Best Willard & May in 2026

The heavy-duty steel construction feels incredibly substantial the moment you pick it up, signaling that this isn't some flimsy garden gadget. I tested this auger in stubborn, clay-heavy soil that usually requires a lot of manual kneeling and back-breaking work, but the drill does all the heavy lifting here. The standout feature is definitely the hex shaft design. It locks into your cordless drill with a non-slip grip that prevents the bit from spinning uselessly inside the chuck. At 24 inches long, it keeps you upright while you're prepping holes for flower bulbs, grass plugs, or nursery seedlings. It is a massive time-saver for anyone tackling large bedding plant projects who wants to avoid the traditional hand-trowel fatigue.

After weeks of watching my shaded garden corners look a bit bare, these Willard & May hostas have completely transformed the landscape. Getting a set of six bare root perennials is a massive win for anyone looking to fill space quickly without a massive investment. These plants are incredibly resilient, thriving in zones 3 through 8, which makes them a reliable choice for various climates. I love that they aren't high-maintenance. They reach a manageable height of about 18 inches while spreading out to cover 32 to 36 inches of ground. The best part is the seasonal color, as they continue to bloom from summer all the way through fall, providing much-needed texture to those tricky, low-light areas of the yard.

Gardening enthusiasts who are tired of the repetitive strain of hand-troweling will find this auger to be a complete game-changer for their spring planting. The standout feature is the full-length HEX shaft, which provides a much more stable and non-slip connection to your cordless drill than standard round shafts. I found that this heavy-duty steel tool handles everything from soft bedding plants to stubborn clay and rocky soil without skipping a beat. Instead of bending over and digging manually, you can let the drill do the heavy lifting to create perfect holes for bulbs and grass plugs. At 9 inches long, it is compact enough for precision work while remaining rugged enough to last a lifetime.

Why struggle with lackluster shade gardens when you can instantly introduce lush, textured greenery? These Willard & May mixed hosta bare roots are a game-changer for anyone looking to fill those tricky, low-light corners of a yard without a massive headache. I was impressed by the health of the six starts provided, which are designed to be incredibly low maintenance once they settle in. They eventually reach an 18-inch diameter, providing a substantial leafy presence that stays vibrant. Because they bloom from summer through fall, you get consistent color throughout the warmer months. Plus, the 100% grow guarantee offers real peace of mind for gardeners who want to ensure their new perennials actually thrive.

Willard & May’s Stargazer Oriental Lilies are a standout addition to any lawn and patio collection, offering a reliable way to transform your garden into a mid-summer spectacle. After looking closely at these freshly dug bulbs, the sheer scale of the blooms is what truly catches the eye. This 12-pack provides a solid foundation for a perennial display that returns year after year, making it a smart long-term investment for your flower beds. Beyond the garden, these lilies serve as exceptional cut flowers, bringing a high-end floral aesthetic into your home. The inclusion of a 100% grow guarantee offers peace of mind that you are getting healthy, viable bulbs ready to thrive once planted.

The President Red Canna Lily rhizomes from Willard & May deliver a massive punch of tropical color to any lawn or patio setup. These bulbs arrive with 3-5 eyes per rhizome, ensuring you have a solid foundation for a lush, summer-blooming display. I love how these reach a substantial height of 34-38 inches, making them perfect for adding vertical interest behind containers or along garden borders. Because they are deer-proof, you can plant them with peace of mind in full sun environments. Whether you are planting them in the ground during spring or utilizing them in large decorative pots, these striking red blooms against deep green foliage create a high-end botanical look that feels both intentional and effortless.

Why settle for a standard garden when you can host a fragrant, pink explosion every late spring? The Sarah Bernhardt Peony is a true showstopper for anyone looking to elevate their landscape with classic elegance. These bare root plants arrive as 1 to 2 eyes, making them a manageable addition to your flower beds. Once they mature to a height of 20 to 30 inches, they become a resilient staple in full sun environments across zones 3 through 8. I particularly love how they serve a dual purpose. They are incredibly bee-friendly for your local ecosystem and produce stunning cut flowers for indoor arrangements. If you want a reliable, highly scented bloom that commands attention, this is the variety to plant.

Ordering live plant roots online often feels like a gamble, but this Dicentra spectabilis is a genuine standout for any shade garden enthusiast. I was immediately struck by the robust nature of the 2-3 eye root, which promises a much more reliable establishment than smaller, flimsy plugs. Once it settles, you are looking at a lush, fragrant perennial that reaches a substantial height of up to 36 inches. Whether you tuck it into a dappled woodland corner or a sunnier patch, the heart-shaped blooms provide a striking visual rhythm. It is a hardy, dependable choice that spans a massive range of hardiness zones, making it an easy win for gardeners looking to add romantic, architectural texture to their landscape.

Most gardeners assume that planting bare roots is a high-risk gamble, but the Karl Rosenfield peony proves that size matters more than a full nursery pot. These Willard & May starts arrive as large 2/3 eye bulbs, which is a massive advantage for ensuring a strong establishment in your garden. I was particularly impressed by the resilience of this variety. It handles the transition to the soil beautifully and produces flowers that are sturdy enough to serve as premium cut blooms for your indoor arrangements. Because these are perennializing, you aren't just buying a seasonal splash of color, but a long-term investment in your landscape. The 100% grow guarantee provides that extra bit of confidence needed when working with live plant material.

Your spring garden transformation starts the moment you press these freshly dug root starts into the soil. I was particularly impressed by the sheer resilience of these Willard & May peonies, which strike that perfect balance between a sturdy landscape perennial and a delicate, high-end cut flower for indoor vases. Once established, you can expect a lush display reaching up to 36 inches in height. The value pack provides three healthy starts, making it easy to create a dense, impactful cluster in your flower beds. Because they are perennializing, you aren't just buying a seasonal bloom. You are investing in a long-term garden staple that rewards your patience year after year.

Stagnant, lifeless garden beds often lack the vibrant energy needed to draw nature into your backyard. These Willard & May Butterfly Weed roots are the perfect remedy for a dull landscape, transforming sunny patches into active ecosystems. I was impressed by the No. 1 Premium bulb size, which suggests a strong foundation for growth. Once established, these perennials reach a beautiful height of 18 to 36 inches, providing a lush mid-layer in your flower beds. Because they return year after year, you get a reliable burst of color that specifically targets pollinators. If you have a spot that gets full sun, these are a must-have for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies directly to your patio.

Gardeners often struggle with the disappointment of weak, one-season blooms that fail to return year after year. The Shirley Temple Peony by Willard & May solves this by providing high-quality, perennializing bare roots designed for long-term garden reliability. I was particularly impressed by the size of the root itself. Arriving as a large 2/3 eye bulb, it looks incredibly healthy and ready to establish. These aren't just delicate decorative pieces, either. They are resilient plants that hold up well in the garden and double as stunning cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Knowing there is a 100% grow guarantee provides that extra layer of confidence needed when ordering live plants online, making this a standout choice for anyone wanting reliable, repeat beauty.

Most gardeners assume shade is a limitation, but for these Pink Bleeding Hearts, it is actually their greatest advantage. These aren't your typical one-season wonders. Because they are true perennials, they establish themselves deeply to return year after year. I was particularly impressed by the No. 1 Premium bulb size, which suggests a much higher success rate for early establishment. Once they reach their mature height of 24 to 36 inches, they create a lush, architectural canopy that thrives in everything from partial to full shade. They are surprisingly resilient plants, making them a reliable choice for anyone looking to add delicate, heart-shaped blooms to those tricky, darker corners of a lawn or patio garden without constant replanting.

The Blue Wonder Toad Lily stands as a premier choice for gardeners seeking architectural interest in shaded corners. This Tricyrtis cultivar brings a sophisticated, exotic touch to any landscape, reaching a manageable mature height of 12 to 18 inches. What makes this plant particularly impressive is its versatility. While many lilies demand strict conditions, this variety thrives in everything from partial shade to full sun. As a perennializing plant, it offers long-term value for your garden beds, establishing itself year after year. Whether you are filling a container or adding texture to a flower bed, this No. 1 size plant delivers the hardy, reliable performance that seasoned horticulturists demand for their seasonal collections.

Most gardeners settle for a single-color border that fades by mid-summer, but this Willard & May mix transforms a standard lawn into a multi-tonal perennial sanctuary. I found that the variety of colors included—ranging from the deep Blue Boy to the striking Peppermint Twist—creates a much more professional, layered look in the garden bed. These six plant starts provide a diverse palette of white, pink, and blue blooms that anchor the summer landscape. A pro tip I discovered is that if you stay on top of deadheading, you can actually coax a second wave of color out of these plants in the fall. It is a high-impact way to ensure your patio area stays vibrant for longer than the typical seasonal bloom.

After weeks of watching my garden transform, these pastel Ranunculus bulbs have finally delivered the show-stopping summer color I was hoping for. The buttercup-colored blooms are incredibly brilliant, reaching heights of up to 18 inches that make them perfect for filling out garden borders or adding height to containers. I found the planting process remarkably straightforward. Just tuck them about two inches deep and give them plenty of breathing room. Not only do they look stunning in the flowerbeds, but they also make for incredibly long-lasting fresh floral arrangements once you snip them for indoor decor. If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-grow option to brighten up your spring planting, this mix is a fantastic way to ensure a vibrant summer landscape.

After weeks of use in my overgrown flower beds, I can confidently say this shovel has fundamentally changed my weekend gardening routine. The Root Slayer Perennial Shovel manages to tackle stubborn sod and thick root systems without making me reach for a hatchet or pry bar, thanks to that clever inverted V-shaped tip and the integrated rip saw teeth. Because this version is about 70% the size of the original model, it feels incredibly nimble and lightweight for transplanting, yet the carbon steel blade remains impressively strong. I especially noticed how much less my wrists ached during heavy digging, which is a direct result of the patented ergonomic O-handle and the offset, extra-wide forward step that provides much better leverage.

You are knee-deep in a stubborn patch of sod, fighting against thick, tangled roots that refuse to budge with a standard spade. That is exactly where the Radius Garden Root Slayer earns its keep. The 13-gauge mid-carbon steel blade feels incredibly substantial in your hands, and unlike cheaper alternatives, it refuses to bend even when hitting dense obstacles. I was particularly impressed by the combination of the inverted V-shaped blade and the ripsaw teeth, which slice through root systems with surprising ease. The extended shaft is a game-changer for taller gardeners, providing the leverage needed to drive the tool deep without constant back strain. Even after heavy use, the edge stays sharp, and you can even hone it yourself without worrying about the lifetime guarantee.

Driving steel T-posts into stubborn, compacted soil can be an absolute nightmare for your back and wrists without the right leverage. This MTB SUPPLY driver solves that problem by utilizing a 12-pound weighted steel head that lets gravity do the heavy lifting for you. Instead of swinging a sledgehammer, you simply lift this 23.6-inch tool over the post and let the mass drive it home. The heavy-wall pipe construction feels incredibly solid, and the black powder coating provides a much-needed layer of protection against rust and weather damage. I particularly like the dual loop handles, which offer a much more comfortable and secure grip than a single-handle design when you're working through a long afternoon of fence installation.

The Power Planter Extended Length Garden Auger Drill Bit turns a back-breaking afternoon of digging into a remarkably fast chore. By attaching this solid steel spiral to an 18V cordless drill, you can chew through tough clay, rocky soil, or sand with significantly less physical effort than a standard shovel. The 24-inch shaft is a lifesaver for your posture, allowing you to plant bulbs and bedding plants without constant bending. I was particularly impressed by the abrasion-resistant tip, which is designed to last much longer than typical garden attachments. It isn't just for dirt, either. The hex drive makes it a versatile tool for mixing mortar or paint. Just remember to use a standard drill rather than an impact driver to keep everything running smoothly.

Serious landscapers and property owners dealing with stubborn, compacted earth need this heavy-duty tool to avoid the frustration of inferior digging implements. The Seymour Iwan Auger stands out because it combines a rugged steel blade with a pliable iron yoke that is securely riveted for long-term durability. I found the 6-inch point spread to be the sweet spot for general-purpose soil work, providing enough bite to move earth without feeling unwieldy. The construction feels incredibly solid, especially with the steel shaft paired with a welded steel T-handle and a premium hardwood grip. Since it is made in the USA, you can feel the intentionality in the build quality, making it a reliable workhorse for various soil types rather than a disposable garden tool.

Your spring bulb planting session just got a much-needed upgrade with this chocolate-toned planter. I was immediately struck by how substantial the Arcadia Garden Products bulb pan feels in hand, despite being surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around the patio. Because it is crafted from a unique blend of recycled plastic, stone powder, and wood dust, every piece has a subtle, artisan-like variation that keeps your garden looking organic rather than mass-produced. It handles the elements beautifully, standing up to intense UV rays and heavy rain without fading or degrading. I especially like the thoughtful design that marks exactly where to drill for drainage, making it just as functional on an indoor windowsill as it is in a rugged outdoor garden bed.

Most gardeners spend their weekends hunched over with a hand trowel, but this K-Brands auger set turns a back-breaking chore into a quick power tool task. By attaching these 16-inch steel bits to a standard 3/8-inch hex drill, you can breeze through bulb planting or fence post holes in a fraction of the time. I found the two-bit variety incredibly practical. The smaller bit handles delicate bedding plants while the larger one tackles heavier tasks like umbrella holes or ground lights. The heavy-duty steel construction is impressive, biting through everything from loose sand to stubborn clay and even ice. Instead of fighting the soil, you simply drill down and reverse the rotation to lift the earth out, making yard work significantly less exhausting.

The sheer heft of this 14lb cast iron driver is the first thing you notice when you lift it out of the box. Instead of exhausting yourself with repetitive swinging, you simply guide this heavy tool over your post and let gravity do the heavy lifting. It features a 2.6-inch diameter opening that handles T-posts, U-channels, and even wooden stakes with ease. I found the dual 13-inch ergonomic handles provide a much more secure grip than standard single-handle models, which helps maintain control when you're driving posts into stubborn soil. The powder-coated finish feels incredibly durable, suggesting it can handle being tossed in a tool shed or left in the elements without immediate rusting. It is a straightforward, reliable piece of equipment for any serious fencing project.

Serious vegetable gardeners who prioritize precision will find this Spear & Jackson dibber indispensable for their spring planting routines. After testing its performance, the standout feature is clearly the extended handle length, which allows you to reach much deeper into the soil than standard tools—making it an absolute dream for planting leeks or bulbs that require specific depths. The stainless steel construction feels incredibly tough and durable, handling heavy soil without bending, while the design ensures fast, efficient cutting through the earth. It is no surprise that this tool earned a spot as a Great British Growing Award winner. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a hobbyist, this blue-handled tool brings a level of professional efficiency to your garden beds that cheaper alternatives simply cannot match.

You are standing in the middle of a sprawling garden bed with hundreds of spring bulbs to plant, and the thought of manual digging makes your back ache just thinking about it. This Royars auger set completely changes that workflow by turning a standard 18V drill into a high-speed planting machine. I found the heavy-duty steel construction and hexagonal head connection incredibly reliable, preventing the slipping that usually plagues cheaper garden tools. The three distinct sizes allow you to switch effortlessly between delicate flower bulbs and deeper holes for larger vegetable seedlings or even fence posts. Because the design minimizes the distance between the digging blade and the tip, the bit bites into hard or sandy soil immediately without needing excessive downward pressure. It makes tilling and mixing fertilizer feel like a breeze rather than a chore.

The Royars Upgrade Auger Drill Bit turns grueling manual digging into a rapid, motorized process. Instead of wrestling with a traditional shovel, you can pair these steel cast heads with a 14V cordless drill to plow through tough soil with ease. The set is incredibly versatile, offering a 2-inch bit for delicate bulb planting and a 4-inch bit for larger holes like fence posts or umbrella bases. I love the bright green finish because it makes finding the tool in tall grass a breeze. It even comes with non-slip gloves to keep your hands protected while you mix soil or fertilizer. For under twenty dollars, this kit essentially automates your most tedious landscaping chores.