Flowers for Arrangements: Nerine (Nerine bowdenii, sarniensis)
Karen 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…
Plant Profile: Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea hybrids)
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…
Planning a Garden: Step One
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…
Plant Profile: Maple-Leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)
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,…
Flowers for Arrangements: Heather/Heath (Erica spp.)
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…
Plant Profile: Carpathian Harebell (Campanula carpatica)
The tidy mounds of wavy heart-shaped leaves covered with flowers make an ideal edge for the border. The first flush of flowers in mid summer is followed by a short…
Five Spring Perennials for the Cottage Garden
Spring means renewed growth in the garden with bulbs and flowering trees contributing splashes of color all over the landscape. Perennials are not usually in full force during this time…
How to Make Root Cuttings
When you have a plant you love you may want to produce more of them to use in your own garden or pass on to friends. There are many ways…
Plant Profile: Wood Vamp (Decumaria Barbara)
Found in low woods, swamps, and pond margins, this native of Southeastern United States from New York to Florida and west to Louisiana, wood vamp is a woody semi-evergreen vine…
Flowers for Arrangements: Leptospermum rotundifolium
Often called “lepto” in florist shops, this Australian native is a favorite around Valentine’s Day. The woody stems bearing clusters of small white, pink, or red flowers, complement the beauty…