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 Hybrid Primrose
Name: Hybrid Primroses Type of Plant: These gift plants are widely sold at this time of year to remind us that spring is coming. They are bred for...
I Love The Princess Anne David Austin Rose
Name: Princess Anne Rose from David Austin Type of Plant: This is an English shrub rose that grows about 4 feet tall and wide, with flowers that...
I Love the Drift Series of Roses
Name: Drift Roses Type of Plant: Low-growing, disease resistant, and repeat flowering shrub roses from Star Roses and Plants Why I Love This Plant:...
See You In Seattle!
Ellen Zachos and I are pleased to once again be recording a live edition of Plantrama at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. We'll be...
Create it, Write it, Plant it, Make it Grow
Words to live by.
I Love Mitchella repens aka Partridge Berry
Name: Mitchella repens aka partridge berry Type of Plant: A low-growing, evergreen native perennial that is hardy in Zones 3 to 8. Why I Love This...
I Love Amsonia hubrichtii aka Threadleaf Blue Star
Name: Amsonia hubrichtii aka Threadleaf Blue Star Type of Plant: A native perennial that flowers in early June on Cape Cod. Growing to about 3’...
Cape Cod Seed Starting Guide
A visual guide for when seeds get started on Cape Cod and the Islands.
I Love Impatiens walleriana Beacon®
Name: Impatiens walleriana Beacon® Type of Plant: The free-flowering, grown from seed Impatiens you have long known and loved, with one huge...
I Love Pentas Lanceolata aka Star Flower
Name: Pentas lanceolata aka star flower Type of Plant: Perennial in Zone 10 to 11 but an annual in most of the USA. Grows best in full sun. Why I...
In Praise of Life Week – December 26th to 31st
Here we are, in the middle of the week between Christmas and the New Year. In most businesses, this is a commonly viewed as a pause in the action,...
Making Ice Mobiles
When the temperatures are staying below freezing, it's time to make ice mobiles! All you need are some pieces of your houseplants, some plastic...
I Love Rosa ‘Meibenbino’ aka The Petite Knock Out Rose
Name: Rosa ‘Meibenbino’ aka The Petite Knock Out Rose Type of Plant: A miniature shrub rose with red flowers and the same ease and disease...
I Love Chlorophytum Comosum aka Spider Plant
Name: Chlorophytum comosum aka spider plant Type of Plant: A very common houseplant, probably because it’s easy to grow and propagate. Native to...
Filling Urns With Winter Branches
Last year I planted my urns with living plants such as hellebores, Osmanthus and ornamental cabbages, but this year I decided to go with sticks....
I Love Impatiens capensis aka jewelweed
Name: Impatiens capensis aka jewelweed Type of Plant: A native annual plant (let’s not call it a weed) that grows 2 to 4 feet tall and flowers in...
I Love Eruca sativa aka Eruca versicaria subsp. sativa, aka arugula or roquette
Name: Eruca sativa aka Eruca versicaria subsp. sativa, aka arugula or roquette Type of Plant: A leafy green annual grown for great taste and...
I Love Calendula Officinalis aka Pot Marigold
Name: Calendula officinalis aka pot marigold Type of Plant: Annual plant that has edible flowers, commonly growing 1 to 2 feet tall. This is not...