Plant Profile: Korean Goat’s Beard (Aruncus aethusifolius)
Karen Korean goat’s beard is a clump forming perennial and a member of the rose family (Roseaceae). It has dark green pinnately compound leaves that are fern-like and form a mound…
Book Review: RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design
Whether you want to redesign an existing garden or create a whole new garden, The RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design can guide you through the process. Filled with ideas and…
Plant Combinations: Garden Phlox ‘Laura’ (Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’) and Rue (Ruta graveolens)
The fine delicate foliage of the rue appears in the spring adding a lovely blue green color to the garden. It is followed later in the summer by the purple-blue…
Plant Profile: Dusky Cranebill (Geranium phaeum)
Also called morning widow or black widow, dusky cranesbill is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe. It belongs to the geranium family (Geraniaceae) and is part of the group called…
Garden Plants for Flower Arrangements: Fern Leaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendula) ‘Gold Plate’
Although there are several good cultivars and hybrids of A. filipendula, ‘Gold Plate is probably the best for flower arranging. It boasts deep yellow flowerheads up to six inches across…
Plant Profile: Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Pale purple coneflower is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern half of the US where it grows in open areas on a variety of soils. It is a member…
Book Review: Eddies Garden
Involving children in planting a garden is a wonderful way of building family ties and inspiring a love of plants and growing flowers and vegetables. Sarah Garland’s book, Eddie’s Garden,…
Growing Plants from Seed: Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnia are warm weather annuals native to Central America, Mexico, and southwestern US. They are grown for their intensely colored flowers which are held singly on long stems. Flowers may…
Plant profile: Spotted Bellflower (Campanula punctata)
Spotted bellflower is a herbaceous perennial native to Japan and Siberia where it grows in lowlands on disturbed soil such as roadsides and fields. The light green leaves are triangular…
Striped Hybrid Tea Roses
For an exotic look in the garden try a striped rose. It might not be your thing but it is eye-catching and adds a diversity that can spark a new…