I Love Hydrangea Invincibelle Spirit II
Name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Invincibelle Spirit II’ Type of Plant: A shrub for sun or part-shade that produces pink hydrangea flowers from late-June through August…and into September if deadheaded faithfully. Hardy in Zones 3-9 Why I love this: This is the second...
Gardens On Tour
On Friday the second annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival opens. This year there are over 80 gardens on tour Cape Wide, for the benefit of local non-profits. It’s a celebration of local gardeners, businesses and non-profits, all organized under the umbrella of our...
I Love Nepeta ‘Walkers Low’
Name: Nepeta racemosa ‘Walkers Low aka walkers low catmint Type of Plant: A perennial for full sun that flowers from late-May into July in the northeast. Hardy in zones 4-8 and growing to 2 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. Why I love this: There are several reasons I...
Grace and the Unexpected
Last week I returned home after being with my mother at the end of her life. It was, of course, a time of great sadness and reflection. Once home, I walked though my gardens and the plantings in my “loggery” garden caught my eye. I’d planned this...
I Love Hemerocallis ‘South Seas’
Name: Hemerocallis ‘South Seas’ aka the South Seas daylily Type of Plant: A perennial for full sun that flowers from mid-July into August. Hardy in zones 3-9 Why I love this: I love plants with a clear coral color in the garden. Coral blends well with yellows,...
Attractive Critter Protection
The area under a bird feeder is a heavily traveled zone. Birds, squirrels, chipmunks, fox and wild turkeys are routinely seen under my feeder and I’m sure there are other critters who pass through that I’m not even aware of. We put a patchwork patio in...
In Praise of Alliums
Last May I had the pleasure of being in P. Allen Smith’s gardens at Moss Mountain. (Bucket list advice: attend a workshop or go on one of his open days. His gardens are a must-see experience, and Little Rock is a must-visit location. GO.) Several of his flower...
My Veggie Garden Problem Solvers
This is the time of year when many of my callers/clients are asking “What’s wrong with my_______?” Fill in the blank with the vegetable plant of your choice. The following question is, of course, “And what should I do about it?” We all...
I Love Physocarpus ‘Center Glow’
Name: Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Center Glow’ aka the center glow ninebark. Type of Plant: A large, fountain shaped shrub that’s hardy in zones 2–8. Deciduous, drought tolerant and native to North America. Grows best in full sun but will tolerate as little as 4 hours...