Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’. PHOTO: STEVE BENDER What do you consider the most fragrant plant in the garden? Several worthy candidates include jasmine, gardenia, lilac, and bearded iris….

“A man is crazy who writes a secret unless he conceals it from the crowd,” wrote 13 th -century philosopher Roger Bacon . Since ancient times, politicians, military leaders and even lovers have used ciphers to encrypt confidential messages. “The purpose …

PHOTO: RENA-MARIE / GETTY IMAGES The daytime temperatures may still be soaring upwards as the end of summer approaches, but believe it or not, containers of colorful…

PHOTO: AL DRAGO / GETTY IMAGES One thing homeowners should consider before planting a new tree is determining how tall and wide it will grow. Oversized trees…

PHOTO: DANIELA DUNCAN/GETTY With large scarlet blooms, Texas Star hibiscus brings a lush, exotic feel to the garden without the drawbacks of short-lived, non-native tropical varieties. Texas…

For many reasons, the beloved cotton rose is a symbolic flower for the south. Who wouldn’t want a flower like this? Although there are many forms, single…

PHOTO: YULIA NAUMENKO/GETTY Of all the types of lilies, Asiatic lilies these are the first to bloom, before the fragrant Orientals. They are cold hardy, relatively pest free,…

PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT If you’ve ever wished your lawn was awash in flowers instead of grass, there’s a summertime groundcover that can make your wishes come true. Chamomile…

PHOTO: ALISON MIKSCH If you’ve ever bought peonies, there’s a chance that Carl Van Staalduinen grew those stems in North Carolina. He comes from a long line…