Plant Profile: Andromeda ‘Mountain Fire’ (Pieris japonica x florabunda ‘Mountain Fire’)
Karen The bright red new growth of this wonderful shrub is a delight in late winter to early spring (and sometimes in summer). The rest of the year the fine textured…
How to Care for Roses in Winter
Roses take a rest in winter and so can the rose caregiver once the rose beds have been properly prepared. Winter care is not difficult but is important to protect…
Plant Profile: Rollison Fetterbush (Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rollisonii’)
An attractive U.S. woodland native in the mountains from Virginia to Georgia and Tennessee, Rollison Fetterbush is a good shrub for an ericaceous border, a shade garden, or as a…
A Visit to Packwood Garden, Lapworth, Solihull, Warwickshire, England
The gardens of this Tudor manor house are a real treat for a gardener. The timber-framed farmhouse built in the mid 16th century is interesting, but the gardens that accompany…
How to Prepare Horseradish
The tastiest treat in my fall-winter garden is horseradish. It is certainly not the most attractive plant any time of the year but it more than makes up for its…
Plant Profile: Cherry Laurel (Prunus lauroceraus aka P. officinalis)
Native to southeastern Europe and the Middle East this evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes, apple, lady’s mantle, and pyracantha.…
How to Make an Apple Swan Garnish
If you want to make a spectacular presentation at a festive event, try making this swan. I admit that this is a “Martha Stewart” sort of project but it is…
Plant Profile: Little Rascal Holly (Ilex x ‘Mondo’) male
Little Rascal holly grows in my secret garden; he was an impulse-buy but he was so darn cute I couldn’t resist. He is round and compact with small evergreen leaves…
A Visit to Athelhampton Garden, Puddletown (near Dorchester), England
Twenty acres of formal gardens enhance the 15the century manor house of Athelhampton, owned and operated by the Cooke family. The formal gardens, inspired by Renaissance models, were designed by…
How to Make your Christmas Tree Last Longer
If you bought a cut tree this year for Christmas you probably want it to look its best for the entire season. Even though the tree has lost its roots,…