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

In life, we often find ourselves drawn to certain passions, hobbies, or pursuits that speak to our souls in unique ways. For some, it’s the thrill of adventure, while for others, it might be the tranquility found in art or literature. As for my husband and me, we’ve come to

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

In the heart of Brittany, France, lies the picturesque town of Quimper, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite faience pottery. For collectors like myself, Quimper faience holds a special allure—a blend of French rustic charm, vibrant colors, and lovely designs that speak to the rich cultural heritage of

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

Within the heart of my great room lies a cherished space that has captivated the attention of my Instagram followers, garnering admiration and sparking numerous inquiries. In this blog post, I intent to describe how I attempted to create a stylish space, taking into account the architecture of the sunroom,

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

Or what to do when your online plant orders arrive! Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of warmer weather and dreaming of a colorful garden filled with vibrant blooms? Ordering summer bulbs online for spring planting is an excellent way to kickstart your garden transformation. In a previous post, I

Follow me while I embrace spring in North Carolina with visits to four public gardens: the North Carolina Botanical Garden, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the JC Raulston Arboretum, and the New Hanover County Arboretum. Embarking on a journey through the heart of North Carolina in early April 2024 was

Spring is the eagerly awaited season when gardens come back to life, and among the stars of this floral renaissance are peonies. Welcome to my guide on spring care for beautiful peonies, including essential tips to ensure your peonies thrive during the spring season. Cleaning When the ground thaws and

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to paint the world anew, there’s a natural inclination to bring this freshness into our homes. One of my favorite ways to welcome the season is by incorporating seasonal touches from the garden or nature into my decor. From delicate flowers to flowering

In this post, I’ll be discussing the process of pickling tongue-and-groove walls, a technique that was used to beautify the ceilings and walls of my great room. Many of my Instagram followers have been curious about how to achieve the soft pinkish-white look that graces these surfaces, so I’ll be

As the gardening season approaches, many of us are eager to enhance our outdoor spaces with new plants. Online catalogs offer a convenient way to explore a wide variety of purchasing options from the comfort of our homes and long before the weather allows us to play in the garden.