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…
The romance between Henry XVIII and Anne Boleyn is always interesting and a visit to Hever Castle heightens the story and makes it more real. The castle is actually a…
Beware of the great blue heron! If a large gray cloud comes suddenly out of the sky and drops down on the edge of your fishpond, drop whatever you are…
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…
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…
This maple is a very special tree that gives year round interest to the garden. Its dark green leaves turn orange to red relatively late in autumn to reveal the…
If you take a trip to Rome you should seriously consider going to Tivoli to see the spectacular Villa D’Este. This is a garden that will knock your socks off…
When cold temperatures and snow settle on our garden many new birds find their way to our feeders. The Carolina Wren is not a frequent visitor but when he comes…
The bright red new growth of this wonderful shrub is a delight in late winter to early spring (and sometimes in summer). The rest of the year the fine textured…
Roses take a rest in winter and so can the rose caregiver once the rose beds have been properly prepared. Winter care is not difficult but is important to protect…
Karen