C. L. Fornari's Blog
What I’m Grateful For – The “P” Edition
For every letter of the alphabet you could write a list of things you're thankful for. Here, what I’m grateful for, “The P Edition” People My Family...
Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’ aka purple leaf beech, River’s purple European Beech, copper beech
Name: Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' aka purple leaf beech, River's purple European beech, or copper beech Type of Plant: A very large, deciduous tree...
I Love Vitex agnus-castus aka Chastetree
Name: Vitex agnus-castus aka chastetree Type of Plant: A large shrub that flowers in mid to late summer. Hardy in Zone 6-8 Why I Love/Hate this...
I Love Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ aka Coral Bark Maple
Name: Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku' aka Coral Bark Maple Type of Plant: Small tree for part-shade, reaching 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. Hardy in...
I Love Perovskia atriplicifolia aka Russian sage
Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia aka Russian sage Type of Plant: Perennial plant for full sun and well drained soils. It has woody stems so doesn’t...
I Love Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ aka upright Japanese Plum Yew
Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' upright Japanese Plum Yew Type of Plant: Slow growing, upright evergreen that grows well in sun or...
I Love Baccharis halimifolia, aka groundsel or eastern baccharis
Sometimes it's great to appreciate a plant that doesn't live everywhere, doesn't flower all summer, and can't be kept "under control." Name:...
I Love Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’ – aka ironweed
Name: Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’ aka ironweed Type of Plant: A drought tolerant perennial for Zones 4-9, with grass-like foliage all...
I Love Cuphea hybrid ‘Cupver’, aka Cuphea Vermillionaire
Name: Cuphea hybrid 'Cupver' aka cigar plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, firecracker plant Type of Plant: This Cuphea is an annual in northern...
Advice for Garden Clubs Re: Virtual Meetings
Since the pandemic hit, we are gathering virtually; attending church services online, having cocktails with friends, and visiting with friends or...
I Love Pennisetum purpureum ‘Tift 8’ aka Vertigo Fountain Grass
Name: Pennisetum purpureum ‘Tift 8’ aka Vertigo fountain grass Type of Plant: An annual grass in colder climates (hardy in Zone 8-11) that’s tall...
I Love Myrica pensylvanica aka bayberry
Name: Myrica pensylvanica aka bayberry Type of Plant: Native shrub or small tree for full sun and sandy soils Why I Love/Hate this plant: In dry...
Why The Pandemic Might Save Your Organization
As a speaker and a plant geek, I present programs to garden clubs, horticultural societies, and assorted other groups. Many of these organizations...
I Love Variegated New Guinea Impatiens
Name: Variegated forms of Impatiens hawkeri aka New Guinea Impatiens Type of Plant: Low-maintenance annual that grows to about 12 inches tall. Why I...
I Love Pugster Dwarf Butterfly Bush
Name: Buddleja davidii 'SMNBDBT' aka Pugster dwarf butterfly bush. Type of Plant: A dwarf butterfly bush that blooms prolifically through the...
Love Silver Moon Hyacinth Vine
Name: Dolichos lablab ‘Silver Moon’ aka Lablab purpureus ‘Silver Moon’ Type of Plant: A fast growing annual vine that you can grow from seed. Why I...
What’s In Bloom, August 22, Sandwich, MA
Yesterday I spent about an hour touring our property and taking a photo of every plant that was in bloom. Okay, not every plant, and not every...
I Love Mecardonia GoldDust
Name: Mecardonia GoldDust Type of Plant: An annual from Proven Winners that is heat tolerant, long-flowering, and totally low-maintenance. This...