The Gardeners' Apprentice HELEN DILLON Last year’s Philadelphia Flower Show theme was “Legends of Ireland”. It was a celebration of all things Irish–plants, consumer products, lore, music, art, dance and ideas. It was also a tribute to the recent amazing resurgence of Ireland’s economy. The “Celtic Tiger” made its presence felt in many ways. With its … Read more
EDIBLE ORNAMENTALS I have discovered that I do some of my best garden work when I am motivated by a grand scheme or a master plan. Last year the “garden perfection plan” impelled me to take one year and make the garden as close to perfect as possible. That plan doesn’t really end until … Read more
STAR OF BETHLEHEM In the spring many of us look out into our yards and see a clump of pretty but weedy little flowering plants. The flowers are white and a bit lily-like and observant gardeners may notice that the clump of these plants seems to be larger than it was the previous year. … Read more
GROUND COVER ROSES It seems a bit strange to be thinking about roses when the precipitation is coming down in pellets outside, but I can’t help it. I just attached a bouquet of dried rosebuds to a Christmas wreath and the sight of them triggered thoughts of spring. As the growing season dwindled … Read more
TOPIARIES Not far from where I live, a modest house sits among a row of similar dwellings facing an extremely busy street. The house is distinguished by a pair of potted, spiral-shaped evergreen topiaries that flank the front door, setting off the “Beware of Dog” sign. Those topiaries are only the most recent … Read more
