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...
Early June In Bloom
Here are the plants that are catching my eye at Poison Ivy Acres the first week of June. In June a garden explodes. We who tend these landscapes are very busy, weeding, editing and planting. But it’s important that we take the...
Spaghetti Squash With Mushrooms
I cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. And I think it’s especially tasty (and easy!) when served with mushrooms, some sort of onion, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Ingredients: 1 Spaghetti squash Mushrooms of your choice Either scallions, leeks, or onions...
Browning Allium Foliage
As perennial plant gardeners, one of the things we learn over time is how each plant behaves. There are perennials that look great before and after flowering (Heuchera) and those that look terrible once they’ve finished blooming (Penstemon ‘Huskers...
I Love Cardinal Creeper
Name: Cardinal vine or cardinal creeper aka Ipomoea x multifida Type of Plant: An annual vine for full sun to grow on small trellises or other supports. Lacy green foliage and delicate red flowers make this an attractive climber that doesn’t overwhelm a support. Why...
Container Garden Tips & My Proven Winners Porch
One of the most enjoyable aspects of early summer is designing displays of annual flowers in containers. Today’s post is about the pots I’ve planted at the entry to the house. Every year I try something different here…a new color scheme, a different...