PETUNIAS The world has not heard a sound, but petunias have exploded. Back in the mid to late twentieth century, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, petunias were relatively simple. Every nursery and garden center carried flats of them in shades of red, white, pink and blue-purple with occasional yellow or red and white … Read more
DEUTZIA The long cool spring in my area has brought a floral feast to my garden. The last of the daffodils are blooming alongside the tulips, ajuga, bluebells, columbines, cranesbills, forget-me-nots and lilies-of-the-valley. This kind of abundance is more characteristic of a flower show than a suburban garden. I would enjoy it all even … Read more
POOR MAN’S ORCHID I have spent most of my gardening career planting and promoting perennials. The benefits are obvious; they return every year and frequently grow large enough to divide, thereby increasing supplies at no extra cost. What’s more, they make a political and social statement, telling the world that I am not one … Read more
DANGEROUS ANDROMEDA I have fallen in love with a beautiful and dangerous plant. It is not dangerous in the literal sense, like the deadly castor bean or monkshood. It is dangerous because it is finicky and can be hard to grow. If grown badly it will either die or, more likely, languish forever in … Read more
A TIME OF DIVISION At long last, spring appears to be committing itself to this area. Even the cold nights are getting warmer and occasionally we see glimpses of sunlight during the day. The early daffodils have folded their tents and dropped their petals, beginning the long process of preparing for next season’s blooms. … Read more
