Showy colors throughout the summer!

Summer's here in all its glory. The days are long, hot and steamy, and celebrations like the Fourth of July are upon us.

Whether you're planning a backyard barbeque or a summer bash, it's easy to add a blast of vibrant color to your outdoors with new Bloomtastic! tropical plants from Hines Growers.

Their new varieties of bougainvillea are bred for easy color, abundant flowers and create an instant "party in a pot."

It's a snap to get your red, white and blue on by placing ready made containers of  new Bambino and Babybino bougainvillea throughout your landscape and on your deck, patio, balcony or poolside. They're easy to grow and more compact than typical bougainvillea.

Best of all, the eight new varieties will keep on giving splashes of intense tropical color throughout the summer and into fall!

For a touch of the exotic, add containers of Hines' new carefree Desert Roses, Adenium Kissable Pink, Blush and Red to your outdoor spaces.

The striking flowers rest atop an unusual caudex that has a bonsai-like appearance. Plus, they can be over-wintered indoors, ready to bloom again next spring.

Let us know if you're trying the new bougainvillea and Desert Roses for the first time. Share your photos and let us see your creative flair in your backyard!

Enjoy the holiday!
~Lynne
Garden Media Group

Mother's Day gifts that keep on giving!

Here at the Garden Media Group we’re sharing great last minute Mother’s Day gifts that are practical, long-lasting and stylish. Live plants for Mother’s Day are gifts that keep on giving and will add beauty to her home and garden.

1) Orchids. Orchids are exotic plants with stunning flowers that are surprisingly affordable and simple to grow. These gorgeous flowering plants keep blooming for months with little to no effort long after her special day is past. Look for Phalaenopsis orchids, which are the most popular and come in a variety of colors in decorative containers, for under $20 at your local retailer. For more tips on caring for your orchid, visit  http://www.orchidsareeasy.com/

2) Tropical plants. Surprise mom with an instant backyard make-over. New tropical plant varieties are ready to place in any sunny spot for immediate color. Carefree desert roses from Hines Growers like Adenium Kissable Pink, Red and Blush have bright, colorful flowers and a unique bonsai-like appearance. Sun-loving, Bahama Bay hibiscus ‘Amazon Queen’ has ruffled swirls of orangey blooms that look great in the landscape or on decks, patios and porches.
For more information on the many varieties of tropical plants and plant care, visit http://www.hinesgrowers.com/

3) Herbs. Mom will love a living herb plant that’s a meaningful, sustainable gift, no matter what variety you choose. Herbs are ideal choices for their low maintenance, beauty and versatility as both a functional flavor in the kitchen or aromatic scent to enjoy. Pamper mom with an easy to prepare homemade herbal facial scrub that’s great for her skin and smells citrusy.

For great herb choices visit The Growers Exchange http://www.thegrowers-exchange.com/.

Here's our own gardening expert and garden/ green living trendspotter, Suzi McCoy's favorite homemade facial scrub made from wonderful herbs and citrus fruit:

Juice from 1/2 ruby red grapefruit

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (chopped)

2 cups of white sugar

1 Tablespoon of olive oil

(add pulp of grapefruit for color)

Mix all the ingredients until blended well and add enough sugar to form a thick paste. Put into a pretty jar, tie with a pretty ribbon and voila! Let us know how this works for you!

And to all you moms and your special mom, this Sunday, May 12th, have a wonderful Mothers Day from all of us at the Garden Media Group.

~Lynne, GMG