Dig into the joy of a life outdoors
Find peace and purpose by reconnecting with nature, creativity and the joy of making things in your own patch of paradise.
Discover extraordinary, unusual, and beautiful plants from around the world — each with growing and care tips to help you cultivate these weird and wonderful species in your own space.
Anemone × hybrida
Japanese anemone
The classic Japanese anemones: tall, elegant late-summer perennials with saucer flowers in white or pink above…
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 0.8–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
- H7 · Zone 5
Begonia luxurians
Palm-leaf begonia
A tall, cane-stemmed begonia with dramatic, palm-like leaves divided into many slender leaflets.
- Partial shade
- 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
- H1b · Zone 11
Brillantaisia subulugurica
Giant salvia
A fast-growing tropical African shrub with big glossy leaves and tall spikes of large, violet, sage-like…
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 1–2 m (3–7 ft)
- H2 · Zone 10
Primula pulverulenta
Mealy candelabra primula
A candelabra primula with tiers of deep crimson-magenta flowers on tall, white-powdered stems, perfect for damp…
- Partial shade
- 60–90 cm (24–35 in)
- H6 · Zone 6
Alchemilla mollis
Lady's mantle
A tough, easy groundcover with soft, scalloped leaves that hold water droplets, and frothy sprays of…
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- 30–50 cm (12–20 in)
- H7 · Zone 4
Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’
Winter Sun mahonia
A striking evergreen shrub with spiny, architectural leaves and upright sprays of fragrant yellow flowers through…
- Full shade, Partial shade
- 2–4 m (7–13 ft)
- H5 · Zone 7
