Source for Good Plants: A Visit to the Farmers’ Market
Karen There are numerous sources for plants but my all time favorite is the local Farmer’s Market. As soon as the weather warms up my husband and I begin our ritual…
Plant Profile: Star of Persia (Allium albopilosum syn. A. christophii)
Five large amethyst-violet spheres with silver highlights are emerging from the soil in my garden like space ships. Ah…it is Allium albopilosum time. These beautiful globes held on their 24”…
An Elixir for Roses: Alfalfa Tea
As a member of the local rose society, I get many tips for growing roses and this is one of the best. It is an alfalfa tea that I use…
Plant Profile: Clematis ‘Rooguchi’
The name “clamatis” conjures up visions of huge, colorful, often frilly blossoms on a vine. Clematis ‘Rooguchi’ is entirely different and has relative small, bell shaped purple-blue blossoms that nod…
Six Superb Squash for your Vegetable Garden
What is summer without squash? They are easy to grow, bear an abundant crop and can feed the family into the fall if you grow several kinds. Summer squash can…
Seven Secrets to a Successful Shade Garden
People often tell me that they love to garden but that the trees on their lot create so much shade they can’t do much. I usually smile sympathetically and listen…
Plant Profile: Japanese Roof Iris (Iris tectorum)
As a plant collector rather than a garden designer I adore plants that are a bit out of the ordinary and if they come with a good history or story,…
Ten Tips for Successful Tomatoes
Planting tomato seedlings, your own or purchased, is a good opportunity for getting your tomatoes off to a good start. We all want the earliest and sweetest tomatoes but we…
How to Choose Snap Beans for the Vegetable Garden
Green beans, string beans, and snap beans all refer to the same popular bean that is commonly grown in home gardens. French green beans, called Haricot Vert, are thin, crisp…
Plant Profile: Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily of the valley is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to the temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere and grows best where summers are warm but not hot. Each plant…