If the abundant asters, Japanese anemones and the newly-revived roses didn’t convince me that it’s fall, the weeds certainly would. Suddenly the crabgrass—scourge of the summer lawn and garden—is gone and the onion grass is back. I took the first tentative strands of it out today, while I was dividing some tradescantia. More will certainly … Read more
I love Latin plant names. They are elegant and beautiful and often redolent of history and mythology. Most important, the Latin names represent a common language used by plant lovers all over the world. But my love affair with Latin names is in serious jeopardy right now due to third party interference. The heartless interlopers … Read more
UP ON THE ROOF The media has given a lot of publicity over the past few years to “green” structures, including roofs and walls. Green roofs, when properly supported, planted and tended, can keep buildings cooler than conventional roofing materials. Green walls are a way to beautify interior or exterior space by growing plants … Read more
The tall asters that dominate my front garden used to be known to dirt gardeners and botanists alike as “asters.” Botanists and plant taxonomists now call them Symphyotrichum, a name that makes simple plants sound complicated and inaccessible. Everyone else still calls them asters. I hope the plant taxonomists will take the hint and rescind … Read more
A few days ago I read an article in The Telegraph, an English newspaper, on the fabled long borders at Great Dixter, an estate garden that was the longtime domain of the late plantsman and author Christopher Lloyd. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/9552586/Great-Dixter-gardens-going-out-in-a-blaze-of-glory.html) Great Dixter is open to the public full time, so the beds and borders have to … Read more
