These flowers grow in shades of blush, orange, red, white, and yellow, and produce paper-like petals. Since they bloom into different shapes, the O'Neals love using this as a "filler flower" in an arrangement. These can be grown as annuals in zones 2 to 7 and as perennials in zones 8 to 10. "We give strawflowers the wiggle test to make sure the bloom is mature to cut," they say. "When cut at the proper stage, strawflowers can have a vase life from seven to 10 days."

There are many perks to the everlasting daisy. "Also known as Rhodanthe chlorocephala, [this] is an old-fashioned cut flower that can also be used as an everlasting (meaning you can dry the blooms for use in arrangements later)," says Speight. "The paper-like blooms should be harvested when partially opened. They will finish opening after harvesting within the arrangement."

The right time to mulch a garden is dependent on what type of plant material you are mulching and the weather conditions. In general, mid- to late-spring is mulching season; this is when the soil is warming up from the freezing temperatures it experienced all winter. Mulching too early will slow down the warming process, which the soil needs to do its job.

For another filler in an arrangement, consider adding ferns to your cutting garden. These typically need part shade to thrive in the garden. Once you cut and add to a bouquet or tabletop display, the greenery will add fullness, especially alongside taller plants, says Speight. "In particular, the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) adds a silvery tone that can balance, blend, and soften arrangements as needed," she says. "This particular cultivar grows easily in semi-shaded and damp areas." Ferns typically last as long as the rest of the arrangement, typically between seven to 10 days, as long as it stays hydrated.

Provide a home for climbing plants by adding a trellis they can grow on. in this garden, a fragrant, disease-resistant rose climbs the latticework that screens the east-facing porch ell.

Whether you love the sound of songbirds fluttering across your garden, you want to bring eager pollinators to your native plants, or you’ve reached that point in life where bird watching is now one of your hobbies, there are several ways you can attract more birds to your yard.

Native birds thrive on native plants. Before you think about bird feeders (which are also important!), focus on the flowers, shrubs, and trees that are naturally occurring in your region. With these, you’re providing the birds with the fruit, seeds, nectar, and insects they need to survive season after season.

"Supplementing natural foods with bird feeders is also a fun way to attract many species and see them up close," says Winston. Birds like cardinals, jays, finches, chickadees, and sparrows are particularly drawn to seed feeders, while suet and peanut butter draw woodpeckers and nuthatches. If you want the thrill of seeing a hummingbird up close, hang a sugar-water feeder.

Beyond supplying food, native shrubs and trees are also necessary for shelter and nesting. While birds are adaptable, they’re going to seek out the places their instincts recognize, and those are the places that will evolve to accommodate them year-round. 

"If you have a forested area in your yard, leave dead branches and snags that provide nesting places for woodpeckers, as well as other cavity-nesting species such as chickadees, titmice, wrens, and bluebirds," says Winston. "Include native evergreens to supply important shelter from the cold."

While many birds build recognizable bird nests, others prefer to nest in cavities. For these birds, which include wrens, nuthatches, and bluebirds, place a nesting box in your yard. This can be mounted on a tree or a pole.