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….


It goes without saying that Japanese maples, in all of their varied shapes, sizes and foliage options, represent some of my favorite botanical treasures. My landscape remains dotted with a number of them that I planted when I first moved in, but over the years I have…