AMSONIA Long ago, when I was studying perennial plants at the New York Botanical Garden, I was introduced to a statuesque plant that was holding court in one of the Garden’s perennial beds. It was nearly four feet tall, healthy and robust, as you might expect of a specimen living in such surroundings. Many … Read more
PLANT COLLECTORS AND COLLECTIONS “When in doubt plant a geranium.” Margery Fish, who was a star in the British horticultural firmament in the middle third of the twentieth century, said it and lived it. She was fascinated by hardy geraniums and planted them all over her garden–in beds, wall crevices and anywhere … Read more
SUSTAINABILITY “Sustainability” has become such a buzz word, that some people cringe when they hear it. While the word “sustainability” may be suffering from a terminal case of incessant repetition, I like to think that gardeners have been maintaining the practice for millennia. Yes, there was a time, beginning just after World War II, … Read more
IRIS PALLIDA At this time of the year, the number of plants in the average northeastern garden that still look good is small. Some of the roses have nice hips, the barberries sport brilliant fruits and, of course, the evergreens provide excellent structure. If you have roses-of-Sharon, the seed heads are looking their best … Read more
A STUDY IN GARDEN EXCESS By all accounts, Englishman Charles Talbot had a winning ticket in the lottery of life. Upon the death of his childless uncle, George Talbot, in 1787, Charles inherited an impressive title–Earl of Shrewsbury–plus an even more impressive estate of about 600 acres and a large amount of money. Between … Read more
