Alfred’s Sunflower Beds
Years ago, sunflowers lined Route One at Behnke Nurseries, planted to brighten the space, feed pollinators, and bring joy. Larry Hurley shares the story behind them.
Peony Wisdom
Peony season may be short, but choosing the right variety makes all the difference. Here’s why mail order might be your best bet for fall planting
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.
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. 💛
A Fern, A Nest, A Home: Carolina Wrens in the Staghorn
A no fuss birdhouse. This photo was taken at our home in Bethesda on June 29, 2014, through our dining room window. I have a staghorn fern, a tropical plant, that I put outside each summer. I’ve still got it, and…
Remembering Passchendaele: A Journey Through Belgium’s WWI Battlefields
“In June 2009, my wife and I explored the WWI battlefields of Passchendaele in western Belgium. This historic site, where British Commonwealth and German troops endured unimaginable losses, is a powerful reminder of the war’s impact. We visited Tyne Cot Cemetery, a beautifully maintained resting place for thousands of soldiers, making for a moving and unforgettable experience.” ~ Larry
Larry Hurley’s Photo Of The Week: Houseplants
Anyone can grow tropical plants indoors, you just need to be aware of the plant’s needs. Some are easier than others. I’ve never been able to successfully grown weeping figs or fiddleleaf figs in the house. They are, after all, large-growing trees that…
Larry Hurley’s Photo Of The Week: An Orchid for the Garden
I hope you have had a chance to visit one of the orchid shows around your area this winter. They are always a nice change from the cold, and bring thoughts of tropical travels. So many kinds and colors! You…
A Tropical Break From The Cold
It’s winter, and I’ve been having “snowbird” thoughts of times spent in warmer climates. One photo is from Bangkok, Thailand. It was not only warm, it was very hot and humid, and this from a guy who was living in Maryland…
Reflections on Time: Gardens, Life, and the Legacy We Leave Behind
I’ve been thinking of how fast time passes. I’m at the age when I go to more funerals than weddings, and I was sad to hear about the recent death of Stephanie’s Father-In-Law, Marshall. As a gardener, I was thinking…
Snow in DC: Wildlife Tracks and Backyard Wonders
Snow in the Washington, DC area! Alert the Press! Rest assured, the Press has been alerted and we out here in snowless (at least at our house) Wisconsin know all about your recent snowfall. This is a good time to…
Larry Hurley’s Photo Of The Week: A Pollinator Christmas
Just because they aren’t flying around now because it’s winter doesn’t mean that we should forget about our pollinators. Gardeners are coming around to the idea of leaving some debris in place overwinter (for example: allowing fallen tree leaves…