Blackhawks Big Bluestem – 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year
Surprise! I was totally surprised to discover that the Perennial Plant Association named a grass (Blackhawks big bluestem) as the perennial plant of the year for 2026. Has this happened before? Well, yes it has. Three times before now the PPA has nominated a grass as the perennial of the year. Little bluestem in 2022, […]
Using Native Grasses in the Landscape
Native grasses have always fascinated me. Living in the Great Plains, and growing up in the Smoky Hills Region of Kansas, I got to find grasses from two separate ecoregions. The tall grasses of the east and short grasses of the west seemed to collide in my backyard. Now, I use native grasses and sedges […]
New Plants in the Nursery – 2026 Edition
Each year, as I become more and more accustomed to ordering for the nursery and landscapers, I try to add new plants that I think might excite customers. Adding new plants not only gets people more excited about gardening in spring, but it also helps the diversity of our landscapes. One of my personal pet […]
My Garden in 2025
Every year, I give you all a virtual tour of my garden. And 2025 is not different. I think it is nice to end the season with photos of your favorite spaces, and my garden is tops on my list, though I love to see every one else’s gardens too! Things in my own gardens […]
2025 Year in Review
It has been awhile since I have posted anything, life has been so busy! But the ed of 2025 is nearing and it is time for my annual review of the year. I have a lot to tell you about, so bear with me. Before I delve into more specific happenings, let me tell you […]
Plant Now for Next Year
Why do so many people ask if fall is a good time to plant? If you plant now, in the fall, then you will have much better gardens than planting in the spring. At least, that is how it works for most plants in the Central Great Plains Region of Kansas and Nebraska. Fall is […]
Milkweeds for North American Gardens
Milkweeds are fast becoming one of the most talked about if not grown plants in American gardens. Everyone is joining the effort in adding milkweed in their gardens to help our monarch butterflies. And the monarchs seem to be making a rebound. The 2024 season for the monarch was one of the lowest in 30 […]
Rockets Red Glare – All About Red Hot Poker
Red hot poker, Kniphofia uvaria spp. and hybrids, are one of the most durable perennials for the garden. Native to South Africa and Lesotho, the red hot poker can grow in a variety of gardens throughout the world. I first became aware of the flowers of this plant when I was a kid, going to […]
Wild Plants for Butterflies
Do I mean weeds? Well, yes. There are a variety of wild plants or weeds, which some of our most beautiful butterflies feed on. And if we are growing only tidy gardens, then we may lose out on seeing those butterflies. I am sure there are some new gardeners here, but many of you have […]
