Purple and Gold

For several years, one of the big mail order nurseries has touted a lovely combination of climbing plants: the stalwart, yellow-flowered rose, ‘Golden Showers,’ and the purple clematis, ‘Etoile Violette.’  The two make a lovely color combination when they grow together; the buttery color of the rose contrasting with its color wheel opposite, dark purple.  … Read more

Busman’s Holiday

What do gardeners do on vacation? Visit gardens, of course, or, if we have places to do so, garden in our vacation spaces. Ever the horticultural glutton, I do both. My sister and I own a summer cottage on nine acres of land in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. My maternal grandfather … Read more