How to Remember What You’ve Planted
I’ve had several queries by email recently from gardeners who have forgotten what they planted. Some of these are from people who are new to veggie gardening so they don’t recognize what’s growing as it matures. Others either have recently placed...
Growing Hydrangeas in Containers
You say you live where it’s cold, so the blue hydrangeas you plant never flower? Do you want to grow mophead or lacecap hydrangeas but you’re just a bit too far north? The solution is to grow these wonderful shrubs in containers. First, get a large pot...
Why Isn’t My Blue Hydrangea Flowering?
This is the most frequent question I’m asked on my radio programs, and lately I’ve been getting several emails a day as well. We love the blue mophead and lacecap hydrangeas, so it’s upsetting when there are no blooms! Here is what’s going on....
I Love Flower Carpet Pink Splash Rose
Name: Rosa x ‘Noasplash’ aka Flower Carpet Pink Splash Type of Plant: A shrub rose that’s hardy in Zones 5-10 for growing in full sun. Why I love this: First of all, I love the two-toned pink flowers. This was one of the plants that many people asked about during the...
Gardener Vs. Chipmunk
I grow several annual poppies that self-seed around the garden. Since I want them to return each year, I leave the pods in place so that the seeds mature and will fall back onto the soil. But last year most of the poppy pods were stolen, seemingly overnight. I’d...
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...