Clik here to view.
Stolwijk Alpina Blue Clematis
There are disadvantages to having a shaded garden. Yet, this new cultivar of clematis has given a dark corner some real delight. Even without the flower, the contrasting yellow foliage is welcome in my...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Update - Overseeding Turf with White Clover
Ok, it's now just over 3 weeks since we over-seeded the lawn with clover. (Here is that post.)Â I am quite pleased. The clover germinated in 6 days - given the adequate rains and cooler temps. Happy...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Curly-Q Fasciation On Continus coggygria
Pruning out the dead wood this week, I noticed this peculiar stem.Here, this smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) had one curly branch. Removed it to take a photo.Fasciation has made tissue grow faster on one...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Photo(s) of the Month - June 2014
Although Lily of the Valley have finished blooming earlier this month, I love how the flowers nestle into their leaves.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dividing Juncus effusus - Soft Rush for Ponds
This winter had heavy casualties in many gardens. However, we thought this Juncus effusus was going to kick the can. Thankfully, it shows signs of vigor and in fact signs of necessary division.Taken...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Collecting Hosta Seeds: The Experiment
I have several hostas in my little garden. I love them. This one is 'June'.Endless divisions have made my garden fuller and other folks happy. Yet, I have never attempted to germinate them from seed....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fabulous Bird Bath - Renzo Cattoni
Gardeners know that birds are crucial to promoting a balance between insect populations and healthy plant life. Helping to attract birds to a garden is key. Adding just any old bird bath is the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Clematis Wilt - Phoma clematidina
Clematis are some of the most beautiful flowering vines available to the avid gardener. However, several cultivars are prone to clematis wilt.This newly transplanted clematis (moved this past spring)...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Perennial Plants For Shade - Part 2
Gee, I can see myself making several parts to this sort of post. There are so many choices out there. Not the run of the mill either. Choices like these:Not your average shade plant. This...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Photo of the Month - July 2014
Captured this Euphorbia polychroma in the evening, with some sunset twilight. Turned the grey-green foliage to blue. Every garden should have this plant.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Petit Faucon Clematis (Evisix)
All one's hard work gardening pays off at this time of year. When plants respond to your TLC, it's sooo worth it.Petit Faucon ClematisThis herbaceous clematis nearly choked out last year. Having been...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Don't Throw Away That Garden Hose - DIY Fix It!
I was quite surprised the other day when I saw frustration in regarding a garden hose end attachment that leaked. The immediate response was, "we've got to get a new hose".The yellow hose end has been...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Perennial Plants For Shade - Part 3
Here's the third installment of Perennial Plants For Shade: Amsonia. Star shaped blue flowers flower in June. I'm partial to blue in the garden. Not many shade tolerant, blue perennials flower in June....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Planter Designs - Plant Combinations That Work
I've been blessed with a job that allows you to play with living colours.A few principles govern plant placement, but for the most part it's light requirements and colour that dictates what can...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Photo of the Month - August 2014
Softest foliage ever - Plectranthus argentatus 'Silver Shield'. Grown in several of my containers this year. Just got to love the beauty of each fussy leaf up close.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fish Bowl In The Garden
I wish I could build a pond in my tiny garden, but with a huge Gleditsia (Honeylocust) tree planted on the fence-line, yikes - it would be a lot of work to keep clean and too shady to attempt. I love...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Look for Gypsy Moth Egg Masses In August
Please, if you have any hardwood shade trees on property you own, or property you frequent, take a look at this photo.Beige, almost cotton-like, fuzzy masses are on hardwood shade trees right now.These...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Update - Overseeding Turf with White Clover
Here's an update of our patchy turf situation this spring (click here for the original post).Just delighted with the results.The White Clover is doing well. The sidewalk edges are green and lush, when...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Stumped - Possible Tradescantia?
Stumped on this fella. Nestled near a fence-line, in complete shade. Tiny, singular flower bloom on the tip and look like a face if you have my imagination. Stands about 8 inches off the ground. Lily...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Perennial Plants For Shade - Part 4
More shade loving choices:1. Vinca minor - Evergreen Ground Cover. Excellent for adding texture, sheen and coverage. Can be invasive if left un-manicured. In May, dainty star-shaped, blue flowers...
View Article