Plant Profile: Dwarf Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila)
Karen I used to think of astilbes in general as needing shade and moisture until I met this one. It thrives in shade and moist soil but it tolerates considerably more…
Plant profile: Dead Nettle ‘White Nancy’ (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’)
The white flowers of this fabulous ground cover are charming but the foliage makes it outstanding! Plant it in a shady spot and both the flowers and foliage will brighten…
Plant Profile: Cherry Laurel (Prunus lauroceraus aka P. officinalis)
Native to southeastern Europe and the Middle East this evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes, apple, lady’s mantle, and pyracantha.…
Plant Profile: Yellow Fumitory (Corydalis lutea)
Corydalis is not the most conspicuous plant in the garden but it is one of the most welcome. How many plants bloom from spring to fall and have attractive foliage?…
Plant Profile: Spiderwort (Tradescantia x andersoniana aka T. virginiana)
Also called spider lily, this herbaceous perennial is native to eastern US North, where it grows in moist soils of prairies, woodlands, meadows, and hillsides. It is a member of…
Plant Profile: Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ )
Native to Japan, this delicate perennial is a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes corn, rice, and bamboo. It forms loose cascading mounds of gold variegated leaves…
Seven Secrets to a Successful Shade Garden
People often tell me that they love to garden but that the trees on their lot create so much shade they can’t do much. I usually smile sympathetically and listen…
Plant Profile: Japanese Roof Iris (Iris tectorum)
As a plant collector rather than a garden designer I adore plants that are a bit out of the ordinary and if they come with a good history or story,…
How to Evaluate Shade
Four types of shade are described and plants that grow well in each are suggested.
Plant Profile: Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis)
Plant profile of Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis)