If you need a way to brighten your doorstep or are looking for a great hostess gift, a plant is a terrific way to go.
They're fresh and festive, and they'll last all season, maybe longer, especially with proper care. Here are some tips to pamper your plants. Get the light right. Dwarf citrus needs full sun; day lilies need a little shade.
Your plant may come with an FYI on the best light for your plant, whether full sun, partial sun or shade. If there's no info, check online or in a gardening book before you find a spot.
When you receive the plant, water it and allow excess water to run out the bottom of the pot into a sink, bucket or saucer. After that, plan to water 1-2 times per week, more if it's a variety that thrives on moisture.
As a general rule, it's much better to give small drinks on a frequent basis than to drench it sporadically. So, if you can, give the plant half its portion in the AM, the rest later in the day or at night.
Prune leaves or blossoms that have dried out or died. Don't let dropped leaves or debris collect on top of the soil. Otherwise, you may face pests or plant diseases.
Keep your plant clean and shiny by wiping the leaves with a soft, damp cloth.
After you've had your plant a few months, consider repotting into a larger pot. Roots are like limbs, they need room to stretch.
Flower Fact of the Day: A-list designer Tory Burch www.toryburch.com has a fondness for flowers, as reported in Town & Country earlier this year. One of her favorite looks? Simple and elegant groupings of all one flower.
