Blog

Gardeners and their Gardens

By Sandra Nelson   My daughter FaceTimed me the other day. She wanted me to see a plant and tell her what would look good with it in her garden. I gave her a few suggestions, but the conversation really got me thinking. I don’t know how many times I have stood in a garden …

 By Sandra Nelson    New Jersey Tea       Picture masses of gorgeous,  pure white flowers hosting visits from dozens of brightly colored butterflies and a delicate fragrance filling the air. Even better, picture that idyllic scene on the rocky hillside in your yard where …

By Sandra Nelson  

With the days all seeming to melt together, it’s hard to realize that today is already May 7th. In another week or so it will be time to begin planting the bulk of my vegetable garden  —  the warm season plants like tomatoes and cucumbers and zucchini, and some seeds like …

  Reminiscent of a dogwood tree, the doublefile virburnum, “Mariesii” is a true spring beauty.     Like so many of the old-fashioned favorites, doublefile viburnum is staging a …

By Sandra Nelson     Being in shelter-in-place throughout April has given me lots of extra time to read online news articles. I’ve noticed two problems dominating our daily lives: 1) The vast majority of American parents seem to be overwhelmed by homeschooling and online learning; and 2) Backyard vegetable gardens are being acknowledged as …

Brilliant color, delightful fragrance and easy care  — a winning combination!   Butterfly bush, also known as summer lilac, is a perfect addition to a Midwestern summer garden. Although it absolutely requires full sun, 8 hours a …

I’ve been feeling somewhat blue lately.  No, I’m not depressed  —  I’m debating on a color scheme for the new garden I’m adding this year. Right now I am leaning toward using shades of blue as my predominant color. The idea of adding a quiet, tranquil retreat appeals to me in …

 A fragrance that rivals that of the old fashioned lilacs that grew in Grandma’s garden, with the added bonus of blooming at least a month earlier!           While many species of …