A Visit to Hardwick Hall and Gardens, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Karen The Tudor house with its huge glass windows stands on the summit of a wind-swept hill; it is impressive and it was meant to be. It was built by Elizabeth,…
Memory Game: Flowers (level 1)
This is a three level game. In the first level match the flower photos, in the second level match the flower photo with the common name, and in the third,…
Plant Profile: Variegated Winter Daphne (Daphne odora ‘Aureo-marginata’)
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…
How to Buy Flowers for Valentines Day
A bouquet of flowers on Valentines Day is a wonderful way to please the special person in your life but flowers at Valentines Day are expensive. I offer these tips…
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…
A Visit to the Gardens at Castle Drogo, near Drewsteignton, Devon, England
Castle Drogo was a considerable trek from our base but the prospect of seeing the creative efforts of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll were enough to spur us on. The…
Ten Interesting Facts About Ladybugs
Who doesn’t like ladybugs? I have ladybug earrings with matching pin and pendant, my granddaughter was given a ladybug decorated swimsuit and cover up, and I’ve seen dozens more ladybug…
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…
The Meaning of Roses
When Valentine’s Day comes you may be giving or receiving roses; both the color and the number of flowers in the bouquet may have a meaning so you might like…
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…