Of all the seasons of the year, fall is probably my most favorite and the month of October is when it all starts to happen (although this year one could argue that fall actually started in September). There is a crispness in the air, new vibrant colors on the trees…
The Many Faces Of The Genus Viburnum
What's New For 2020
Back in March of this year, I introduced you to several new plants for the 2019 season that were sure to be hits in your garden. While most garden centers will be sold out of these this time of year, there are new plants for 2020 coming in with fall deliveries. Remember, anything you plant now will take off like a rocket come springtime, so don’t hesitate to plug up any blank spots in the garden (or maybe even yank out a few poor performers) and plunge in some newbies…
Creating Winter Interest In Our Containers
I recently read an article on designing with foliage in the garden by a local author, Christina Salwitz. Her main point is that while flowers are ephemeral, foliage can last all season and therefore should be the first consideration in any garden design - be it in the landscape or simply in our containers. As we move into the fall and winter season…
Japanese Anemones
These Fall Chores Will Reap Huge Dividends Come Spring
Gardening With Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are an interesting class of perennials. They have some unique qualities that make them an essential part of my borders, as they should yours. Unfortunately, many gardeners still see them as weeds that either need to be sprayed with Roundup or trimmed with the Weed-Eater. This column will hopefully find some converts…
It's Time To Plant Some Fall Veggies
Last week I mentioned that August was a good time to plant all sorts of plants, but I failed to mention vegetables. It might seem hard to imagine that in the heat of August we would be planting vegetable crops that thrive in the cooler time of the year, but in reality this is the time to get them established…
The Five "P's" Of August
More Versatile Vines For The Garden
There is an old expression that goes like this: “Doctors bury their mistakes, architects plant ivy”. Admittedly, this is a crude analogy but it is very true that vines can cover a multitude of sins. Perhaps a more positive way to put it is that vines have the ability to soften the edges of our structures, be they buildings or fences, and in the process create a more pleasant environment in which to recreate. A classic example of this would be ‘Boston Ivy’ or ‘Virginia Creeper’, both of which…
Speaking as a self-proclaimed “plantaholic” who likes just about all things with foliage, fronds, or needles, one plant I started to salivate over in the 1990’s was Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.). For us in northern latitudes, these mythical plants were uncommon and were perceived as…