Plant Profile: Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Karen Known by many names including duck’s foot, hog apple, raccoonberry, umbrella leaf, and wild lemon, this herbaceous perennial is native to eastern North America south to Texas, where it may…
Book Review: America’s Cottage Gardens: Imaginative Variations on the Classic Garden Style
The charming image of an eighteenth century English cottage garden is a dream to most gardeners in North America but not a reality for most of us. We have a…
Rambling Roses for the Cottage Garden
The vigorous sprawling growth of rambling roses have made them popular choices for inclusion in cottage gardens in the past as well as in the present. They only bloom once…
Plant Profile: ‘Burning Hearts’ Bleeding Heart (Dicentra exima)
Bleeding hearts are always welcome in a shade garden and this one is especially desirable. With its deep rose flowers trimmed with white and its soft blue-gray foliage it adds…
Why Have a Lawn? The Pros and Cons of Lawns
Chuck For centuries lawns of grass have been viewed as a beautiful part of the landscape but recent times have experienced and change of heart. Concerns for the environment have raised…
Plant Profile: Wood Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
Wood poppy, also known as celandine poppy, offers abundant clusters of 2” wide bright yellow flowers, bluish-green divided leaves, and fuzzy seed pods. A native of rich woodlands and along…
Book Review: All New Square Foot Gardening
Mel Bartholomew’s book, Square Foot Gardening, was a big hit back in the 80s and this “All New” edition builds on the principals he laid out. As the author himself…
Inexpensive Floral Wedding Party Favors using Six Packs and the Language of Flowers
Weddings mean parties and flowers, Whether you are giving an engagement party, shower, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception it is nice to consider giving the guests a favor, a reminder…
Plant Profile: Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
For a shrub with fragrant flowers you can’t beat Koreanspice viburnum. The delightful spicy scent of this deciduous shrub can turn an ordinary area into a dreamy retreat so plant…
Five Favorite Pink Heirloom Peonies over 100 Years Old
As long time favorite plants, herbaceous peonies bring fragrance and soft color to the spring garden, and then provide attractive foliage until fall. Traditionally, peony flowers have been white, pink…