Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is one of the best blue-flowered plants around and at this time of the year it is ubiquitous–by roadsides, nudging hedgerows and even making appearances in vacant city lots. The woody stems, rather nondescript leaves and modest buds are nothing to write home about. The flowers, though, distill the color of the … Read more
I have long wanted to grow my favorite fruit, peaches, in my garden, but have never quite managed to do so. Now, however, I have had an encouraging sign from the horticultural deities. I was intrigued by a New York State historical marker that I saw on my vacation that alluded to the fruit. The … Read more
When I go on vacation, I do two things–try to visit significant gardens near my vacation spot and make note of the vegetation (domestic and otherwise) around me. There is no better way to get to know a particular place than to familiarize yourself with the flowers, trees and shrubs that grow there. I usually … Read more
Time was running short and rain was pouring down. I had one available shopping day before my hard-won, garden center bonus bucks were set to expire. There was only one thing to do–get in the car and go. After all, bonus bucks don’t come along every day. Lightening flashes illuminated the route to the excellent, … Read more
Right now morning glories are working their way through the garden, climbing the trellising by the back porch, creeping along the ground in front of the privet hedge and insinuating themselves into the plantings between the sidewalk and the street. In short, they are everywhere. The reason for this is that ‘Grandpa Ott’s’, the variety … Read more
