Fuchsias! What does that name conger up for you? When I usually think of fuchsias, I visualize a beautiful hanging basket dripping with delicately formed blossoms of pinks, reds, purples and whites….
Heucheras To Lust After
New & Exciting Ferns From Monrovia Nurseries
Ornamental Grasses - Purveyors of Whimsy & Drama
Every Garden Needs A Bluebeard In It
Last week I pontificated about the merits of the genus Hibiscus and the fact that it is among the very few shrubs that bloom late into the summer. There are a handful of other summer-blooming choices that don’t come in quite so many variations but are just as reliable and dare I say, essential to creating that all illusive “year ‘round interest” in our gardens. Bluebeard is one such plant that will add late season interest in the sunny border with not a lot of fuss…
Long Blooming Perennials For The Northwest
Wallflowers - So Much More Than The Name Implies
When I think of the word “wallflower” or “shrinking violet” for that matter, I conjure up an image in my mind of a timid plant that is shy and socially challenged. It is not very flashy and prefers to grow in an obscure location where it will be barely noticed by the passing visitor. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth when we are talking about wallflowers….
Hellebores Are Back!
If you are the type that visits a garden center on a regular basis, then you have probably noticed that plants have their seasons. Most blooming plants will be featured front and center during the time of year when they are the showiest and the rest of the season either moved to the back or simply become “out of stock”. It’s no different than seasonal candy, like red and green M and M’s for Christmas or yellow and pink Peeps for Easter. Hellebores are a classic example of a seasonal perennial that is readily available throughout the winter and then missing during the summer months. I am excited to tell you that they are once again arriving on our benches and ready for planting…
Japanese Anemones
Gardening With Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are an interesting class of perennials. They have some unique qualities that make them an essential part of my borders, as they should yours. Unfortunately, many gardeners still see them as weeds that either need to be sprayed with Roundup or trimmed with the Weed-Eater. This column will hopefully find some converts…
Honesty is always the best policy and since I promised a “Trilogy of Conifers” last week, on we go with even more conifer mojo. We explored their variations in color, texture and growth habits for local landscapes. In episode two this week, I want to focus on the many calming shades of blue, highlighting some selections with both superior color and shape…