MONTAUK DAISIES I feel sorry for the Montauk daisy. It has a difficult Latin name, Nipponanthemum nipponicum, which means, literally, “the Japanese flower from Japan.” Before acquiring that mouthful of a name, it wore the slightly simpler Latin moniker, Chrysanthemum nipponicum, which means “the golden flower from Japan.” Obviously taxonomists felt that since only … Read more
MULTITASKING IN AUTUMN Seasonal rains are sending cascades of water down on this part of the northeast. My neighbor’s hemlock tree has responded by shedding millions of needles. I give thanks for every one of them because they make such wonderful mulch. All I have to do is wait until they dry, sweep … Read more
SEASONAL MIGRATION Someone or something has eaten all the plant saucers. It must have happened over the summer, because I swear that I had more than enough last spring. Now, as I bring the houseplants in for the winter, I can only find a fraction of the number that I need. I must … Read more
BLUE AGERATUM CONFUSION When is an ageratum not an ageratum? When it’s a eupatorium. If these words mean absolutely nothing to you, you’re not alone. Even though ageratum are stalwarts of public plantings from gas stations to parks, the name doesn’t trip off the tongue like “zinnia” or “sunflower.” But if you want … Read more
FALL BEGINS Fall is a time when many gardeners feel a little sad. The gardening season is winding down, the cycle of growth has slowed and the days are shortening. Staying out in the garden until eight o’clock on a glorious weekend day now means that you will end up weeding in the dark. … Read more
