Karyn Maier

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Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Karyn Maier

  • Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant Garlic In Zone 6

    How to Plant Garlic in Zone 6. Garlic (*Allium sativum*) is one of the oldest plants cultivated by humans. Affectionately known as “the stinking rose,” this perennial vegetable, herb and functional food originated from a wild species indigenous to Asia and is now naturalized throughout Europe and adapted to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. With relatively mild climatic conditions and a long growing season, USDA zone 6 works well for growing garlic.

    By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022

    How Long Until Lavender Is Mature?

    How Long Until Lavender Is Mature?. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a semi-evergreen, perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. The herb is a common choice for culinary, ornamental and cutting gardens because the flowers are edible, highly fragrant and make a very beautiful display when planted en masse. Lavender is also widely used in cosmetics and perfumes, most notably in soaps and other bath products. How long it takes for lavender to reach maturity depends on the species or cultivar.

    By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022

    Flowers That Last One Day

    Flowers That Last One Day. Sometimes the things held closest to the heart are the most fleeting. Just as children grow faster than weeds and leave home before you know it, certain flowers in your landscape may burst into a riot of color one day and then leave a trail of fallen petals the next. Nurturing flowers that only last a day, however, often rewards with the most beautiful blooms as plants mature. Careful placement among long-lasting perennials will ensure a well-rounded garden.

    By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022

    Varieties Of Weigela Bush

    Varieties of Weigela Bush. Weigela (*Weigela spp.*) is a deciduous shrub noted for trumpetlike flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden in late spring. Most varieties are suited to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 or 10. It's a traditional feature of cottage gardens, and several weigela cultivars have variegated foliage, dwarf forms and even second bloomers.

    By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Field of sunflowers, France
    Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022

    Why Do Sunflowers Always Face Toward The Sun?

    Why Do Sunflowers Always Face Toward the Sun?. The common sunflower (*Helianthus annuus*) is an annual wildflower native to western North America and northern Mexico. Like other flowering plants, the sunflower’s leaves contain photoreceptors that “see” light, specifically the red and far-red portion of the visible light spectrum. In a response referred to as *phototropism*, the plant changes orientation or moves toward any source of light. Sunflowers, however, practice *heliotropism*, meaning they prefer to track the relative position of the sun as it moves across the sky each day.

    By Karyn Maier November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier September 6th, 2022

    Coleus Varieties

    Coleus Varieties. Grow coleus for its brightly colored leaves, not its tiny flowers. A tropical plant, coleus potentially grows as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, but is more often treated as an annual or grown as a houseplant. Easy to care for and durable, choose a coleus that will work best for you and where you plan to grow it.

    By Karyn Maier September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Karyn Maier September 6th, 2022

    How To Germinate Mustard Seeds

    How to Germinate Mustard Seeds. Mustard (*Brassica spp.*) is a cool-season crop in the cabbage family (*Cruciferae spp.*). While the tender young leaves are harvested as a vegetable and salad green, the seeds are used as spice. Mustard seed is used in various world cuisines to lend pungent flavor to curries, culinary oils and condiments, including prepared mustard. Growing mustard at home from seed is simple; the first step is successful germination.

    By Karyn Maier September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Karyn Maier September 6th, 2022

    Is Amaryllis Belladonna Toxic?

    Is Amaryllis Belladonna Toxic?. Amaryllis belladonna, sometimes nicknamed the "naked lady," is a flowering bulb prized for its flowers. However, the plant is poisonous and should never be consumed by humans, cats or dogs.

    By Karyn Maier September 6th, 2022 Read More