Green Hawthorn, the King of Winter
Every once in a while, there comes a plant that has it all; the one thing that most gardeners look for, four seasons of interest. We are lucky as gardeners to find plants with two seasons of interest, such as…
Falling for Dogwood
You may be wondering ‘Why write an article about dogwoods now? Why not wait until spring, when they are in their blooming splendor?’ Dogwoods are typically known and beloved for their beautiful spring flowers. But dogwoods have another season of…
Late Season Blooms for Butterflies
One of my favorite aspects of summer is seeing all the butterflies, like exquisitely colorful silk tapestries, fluttering throughout my garden.
By Golly, It’s A Holly
Winterberry is certainly a show-stopper shrub. Known as Ilex verticillata, winterberry is one of our most prized native plants. Walking through the woods, you would have a hard time finding it in summer. But walk through the woods in winter, and you would have a hard time missing it.
Water your Plants and Consider Xeriscaping
I’m not sure if you have noticed, but it’s been a hot summer. (As a horticulturist, I am always planting; just now I planted my tongue firmly in my cheek.) Last year, July was cooler and wetter than normal, this year just the opposite. Long hot spells with few breaks in temperatures, and the occasional severe thunderstorm to keep it interesting.
Hydrangeas for Everyone
think it’s a safe bet to say that everyone has grown or at least seen hydrangeas; they permeate the American landscape. What many may not have experienced is the range of hydrangeas out there to try.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
A hydrangea with oak-shaped leaves! What will mother nature think of next? How about peeling bark, downy-silver new growth, cinnamon-orange stems, fragrant flowers and rich fall color?
Virginia Sweetspire
Full sun will give you the richest fall colors, but in the wild these plants can also be found with other understory plants in the brighter spots in the woods.
Winterberry Holly
A holly that doesn’t act like the hollies you’re familiar with – not prickly and not evergreen – and native to boot.
Chokeberry
One of those plants that really should have a better name, this native flowering shrub gives you great multi-season interest.
Eastern White Pine is for the Birds
The eastern white pine, Pinus strobus, is one of the most popular native plants in our region. And even though these trees are commonly used in both public and private gardens, there are still many reasons why you should consider adding these lovely trees to your landscape. One of the principal reasons is that the eastern white pine is really ‘for the birds’.
Knock Your Socks off – Knock Out Roses
Although they have been around for a couple of years, the Knock Out series of roses still knock my socks off.