Ah yes… summertime ! Warm sunny days, light breezes and DODDER !!! A tangle of dodder ! What is it? Cuscuta (dodder) is a genus of over 201 species of yellow to orange parasitic plants that look like angel hair pasta! It is in the morning glory family – the Convolvulaceae (morning […]
THE APHIDS ARE COMING !
What are they ? Typical green aphid with live birth young Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects with long, slender mouth parts that they use suck out plant fluids. They tend to feed in dense groups on leaves, buds, stems, or flowers. Some species feed on only one type of plant, while others are […]
MINI DAFFODILS !
Wow ! THE SPECIES Daffodils are a group of flowering plant in the Amaryllis family. They are one of the most carefree of all spring-flowers. Growing almost anywhere, they are not bothered by deer or rodents. Blooming reliably for generations, they return every spring in greater numbers! Flowers come in many […]
AQUILEGIA
So very pretty ! Used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK COLUMBINE It is a spring favorite of many gardeners – and tough as nails ! The entire group has lovely flowers with an amazing variety of color choices. Aquilegia (also known as buttercups) has about 60–70 species. These are mainly found in meadows, woodlands, and […]
CINERARIA
An electric blue if I’ve ever seen one ! Thank you Shutterstock! The name Cineraria falls under the Pericallis genus, which includes the daisy. Composed from the Greek – peri meaning around and kallos meaning beauty. It is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae), closely related to ageratum, gerbera daisies, straw […]
BEST ANNUALS FOR A COLD SPRING
Below are the most successful cool-weather annuals we have used for the early spring. Without a doubt, they inarguably hold up to any sudden cold snap. We find they are the better choice than other spring varieties which may become damaged if the temperature dips to freezing or below. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) […]
WE LOVE CHUNKY !
THE MESMERIZING CAUDICIFORMS What are they ? Caudiciform plants are those that create a swollen base or trunk – which is called a caudex. Usually above ground, they can also develop under the soil level. The trunk can be smooth, bumpy or even have a turtle back arrangement! Many caudiciform plants […]
WE’RE BACK !!!!!!
The go to plant For the endless amount of time the backbone of any shady summer plantings was the impatiens. It was the central attraction of any garden, not to mention the gift of exploding with flowers. It didn’t matter how shady – impatiens were the core shade plant forever. The Devastation […]
BLUE !
In my top three favorite spring flowers is Scilla siberica – Siberian squill. Bluest blue flowers ! And since my favorite color is blue (cerulean blue and especially a sky blue) this spring flowering bulb rules ! Looking from afar at planter full of Scilla is like looking at the sky! Caerulum – […]
