Skip to content
Gardens of Isles of Scilly

A Great Garden You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

A Great Garden You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 🌿
Tresco Abbey Garden in the Isles of Scilly is home to 2,000 exotic plant species, dramatic windbreak hedges, and even red squirrels! We only had a few hours to explore—but it was unforgettable. A hidden gem for garden lovers!

Azaleas planted long ago in the bottom behind Stephanies home

Surprise in The Bottom

Forgotten Azaleas and a Hidden Family Spot
A quiet corner of our family’s land, long overgrown and nearly forgotten, holds a blooming surprise—and a heartwarming reminder of days gone by

Azaleas in Bloom: Springtime Memories at Behnke Nurseries

Azaleas in Bloom: Springtime Memories at Behnke Nurseries

What made Behnke’s azalea season so unforgettable? 🌸 Larry Hurley shares behind-the-scenes stories from the glory days of spring—burlap-wrapped roots, homegrown beauties, and a display that stopped visitors in their tracks.

Planting Peas and weeding

Weeding & Planting Peas

Spring gardening in Maryland brings memories, family effort, and a fresh start in the raised beds—peas planted, weeds pulled, and love in every row.

Whose Tea Set Was This, Anyway?

When a dusty silver tea set resurfaced, it sparked memories of family, tradition, and the slow process of restoration. Now, as I clean each piece, I’m left wondering: who did this tea set belong to, and how did it end up forgotten in the basement?

display piece of a mannikin or statue clothed in small tropical plants at the Montreal Botanical Garden

Northern Exposure

A look back at a summer visit to the Montreal Botanical Garden during a Perennial Plant Association trip—full of stunning displays and plant inspiration. 🌿

Stephanie and her father in law Marshall mowing

A Yard Full of Memories

Learning the Ropes I went out to mow our yard for the first time last week. As my husband went over all the instructions on how to use the mower, I kept remembering last summer when I thought I would…

Elizabeth and Oma April 2025

From the Garden to the Kitchen Sink: A Greener Journey, One Small Change at a Time

After a lifetime of working with plants and soil, I always felt connected to the Earth. But it wasn’t until recently that I started thinking about what I was bringing inside my home. This Earth Day, I’m sharing the small but powerful changes I’ve made to create a healthier space for my family—and why it matters more than ever. 💚

Larry Hurley in his Wisconsin Garden

A big Coneflower for your consideration

Looking for a late-summer showstopper that pollinators love and rabbits leave alone? Meet Rudbeckia ‘Herbstsonne’—an old favorite that’s stood the test of time. With bright yellow, drooping petals on 7-foot stems, this coneflower isn’t shy. I first grew it back in 1984 at Behnke’s, and it’s still a standout in my garden today. 💛

Back To Top