I bought this little Magnolia maudiae two seasons ago. It was fresh and lovely at Xera Nursery. How could I resist? There was just one, and I snatched it up. Of course, I always buy first and think about where to plant second. I'm sure I'm in good company on...
Yesterday on Facebook, fellow gardening geek Dale Hickey, posed the "name your current plant crush" challenge. I love that game, and immediately thought Bergenia, a plant I fought to eradicate in my former garden. Now I'm buying them again, albeit cooler varieties....
Jasmines fall into the I-never-met-a-jasmine-I-didn't-like category. Funny thing is, I thought I had it all sorted out when it comes to this groovy Jasmine Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Red Top'. Of course, now I've got it all confused with a few others, and I'm not...
More weather complaining. But come on. This is crazy. Noah's Arc is floating out front. And the irony front, my shade planter bed doesn't get a lick of water tucked there under the eave. I'm standing outside like a crazy person watering in the rain. Ridiculous. I'll...
Do you count losses from pesky winter weather as opportunity? That's the path I'm taking. This small tree/large shrub for instance. Do you think it's a sign that I can never remember its name? Oleander? No, that's not right. It has Rosemary-like foliage. It's from New...
And the Jasmine Bed thanks you. I swear, after that first drenching rain, you can feel the earth breathing a sign of relief. And if it's not asking too much, rain gods, it would be lovely if this year, you could spread the wealth. A little more here: a little less...
We're getting a terrific break in weather out here in the Pacific Northwest. It's perfect for gardening--coolish, cloudy mornings, and sunny afternoons. Yesterday, we had rain, and it's supposed to last a few days--much to the chagrin of William, the household...
I cannot get over the thrill of plants emerging in spring, tender vibrant leaves bursting forth from earth. And it happens every year. How is nature so smart? Also every year, I'm taken by surprise when I swoon over flowers. I claim I garden primarily for foliage. But...