This postcard arrives as the Kousa dogwoods on Cape Cod are amazing in 2025. It explains why we're seeing such an incredible display this year, and why it might not be so prolific in 2026...
A Postcard From Amazing Blooming Trees
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C. L. Fornari's Blog
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Wild Rice Kale Cakes
I had two cups of leftover wild rice last week, and in using it up I created some cakes that I will be sure to make again. In fact, I realized that...
Early Blight on Tomatoes
I've often compared the garden to a party. We are blessed when we're not depending on our landscape to provide all of our winter food, so why not...
I Love Bidens Campfire™ Fireburst
Name: Bidens Campfire™ Fireburst (aka Bidens hybrid 'KOIBID1346') Type of Plant: This is a long-flowering annual from Proven Winners that...
Is This Poison Ivy
We're all familiar with the saying, "Leaves of three, let it be." But the reality is that there are many plants with sets of three leaves that we...
Watermelon and Smoked Gouda
One of the joys of cooking and having an assortment of fresh ingredient on hand is stumbling on fantastic flavor combinations. I found one this week...
Catching My Eye In Late May
May is a magical month in the garden. If you haven't been a tourist in your own yard recently, go out into the landscape with new eyes. Pretend...
I Love Hydrangea Bobo
Name: Hydrangea paniculata Bobo (aka Hydrangea paniculata 'Ilvobo') Type of Plant: This is a dwarf Hydrangea paniculata, a shrub we’ve all been...
Zucchini Noodles With Pesto
I was shopping in Whole Foods and saw some noodle-cut veggies. The zucchini called to me. I quickly cooked these in about 3" of boiling water that...
What To Do In The Garden – May
Since every garden is different and what is going on in any given month is completely regional, it's impossible to make a "garden tasks for May"...
Cell Phone Cameras and Gardens
There are many times when I'm so thankful that I have an iPhone 6 on me at all times. Although I use a larger Canon camera for much of my...
I Love Hosta ‘Blue Cadet’
Name: Hosta ‘Blue Cadet’ Type of Plant: This medium sized, perennial Hosta is pretty perfect in most landscapes. It grows to about 16” high and...
How To Make Champagne Wire Chairs
If you go to Google Image and put in "champagne chairs" you'll get many pictures of just how creative you can get with these. Mine are a bit rustic...