C. L. Fornari's Blog

I Love Calocephalus brownii ‘Silver Sand’ aka Cushion Bush

Name:  Calocephalus brownii 'Silver Sand' aka Cushion Bush Type of Plant:  A silver-foliaged, finely textured plant typically sold as an annual in most of the US. This is also becoming a popular holiday plant at this time of year, however, because the texture and...

I Love Bromeliads

Name:   Bromeliads  Type of Plant:   Members of the Bromeliaceae family -  a large group of plants mainly native to the tropical Americas. Why I Love This Plant: This group of plants are lovely, low-maintenance plants for indoor color and a tropical feel in northern...

I Love Philodendron pinnatifidum × melinonii hybrid aka Philodendron Golden Crocodile

Name:   Philodendron pinnatifidum × melinonii hybrid aka Philodendron Golden Crocodile Type of Plant:  A yellow-green variety of Philodendron that’s native to Columbia, South America, and a pretty easy-to-grow houseplant in the rest of the world.   Why I Love This...
Welcome to Perennials!

Welcome to Perennials!

This week on The Garden Lady my guest is Kathy Tracey, plant lover and co-owner of Avant Gardens. Here are 8 tips for planting a perennial garden. Plant in groups of three or five. Unless a plant will spread quickly,...

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Baked Cauliflower Cutlets

Baked Cauliflower Cutlets

Cauliflower is a versatile veggie that can go in any ethnic direction for flavoring, and can be used to create vegetarian main or side dishes. It...

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Knowing What Plants Do

I got a call yesterday from someone who was puzzled about some shrubs that weren't doing well. She called them "cherry laurels" (Prunus...

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A Well Mannered Violet

A Well Mannered Violet

In past posts I've made it clear that I don't want common violets (Viola odorata) on Poison Ivy Acres. I will periodically spot a flowering plant or...

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Naming A Property

Naming A Property

Martha Stewart's house in Maine is called Skylands, Oprah Winfrey calls her California property Promised Land, and the late Roald Dahl lived in...

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What We Treasure

What We Treasure

When I was going into the 7th grade my family moved from Muncie, Indiana to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Instead of the one-day drive north, however,...

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Words To Live By

Words To Live By

There are times when we need to speak up, be bold, suggest new approaches and plant differently. It's not always appreciated, welcomed or accepted....

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