Plant A Tabletop Spring Garden
Let’s face it. Often spring is a tease. “I’m here! I’m gone! I’m back…wait, not yet!” We are bounced from 60° days to 15° nights in a blink of an eye, so we must savor the outdoors when we can, and provide our own spring cheer...
I Love Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’
Name: Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’ aka tete-a-tete miniature daffodils Type of Plant: This early flowering spring bulb is a mini-daffodil that is commonly sold in pots at garden centers in the early spring. Why I Love/Hate this plant: I love how this plant is widely...
I Love the Weeping Alaska Cedar
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...