Cottage garden flowers
Windflowers from here and there: A tale of ornamental anemones in my garden
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
Discovering the charm of phloxes: Late summer’s blooming beauties
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
Summer bulbs and roots ordered online: Tips for success
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
Celebrating the beauty of red peonies: A Valentine’s Day special
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
Sweet iris unveiled
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,
The enchanting beauty of tulips: Blossoms that captivate hearts
With their vibrant colors and elegant forms, the tulips have captivated people for centuries and their enduring appeal continues to make them cherished spring blooms. Tulips have evolved from the humble origins of the genus Tulipa in Central Asia to the more than 3,000 registered cultivars available, each with its
Foxtail lily, the giant spring-flowering Eremurus
Eremurus, also called foxtail lilies, are clump-forming perennials native to the arid grasslands of Afghanistan and Iran. In their natural habitat, they thrive in rocky slopes and meadows, making it a sight to behold amidst the rugged landscape. They are relatively cold tolerant if grown in very well-drained soil and
Same flowers, different styles: One arrangement, three unique containers
To demonstrate the importance of the vase in which I place a floral arrangement, I crafted a zinnia and sunflower arrangement and showcased it in three different containers. The vibe or mood that can be created with a container for a floral arrangement largely depends on the characteristics of the
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
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
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
7 more unusual flower containers
Display fresh cut flowers with a vintage flair. Here are some more examples of my arrangements from Instagram in this second part of Out of the glass vase 1. Served cold in soup tureens Soup tureens are the easiest to transform into country style vases because they are usually low.
Peony season
Did you know you may extend your peony season by choosing early to late bloomers? Peonies are surely the symbols of the late Spring cottage garden. In zones 3-8, peonies are perennials blooming over a period of 6 weeks, starting in April up to mid-July, and even later, depending where
Peonies in a basket
Use chicken wire to build an overflowing cottage style peony arrangement I’ve been asked many times how I construct some arrangements with chicken wire as a flower holder. Chicken wire is durable, recyclable and a great alternative to floral foam which in fact is petroleum derived material and which decomposes