Gardening
Containing the beauty: Understanding and learning to control invasive species used as ornamentals in your garden
Some ornamental species , such as bishop’s goutweed, creeping bellflower and butterbur, are invasive and can quickly overtake a garden, causing ecological damage and posing a threat to native species. Gardening is a popular hobby enjoyed by many people worldwide, and it is no wonder why. The beauty of a
Lady’s mantle: A perennial plant with alchemical secrets
Lady’s mantle, Alchemilla mollis, is an appealing ornamental perennial in my shade borders, especially after rainfall, when the leaves retain droplets of water. Cultivating lady’s mantle as a perennial offers the joy of its long-lasting presence and the convenience of a plant that comes back year after year. Its delicate,
The lily and cat conundrum
Understanding the risks and precautions for cat owners and lily lovers. Most lilies are toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of the lily plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbs, can be extremely dangerous to cats and can lead to acute kidney failure, which can be fatal if not
Unstaked beauty: A guide to peonies that stand tall on their own
“I really love peonies, but I don’t like it when the flowers are too heavy and the plant droops…”. This is a common comment I get when I tell friends that I am passionate about peonies. My answer to them? There are certain types of peonies that are known for
Beauty and the beard: Exploring the stunning bearded iris
The bearded iris or Iris germanica, also known as the German iris, is a popular and stunning perennial plant that is commonly found in gardens throughout the world. Known for their beautiful and vibrant flowers, cultivars of this iris species are well-known among gardeners and landscape designers alike. In this
Siberian iris: A beautiful and hardy addition to your garden
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A GORGEOUS, LOW-MAINTENANCE PLANT TO ADD TO YOUR PERENNIAL GARDEN, CONSIDER THE SIBERIAN IRIS. These striking flowers of Iris sibirica are native to Europe and Asia, and have been cultivated for centuries for their beauty and resilience. Appearance Siberian irises are known for their showy blooms,
Standing tall: Creative methods for staking your peonies
Peonies are a beautiful addition to any garden, but the heavy blooms of some varieties often require staking to keep them from flopping over. When it comes to staking, some peony varieties require support to keep their large, heavy flowers upright, while others have stronger stems and can stand on
Double-flowered tulips: The wanna be peonies
Peony tulips, also known as double-flowered tulips or peony-flowered tulips, are a special category of tulips that resemble peonies in their appearance. Peony tulips have their own unique beauty and characteristics, and they don’t necessarily strive to be peonies! These tulips are highly sought after for their unique and striking
Springing into Beauty: The Delightful World of Daffodils
Narcissus, commonly known as daffodils, are one of the most popular spring-blooming bulbs. With their cheerful yellow, white, and orange blooms, these flowers are a favorite among gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike. Did you say daffodil or narcissus? Daffodils and narcissi are often used interchangeably to refer to the same
Bell-shaped beauty of fritillarias: springtime showstopper blooms
A GUIDE TO GROWING AND ENJOYING THESE STRIKING SPRING BEAUTIES. Fritillaria is a genus of spring-blooming bulbs from the lily family. There are over 100 species of fritillarias, also called fritillaries or frits, ranging in size from small, delicate bulbs to large, showy plants. Many fritillarias are prized for their
The Timeless Elegance of Lilies
EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF THE CLASSIC LILY FLOWERS Lily flowers are some of the most elegant and timeless blooms you can find. With their intricate petals, delicate fragrance, and rich symbolism, lilies are beloved by gardeners and flower enthusiasts around the world. I am fortunate enough to have about 45
Daylilies for every day
They may only bloom for a day but their colorful flowers are a must in any garden. Daylilies, also known under their scientific name Hemerocallis, are some of the most interesting plants to include in a perennial garden. In general, they are resilient and easy-to-grow while bringing gracious foliage and
My top 16 most popular Instagram bonsai posts
No wonder the beautiful bonsai trees of David Easterbrook’s collection occasionally featured on my feed get tons of attention. My husband David is a bonsai master. Retired after 30 years of curatorship of the Montreal Botanical Garden’s bonsai collection _one of the most important miniature trees’ collection outside of Asia,
Daisies for days
I choose “Love Me” in “Love-me / Love-me-not”! As a child, my favorite flower was the common daisy of the uncultivated fields. Resilient even in the streets and alleys of urban Montreal where I grew up, the oxeye daisy _ or marguerite in French_ originating from Europe and Asia has
Itoh Peonies: The best of two worlds
The result of crossing herbaceous peonies and tree peonies, Itoh peonies also called intersectional peonies combine the best features of both: [Top photo: Paeonia ‘Impossible Dream’ in my garden] Named for Toichi Itoh, the Japanese peony breeder who first succeeded in hybridizing them, Itoh varieties are not as numerous as