Captivating Coneflowers

Captivating Coneflowers

Now that we are in the heat of the summer, perennials like Coneflowers are blooming and providing important benefits to our pollinators.  Personally, I have a number of these cultivars planted in my own landscape and truly enjoy their…

Garden Surprises – Fountains, Birdbaths and Garden Art

Garden Surprises – Fountains, Birdbaths and Garden Art

Something I truly enjoy when strolling through any garden are surprises, simple unexpected treasures that catch my eye and bring a smile to my face.  I come around a corner, or peer down a pathway, or even look behind an old tree and exclaim “Ooooo… and what do we have here?”  These focal points can be…

Crape Myrtles In Washington

Crape Myrtles In Washington

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…

Perennials for Pollinators - Episode III

Perennials for Pollinators - Episode III

As our journey in the garden progresses into summer, I will continue with even more perennials for pollinators, one last time.  This is episode three after all, and everything seems to work best in the form of a trilogy, right?  In hindsight perhaps I should have…

Perennials for Pollinators - Episode II

Perennials for Pollinators - Episode II

As we near the end of June, the summer season has begun and I am hoping that the sun is here to stay.  I, as I’m sure many of you, have always chuckled at the notion that summer in Western Washington starts after July 4th  - some years this rings more true than others.  It has been…

Perennials for Pollinators – Episode I

Perennials for Pollinators – Episode I

As we continue the celebration of Pollinator Month all June long, I am hoping all of you will pause and admire all of our little insect, hummingbird, and butterfly friends buzzing about garden flowers.  Ah… the sweet nectars of summertime!  The sun is out…

Dads Like Flowers Too!

Dads Like Flowers Too!

One of best things about being a Dad is spending time with your kids, especially when an activity is made even better by sharing a personal passion with them.  In my case, as with many other Dads, a keenness for gardening is towards the top of this list.  I mean seriously now, just like Moms at Mother’s Day, us Dads like…

Powering Up Your Pollinators

Powering Up Your Pollinators

June has officially arrived, and as we head toward the Summer Solstice it means gardeners have some extra daylight for frivolities in the garden.  More importantly, we celebrate Pollinator Month (with National Pollinator Week June 17th-23rd as a highlight), a campaign created by the Pollinator Partnership to create harmony between us humans and nature.  We all need to pause and give thanks to…