Especially in the spring and in the summer, it is impossible not to appreciate the yards and gardens, which are adorned with green grass and flowers. And if you have always thought that it is impossible to grow such pretty plants in your yard because it is too dry, too shaded, or because the soil is too sandy, think again. These common problems may just make you try to be more selective with the plants that you choose to have at home. 

 1. Feather Reed grass, Karl Foerster

Karl Foerster also called Feather Reed Grass or Calamagrostis acutiflora is a fast-growing ornamental grass that bears golden tan flowers on top of the foliage during summer and extends up to the fall. They can reach a height of up to 6 feet and for thickness of up to 3 feet forming small clumps. 

It is well suited to be used in the garden borders, for mass planting, or as a focal plant, and it can also be potted in a deco planter for privacy while placed on the patio. Bunching plants are used as a source of color and even more as a form of dynamics in the landscape. Our favorite is ‘Karl Foerster’ (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), an herbaceous grass-bearing reddish-brown, feathery flowering stalks turning golden-brown to buff in the fall. ‘Karl Foerster’ is a biennial, but it blooms reliably in Zones 4 through 9. Read more about Top 8 Ornamental Grasses - Guide on How to Choose.

 2. Crape Myrtle Dynamite Tree

Exquisite crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a wonderful, easy-to-care-outdoor blooming plant that is grown as tall shrubs and even small trees. They require light and do well in any well-drained soils. With large displays of summer flower panicles and thin, gray, peeling trunks, large types can grow from 15 to 25 tall and 6 to 15 wide. Some species of crape myrtles, which are sometimes written as ‘crape myrtles’, grow to be approximately 2 or 3 feet high. ‘Purple Magic’ blooms during summer has purple flowers and grows between 6-10 feet tall. Most are perennials that thrive in Zones 7 through 10 but ‘Purple Magic’ is best for Zones 7 through 9.  Read more about How to Choose The Right Crape Myrtle Tree. 

Since these are deciduous plants, prune in winter or early spring or remove dead wood anywhere throughout the year. They are suited well as underplanting screening or hedging plants. Lightly apply a granular fertilizer that has the right proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium when feeding during the spring and summer seasons; do not over-apply when feeding. (If smaller and larger pots are used) Once these near pest-free, virtually bother-free outdoor plants are set, they are quite dry fixtures as well. 

3. Juniper Tree

Junipers are easy to grow and they are beautiful evergreens. ‘Gin Fizz’ (Juniperus chinensis) has a dense pyramidal growth pattern; it produces a larger crop of bright-blue green berries than most Junipers. It needs full sun exposure and average well-drained soil and the plant does not need pruning. Fertilize in early spring. 

It is extremely hardy in zones 4-8; it is a large growing plant, which reaches heights of 10-18 feet and widths of 7-10 feet, but could grow up to 18 feet; as a result, ‘Gin Fizz’ is one of the finest landscaping plants that can be used for constructing a screen, a border or a tall hedge. This variety is heat, drought, and salt tolerating and has deer resistance. 

In Zones 4 and 5 this should be transplanted in spring and covered with much after the first hard freeze. Remove mulch in springtime. In Zone 6 plant in spring or in the early fall and mulch in the fall. In Zone 7-9 plant should be set in early autumn and after that apply some mulch. Read more about Junipers on Hillsides-Ideas and Care.

4. Japanese Painted Fern

Ferns are a go-to perennial for shady conditions, and Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum’) is a real showstopper. Silvery leaves with purple-red veins and stems stage a striking show. 

The best silver color develops in light shade, a little sun helps bring out the hue. Keep soil consistently moist for strong growth. Rabbit-resistant plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall by 24 inches wide. Hardy in Zones 3-8. Read more about the New USDA Hardiness Zone Map: What Does it Mean For You?

How to Order Plants From Eureka Farms?

Now licensed for a full-scale nursery featuring an expansive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the biggest houseplant collection. If you want to pump up your curb appeal or transform your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms will let you know how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. 

You can count on us to pack the shipment with the utmost care across the country, and your plants will reach you as quickly as possible. If you're looking for ideas on improving air quality, lifting moods, and adding a touch of natural beauty to your work-from-home office space, here's the help of these easy-care indoor plants. Happy Planting!