Your Gardening Toolkit
Expert Gardeners Share Top Tips for Indoor Hydroponics and Vibrant Outdoor Plant Displays
Key Points
Modern Sprout’s grow-light frame weighs 8 pounds on its own, and the included mounting hardware “does not have drywall anchors,” prompting the reviewer to suggest grabbing the appropriate anchors at a hardware store.
The hydroponic starter uses “three science-lab-looking amber beakers,” where you add “a few droppers full of the included liquid nutrients,” then place seedlings on the included wick—described as drawing water up until “its roots can grow down into it.”
Alan Titchmarsh said foxgloves work well for his “stained glass window effect” walling, but warned: “I wouldn’t choose delphiniums or lupins because they're fairly short-lived in terms of their flower and also pretty brittle in the wind.”
For small gardens, influencer-and-gardening expert Ish (@gardening.with.ish) emphasized that “All of these varieties keep well in pots or soil, or borders,” adding detail that salvias bring “a little bit of height” and “some colour which adds a bit of drama,” while astilbe has “nice thick foliage” and “taller spikes of flowers… with bright pink ones throughout summer.”
The International Peace Garden is kicking off summer 2026 with a packed lineup, including a live concert on June 14. The "Summer Celebration" runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features the Peace Garden Collective and MoonCats, plus a songwriting workshop and the signature "Handshake Across the Border" ceremony, according to DiscoverWestman.
The 2,400-acre cross-border garden sits on the world's longest unfortified border between the US and Canada. CEO Tim Chapman has said the garden plays a key role in "cross-border promotion," even as it navigates lingering pandemic recovery and trade tensions between the two countries.
Summer 2026 Events Build Toward August Gala
The June 14 concert is just one stop in a busy season. The International Music Camp, based at the garden in Dunseith, ND, launched Old-Time Fiddle, Guitar, and Banjo workshops on June 4-5. Performer Ryan D'Aoust opened the IMC Festival of the Arts on June 5. The 188th Army Band is scheduled to perform on June 19, according to DiscoverWestman.
The season closes with the annual "Gala in the Garden" on August 22. Themed "Peace, Love & Petals," tickets run $65 USD or $90 CAD per person. General gate admission is $12 per person or $50 for a family season pass. The garden reported total revenues of about $2.16 million in its most recent tax filings, with expenses of $1.95 million.
Pollinators and Citizen Science Take Center Stage
This summer, the Peace Garden is leaning into environmental education. Activities include "Pollinator Scavenger Hunts" and "Mason Bee House" building sessions. Oceanna Escribano, the 2026 American Honey Princess, is leading educational sessions on pollinator health as part of the garden's broader environmental push.
The focus on hands-on science reflects a wider trend in botanical gardens. Organizers are using citizen science to keep visitors engaged and make the garden feel relevant beyond its flowers. The events are designed to pull families in and give them a reason to return throughout the season.
Alan Titchmarsh Backs Verbena Over Delphiniums for Summer Patios
TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh is urging people to treat their patios as "outdoor rooms" this summer. His top pick is Verbena bonariensis — a tall, airy plant that attracts pollinators and flowers all season. He says layering tall plants can create a "stained-glass window effect" on patio walls, according to Express.
Titchmarsh specifically warned against delphiniums and lupins. "I wouldn't choose delphiniums or lupins because they're fairly short-lived in terms of their flower and also pretty brittle in the wind," he said. He favors foxgloves instead for vertical wall displays. The advice marks a shift away from high-maintenance cottage garden staples.
Small-Garden Tips Push Height, Drought Tolerance, and Drama
For gardeners with limited space, influencer Ish (@gardening.with.ish) recommends varieties that pull double duty. Salvias add "a little bit of height" and "some colour which adds a bit of drama." Astilbe brings "nice thick foliage" and "taller spikes of flowers… with bright pink ones throughout summer," Ish told Homes and Gardens. Both grow 24 to 30 inches tall.
Ish stressed that "all of these varieties keep well in pots or soil, or borders" — a key selling point for urban gardeners with balconies or small plots. English lavender and drought-tolerant salvias round out his list. The picks reflect a market shift toward plants that can handle neglect and tight spaces without losing visual impact.
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