Native to Eastern United States, winged sumac is a tough small tree that is found on forest edges, old fields, meadows and roadsides. It grows quickly and suckers form colonies that are appealing when in bloom or fruit. The tiny greenish cream colored flowers are borne in pyramidal clusters 6-10” long above rings of foliage in summer and develop into showy pendulous, red fruit clusters that are attractive to birds into winter. The shiny leaves are a foot long and pinnately compound with resinous red stems. The leaf stems are winged between the leaflets giving rise to the common name. In fall the leaves turn orange-red to purple and add considerably to autumn coloration. Winged sumac is adaptable and can be grown a variety of soils and tolerates drought, heat, compaction, air and soil-borne salt. If grown in mass it provides a good wildlife habitat. A good plant for a screen, xeroscape, or informal planting. [click to read full post]
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This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing the type of plant or its broad characteristics. 
Nerines, also known as spider lilies and Guernsey lilies, are a natives of South Africa where they are highly valued for their autumn flowers. Related to amaryllis, kangaroo paw and alstoemeria, they can be grown in gardens in mild climates but do not do well with high humidity. They are grown commercially, however, in the United States from September until January and in Holland all year around. Their dainty beauty is useful in a variety of designs as well as wedding work. They were named for the sea nymph Nerine in Greek mythology but their only link to the sea is through the legend that bulbs of Nerine sarniensis were caste up on the shores of the Isle of Guernsey after a shipwreck. 
There are few homes near my southern California garden that do not have at least one bouganvillea vine blooming most of the year. The bright colors can be garish but the look well in the bright sun and are a welcome sight when other plants start to fade. Bougainvilla is a heat-loving, thorny, woody vine from the tropics of South America that can grow over 36 feet on fences, trees, and just about anything else that is in its path. It likes lots of sun, a steady supply of nutrients, and is salt tolerant and drought tolerant once established. Blooming is best, in fact, when the plant is a bit stressed and kept on the dry side. Plants are sensitive to light frosts but recover if not subjected to further frost damage. 
Beautiful gardens rarely happen by accident. They are usually the result of a lot of thought and planning as well as many hours of physical work. Considerable expense is often involved too, making planning even more important. So, the big question is where to begin? Organizing your thoughts, dreams, and resources is a good start. Use the following questions to guide you; as you work through them you will probably think of other factors that should be considered. 
Growing in mixed mesic forests, and wooded ravines, this native of Eastern United States is a medium sized deciduous shrub that does well in both full sun and partial shade, tolerating more shade than most viburnums. Although it prefers moist, well-well drained soil it is moderately tolerant of drought and soil compaction once established. Small creamy-white flowers are borne in flat topped clusters in mid to late spring and are followed by blue-black berries. The dull to medium green leaves are “maple-shaped”, lightly felted, and turn reddish purple to magenta in autumn. Maple-leaf viburnum is attractive in shrub borders, used as foundation plantings or hedges, or naturalized in open woodland areas. 
This simple game tests your gardening knowledge by identifying five plants shown in photos from a list of possible names. Photos of each plant are accompaned by a clue describing the type of plant or its broad characteristics. 
Usually called heather, heath looks similar but is in a different genus; heath is Erica while heather is Calluna. The heaths that are usually found in flower shops may be Erica persoluta, Erica canaliculata, or one of the many hybrids and cultivars that are available. Although heaths are generally associated with Scotland, the ones sold in the floristry trade is native to South Africa but is grown commercially in California. The prime season for most heaths/heathers is November through April, so they are available in good supply for the holidays and Valentine’s Day. The bright pink selections are especially pretty with red roses. 
