Choosing Plants for Foliage
Karen Although flowers catch the eye, leaves play a very important role in the garden. Most perennials are only in bloom for a short time and when the flowers are gone…
Plant Profile: Rose Astilbe (Astilbe x rosea)
A hybrid from a crossing of A. chinensis and A.japonica, rose astilbe has the habit of the latter and the flower color of the former. It is a herbaceous perennial…
Plant Combination: Variegated Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)’Golden Sword’ and Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) ‘Zagreb’
Poor, dry soil in full sun might be considered a tough place for plants but this cheerful yellow combination will do well there. The yellow of the coreopsis ‘Zagreb’s’ flowers…
Plant Profile: Common Bugle Weed (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga reptans is a low growing evergreen herbaceous perennial native to Europe where it grows in woods and poor pasture land. It is a member of the mint family, Labiatae,…
Book Review: Fanny at Chez Pannisse
Fans of Alice Waters will get a fresh look at the famous chef and her restaurant. Written in the voice of her daughter, Fanny, Waters presents a collection of stories…
Problem-Solving Floribunda Roses
Floribundas offer a big bang for the buck. A cross between a Hybrid Tea and Polyanth, Floribundas produce an abundance of flowers in many colors for many months and are…
Plant Profile: Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Swamp milkweed is a herbaceous perennial native to North America where it grows in moist to wet soils including swamps, ditches, and the edges of ponds, lakes, and streams. It…
Garden Design: Leaf Texture
The texture of leaves can have a big impact on the beauty of a garden yet it is often ignored. Just think about the contrast between the foliage of ferns…
Plant Profile: Southernwood (Artemesia abrotanum)
Also known as Old Man, Lad’s Love and Maiden’s Ruin, this bushy sub-shrub is native to southern Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa and is a member of the aster…
Book Review: Green Thumbs
Green Thumbs by Laurie Carlson is a collection of activities to teach children about gardening from planting seeds to enjoying the produce of flower and vegetable gardens. Written for parents…