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Flower Growing

How to Force Branches to Bloom Indoors Before Spring

Published on April 3, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Spring flowering shrub branch

This guide shows how to take budding branches from flowering trees and shrubs and coax them into blooming indoors—weeks ahead of schedule. You'll learn when to cut, how to care for the branches, and … [Read more...]

How to Cut & Display Pussy Willow Branches Indoors

Published on April 2, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Pussy willow tree catkins on branches

Unlike other spring branches we force to bloom indoors, pussy willows should be kept dry after cutting to preserve their soft, fuzzy catkins. To force flowering trees and shrubs to bloom indoors in … [Read more...]

How to Grow Peonies & Get Blooms

Published on April 5, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Dark and light pink peony flowers.

Use these tips to grow peonies for a yearly show of gorgeous blooms. We’ve answered common questions for the care of these favorite, long-living perennials. We also have 6 Tips for Growing … [Read more...]

How to Get Delphiniums to Bloom Twice in One Season

Published on December 1, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Delphiniums and other flowers in the garden.

If you want a second set of blooms after your delphiniums have flowered, use this simple method to encourage additional blooms. For more delphinium growing tips, also see Delphiniums: Growing … [Read more...]

How to Grow Sweet Pea Flowers & What to Avoid

Published on August 30, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Pink sweet pea flowers growing in the garden.

Use these tips to grow sweet pea flowers (Lathyrus odoratus) from seed in your garden in spring or a greenhouse in fall. With the right growing conditions and care, these old-fashioned flowers will … [Read more...]

How to Force Flower Bulbs Indoors Any Time of Year

Published on May 26, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Purple flowering bulbs blooming indoors.

You can enjoy flowers indoors any time of year by forcing flower bulbs like tulips, paperwhites, daffodils, and hyacinth. Use the handy planting charts to ensure the flowers open just in time for … [Read more...]

How to Change Hydrangea Flowers From Pink to Blue (or Vice Versa)

Published on May 16, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Pink and blue hydrangea flowers.

While it's not possible for most hydrangeas, certain varieties can shift from pink to blue (or vice versa) with the right soil conditions and these tips. Not sure what type you are growing? See How … [Read more...]

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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
Join me as I share creative + frugal home & garden ideas with a dash of humor.
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