Which Plant Do You Recommend Every Gardener Try Growing at Least Once?

TEG Project Manager

Garden Addicted
Moderator
Joined
Jul 9, 2012
Messages
264
Reaction score
778
Points
216
Every gardener has that one special plant—the one that brings a little extra joy or satisfaction each season. It might be because it’s surprisingly easy to grow, yields a bountiful harvest, or simply brings beauty to the garden. In this thread, we’re sharing those “must-try” plants that have left a lasting impression in our own gardens.

Whether you’re suggesting a vegetable, herb, flower, or fruit, we’d love to hear why you think it’s a game-changer. Let’s inspire each other to try something new next season—who knows, your recommendation might just become someone else’s new favorite!

So, what plant would you suggest every gardener grows at least once? Share your experiences, tips, and photos below!

pexels-fotios-photos-1301856.jpg
 

flowerbug

Garden Master
Joined
Oct 15, 2017
Messages
16,826
Reaction score
26,172
Points
427
Location
mid-Michigan, USoA
too easy! beans, whatever kinds will grow in your area that you like to eat fresh or dry (or both).

a longer first question to a new gardener is "What do you like to eat?" and the followup is "Can you find varieties which will grow in your area?" the kinds that need minimal care, don't need to be pampered and best of all those that won't be eaten by other herbivores. garlic and onions work for spaces outside the fences here, deer may trample them and sample them but they do not target them as they will almost any other vegetables we grow.

for flowers the yellow and orange cosmos as an annual are fire and forget, then come back in the early fall or a bit later to harvest seeds. the bees love 'em! the seeds are best easily harvested when they are fully dried and spread out where most of the chaff is gone. don't poke yourself though they can be sharp - plus they will stick to clothes very easy and can also hurt if they go through your socks when you get them down your shoes or boots.

creeping thyme works so well in rock gardens and other border areas and doesn't need a lot of care once established. it's much less work for me than mowing or weeding any of the rest of the gardens if you have full control of the surrounding areas it's even easier.
 

Shades-of-Oregon

Deeply Rooted
Joined
Jul 22, 2024
Messages
749
Reaction score
2,112
Points
145
Since we are going for a game changer in our gardens my number 1 plant in my flower garden are dahlias. These flowers grow in every size from 2” to 10-12”. Two tone , speckled to bright primary colors, single and double blooms. They are warm weather flowers don’t melt in the heat and bloom from late June to the first frost in October/Nov.

The next best plant is lavender. There are many varieties and all perform well in any garden. Highly sought after for their calming fragrance .

The best early spring flowers are the many colors and varieties of hellebores, depending on growthing zones. They bloom before daffodils and even while snow in still on the ground. Many blooms are real stunners.

If you like small trees then dwarf acer palmatum lace leaf maple is the tree for small and large gardens. There are many varieties that thrive in many different growing zones.

Another easy care shrub are hydrangeas that come in many colors and varieties. These shrubs sport 20-30 huge flowers on each shrub from June thru the first frost. Cut & Dry the flowers in Sept. for holiday arrangements for swags and wreaths are easy peasy and a great holiday gifts for friends and family.

I have so many unique plants and flowers it’s hard to chose just a few …I may be back later ! 😉
 

Branching Out

Deeply Rooted
Joined
Dec 2, 2022
Messages
1,676
Reaction score
5,411
Points
175
Location
Southwestern B.C.
For those looking for an easy yet exquisite flower I would recommend trying Orlaya, which is also known as White Lace Flower. The prickly burr-like seeds can be scattered on the ground either in the autumn or in very late winter (depending on your conditions); the seeds benefit from exposure to alternating warm and cold temperatures for germination. In our zone 7 garden these plants start to bloom in May at the same time as peonies, producing pure white 4" blossoms that are both simple and elegant. When viewed from above they are especially lovely, so I always plant some where I can see them from our second floor living room window. The flowers last for weeks in the garden, and are also wonderful additions to bouquets. Starting with fresh seed is recommended; if you sow an extra patch in an out of the way spot you can leave a few plants to mature and set seed for planting the following year (I also store some seed in a glass jar in the freezer). Note that the seeds are spiky, so rose gloves are a good idea when harvesting the dry seeds (or just place the stems in a bin and stomp on them a bit to release the seeds). This year I saved buckets full of seed that I will share with other gardeners and our local seed bank. It really is difficult to pick just one favourite, but I absolutely love Orlaya! :love
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20240518_115946077.jpg
    IMG_20240518_115946077.jpg
    211.5 KB · Views: 4
  • IMG_20240529_121233406.jpg
    IMG_20240529_121233406.jpg
    304 KB · Views: 6
  • IMG_20240608_175652127.jpg
    IMG_20240608_175652127.jpg
    210.2 KB · Views: 5
  • IMG_20240609_052800258.jpg
    IMG_20240609_052800258.jpg
    312.8 KB · Views: 6
Last edited:
Top