CL Fornari

I Love the Weeping Alaska Cedar

Mar 5, 2021 | Love This!

Name: Weeping Alaska Cedar, aka Xanthocyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’, formerly known as Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ (and oh my goodness there’s another genus name in the works. For now, I’m sticking with these while I hope the madness stops.) Type...

I Love Alchemilla mollis, aka Lady’s Mantle

Feb 26, 2021 | Love This!

Name: Alchemilla mollis, aka Lady’s Mantle Type of Plant: This is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows in sun or part-shade and is hardy in Zones 3 to 8. Why I Love/Hate this plant: I love lady’s mantle for so many reasons! It’s easy to grow, adaptable to a variety...

How To Grow Blue Hydrangeas

Feb 24, 2021 | Gardens

I was doing a Zoom presentation for a group last week, and one of the questions from an attendee was about his blue hydrangea. “It never flowers,” he said, “no matter what we do.” Since this group was from all over the country, I asked him...

I Love Cilantro, aka Coriander, aka Coriandrum sativum

Feb 19, 2021 | Love This!

Name: cilantro, aka coriander, aka Coriandrum sativum Type of Plant: An annual herb used around the world in a variety of dishes. Why I Love/Hate this plant: I love that this herb is used in so many types of cuisine. To me, guacamole wouldn’t be guacamole without...

How To Grow Vegetables In Containers

Feb 15, 2021 | Gardens

If you don’t have space or adequate sunlight to grow your vegetables in the ground, containers are the next best option. You can grow edibles in large pots, self-watering boxes, and fabric containers such as Smart Pots, placing them on decks, patios or the edges...

I Love the Peace Lily aka Spathiphyllum

Feb 12, 2021 | Love This!

Name: Peace Lily aka Spathiphyllum species and varieties Type of Plant: This is a tropical, broad leaf evergreen that is a very commonly sold houseplant. Why I Love/Hate this plant: I love the peace lily because it has dark, shiny green leaves and will survive in...

I Love Kalanchoe luciae aka flapjack plant or paddle plant

Feb 5, 2021 | Love This!

Name: Kalanchoe luciae aka flapjack plant or paddle plant Type of Plant: A succulent with large, round, stalkless leaves. Why I Love/Hate this plant: I love this plant because it’s attractive and easy to grow. The large leaves are grayish-green with a slight...

I Love Alocasia varieties

Jan 29, 2021 | Love This!

Type of Plant: Alocasia is a broad-leafed tropical plant that has dramatic, striking foliage. These do well as houseplants and outdoors in the summer on Cape Cod and in other northern climates. Why I Love/Hate this plant: Like many other tropical plants, these...

I Love Dendrolycopodium obscurum, aka princess pine.

Jan 22, 2021 | Love This!

Name: Dendrolycopodium obscurum aka Lycopodium obscurum, aka ground pine or princess pine. Type of Plant: This is a club moss that is native to the eastern North America. Club mosses are low, evergreen plants with scale-like leaves. Why I Love/Hate this plant:...

I Love Caladium

Jan 15, 2021 | Love This!

Name: Caladium Type of Plant: A tropical plant that’s grown as an annual in northern gardens. Why I Love/Hate this plant: Heart shaped leaves, a variety of foliage colors from white to red and green, thrives in deep shade…what’s not to love? This plant brings color...