Edible Flowers: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Karen Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are best known as pesky weeds that invade lawns and are difficult to remove. They are native to Euorpe, Asia and North America where they thrive in…
Yuccas for the Garden
Native to hot dry areas of North, South and Central America, yuccas are tough perennial shrubs and trees that have adapted to a variety of conditions and some even grow…
Spring Blooming Perennials for High Altitude Gardens
Plants that grow at high altitudes in the mountainous areas of the United States face challenges that plants at low elevations do not. One of the most significant is the…
Pink Variegated Plants for the Garden
Variegated plants are always desirable in the garden for the long term color they provide. They draw the eye and can be used to move the eye around the garden,…
Hybrid Hulthemia Roses
For over forty years rose breeders have been intrigued by the possibility of producing a repeat-blooming rose with a red blotch in the center. The inspiration for this endeavor is…
Plant Combination: Hosta’ Royal Standard’ and Purple Leaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum’Tamukeyama’
This hosta and Japanese maple combination is lovely for a partially shady spot that depends upon foliage. It combines a contrast in color with a contrast in texture for a…
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) for the Garden
Burning bush, a deciduous shrub native to central and northern east Asia, is grown primarily for its outstanding red fall coloration which gives the plant its common name. The species…
Plant Combination: Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) ‘Carmencita’ and Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Fiesta del Sol’)
Either one of these annuals are exceptional plants in the garden but when used together they can are spectacular. The caster bean grows quickly into a tall shrub and forms…
Hybrid Musk Roses for the Garden
The hybrid musks are a small group of roses that was mainly developed by the British rosairian, Rev. Joseph Pemberton, in the early 20th century. As a group, hybrid musks…
Plant Combination Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and Purple Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
These two perennials provide long season interest in the border. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ emerges from the ground in blue-green mounds. As summer approaches it produces masses of tiny green buds…