Dipladenias are full of surprises. To begin with they masquerade under different names. You might know them as Rocktrumpets or as Mandevillas. Although dipladenias are bushier than the vining mandevillas, …
As I’m writing this in late August, I’m looking at a forest of bamboo in front of me. No, I haven’t gone overboard and planted a bamboo patch in my …
I have a confession to make. I’ve been procrastinating on working on my very small front garden for the past three summers. Here is what my shallow garden looks like. …
It is possible that, at some point during the growing year, I talk about my clematis plants more than I do about my cats. I will definitely write more about …
I don’t have room for more rhododendrons in my garden. There! I’ve said it! Yet, I find myself taking rhododendron cuttings this August, just to have some backups. My usual …
In my mind, I’ve always associated hollyhocks with summer holidays at the beach. Even this year, my beach vacation was punctuated with oooh-ing! and aaaah-ing! over the majestic hollyhock torches …
I walk outside into my garden, in the dappled light that’s still lingering past 10 PM. It’s a few days past midsummer; my work day is long over, but the …
The path going past my rhododendrons is looking extra worn out, and I’m the reason why. You see, I was pacing back and forth for a month in anticipation of …
The only reaction I seem to be capable of whenever I see lupines in a garden is to stop and stare. Some people call that admiration, others might call it …
I was standing in the middle aisle of my local garden center holding a tray full of plants. After having spent the better part of fifteen minutes perusing the hanging …
I like big boastful plants. A quick perusal of my article portfolio on this website will show that whenever I write a single-plant article, it tends to be centered around …
Do you have any little free libraries in your community where you can take a book for free or leave a book for your neighbors to take home? Imagine the …
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a gardener in possession of a balcony must be in need of a container arrangement. Or at least this has been my truth …
My first foray into planting gladioli took place exactly ten years ago, to the month. On a whim, I picked up a bag of gladioli bulbs while I was “foraging” …
As an introverted writer, I’m really fun at parties. As soon as new acquaintances find out that plants and gardening are how I spend my work days as well as …
After a flurry of starting seeds, transplanting perennials and planting summer bulbs, I’m now turning my attention to creating a couple of container displays. The last of the spring bulbs …
Tulips are exotic, brightly colored, cold-loving beauties of the bulb world that are well worth growing. With the right treatment, the right temperature, and the right care, it’s not difficult …
Bloom bloom bloom, now let me hear you say way-ooh! I debated on whether or not that should be the intro to my article; but there’s something about the blanket …
After a well-deserved summer vacation, most people generally come back home with a few souvenirs; or maybe sporting a nice golden tan; or, as is the case of my husband, …
At any given moment, I’m ready to shout from the rooftops all the ways in which gardening is helping me take care of my mental health. In addition to teaching …
Most of the ornamental plants that I’m growing in my backyard are decidedly not native to the Northern Hemisphere where I garden. My camellias are native to Asia, as are …
Last year was a year of extreme drought around the world. From North America to Europe and on to Africa and Asia, few countries escaped the parched earth, fires, and …
Hostas reward gardeners with an ever-changing landscape as they grow back year after year. The lush spring leaves, midsummer blooms, and subtle autumn foliage color make gorgeous mass plantings in …
As I’m writing this article, closely on the heels of the spring equinox, I’m looking out the window at my garden just starting to wake up from its slumber. One …