C. L. Fornari's Blog
I Love Sambucus – Elderberries
Name: Sambucus nigra or canadensis aka elderberry. S. nigra is the European elder, and the S. canadensis is the native plant that’s considered to...
Cocktail Hour Garden Recipe #1
A Container Garden for Balconies or Small Patios Not everyone has room for extensive flower, herb and veggie gardens but that doesn't mean that you...
When Life Gives You Downy Mildew…
Make Pesto! Yes, once again our Italian basil is rapidly moving from robust growth to a premature death due to basil downy mildew. (Read all about...
Grandma’s Favorite Annuals
I once read that when you see a plant described as "Grandma's Favorite!" in a catalog or on a seed packet, you should know that what this really...
I Love Rudbeckia triloba
Name: Rudbeckia triloba Type of Plant: A tall, biennial, or short-lived perennial black-eyed Susan with small, cheerful flowers. This plant may...
A Beautiful Veggie Garden? You Can Grow That!
As I wandered through the vegetable garden at Tower Hill Botanical Garden last night, I was thinking about how satisfying it is to be in a lovely...
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...
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...
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...
I Love Tithonia Rotundifolia – Mexican Sunflower
Name: Tithonia rotundifolia aka Mexican sunflower Type of Plant: An annual for full sun that grows four to six feet high. Why I love this: I love...
Proven Winners Porch Update
Here is a photo to show how my front porch, planted this year with annuals courtesy of Proven Winners, is flowering. Every year I try something a...
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...
Words to Live By
I Love Maxibel Green Beans
Name: Phseolus vulgaris Maxibel – aka the Maxibel green bean Type of Plant: A bush bean that produces haricot vert style beans, thin and tender....
How to Remember What You’ve Planted
I've had several queries by email recently from gardeners who have forgotten what they planted. Some of these are from people who are new to veggie...
Growing Hydrangeas in Containers
You say you live where it's cold, so the blue hydrangeas you plant never flower? Do you want to grow mophead or lacecap hydrangeas but you're just a...
Why Isn’t My Blue Hydrangea Flowering?
This is the most frequent question I'm asked on my radio programs, and lately I've been getting several emails a day as well. We love the blue...
I Love Flower Carpet Pink Splash Rose
Name: Rosa x ‘Noasplash’ aka Flower Carpet Pink Splash Type of Plant: A shrub rose that’s hardy in Zones 5-10 for growing in full sun. Why I love...