Over the course of each and every season, a myriad of gardening questions are thrown my way.  I am always happy to answer them all because that it is what I truly enjoy – helping in any way I can, attempting to steer each unique gardener towards unbridled success.  There are no black thumbs after all, just duller green ones that require some polishing to bring out the hidden shine.  One consistently common issue that many gardeners inquire about is…

As we head into the heat that is August, I think it is appropriate to talk about some shade plants this week, specifically ferns.  Ferns, of many kinds, thrive in our local gardens, enjoying our maritime climate and mild winters.  They will grow nicely in…

We typically talk plants from week to week, but sometimes it is fun to mix it up a bit and expand into adjacent topics relevant to our gardens.  Fountains (and other statuary for that matter) have always intrigued me, as I continue to…

As this glorious PNW summer weather continues, let us continue delving into the world of Hydrangeas.  It is time for episode three, the grand finale of the Hydrangea trilogy… at least for the year 2025.  In the last couple of weeks we have talked Hydrangeas for partial shade (Big-Leaf or Hydrangea macrophylla cvs) and others for a bit more sun like Oakleaf types (Hydrangea quercifolia cvs) and Smooth types (Hydrangea arborescens cvs).  Now we get to talk about one of the most useful species for sunny gardens, Hydrangea paniculata, or what we call Panicle Hydrangeas…

We started our journey with Hydrangeas last week, so let’s keep the momentum going and continue by talking about an even more useful species of them this week.  As I have mentioned before, there isn’t a better choice for summer-long blooming shrubs than…

I think all gardeners crave color and flower power that brings smiles to faces throughout their landscape.  When we talk about options for summer-blooming shrubs, Roses and Hydrangeas stand above all others for both choice and longevity.  Roses are for full sun, while depending on the variety, Hydrangeas can be for sun, partial sun or shade.  I seem to write about…

As we head into the glorious months of summer in the PNW, it is the perfect time to consider what needs a little summer pruning in the landscape.  Not everything will, so please do not think that your whole yard needs to be done.  It is of course your garden and not mine, so…

I sincerely hope you are enjoying the onset of summer sunshine, and perhaps celebrated the summer solstice last week in style.  Nothing beats…