While perusing an online plant catalog recently, I stumbled upon a section featuring “Novelty lilies.” This piqued my curiosity: what exactly did this term signify? Was it a category of lilies I was not aware of, or simply a label intended to intrigue customers? Although I was already familiar with

In the spring of 2022, I planted Iris cristata ‘Powder Blue Giant’, also known as the dwarf crested iris, on a whim, along the edge of a flower border slightly shadier than the others. I never expected the beauty that would emerge a few weeks later. Yet, from the moment

I’m excited to share six landscaping inspirations from visits to local gardens that made an impression on my gardening experience. These insights, gleaned from the heart of these curated spaces, transcend the boundaries of space and size, proving that, however small or big a garden is, there is always something

For two years, Digitalis purpurea ‘Monstrosa’ is a peloric foxglove that appeared within a self-sown patch in my garden. Let’s see what pelorism is. Peloria derives from both new Latin and from the Greek word pelōros, meaning “monstrous”. Pelorism in Digitalis refers to the occurrence of flowers with radial symmetry instead

On this Valentine’s Day, I’m thrilled to share with you a source of joy and beauty in my life: my vibrant red peonies. The stunning flowers of red peonies, with their lush petals and radiant color, have been a cherished part of my spring garden for years. Paeonia ‘Highlight’ Red

It was a truly unforgettable experience to explore the serene beauty of the Royal Park Rajapruek, a breathtaking tropical garden nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, during my visit in 2019. Chiang Mai is located about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, the capital city of

Among perennials, few blooms captivate the eye of visitors quite like the Papaver orientale, commonly known as the Oriental poppy. With their cup-shaped flowers bearing striking colors and delicate petals, this perennial has found its place in gardens around the globe, adding bursts of vibrancy and charm. Three stunning cultivars of oriental

Welcome, fellow garden enthusiasts, to the third part of our journey through the intricate world of botany for gardeners. Within the challenges of gardening and plant collecting, understanding the distinctions between botanical varieties and cultivars is crucial for selecting plants and knowing their origins. In this blog post, I’ll talk

Tree peonies, also called woody peonies, are plants with breathtaking flowers that immediately capture the attention of visitors in my peony garden. While these magnificent flowering shrubs are often associated with slightly warmer climates, their ability to thrive in colder regions adds an extra layer of colors in mixed borders.

Iris pallida, commonly named sweet iris, is less known than Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) and bearded iris (Iris germanica). However, sweet iris enthralls gardeners with the unique charm of its fragrant lavender-blue flowers. Let’s look at why it does. Origins Iris pallida belongs to the Iridaceae family. The species’ name,

As an amateur gardener, my goal extends beyond mere cultivation. As a dedicated plant collector—peonies being a particular favorite among many—I find immense fascination in understanding the botanical families that define and connect my plants. In this blog post, I will introduce the intricate relationships that bind ornamental and edible

Welcome back, peony enthusiasts! More Itoh peonies from my garden! If you’re captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of Itoh peonies, you’re in for a delightful treat. I have previously explored the splendor of these horticultural marvels—aptly dubbed the best of two worlds, combining the hardiness of herbaceous peonies with the

As the holiday season approaches, and the air becomes filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon, many of us embark on the joyful tradition of adorning our homes with festive decor. For me, these annual preparations have turned into something truly special over the past eight years. It’s a

Celadon pottery is not just an art form; it’s a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region where it is crafted, be it in China or, in this case, Thailand. The delicate green glaze, achieved through meticulous firing techniques, has been perfected over generations. It’s a tradition that

The world of botany is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of exploration, discovery, and the fascinating stories of the individuals who dedicated their lives to understanding the plant kingdom. One intriguing aspect of this botanical journey is the association of names with genus and species. Each plant bears