. Medium pink background with red venation and a narrow green margin.  Grows 18-24" Tall.  Zone 13. TOXIC! 

✓ (2020-2024, 2026) Annual, but perennial if tubers are lifted. "Brightly hued ornamental foliage". Heat tolerant. Semi-trailing habit cascades from spring to first frost.  12-14" H, spreading 30-36" W.  Zones: 9-11

✓ (2026) 'Amore™ Petunia, annual, "A striking bloomer with profuse cascades of unique bicolor flowers with striped petals that form a sweetheart as the petals meet." | Flowers: deep pink and white stripes. | Size: 8-12" H x 12-24" W | Water: Semi-moist, well-drained | Light: Full to partial sun | Zones: 10-11 | Containers:  hanging baskets, window boxes, filler, spiller

✓ (2026) 'Cascadias™ Petunia' is a trailing annual with "Profuse cascades of heat-tolerant, boldly colored flowers offer stunning season-long color!" | Flowers: White | Size: 12" H x 12-18" W | Water: Semi-moist, well-drained | Light: Full to partial sun | Zones: 10-11 | Containers:  hanging baskets, window boxes, filler, spiller, or garden border. 

✓ (2024) 'Million Bells® Trailing Magenta

Calibrachoa', annual with "a profusion of purple-magenta flowers on a trailing plant all season. | Low maintenance, dead-heading not required | Flowers: Deep magenta | Size: 3 - 8" T x ~8 - 10" W | Water: Average, well-drained. Light: Full to partial sun | Zones: 9a-11b | Containers: hanging baskets, window boxes, filler, spiller

✓ (2026) 'Superbells® Doublette Love Swept™' Double Calibrachoa, annual, "Abundant, small double petunia-like flowers all season on cascading growth. | Low maintenance, dead heading not required.  | Flowers: deep pink, fine white rim | Size: 6-10" T x ~16" W | Water: Average, well-drained. Light: Full to partial sun | Zones: 9a-11b | Containers:  hanging baskets, window boxes, filler, spiller

✓ (2026) 'Supertunia® Lovie Dovie™ Petunia', annual, "are vigorous with slightly mounded habits. | Low maintenance, dead heading not required. | Flowers: deep pink, medium white rim | Size: 4-12" T x ~18" - 2' W | Water: Average, well-drained. Light: Full to partial sun | Zones: 10a-11b | Containers:  hanging baskets, window boxes, filler, spiller

✓ (2026) 'Surfinia® Magenta Petunia', annual, "are vigorous with slightly mounded habits. | Low maintenance, dead heading not required. | Flowers: Deep magenta| Size: 6-10" T x ~8-12" W | Water: Average, well-drained. Light: Full to partial sun | Zones: 9a-11b | Containers:  hanging baskets, window boxes, filler, spiller

✓ Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') Perennial ground cover or for containers. "Forms a charming low mat of butter yellow leaves, bearing bright golden yellow flowers from late spring into summer. Excellent in pots and tubs or cascading over walls. " | Growth: Fast | Conditions: cool | Soil: Rich loamy | Water: moist, well-draining | Light: Full to partial sun | Size: 2-4" Tx 18" W. | Zones: 3-8

✓ Possible evergreen perennial. "...this houseplant delights with its soft, very fine, fern-like foliage. A fast-growing, easy-care houseplant. Can be grown in the landscape where hardy."  2' with 5' trailing stems, if not staked.  Zone 9-11 | Wikipedia | Symbolism: Magic, fascination, sincerity; Confidence

✓ Perennial, vine, ground cover. Hardy, reliable, tolerant, drought-resistant groundcover. eaches 3-8" T, 1-2' W.  Zone 7-9. Toxic!

♡ Annual, brassica oleracea or Flowering kale and its close cousin, flowering cabbage will add bursts of much-needed color to your early spring or fall garden." Size: 1-2' T x 1-2' W. Growth: Slow. Conditions: cool, Soil: Rich loamy. Water: Medium moisture, well-draining.  Light: Sun - 6 hrs. Zones: 6-11 | Garden.org Plants Database | Wikipedia | Home Depot | Proven Winners | The Spruce: How to Grow

♡ Annual, brassica oleracea or Osaka Pink Flowering Cabbage is a green and pink variety early spring or fall garden." Size: 6" T x 12" W. Growth: Vigorous. Flower: Yes. Conditions: cool, Soil: Rich loamy. Water: Medium moisture, well-draining. Light: Sun - 6 hrs. Zones: 8a-10b | Garden.org Plants Database | Wikipedia | Home Depot | Proven Winners |  The Spruce: How to Grow

♡ Annual, Mix Kale Brassica oleracea Flowering Cabbage is a multi--color variety early spring or fall garden." Size: 8-12" T x 10-18" W. Growth: Vigorous. Flower: Fall. Conditions: cool, Soil: Rich loamy. Water: Medium moisture, well-draining. Light: Sun - 6 hrs. Zones: 7a-11b | Garden.org Plants Database | Wikipedia | Home Depot | Proven Winners | The Spruce: How to Grow

Benefits of Terrariums

Air Quality Improvement: They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Humidity Control: Terrariums increase humidity, which can alleviate dry skin and respiratory issues, especially in winter.

Stress Relief: Engaging with nature through terrarium care can lower stress levels and improve mood.

Garden Therapy

Creating and maintaining a terrarium can be a calming, meditative practice. The process involves:

Mindfulness: Focusing on arranging soil, plants, and decorative elements encourages presence and reduces anxiety.

Creativity: Designing a terrarium allows for personal expression, which can enhance cognitive function and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Connection with Nature: Interacting with plants, even indoors, can reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

How To Make a Terrarium

Step 1: Choose a Container

Step 2: Pick Plants

Step 3: Add Drainage Layers

Step 4: Moss and Potting Mix

Step 5: Prepare the Plants

Step 6: Add Plants

Step 7: Decorate

Care

1: Light: Filtered, LED, or fluorescent lighting.

2: Water: Spray plants to be damp, not wet. 

3: Humidity: Before watering, check the soil. 

4: Air Circulation: Take off top at least once a month until the condensation disappears. 

5: Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves and prune plants. 

6: Fertilizer: Skip fertilizer. 

7: Cleaning: Clean the with plain water.

DYI: Succulent Terrarium

Step 1: Choose a Container and Succulents

Step 2: Add Pebbles to the Bottom

Step 3: Add a Filter

Step 4: Layer in succulent-specific soil

Step 5: Plant Your Succulents

Step 6: Add Additional Accent Plants

Step 7: Water - Soak & Dry or Bottom Up!

Care

1: Light: Rotate your container often so that each side gets equal light (six hours of direct, unfiltered light).

2: Water: Add enough water once the soil is totally dry to the touch since the excess water cannot drain out.

3: Humidity: Most succulents prefer low humidity.  

4: Soil: You may want to mix your cactus soil with perlite so that it retains even less moisture.

5: Pruning: Remove damaged leaves. 

7: Cleaning: Clean glass with plain water.

✓ Cushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum) is "dense evergreen cushion-like clumps of (blue green to whitish green) tightly packed leaves giving it a distinctly velvet appearance." | Size: 2-6" T, 8"-2' W | Low, creeping | Flowers:  No, but spore capsules | Growth: Medium | Conditions: warm, humid. | Soil: Shallow, PH: acid, loam, clay, sand | Water:  Moist, well-drained | Light:  bright, indirect, medium, low | Zone: 3-9 | Garden.org Plants Database | Wikipedia 

1. Terrarium glassware: Not sealed, retains humidity, easy access... 

2. Add terrarium substrate: Premade or sterile potting mix (NO fertilizer), and activated charcoal... 

3. Design the landscape: Sculpt substrate

4. Prepare the moss: Soak it ~10-30 m... 

5. Plant the moss: Gently push down...

6. Final cleanup: Dislodge any glass dirt 

7. Spray with water: Since you have...

For popularity, see the previous and following list of mosses and fern links.

♡ Golden Moss Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' has bright golden-yellow foliage.| Size: ~2" T, spreads W. Low, creeping | Flowers:  No, Growth: Slow | Conditions: warm, humid |  Soil: Potting mix w/o fertilizer, acidic to neutral pH | Water:  Constantly moist, well-drained |  Light: Indoor, filtered to low light | Zones | Costa Farms: Moss Selaginella | Gardenia | Wikipedia |