CL Fornari

Garden Destination: Pittsburgh, PA

Mar 6, 2018 | Garden Travel

I had never been in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators held their annual meeting there in 2014. But I’m glad we met there because I discovered what a great city this is. I’d go back in a heartbeat. From the...

Must-See Garden Destinations

Mar 4, 2018 | Gardens

Going through my photo library recently I realized that I’ve gone to some absolutely thrilling garden destinations in the past few years, and want to share these special locations with you. As a member of GWA: The Association For Garden Communicators, I try to...

I Love California Poppies

Mar 2, 2018 | Love This!

Imagine: She said, “The gravel driveway and path are fine, but couldn’t there be something green and growing here? Why can’t there also be flowers?” Name: Eschscholzia californica aka the California poppy. Type of Plant: A cool-weather annual. In other words, don’t...

I Love Thuga ‘Green Giant’ aka Green Giant Arborvitae

Feb 23, 2018 | Love This!

Imagine: “What tall growing plant can we use that won’t require frequent pruning or get bare on the bottom of the trunk?” she asked. Name: Thuga ‘Green Giant’ aka Green Giant arborvitae Type of Plant: A large, fast growing evergreen, good for screening in places where...

Calamondin Citrus Margarita

Feb 22, 2018 | Gardens

Yes, January 22 is indeed National Margarita day. So I decided to put a houseplant citrus spin on this drink and create a margarita using the Calamondin citrus that many people grow as a houseplant. And keeping with the Garden Lady theme, I used elderflower liqueur...

Sedum ‘Pure Joy’ is Indeed Pure Joy

Feb 16, 2018 | Love This!

Imagine: Although the most common variety of sedum was called ‘Autumn Joy,’ it never brought happiness to her heart because it flopped open and sprawled long before fall. But then she discovered Pure Joy… Name: Sedum ‘Pure Joy’, aka Hylotelephium ‘Pure Joy’ (Why do...

Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival 2018

Jan 31, 2018 | Love This!

Interested in participating or learning more about the Fourth Annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival? If you answered YES, you are invited to attend an informational session hosted by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce When: Tuesday February 27th Time: 3:00 PM Where:...

I Love Our Native Clethra

Jan 26, 2018 | Gardens, Love This!

Name: Clethra alnifolia aka summer sweet, sweet pepperbush, or just plain clethra. Type of Plant: A shrub that’s native to this area and grows well in full sun or part-sun. Why I love this plant: This shrub brings so much to the party…fragrant flowers in late-July...

The Kings and Queens of Foliage Color: Rex Begonias

Jan 19, 2018 | Love This!

I LOVE These Plants! Got shade? You need this begonia. Name: Begonia rex aka rex begonias Type of Plant: An extremely useful tropical plant that you can keep as a houseplant or use in containers or shade gardens outdoors in the summer. The varieties are endless, and...

Dear, Delightful, Delicious Dahlias

Jan 12, 2018 | Love This!

Name: Dahlia varieties. Type of Plant: An annual that grows from tubers. A heat-lover from Mexico. There are many varieties from short to medium and tall. Why I love this plant: The clear colors of a dahlia flower are beautiful no matter what type or size of flower...