10 Easy To Grow Gardening Plants | TN

10 Easy-to-Grow Plants for Your Garden:

A Beginner's Guide Introduction Gardening can be a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. You're in the right place if you're a beginner looking for low-maintenance and forgiving plants. This guide will explore ten easy-to-grow plants perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners. These plants require minimal effort and offer stunning blooms and foliage to enhance outdoor space.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant known for its delightful fragrance and beautiful purple blooms. It thrives in well-draining soil and enjoys plenty of sunlight. Lavender requires little water once established and is quite drought-tolerant. Pruning the spent flowers will encourage more blooms and help maintain their compact shape.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are vibrant annual flowers in various shades of yellow and orange. They are perfect for beginners as they require minimal care and are pretty resilient. Marigolds thrive in full sun. Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

For those interested in herb gardening, basil is a must-have. Basil prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Regular harvesting of its leaves will promote bushier growth and prevent it from going to seed too quickly.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are colorful and resilient annual flowers that can brighten up any garden. They come in various colors and shapes, making them popular among gardeners. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming and keep the plants looking neat. Succulents Succulents are known for their unique and diverse shapes and ability to thrive in arid conditions. These water-storing plants are perfect for beginners because they require infrequent watering.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are not only iconic but also incredibly easy to grow. Their large, cheerful blooms add a touch of summer to any garden. Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can grow quite tall, so providing support may be necessary to prevent them from toppling over.

Cherry Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Growing vegetables can be advantageous, and cherry tomatoes are a great place to start. These small, sweet tomatoes are well-suited for containers and small spaces. They require ample sunlight and consistent watering. Regular pruning and tying will help support the plants as they grow.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is a fragrant herb known for its rapid growth and versatility. It can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it a popular choice for beginner and experienced gardeners. Mint prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil.

However, be cautious, as mint can be invasive; consider planting it in containers to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Petunia (Petunia spp.)

Petunias are another excellent choice for novice gardeners. These annual flowers are available in various colors and patterns, adding visual interest to any garden space. Regular deadheading will keep the plants blooming profusely.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are a versatile herb that adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. They are straightforward to grow and require minimal maintenance. Chives can be grown in containers or on the ground and prefer well-draining soil and sunlight. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and prevents the plants from becoming too leggy.

Gardening is a delightful journey that offers many rewards, from beautiful blooms and fresh herbs to a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection with nature. For beginners, selecting easy-to-grow plants is a smart way to start this journey confidently.

The ten plants discussed in this guide – lavender, marigold, basil, zinnia, succulents, sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, mint, petunia, and chives – are all beautiful choices that require minimal effort while providing maximum enjoyment.

Remember that gardening is about experimentation and learning

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and discover the joy of nurturing these plants as they flourish in your garden.

At its core, gardening is an act of nurturing. Sowing a tiny seed and watching it grow into a flourishing plant is a lesson in patience and the beauty of life cycles. As gardeners care for their plants, they learn to adapt to the changing needs of different species, adjusting watering, sunlight, and soil conditions. This learning and adapting process is valuable in the garden and can translate into practical life skills.

Gardening is a multi-sensory experience that engages all the senses. The vibrant hues of flowers, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the earthy scent of the soil create a sensory tapestry that can transport gardeners to a place of tranquility and wonder. The tactile experience of working the ground with one's hands connects individuals to the primal rhythm of nature, fostering a sense of groundedness in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Furthermore, gardening fosters a deep connection with the environment. It encourages understanding the delicate balance in ecosystems, as gardeners witness firsthand the interactions between plants, insects, birds, and other creatures. This newfound appreciation for biodiversity often extends beyond the garden's borders, inspiring individuals to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.

The rewards of gardening are abundant and diverse. One of the most immediate rewards is the aesthetic beauty that gardens bestow upon their surroundings. A well-tended garden can transform a mundane space into a visual masterpiece, inviting admiration from passersby. Moreover, harvesting home-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs is a gratifying experience connecting individuals to the origins of their food.

On a personal level, gardening is known to have therapeutic effects

Gardening can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, serving as horticultural therapy. The repetitive tasks of weeding, planting, and pruning can have a calming effect on the mind. At the same time, the satisfaction of nurturing living beings can boost self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. In conclusion, gardening is a delightful journey that offers many rewards beyond what meets the eye.

It is an invitation to slow down, connect with nature, and witness the miracles of growth and transformation. Whether cultivating a small balcony garden or tending to an extensive backyard oasis, individuals who embark on this journey will indeed find themselves enriched by the experience in ways that extend far beyond the borders of their garden beds.

Maxmilian sunflower - TN Nursery

Maximilian Sunflower

Maximilian Sunflower is a tall, native perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and narrow leaves. It often forms impressive colonies and attracts pollinators in late summer and fall. Sunflowers are remarkable and versatile plants that offer a range of benefits when used in landscaping. Their vibrant color and adaptability can add aesthetic value and functional advantages to various outdoor spaces. The Maximilian Sunflower is a radiant North American perennial known for its impressive stature and vibrant yellow hue. With a propensity to form dense colonies, these stunningly dynamic plants provide rich visual appeal to any landscape or garden. Their sublime and livening presence innately offers rich enchantment for the gaze of onlookers. Maximilian Sunflower perennial grows to a height of 3-10 feet with slender stalks and narrow leaves with bright yellow flowers that are excellent for attracting pollinators. These perennials bloom after most other perennials stop blooming later in summer into early fall. The Latin name for this vibrant plant is helianthus maximiliani. Maximillian Sunflower Has Vibrant Yellow Blooms  The blooms are brilliant yellow and have many petals alongside a disk-shaped cone. These plants are native to the United States in many regions, and they are so hardy that they can grow even near roadways, prairies, and open fields. Maximilian Sunflowers are sustainability-friendly and promote birds, bees, and monarchs as open pollinators. They are also super low maintenance and seldom need fertilizers or water in areas with adequate rainfall. It's a super hardy wildflower perennial with rough edges, displaying its durability and simplicity of appearance as well. It can tolerate drought conditions and open sunlight. Birds and insects feast on the seeds inside the plant's conehead, making it an excellent source of a good supply without messy bird feeders or buying bird seeds. It is highly sustainable, hardy, and thrives in various soil types, making it one of the best, most vibrant, and hardiest complete sun plants. TN Nursery offers blooming age, bare root perennials at a fraction of the cost of potted plants. Why buy a container and a handful of soil and pay three prices when you can buy the plant bareroot and have the same thing shipped to your door at a fraction of the cost? Maximilian Sunflower Gets Very Tall These gorgeous natural creations intrinsically reach toward the sky. Standing erect, they often get a looming height of around 10 feet. The towering beauties possess uniquely slender stems decorated with long lance-shaped leaves. Underneath the flower head, dark green phyllaries stick straight out before subtly curling at the tips. The bright golden petals delightfully evoke luminescent rays of sunshine. A jagged alternation pattern creates intricate layers of pleasing asymmetry. Their wispiness embodies an illustrative quality that summons a beatific repose. This flower’s center is packed with circular bronze florets. These discs often showcase a fractalized pattern that is simply mesmerizing. Meanwhile, the circumference is embedded with sleek light-yellow florets that create a glorious juxtaposition. Their relatively late blooming period is pleasant in summer and early fall. Thus, they can become the cornerstone of any idyllic scenery. Unlike many other growths from the same genus, these sunflower stems can support several clusters. As a result, these durable plants make for a divine ornamental selection with downright transformative effects on the landscape. Wildlife also likes this flower. Its abundance of nectar is considered irresistible to local pollinators, so it is often associated with a thriving ecosystem of bees and butterflies. Later in their flowering stage, the seeds occasionally attract a diverse ornithological scene, much to the delight of birdwatchers. Maximilian Sunflower derives its namesake from Prince of Wied-Neuwied. The famed German explorer first came upon these magnificent flowers during his North American expeditions, and they were dubbed Helianthus in his honor. It is a suitable title, especially since any outdoor environment is lucky to be bestowed with these golden gems. They are a native perennial coveted for their height, versatility, and blazing yellow hues. It's easy to grow even if you have little gardening experience. The following post concerns this gorgeous bloomer and how it can add life to your outdoor spaces. What Does It Look Like?  People often hear "sunflower" and think of a bloom with a black central disc surrounded by blazing yellow petals. And while they share some characteristics with common sunflowers, there are some distinctions. For instance, their central disc is smaller than a typical sunflower and does not contain blackened florets.  Instead, the hub of the Maximilian Sunflower is populated by clusters of tiny, yellow florets that provide sustenance for pollinators. So, their entire bloom is varying shades of yellow. One thing they share with its more common sunflower relative is height. They can grow to a height of 10 feet!  The flower is supported by a long, narrow stem covered in coarse hairs. Alternate, blade-shaped leaves adorn the towering stem, growing as high as just under the flower bloom. The proximity of the green leaves to the actual flower provides a stunning juxtaposition of natural color evocative of the sun setting over verdant hills. Their conehead is filled with intricate patterns of bronze to bright yellow florets. The mesmerizing structure of these tiny florets belies the mostly uniform layers of petals that envelope them. The florets produce seeds that are a food source for various bird species.  It is also unique among its genus because one stem can support a cluster of flowers instead of just one. Naturally, they grow dense and can colonize very quickly if allowed to. This makes them a good option for filling a large area with golden hues. However, if you have limited space to work with, the multi-flower growths of the slender stems still allow for a radiant burst of color in tight spaces.  Blooms of them are typically 5 inches in diameter, with a central disc spreading out to about one inch in diameter.  What Are the Benefits of Them?  They can add a gilded, regal quality to your outdoor spaces, but that's not all they bring. Take a look at the following reasons why people love to grow these plants:  They Support the Local Nectar Bee Population - Bees flock to them because they produce nectar. Moreover, it produces nectar at a time of year when other perennials become barren. So, they are an excellent choice to keep bees returning to your garden late into the season. As if the inherent chroma of the flower weren't enough, it also attracts colorful, nectar butterflies.  Late Blooming- Many add them to their gardens because they bloom into late fall. This unique blooming span makes this flower ideal for maintaining color throughout the year.  Very Tolerant—While it prefers dry to moist soils, it can tolerate many conditions. It's not uncommon for this plant to thrive in loamy or limestone-rich soil. Great for Bird Lovers- The fertile florets of the flower produce seeds late into the season, which attract a wide variety of birds. The flower is a no-brainer if you are an avid bird-watcher or enjoy providing a haven for avian wildlife.  If you need to become more familiar with this perennial, you may have questions about how to grow and maintain them. So, let's address some common questions about this rewarding flower.  Do They Come Back Every Year?  Another way it distinguishes itself from other sunflowers is that it's a perennial—many sunflowers are annuals. It is supported by a hardy rhizome that will produce new growth yearly.  How Tall Do Maximilian Sunflowers Get? They are known for their stature, reaching up to 10 feet. Its blooms stretch more or less upright toward the sky, giving them a stately appeal that contrasts nicely with flowers and plants that grow closer to the ground.  How Do You Plant them?  It needs between 6 and 8 hours of sun per day. Sow the seeds directly into the soil at about half an inch depth. Seeds should be planted in spring. Be sure to leave between 18 and 24 inches between each plant to allow the root system to grow correctly and avoid crowding. Do You Need to Deadhead Them?  Deadheading will keep blooms coming back and keep the plant looking clean. It would help if you deadheaded dying flowers as they appear. Deadheading will also stymie seed production to avoid spreading to other parts of your garden.  Should You Support the Stem of the Maximilian Sunflower They can grow to be very tall. Their stems are naturally skinny, so you may need to support them with stakes. If you see the plant start to bend or sag, or if you live in an area that experiences high winds, helping the stems with stakes may be necessary. Overly rich soil may also promote hardy blooms with weak stems. If you notice that yours are arching before they bloom, you may need to amend the soil to make it less fertile.  TN Nursery is your source for many native species, from lush ferns to pollinating perennials. We ship nursery-nourished plants that can go straight into your soil right to your door. There is no hassle, and with our one-year guarantee, there is no risk. Place an order for your favorite plants today!

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Blanket Flower - TN Nursery

Blanket Flower

Blanket Flower is a perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms with red or yellow petals and dark center disks. Often found in prairies and gardens, it attracts pollinators and adds color to landscapes. This plant is the perfect choice when craving warmth. This radiant wildflower with an extended blooming season will light up your garden with a kaleidoscope of glowing colors. Why Choose The Blanket Flower Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, is a sun-loving perennial with stunning two-toned daisy-like blooms. The name "Blanket Flower" interestingly comes from its warm yet vibrant red and yellow blooms, which are similar to the blankets Native Americans make.  This wildflower plant belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is native to North and South America. It is commonly found in Arizona, California, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, and Colorado. Blanket Flowers Resembles Daisy Perennials While it may resemble a daisy, blanket flowers are related to sunflowers and brighten up the dullest landscapes. The plant is usually paired with other drought-tolerant plants and showy grass to enhance the visual interest of the entire landscape. Moreover, blanket flowers for sale come in various warm shades and a few fabulous shades, making them a statement piece in the garden. Features of Blanket Flower Plant The plant grows best in total sun exposure, sandy areas, and poor soil. The poorer the soil, the more blooms it will grow.  The blanket flower features blooms in various colors, such as orange, purple, red, yellow, and White. Depending on the season, the foliage can be either blue-green or gray-silver.  This ornamental plant can reach 1-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. Water the plant every other day during the first growing period until you see flowers. Once established, it's easy to care for and does not require regular watering to stay alive.  The Blanket flower is ecosystem booster, so it love pollinators, birds, and other wildlife Though people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation, the plant is non-toxic to humans and animals. This vibrant perennial pairs well with low-maintenance and drought-tolerant perennials, like Butterfly Weed, Yarrow, and Daylily. So, along with blanket flower plants for sale, check out other companion plants at T.N. Nursery. 

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Sweet Violet - TN Nursery

Sweet Violet

Sweet Violet is a low-growing wildflower with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, deep purple flowers often found in woodlands and gardens. They offer numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping projects, enhancing outdoor spaces' visual appeal, ecological diversity, and sensory experience. This perennial flowering plant contributes to various dimensions of landscape design. Sweet Violet is a long-lived perennial wildflower that some people call "wild violet." The ancient Greeks revered the flower as a symbol of fertility and used it in love potions. Perfumers prize its sweet fragrance, and confectioners use it to add color and beauty to gourmet candies. Natural Habitat Of Sweet Violet Native to Europe and naturalized in the United States, it grows naturally in open deciduous woodlands and hedgerows. It appears along forest edges and adds bright springtime color to clearings, pastures, meadows, and swamps. The flower's blooming season typically starts in February and lasts through May. Appearance Of Sweet Violet  It grows in four-inch-tall rosettes. Its delicate, aromatic flowers are typically dark purplish-blue, but lilac, lavender, pink, and white variations are common. The tiny, five-petaled blossoms are about one inch across and slightly taller than they are wide. The foliage underneath the flowers consists of downy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. Both the flowers and the leaves rise from horizontal runners. Sweet Violet Makes A Great Ground-Cover Gardeners frequently plant it to add color and greenery to their landscaping. This plant adds quiet charm to cottage gardens, woodland gardens, borders, and planters. It does well in flower beds and adds color underneath shrubs and trees. The cut flowers make lovely candies and decorations for desserts. Once established, it will spread out moderately, giving this plant a good ground cover in moist, sunny areas. You can propagate the plant with seeds or divide it late in the season after they stop flowering. Cut the runners and any spindly tendrils in late fall to encourage a bright show of blooms in spring. Though Sweet Violet grows close to the ground, the plants are an essential food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths. Woodland butterflies drink their nectar, and caterpillars eat their leaves. Songbirds and grazing animals enjoy eating the foliage and seeds, including rabbits, geese, woodchucks, and deer. When you want to add color and subtle beauty to your garden, planting it will help you welcome the spring season year after year.

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