Plant Profile: Variegated Winter Daphne (Daphne odora ‘Aureo-marginata’)
Karen Be prepared for a princess with this shrub but it’s worth it. In late winter or early spring the shrub bears clusters of pink to white to red flowers that…
Plant Profile: Sparkleberry Holly (Ilex serrata x verticillata ‘Sparkleberry)
Hollies in general are wonderful trees and shrubs but this one is absolutely incredible when it has lost its leaves and is showing its fruit. Unfortunately the birds are taken…
Plant Profile: Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia)
When the large pearl like buds open into white camellia-like flowers against dark green foliage in summer, a time when few other trees or shrubs are blooming, you will know…
Plant Profile: Weeping Willow Leafed Pear (Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’)
One of the prettiest trees for a small garden is the weeping willow-leaf pear. Its small size and fine-textured silver-green foliage are enough to recommend it but it has even…
Plant Profile: Kilmarnock Willow (Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’)
This dwarf pussy willow has year round interest with its beautiful weeping habit and fuzzy catkins. The male clone has the large (1½ to 2 inch) attractive catkins that appear…
Plant Profile: European Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’)
There are few trees that can match the beauty of the European weeping beech. In summer the simple, glossy dark green leaves form a dense canopy from the top of…
Plant Profile: Paperbark Cherry (Prunus serrula)
Also called birchbark cherry, paperbark cherry, cellophane bark cherry or red bark cherry, this deciduous tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes prunes, lady’s mantle,…
Plant Profile: Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
Native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the heather family, Ericaceae, that also includes rhododendron, blueberry, and mountain…
Plant Profile: Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
The bright white trunks with black markings of this cold weather tree are striking and very eye-catching. Used as a specimen tree or grown in clumps it brings a beautiful…
How to Grow Sweet Peas in Warm Climates
I am drawn to sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) like a magnet; their colors, fluffy petals, and sweet scent never fail to attract me. When I lived in New York State…