The lovely Japanese peonies are not defined by their place of origin, but by a fascinating floral transformation. The term “Japanese” refers to a flower form that became widely known to Western gardeners through plants and illustrations from Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, not to the

This past summer, the lilies transformed my peony garden into a luminous showcase of colour and perfume. From the first elegant buds to the final dramatic blooms, they delivered one breathtaking moment after another. Each variety brought its own personality: vivid early Asiatics, towering late-blooming Orientals, dramatic regals, and my

Have you ever admired the beauty of a blooming peony and thought, I’d love to grow more of these? Starting a peony collection is an exciting and rewarding journey, one that anyone with a bit of garden space (and a bit of patience) can enjoy. Every peony collection has a

Iris × pseudata (hybrids between Iris pseudacorus and Iris ensata) are part of an elegant and relatively new group of irises with striking ornamental value. Gardeners seeking something unusual may want to discover Iris × pseudata, a captivating hybrid born from the union of two distinct species: the robust and

I’ve recently added a few new Baptisia cultivars—commonly known as false indigo—to the peony borders in my garden. They struck me as wonderful companions after I visited a local garden where they were blooming alongside peonies in perfect harmony. In this blog, I’ll explore their hardiness and how they fit

Peonies may be the stars of my garden, but they truly shine when paired with the right companions. I love experimenting with perennials that enhance their beauty—whether through contrasting textures, complementary colors, or season-long interest. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite plant combinations that not only highlight

Capturing unique perspectives in garden photography can be achieved using various accessories and techniques. One particularly striking method involves positioning a 360-degree camera beneath plants to capture immersive images from below. This approach offers viewers an extraordinary viewpoint, showcasing the intricate beauty of flowers in a way that’s rarely seen.

In June 2024, Léa’s Peony Garden reached a new pinnacle of beauty and growth. I established the peony garden in 2017 as a tribute to my Aunt Léa who raised me from age 2 to 11. It began with a single border of cherished peonies, transplanted from my former home.

Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the gardener on your list? Don’t worry—there’s still time to find something thoughtful! Gardeners love practical tools and unique items that help them nurture their green spaces and flowering borders. Here are eight last-minute gift ideas (see *disclaimer) that any gardening enthusiast

As autumn settles in here in Zone 5, my garden becomes a rich tapestry of color. Trees and shrubs take center stage, their leaves turning to brilliant red, orange, and gold shades. With their striking scarlet hues, maples are the showstoppers, while the burning bush and sumac add vibrant crimson

Registering new cultivars with scientific authorities and securing patents or trademarks are essential steps in bringing new plant varieties to market. In a previous post, I clarified the distinction between botanical varieties and cultivars. For this first horticultural chronicle, I’ll explore the process of cultivar registration and its significance for

As the seasons transition from spring to late summer, enchanting windflowers also called anemones, take center stage in my gardens: the native Canadian anemone and ornamental Japanese anemones. Each boasting unique characteristics and bloom times, these beloved perennials add charm and elegance to outdoor spaces throughout the growing season. Let’s

As summer gradually winds down, the garden still has a delightful surprise in store: the vibrant, resilient and charming phloxes. These enchanting perennials are currently in full bloom in my August garden, adding a burst of color and fragrance to the late summer landscape. If you’re new to the world

Iris pseudacorus, commonly known as yellow flag iris, is a stunning wetland plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. This plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, but has been widely cultivated in other parts of the world due to its striking appearance

With their enchanting fragrance and delicate blossoms, lilacs have long been a spring favorite in gardens and floral arrangements. Their success in floral design is not just a testament to their seasonal charm, fragrance their beautiful palette and their symbolism, but also to their versatility and the joy they bring