C. L. Fornari's Blog

I Love Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata ‘SMNHSI’ aka Let’s Dance Can Do!®

Name: Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata 'SMNHSI' aka Let's Dance Can Do!® Type of Plant: This is a hybrid of a bigleaf-hydrangea and a mountain hydrangea, so you get the advantages of both. It will grow about three feet tall and wide, and is best planted in part sun to...

I Love Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’

Name: Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ Type of Plant:  An annual salvia that has blue flowers, bright green leaves and black calyces. Why I Love This Plant:  I love this plant for three reasons. First, it’s a hummingbird magnet. Secondly, the flowers are a clear...

I Love Veronicastrum virginicum aka Culver’s Root

Name:   Veronicastrum virginicum aka Culver’s Root Type of Plant:  A perennial native to North America that is important to pollinators and attracts a variety of beneficial insects. It’s a tall plant that should be placed at the back of a perennial garden in full sun....
Planting on Top of Stumps

Planting on Top of Stumps

If you've got a tree stump - or better yet two or three tree stumps - you've got a great place for growing moss, perennials or annuals. Here are some options for growing on or in stumps and tree trunks.  Getting Moss...

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Mixed Greens Pesto Pizza

Mixed Greens Pesto Pizza

In the summer vegetable season there are so many possibilities when you go into garden and ask, "What's for dinner?" One of my favorites is to make...

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What is Deadheading?

What is Deadheading?

How do I deadhead my plants? And why? I discussed deadheading last week on The Garden Lady and later in the program a caller remarked that it was...

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Nasturtium Martini

Nasturtium Martini

Looking for a beverage that celebrates the summer garden? (Alcoholic or non-alcoholic.) Have I got a drink for you! Ingredients - Alcoholic  12...

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Cold Garden Veggie Soup

Cold Garden Veggie Soup

When your garden is producing and the weather is hot, you have the perfect ingredients for a cold summer soup. This recipe can be varied according...

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Gardener Vs. Chipmunk

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...

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Gardens On Tour

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...

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Grace and the Unexpected

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,...

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