Great gardens have much in common with other works of art—form, color, structure, light, space and an indefinable “something” that draws viewers in. Unlike other masterpieces, however, gardens are ephemeral. Any gardener can tell you what happens when you leave a landscape untended for even a month. Lines blur, thuggish plants grow large while less … Read more
The other day I needed a rose—a special rose with certain very specific characteristics. It had to have beautiful blossoms, decent-looking leaves and a repeat blooming habit. Fragrance was a given. This much-needed plant also had to be pest and disease resistant and require very little care. Hearing all of that, some people might point … Read more
I love my cottage-style garden, with its masses of flowers and greenery. At my place, the garden has plenty of classical elements including brick paths, hedges and stone walls, but the plants rule the roost. The flip side of all that cottage garden charm is that masses of flowers and greenery can easily become messes … Read more
Everyone I know grows hostas. They are unparalleled for filling up space in shady spots and will increase happily, as long as you remember to put out Tony Soprano-style contracts on the local slugs and deer. Some gardeners, who have made the appropriate slug and deer arrangements, might call hostas “the perfect plant.” Perfect, that … Read more
I am forever acquiring new plant species and varieties, mostly because I am an easy mark for plant merchandisers. A trip to a good garden center—and there are several of them within an easy drive of my house—brings me face to face with all kinds of temptation and I often give in. I am lucky … Read more
