A 1800Flowers.com Blog About
Flowers, Plants & Gifting

All winter we look forward to having the chance to sit outside once again, lounging with a cool, refreshing drink in hand, surrounded by friends and family. But while each summer brings new opportunities, new memories and new experiences, one thing that stays the same are those pesky critters creeping up on us, biting us until we can’t take the itch any longer. Yep, you guessed it, we’re talking about mosquitoes.

While some bug spray may hold you over for a while during your time outdoors in the summer, we have something else that can be helpful in keeping these blood-sucking pests away – plants! Here are the top 10 that we recommend using if you’re striving for a mosquito-free yard:

Marigolds

Marigolds are known to give off a rather distinct smell that mosquitoes aren’t a fan of. You can either plant new seeds or grab a potted marigold from a nursery nearby – either way, just make sure you place your marigolds in the area where you and your guests are probably going to spend most of your time.

Citronella

If you usually keep a citronella candle on your deck or patio, you know how helpful citronella can be in deterring pests. In fact, citronella is known to be one of the most commonly used ingredients in various insect repellents! Instead of a candle, this time try using an actual citronella plant to keep mosquitoes away – either plant it in the ground or place it in a pot.

Lavender

Lavender can be your biggest saving grace when it comes to keeping any type of pest out of your garden – other insects and rabbits are just a few things that tend to stay away from lavender plants in addition to mosquitoes. Although you might enjoy their smell, mosquitoes can’t stand it! For the best results in growing a lavender plant of your own, make sure it’s placed somewhere that receives full sun. Continue Reading…

For those of you who garden, you’re well aware that an annual flower bed (though very beautiful) can be a lot of work. You have to fertilize the soil, plant the seeds, nurture the flowers, only to pull them out once Old Man Winter comes knocking on your door. Then, you start the process all over again when the temperature begins to rise. That’s why even avid gardeners and plant enthusiasts have found a fondness for perennials. With summer around the corner, starter plants can be purchased for faster results!

What are Perennials and Why do we Love Them?

Contrary to popular belief, a perennial isn’t the name of a flower, but rather a term used to describe a broad range of flowers and plants that live for more than two years, while annuals only live for one growing season. Every homeowner wants a beautiful garden in front of their home, but busy schedules prevent most people from having the time to care for one. Perennials’ low maintenance and annual blooms have made them a popular choice for homes across the country.

Some of our Favorites

Black-Eyed Susan

With a black-eyed susan, you get the best of both worlds. This plant has become extremely popular over the years because while it closely resembles a sunflower, it requires almost none of the maintenance.

Continue Reading…