C. L. Fornari's Blog

Christmas Merchandise so EARLY?

I work at a family owned, independent garden center, and yes, we start putting out Christmas merchandise in early October. I see posts on social media about how horrible it is that stores are displaying the holiday goods before Halloween, and I just wish that I could...

Dried Flower Fun

In September I was inspired by an article in BBC Gardener's World Magazine about a woman who dried dahlias. On a whim, I picked some of my dahlias and zinnias, and hung them upside down to dry. I added a stem of golden rod and some of the smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea...

I Love Ginkgo Biloba

Name: Ginkgo biloba aka ginkgo tree Type of Plant: Ginkgos are ancient trees that are native to east Asia. There are many cultivars that range from small dwarfs to 50’ trees. Why I Love This Plant: I love the shape of the Ginkgo leaves, and appreciate that this plant...
Bringing Houseplants Back Inside

Bringing Houseplants Back Inside

It's time for my houseplants to come home from summer camp. Like most campers, they are happy to be home, but arrive needing a shower and perhaps a change of clothing. Here's my routine: I clip off any browned leaves...

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Hellebore House

Hellebore House

People who live in neighborhoods with sidewalks are so lucky. It's easy to walk past area yards and gardens, and appreciate plantings that might...

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Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox

Today is the first day of spring. In some parts of the world spring weather has come and gone. In others it is in full bloom, while in the more...

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Saving Something Small

Saving Something Small

When I saw a hummingbird in my Massachusetts garden shortly before Thanksgiving, I did what many 21st Century gardeners would do: I posted a photo...

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Tiger Eye Sumac Love

Tiger Eye Sumac Love

Imagine: “I want more color in the gardens,” she said. “No problem,” he replied. The next day when she got home there was a flock of pink flamingos...

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Planning A Cutting Garden

Planning A Cutting Garden

You want to be able to cut a few flowers and stick them in a row of bottles above your kitchen sink. Perhaps you want to snip some colorful blooms...

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I Love American Holly

I Love American Holly

Imagine: Beth and John loved the stand of American holly trees in their backyard. On summer evenings the light grey trunks were visible as they sat...

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Flowers in February

Flowers in February

If you like picking small bouquets for the house, you don't have to give up this practice just because it's the middle of winter. In many parts of...

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