As we near the end of June, the summer season has begun and I am hoping that the sun is here to stay. I, as I’m sure many of you, have always chuckled at the notion that summer in Western Washington starts after July 4th - some years this rings more true than others. It has been…


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…