Southside Plants is a woman-owned small business that was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, by plant-lover Meg Renninger. They create everything from their own potting soil to fertilizer spray.  

Promising reviews: “I love these wipes for my fiddle leaf fig tree. The wipes are scentless and have a good texture for getting the dust and grime off the leaves of your plants. They’re really convenient, and the packaging is pretty! Highly recommended.” —MP

“These are amazing, and they look and feel like they should be more expensive, LOL. There are a ton of wipes, and you could honestly cut them in half and do two plants. They stay wet for a long time, so you could wipe each leaf and it will still be damp. I usually wipe with pest prevention spray every six months or so, but this helps keep them clean in the meantime, and the ingredients are actually good for the leaves. Just get it; you’ll love it!” —Luke

Get 80 wipes from Amazon for $16.99.

It’s a Treehugger’s dream come true. Leafsnap is a free app that identifies plant species of all kinds, from flowers and bark to fruit and trees. Go for a walk, take a shot of a leaf, and this little wonder will identify the plant it comes from and give you all kinds of additional information. You can also use Leafsnap to identify houseplants that catch your eye or are in need of some TLC (the app provides guidance for care).

With more than 32,000 plant taxons from around the world in its database, Leafsnap offers nearly unlimited plant identification—hence its creators’ description as “the most high-tech, comprehensive and accurate plant identification app ever created!”

The app is a result of a collaboration between Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. The computer scientists who created Leafsnap made use of mathematical techniques developed for face recognition and applied these to species identification. The botanists at the Smithsonian collected the initial data sets of leaf species and the photography. Every leaf photograph that’s uploaded is matched against a leaf image library so that the best matches are ranked and noted for verification.

It is a complicated process, because “within a single species, leaves can have quite diverse shapes, while leaves from different species are sometimes quite similar, so one of the main technical challenges in using leaves to identify plant species has been to find effective representations of their shape, which capture their most important characteristics.”

Leafsnap has been around since 2009 and developed considerably since then. With its current version, you can save previous identifications and set calendar reminders for necessary plant care regimens. Some commenters point out app users must take leaf photos against a white backdrop, which is a bit awkward if you’re traipsing around in nature. But, apparently, this boosts identification accuracy.

Reviews are positive, with users describing the app as “very well set up and organized and … exactly what I was looking for.” One pointed out that it works on dried or dead flowers and “tells you how to help if they are dying.” Another was impressed with its accuracy and the fact that it identifies fungi. “I was most impressed when I took a picture of our shriveling day lilies. Took a pic of the leaves and it identified as Orange Day Lily and gave care instructions!” Perhaps it should be nicknamed the plant saver app.

Leafsnap contains a nice visual dictionary of leaf types, which can be matched to names and descriptions if one has the patience to scroll through it. There are photos and information about the tree’s flowers, fruit, seeds, and bark, giving the user a deeper understanding of the species. The app might be a good tool for kids to explore plant identification. Indeed, Common Sense Media says Leafsnap can “definitely help kids become more familiar with leaves and trees. And the catalog and games are solidly educational with beautiful photos.”

You can find Leafsnap on the App Store (there’s a premium, ad-free version that you can purchase, but the basic version is free.)

10 Perennials to Prune During Summer for an Even Better Showing Next Year

Author: Lila Chen – Sustainable Living & Beauty Enthusiast

Imagine strolling through your lush garden next spring, surrounded by a riot of colors—vibrant catmint swaying in the breeze, yarrow bursting with fresh blooms, and lavender filling the air with its soothing scent. It’s not just a dream; it’s the reward of smart summer pruning on your perennials. As a 31-year-old eco-beauty blogger in rainy Seattle, I’ve transformed my weekend farmers’ market hauls into a thriving backyard oasis by embracing sustainable practices like timely pruning. Today, I’m sharing 10 perennials to prune during summer for an even better showing next year, drawing from my zero-waste routines and natural glow-up experiments that extend to my garden. Let’s dive in and make your space glow green!

botanicalinterests.com

13 Non-Stop Blooming Perennials for Season-Long Garden Color

Caption: Vibrant summer garden with perennials being pruned, showcasing lush blooms and eco-friendly care. Alt text: Vibrant summer garden with perennials to prune during summer for better growth.

Why Prune Perennials in Summer? The Eco-Friendly Boost Your Garden Needs

Pruning perennials during summer isn’t just about tidying up—it’s a strategic move for sustainability and abundance. By removing spent flowers and excess growth, you encourage stronger roots, better air circulation, and disease prevention, setting the stage for spectacular displays next year. In my Seattle plot, this practice has reduced water usage and minimized waste, aligning with my zero-waste swaps. Think of it as giving your plants a refreshing haircut to promote healthier, more resilient growth.

The Benefits of Summer Pruning for Next Year’s Blooms and Garden Health

Summer pruning offers multiple perks: It redirects energy from seed production to root development, leading to bushier plants and more flowers come spring. You’ll see fewer pests, improved shape, and extended blooming seasons. For eco-conscious gardeners like me, it means less reliance on chemical fertilizers—nature does the heavy lifting. Plus, the clippings make excellent compost, closing the loop in your sustainable cycle.

How to Prune Perennials Safely: Tools and Techniques for Beginners

Start with sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging plants—dull blades can tear stems and invite infections. Use bypass pruners for precise cuts, and always prune on a dry day to prevent fungal spread. Cut back to healthy buds or leaves, removing about one-third of the growth. In my routine, I sterilize tools with rubbing alcohol between plants, a simple step that keeps my garden thriving naturally.

gardengatemagazine.com

Must-Have Pruning Tools for Gardeners | Garden Gate

Essential gardening tools for pruning perennials, including shears and gloves for sustainable care.

1. Catmint (Nepeta): Prune for Compact Growth and Repeat Blooms

Catmint, with its aromatic leaves and purple spikes, thrives on summer pruning. Cut back by half after the first bloom to encourage a second flush and prevent legginess. This perennial attracts pollinators, boosting your garden’s biodiversity. In my yard, pruning catmint has turned it into a compact powerhouse, perfect for borders.

plantura.garden

Pruning catmint: why, when & how – Plantura

Catmint plant being pruned in a summer garden for denser foliage next year. 

How to prune: Snip above leaf nodes, about 6 inches from the ground. Benefits include stronger stems and more vibrant colors next season.

2. Yarrow (Achillea): Trim for Sturdy Stems and Extended Flowering

Yarrow’s feathery foliage and flat-topped flowers make it a staple in sustainable gardens. Prune spent blooms mid-summer to promote side shoots and prevent self-seeding overload. This drought-tolerant beauty has flourished in my low-water setup, adding texture and color.

youtube.com

How to Cut Back Yarrow : Garden Space

Yarrow perennial pruning in summer to encourage more showstopping blooms. 

Technique: Deadhead to the basal foliage. It results in sturdier plants resistant to wind and rain.

3. Lavender (Lavandula): Shape for Fragrant, Bushy Returns

Lavender’s scent is a garden must-have, and summer pruning keeps it from getting woody. Trim lightly after flowering, removing up to one-third of the growth. I use clippings in my zero-waste sachets, extending the plant’s benefits indoors.

gardendesign.com

How to Prune Lavender: Essential Tips for Beginners | Garden Design

Lavender bush undergoing summer pruning for healthier growth next season. 

Pro tip: Avoid cutting into old wood to maintain vitality.

4. Salvia: Cut Back for Continuous Color and Pollinator Appeal

Salvias, with their spiky blooms, respond well to summer shearing. Prune faded stems to encourage reblooming and maintain shape. These hummingbird magnets have amplified my garden’s eco-vibe.

wikihow.com

How to Prune Salvias: For 4 Different Varieties of the Plant

Salvia plant after summer pruning, ready for vibrant regrowth. 

Benefits: Denser foliage and prolonged flowering periods.

5. Hardy Geranium (Geranium): Refresh for Non-Stop Summer Charm

Hardy geraniums are forgiving and flower profusely with summer cuts. Shear back after the first wave for a tidy appearance and new growth. They’ve become my go-to for ground cover in shaded spots.

youtube.com

How To Prune Hardy Cranesbill Geranium | Cutting Back Geranium Sanguineum

Hardy geranium being pruned in summer for enhanced performance. 

How-to: Cut to basal leaves for quick recovery.

6. Bee Balm (Monarda): Prune to Prevent Mildew and Boost Blooms

Bee balm’s bold colors attract bees, but pruning keeps mildew at bay. Trim mid-summer to improve air flow and encourage fresh flowers. It’s a staple in my pollinator-friendly plot.

gardenary.com

Guide to Planting and Growing Bee Balm • Gardenary

Bee balm perennial receiving a summer trim for disease prevention.

Technique: Remove crowded stems for healthier plants.

7. Coneflower (Echinacea): Deadhead for Stronger Stems and More Flowers

Coneflowers are wildlife favorites; summer deadheading extends their season. Remove spent heads to redirect energy. Mine have doubled in vigor since adopting this habit.

gardeningknowhow.com

Experts Recommend Pruning Your Coneflowers Like This | Gardening …

Coneflower echinacea pruning in summer for next year’s display.

Benefits: Taller, sturdier blooms resistant to flopping.

8. Daylily (Hemerocallis): Trim for Tidy Beds and Rebloom Potential

Daylilies shine with daily flowers; prune scapes after blooming for neatness. They’ve added reliability to my sustainable design.

gardeningwithsharon.com

How to Deadhead Daylilies – Gardening With Sharon

Daylily summer deadheading and pruning for optimal growth.

Pro tip: Divide overcrowded clumps while pruning.

9. Phlox: Cut for Mildew Resistance and Vibrant Displays

Garden phlox benefits from summer thinning to enhance circulation. Prune lower leaves and spent blooms. It’s elevated my border’s color palette.

finegardening.com

How to Prune Garden Perennials in Summer – Fine Gardening

 Phlox garden pruning in summer for disease-free plants. 

Technique: Shear selectively for bushier form.

10. Sedum: Pinch for Compact Habit and Fall Interest

Sedums like ‘Autumn Joy’ get bushier with summer pinching. Remove tips early summer for branching. They’re my low-maintenance heroes.

thefabulousgarden.com

Sedums grow better if you pinch them back – The Fabulous Garden

Sedum autumn joy summer pruning for sturdy structure. 

Benefits: Prevents flopping and enhances winter silhouette.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pruning Perennials in Summer

Over-pruning can stress plants—stick to one-third max. Ignoring weather leads to disease; prune dry days only. Forgetting to compost clippings wastes nutrients, counter to sustainable living.

Eco-Friendly Pruning Practices: Composting Clippings and Natural Fertilizers

Turn prunings into mulch or compost for zero-waste gardening. Pair with organic fertilizers to nourish soil naturally, reducing environmental impact. My routine includes worm bin composting for rich, free amendments.

Explore more on embracing a zero-waste lifestyle to integrate these habits.

Essentials List: Must-Have Tools for Pruning Perennials During Summer

Equip your sustainable garden with these reliable picks—the exact ones I reach for during my weekend sessions.

1. Felco Pruning Shears – Precision cuts for delicate stems, the exact pair I use daily.
2. Gardening Gloves – Breathable protection, currently 20% off—grab them quick!
3. Bypass Loppers – For thicker branches in perennials.
4. Garden Kneeler – Comfort during long pruning sessions.
5. Compost Bin – Turn clippings into gold for next year.
6. Organic Fertilizer – Boost post-prune recovery naturally.
7. Watering Can – Gentle hydration after cuts.
8. Plant Labels – Track your perennials easily.

For expert advice, check the Royal Horticultural Society’s pruning guide.

Integrating Summer Pruning into Your Sustainable Garden Routine

Schedule pruning around your local climate—mid-summer in Seattle works wonders. Combine with mulching for moisture retention, enhancing overall eco-efficiency.

Link to exploring eco-tourism benefits today for travel-inspired garden ideas.

Final Thoughts on Pruning Perennials for a Thriving Tomorrow

Pruning these 10 perennials during summer is your ticket to a more vibrant, sustainable garden next year. With these tips, you’ll nurture a space that’s beautiful and earth-friendly.

P.S. Sign up for my free sustainable beauty and gardening checklist—packed with zero-waste tips to make your routines glow.

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Taking a vacation should be all about relaxation, not worrying about your plants. But if you are a plant lover, leaving behind your glorious greenery can indeed be a bit stressful. Let’s talk about how to keep your plants alive so vacation is enjoyable and your plants survive your absence.

The key challenge here is making sure your plants stay hydrated and healthy while you’re away. From lush gardens to cherished houseplants, they all need consistent care. 

Some plants thrive on a regular watering schedule, while others, like succulents, prefer less frequent watering. Understanding your plants’ needs is the first step in keeping them happy in your absence. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions, both high-tech and DIY, to make sure your greenery stays in top shape while you enjoy time away.

Keeping Outdoor Plants Alive With Automatic Watering Systems

Automatic sprinklers are also a great option for outdoor gardens, allowing for covering large areas.

These systems are a great way to keep your plants hydrated without much hassle.

Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses, for example, deliver water directly to the plant’s soil, ensuring even distribution and minimizing waste. 

By pairing a self-watering system with timers, you can customize when and how much water your plants receive. This is particularly useful for maintaining the perfect moisture level. 

These systems can be adjusted to suit your garden’s specific needs, ensuring that your plants stay well-watered, whether you’re away for a weekend or a couple of weeks.

DIY Solutions for Plant Hydration and Keeping Indoor Plants Alive

When it comes to keeping your plants hydrated on a budget, DIY methods can be both effective and simple. 

Water globes, for instance, gradually release water into the plant’s soil, ensuring consistent moisture levels. 

Another handy trick is using a water bottle. Just fill the plastic bottle, make a small hole in the cap, and place the bottle upside down into the plant’s pot. This creates a slow-release watering system that can keep your plants happy for days. If you prefer to use a glass bottle, a wine bottle also works great.

For a more crafty approach, try a wick system using a towel, cotton rope, or twine. Place one end in a bucket of water and the other in the plant’s soil. The towel will wick water from the water container into the plant. This method allows for gradual water absorption, keeping your plants hydrated with minimal fuss.

These easy DIY solutions will keep your plant roots watered while protecting them from the root rot that can result from overwatering.

Mulching and Soil Moisture Retention Can Help Keep Plants Alive

Mulching is an effective way to help your garden retain moisture while you’re away. 

By adding a layer of mulch over the plant’s soil, you can significantly reduce evaporation, which means your plants stay hydrated longer. 

There are various mulch options to suit different types of plants. For larger outdoor gardens, wood chips or straw work wonderfully to keep the soil moist. 

If you’re caring for succulents or other plants that prefer well-drained soil, fine gravel or small stones are excellent choices. 

Mulch not only helps retain moisture in the soil. It also stabilizes the soil temperature for your plants and can even suppress the growth of unwanted weeds. Before you pack your bags, take some time to mulch your garden—your plants will appreciate it!

Using Technology for Monitoring

In today’s digital world, technology makes plant care easier than ever. Smart plant monitors can keep an eye on soil moisture, light levels, and even temperature. This gives real-time updates on your plant’s health. 

These handy gadgets sync with apps on your phone, so you can monitor your garden from anywhere. Some advanced systems can even alert you when the soil of the plant is too dry, allowing you to make timely adjustments. 

Imagine being able to adjust your watering schedule while sipping a drink by the pool—pretty cool, right?

Pairing these monitors with automatic watering systems can be a game-changer. You can set them up to water your plants at the right time, ensuring they stay hydrated without any guesswork.

Whether your plants are in your living room or spread across your backyard, this tech-savvy approach offers peace of mind. 

So, if you love your gadgets as much as your greenery, integrating technology into your plant care routine is a smart move. This way, you can focus on enjoying your vacation, knowing that your plants are thriving back home.

Getting Help from Neighbors or Friends

If you’re fortunate enough to have helpful neighbors or friends, consider asking them to water your plants while you’re away. 

Leave clear, simple instructions about each plant’s needs.

Be specific about how often to water and how much water to use for each plant. If any plants have unique requirements, like avoiding direct sunlight or checking for dry leaves, make sure to note that as well. 

You can even set up a little schedule for your plant sitter to follow. Sometimes, a bit of human touch is just what your garden needs. 

By doing this, you can enjoy your time off, knowing your plants are in good hands.

Leaving your plants behind while you enjoy a vacation can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with a little planning, it’s entirely manageable.

Don’t forget the importance of mulching to retain soil moisture, especially for your outdoor garden. 

For tech enthusiasts, smart plant monitors and automated systems can offer peace of mind by keeping you informed about your plant’s health in real-time. 

Additionally, enlisting the help of a neighbor or friend ensures that your plants get the personal touch they might need.

With all these options at your disposal, you can tailor a watering strategy that fits both your garden’s needs and your vacation plans.

Whether you have indoor plants in a sunny window or a lush garden outdoors, these strategies can help ensure they remain healthy and vibrant. Enjoy your time off, knowing your green friends are well taken care of!

Other Plant & Gardening Articles You May Love:

Five ways to save money on plants and flowers this planting season.

Gardening is one of my favorite pastimes, but also one of the most expensive! Over the years I’ve come up with quite a few ways to save on both annual and perennial plants this time of year. 

Sometimes I will still splurge on a plant or tree, but for the most part these methods will save me a TON on flowers, bushes and trees for our gardens and yard. 

I’ve planted or replanted a TON of plants this spring (most were small, individual flowers) and have loved watching them thrive. 

I gathered my top five ways to save on plants this spring and summer! 

1. Pick spreading plants

I love our window boxes, but they can be expensive to fill every spring. I learned years ago that using flowers that spread will make my money go a lot further. 

My favorite has always been the Wave Petunias because they multiply like crazy and cascade out of boxes or containers: 

These are the only annual flowers I plant each year because they spread and fill in so beautifully. 

I love these plants so much, I’ve added them all over in our garden beds. They spread quickly and look fantastic: 

Stonecrop sedum

If left alone they will spread like crazy and need very little upkeep. They will even block out weeds in beds so they offer low maintenance landscaping. 

Other great spreading flowers or plants: 

2. Size (doesn’t) matter

I’m impatient, especially when it comes to flowering plants. I want the payoff NOW. 🙂

But I’ve learned that most of the time I’ll save a ton if I purchase the smaller sized garden plants. With a bit of nurturing at first (once they’re established within in a few weeks you don’t have to baby new plants as much). 

Now I usually go for the smaller containers, especially if the plant is a fast grower. I’ve been planting a bunch of these bright pink dianthus for much needed color on the front of our house: 

That version was $20 and is twice the size of the one I got: 

Until then, my smaller versions still add that pretty pop of color and were more than half the price!

Those lovely petunias I mentioned are another great example. Instead of buying the much larger pots that are already blooming, go for the smaller, individual petunias. 

There are six individual plants there — but they have grown like mad and have multiple blooms already:

It’s only been three weeks since I planted the small starts and they have exploded!

Patience is key. 🙂 Be sure to look at the tag on your plants to see how fast they grow. Obviously this is most beneficial when you’re buying a smaller version of a fast grower. 

3. Clearance section (they just need a little love)

Did you know that many nurseries or hardware stores will slash prices on plants that don’t look perfect? 

The clearance section is my all time best secret for beautiful flowers and plants! It’s the first place I look when I’m looking for new additions: 

Don’t let those scraggly plants scare you! You can find SO many lovely options that will perk up beautifully once you get them home!

Now there are always plenty that are too far gone for even me, like these evergreens that will not come back: 

But look at that hanging plant on the bottom left! It’s perfectly fine, the flowers have just bloomed already and therefore isn’t quite as attractive on the sales floor. 

I found a bunch of the dianthus plants I mentioned earlier on the sales rack at Lowe’s for half off. They were looking a little worn, but not that bad!:

After only a week of watering everyday and a bit of fertilizer, they’re already coming along beautifully!: 

This is how that same plant looks two years later!:

I make sure newly planted flowers are watered daily for the first week or two. After that only as needed.

I found four hydrangea plants on these clearance shelves that only had some spent blooms: 

The plant itself was green and healthy (check out the new blooms on the upper left). I knew it would thrive at home, so I grabbed one at half off. I wish I would have bought all of them!

 

After only a few days and a little trimming, the plant isn’t quite as colorful, but will be in a few weeks!: 

The clearance section is also a great spot to find one and done bloomers like lilies — once they bloom they’ll be placed on the rack. Some of them will continue to bloom for weeks! 

And of course next spring you’ll have beautiful blooms in the spring for half the price. 🙂 Such a great bargain!

4. Splitting plants

This is another favorite way to make flowers and plants go way further! There are so many perennials you can split apart and replant, and I do the same with flowering annuals as well. 

I usually use hanging potted plants to fill my back patio containers. They’re already nice and full, and because of that I can easily split them two or three ways: 

Just take the plant out of the plastic pot and use a garden trowel or any other sharp garden tool to punch the soil where you want to split them. 

These will be tangled together a bit, but if you shake them a little they’ll start to come apart. You don’t have to baby these too much — you may lose a few branches in this process, but no worries! 

The flowers will bounce back quickly. Can you tell which containers have plants that were split?: 

Again, patience is needed as these start to bloom and perk up to fill in the containers. But they always look GREAT in a week or two!

There are a ton of annuals that can be split when planting or after they’ve been in the soil for a while. Hostas are one of my favorites. 

When shopping for hostas, make sure to look under the leaves to see how many individual plants are in the pot: 

This is important with hostas specifically, because I’ve seen pots with as little as only two — you want as many as possible! They all cost the same, so be sure to check. 🙂

Use the same process as the flowers to split the roots apart: 

It may take some effort if your hosta is large, and it will feel like you’re killing them, but don’t worry! Most plants are resilient and will come back looking great!

I got FOUR hostas out of one $24 plant:

You can also do this with more established hostas — it’s actually good for them as they become overgrown. 

There are so many plants you can split and replant! 

Here are just a few flowering plants that can be split:

• Aster
• Hosta
• Sedum (pictured above!)
• Daylily
• Peony
• Phlox
• Iris

Divide spring bloomers in fall, fall bloomers in spring, and summer bloomers in either spring or fall.

5. Buy and plant late in the season

It blows my mind every year how fast plant prices are slashed…in the summer! I can always count on finding GREAT deals starting as early as July. 

You have to time the best deals just right, but you’ll find perfectly healthy plants being clearanced out as early as mid-summer. 

The Walmart nursery is my favorite place to find these deals, because they start moving them out early to get ready for holiday stock. I’ve found SO many great perennials for insane prices in July and August. 

I found these Sea Green Juniper evergreens last summer for around $6 each!: 

I’ve purchased many trees at deep discounts mid-season as well, like this Juniper tree and my knock out roses in the backyard: 

This knock out rose was $6 I think? I got two at that price, and here’s how one of them looks now:

And here’s how both of these looked five years ago (tiny plants in the mulch):

Patience is key when you’re trying to save money on plants! But SO worth it! 

Hydrangeas are another great plant to look for from mid-summer on, as they need TONS of water and the hotter it gets, the nurseries struggle to keep them hydrated. 

At most garden centers, you’ll start to see major discounts later in the fall. This works out well because the BEST time to plant is in the cooler spring and fall months. 

We’ve planted discounted trees and shrubs as late as November! Don’t sleep on the sales that start early! 

Honorable mention: Most bang for the buck!

Almost ALL plants that I add to our landscaping have to be one of two things. Either they are evergreen, and therefore keep their fullness and color throughout the winter months. (Arborvitae, boxwoods, sedum are great examples). 

Or if they are a blooming plant, they must bloom from spring or early summer to the fall. I used to plant a lot of bulbs and/or plants that would flower for a few weeks, like lilies, tulips or azaleas. 

I still plan to add some of these eventually, but when I’m trying to get our landscape established I focus more on the two types I mentioned here. 

They simply offer for more the money!  

I hope this list helps you to save some cash this planting season! Gardening can be an expensive hobby, but these tricks will save you a TON.

Adding to your landscape will add to your curb appeal and watching your plants thrive and grow is so rewarding!