Coneflowers for the Garden
Coneflowers have long been one of the most widely planted flowers in our gardens. I have seen an explosion of cultivars in the last 15 years, making it very difficult to choose which to grow. It seems as if you get a favorite, then its pulled for a new color and size. But, with so […]
Mallows in the Garden – Tropical Additions
Mallows in the garden can create a tropical-like atmosphere, if used correctly. I like to use the shrubs, perennials, and biennials that grow well in my region to create the desired look. Once they are in place, I can look to adding non-hardy tropicals such a palms and elephant’s ears to my garden experience. The […]
Hostas – Growing for Success in Shade
Hostas are one of America’s favorite shade garden plants. We have seem to have a love of plants and shade, and so hostas fit right in. There are some 6100 registered hosta cultivars across the world. They originate from Northeast Asia, mainly from Japan, China, and Korea. Being successful with hostas is a lot easier […]
Lenten Rose – March Plant of the Month
The Lenten rose is not a rose at all, but rather a member of the buttercup family. This family also includes such plants as anemones, clematis, and delphiniums. Native to southern and central Europe, Lenten roses have long been a part of traditions around the Lenten period. Lent is the period of 40 days from […]
Definitions of Common Gardening Terms
There are many words used in gardening posts and blogs that people may not know the meaning of. Well, this post is the place to be if you really want to know what something mean. I will be defining to the best of my knowledge (and a dictionary) the following terms. Enjoy and I hope […]
Plant of the Week: Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflowers are the bloomiest plants in summer, attracting many pollinators. Their tall stems are great for cutting and add height to the garden. Nearing the end of the gardening year, coneflowers are not in bloom, but their seedheads offer a plethora of uses in the garden and home. Echinacea, or coneflower, is native to […]
Plant of the Week: Western Ironweed
Western ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii) is our Plant of the Week for the second week of November. Even though bloom time is past, this perennial native has great fall and winter interest. There are many ironweeds native to North America, but Vernonia baldwinii is most widespread. This pollinator-friendly plant attracts many bees and butterflies to its […]
Plant of the Week: Aromatic Aster
Aromatic aster is our Plant of the Week for the 3rd week of October. This native perennial grows throughout the Great Plains and Midwest. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=syob This is number 3 on my list of Top Ten Perennials for Pollinators. I cannot think of a better plant for gardens for late in the season. When October rolls […]
Plants for the Autumn Garden
With the year finally beginning to wane, we are looking forward to the changing of the leaves and prepping for winter. However, before we put our tools away for good, we need to assess and evaluate our current gardens. Then we can decided which perennials and grasses would be beneficial for autumn color. Pollinator Plants […]
