Something I truly enjoy when strolling through any garden are surprises, simple unexpected treasures that catch my eye and bring a smile to my face. I come around a corner, or peer down a pathway, or even look behind an old tree and exclaim “Ooooo… and what do we have here?” These focal points can be…


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…