Edible Flower: Tulips (Tulipa spp)
Karen Tulips are spring-blooming perennial bulbs that do well in in many areas of the US. They grow best in areas where summers are dry and winters are cold so thrive…
Plant Combination: Brazilian Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) and Arkansas Blue Star (Amsonia hubrechtil)
A “see through” plant like Brazilian verbena creates a beautiful sight when paired with the delicate foliage of narrow leaf blue star. The action starts with the emergence of the…
Plant Combination: Sage (Salvia) ‘Mystic Spires’ and Dahlia ‘David Howard’
The smashing perennial combination of dark blue and apricot makes a dynamic statement in a sunny border from early summer to fall. Sage ‘Mystic Spires’ begins blooming in late spring…
Edible Flowers: Sunflowers (Helianthus annus)
Sunflowers are annuals native to North American but introduced into Europe in the sixteenth century by the Spanish. They are now widely grown for their oil and seeds. Sunflowers belong…
Plant Combination: Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) and Purple Heart ( Tradescantia pallida) ‘Purpurea’
This pleasing color combination offers long season interest for a hot sunny spot. The spurge is evergreen and begins in spring with chartreuse flowers against the blue-gray foliage. Later in…
Edible Flowers: Cowslip (Primula veris)
Cowslip is an evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the primrose family (Primulaceae) along with shooting star (Dodecatheon maedia), oxslip (Primula elatior)…
Earth Kind Roses: Nearly Thornless
The thorns, or prickles, on roses can make them very unpleasant garden companions especially when you have to weed, spread mulch, fertilize, deadhead, or cut flowers. Roses that lack prickles…
Plant Combination: Rose ‘Graham Thomas’ and Clematis’ Francizka Maria’
‘Graham Thomas’ is an exceptional rose with intense gold colored flowers that fade to lemon yellow. The plant blooms in flushes all summer and makes a striking combination with the…
Earth Kind Roses: Largest Flowers
A rose bush covered with large flowers is very appealing especially if the bush is low maintenance. The four roses described below have flowers that are at least four inches…
Plant Combination: Dwarf Coneflower ( Echinacea) ‘Pixie Meadowbrite’ and Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) ‘Big Ears’ (aka ‘Helene von Stein’)
The traditional tall coneflower has a lot to offer but have you ever wished that it came in a smaller form? If so, take a look at this dwarf coneflower,…