There is an old expression that goes like this: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I would add that when Mother Nature give us incessant rainfall and unseasonably low temperatures, we should plant more bog or moisture-loving plants. At least the plants will be happy, even if we aren’t….


The kingdom of plants is filled with many desirable shrubs, including many old-fashioned forms and newer hybrids. Gardeners (including me) love many of the numerous old school selections while also embracing newer more modern forms. One of these plants, Weigelia florida, has been a proven performer in local gardens for decades, providing showy spring flowers, excellent…