Gardening
12 steps in selecting and buying new plants from online catalogs
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.
Tree peonies flourishing in my cold-climate garden
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.
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
The HVX virus: A hidden threat to your hostas
Two years ago, I noticed a strange mottling on the leaves of one of my cherished hostas. Last year, it became worrisome and I started asking myself: could it be infected with HVX? If you’re a shade gardener who grows hostas, it’s important to be aware of the HVX virus.
Blooms of swamp rose-mallow: My first experience growing successfully Hibiscus moscheutos
Sometimes, the most wonderful things in life come as unexpected gifts. Such was the case when a dear friend surprised me two years ago with a swamp rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), also called hardy hibiscus. What followed was a delightful journey of rediscovery and wonder, especially considering that I had tried
Flowing lines: 12 steps for using a garden hose to design curvy plant borders
Follow these 12 steps for creating a plant border with harmonious contour. Designing the shape of a plant border can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you want to create a natural and flowing look. One easy way to do this is to use a garden hose to
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
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
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
Plant labeling
Think about solutions including plastic strips and DIY metal markers and printed labels. Every fall and spring it happens again. Raking leaves from the gardens, I find them, the little plastic tags with pretty pictures or not, half broken and sometimes faded. They are the precious common and scientific names
Setting the garden asleep for Winter
Why and when preparing your garden for the Winter months This Fall has been glorious for gardening. Not only was it mostly sunny, it was also unbelievably warm, hitting quite a few temperature records. Nonetheless, I am always behind yard work, so many things to do before our long and