Understanding Color in the Garden
We have overcast, grey skies and snow again. The few, bright yellow daffodils that were blooming are completely bent over with their heads in the snow and the purple pansies I just planted are totally buried. I’m tired of the bleakness; I need color! If you stop and think about it, the role that color …
Daylilies: The Perfect Perennial
My earliest introduction to daylilies was in my grandmother’s garden when I was a small child. I remember being entranced by the bright yellow blooms one day and devastated the next when half of them were lying on the ground, dead. Somehow, in my mind, it was my fault that they were dead; I should …
Planting for Butterflies
To those of us who thrive on nature, there are few experiences that can rival that of watching a butterfly as it gracefully lands on a flower to gather nectar and then delicately spreads open its wings to bask in the sunlight. Its iridescent colors sparkle in the light and invites feelings of peacefulness and …
The Best of the Best -- New Varieties for a Butterfly Garden
I love spring! I love hearing the birds sing in the early morning, seeing the crocus and daffodils emerge and feeling the warm sun as I venture out to my yard. I love the anticipation of what I will accomplish in the coming months. And I love deciding which of the dozens of new plants …
Instead of a Rose Bouquet, Give a Rose Garden
When we were first married, my husband would either send or bring me a beautiful bouquet of long stemmed red roses for Valentine’s Day. As much as I loved them, I always felt just a little guilty to have them. We didn’t have a whole lot of money back then,the flowers were expensive and I …
Conquering Critters in the Garden – Part 2: Deer
When we lived at the lake, I was used to dealing with wildlife, especially deer. We had a home situated in the middle of their natural habitat so it only seemed fair that they shared in my garden bounty. (Of course the fact that my neighbor consistently set out salt licks didn’t help the situation …
Conquering Critters in the Garden - Part 1: Groundhogs
Last Friday was Groundhog Day. Normally, that particular day doesn’t even register with me until I hear a news reporter talk about Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow (or lack of). This year is different. This year just hearing the word groundhog sets my blood boiling. For the past 25 years I have been unable to …
Sustainable Landscapes -- A Sense of Place and A Sense of Peace
Growing up in the middle of a large Midwestern city, my connection with nature was little more than a few minutes in our highly manicured yard, an occasional visit to a city park or a stroll through our botanical garden for the Christmas display. My family simply did not see the need to spend much time …
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