Over the centuries, humans have had a complex relationship with members of the tobacco—Nicotiana—family. We have praised them, vilified them, smoked some species, distilled others into insecticides and burned still others in various rituals. One thing is clear. When it comes to ornamental or flowering tobacco, there is much to praise and almost nothing to … Read more
The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) is 31 year-old trade and industry group that seeks to promote perennial plants through education, lobbying and publicity efforts. The plants probably don’t care about this, but the horticultural industry that depends on them does. Every year at about this time, the PPA rouses winter-bound gardeners all over the country … Read more
For several years, one of the big mail order nurseries has touted a lovely combination of climbing plants: the stalwart, yellow-flowered rose, ‘Golden Showers,’ and the purple clematis, ‘Etoile Violette.’ The two make a lovely color combination when they grow together; the buttery color of the rose contrasting with its color wheel opposite, dark purple. … Read more
Fragrances and music have a tendency to seep right into your head and stay there. This past week, as the predicted “snowpocalypse” turned into a “sno-vereaction,” the scent of a particular primrose took up residence in my brain. Now I am on a quest for similar scented beauties for my spring garden. The brain take-over … Read more
An herb is defined as any useful plant. I grow lots of them, though some are decidedly more useful than others. I wage constant battles with rambunctious, self-sowing nuisances like perilla mint and lemon balm, which are on a perpetual campaign for garden, if not world domination. I gladly grow other, better-mannered herbs, including lavender, … Read more
