Color Me Croton

Sadly, the poinsettia plants that many of us purchased over the holiday period have given their all, lost their colorful bracts, and been consigned to the curb, the compost pile, or that neglected spot among the unloved houseplants where seasonal specimens go to die. Now, with holiday decorations stowed, and spring still far off, many … Read more

Pipevine

A few years ago, my daughter and I were in a public park, hiking up a steep road in the direction of the highest point in our state. Not far from the summit, a large butterfly stopped to rest on the pavement in front of us. The slender “tails” on the lower wings marked it … Read more

Camellias for the North

I have a weakness for British gardening magazines, and it gets me in trouble all the time. So many beautiful gardens, so many interesting plants, and so many great ideas. The ideas are not out of reach, nor are the gardens—if I decided to take a trip across the pond—but many of the plants are … Read more

Nodding Violets

I am a romantic at heart, so I never could have imagined that I would fall madly in love with a plant that sounds like a fairy tale/throat infection mash-up. The plant in question—and the object of my current crush—is Streptocarpella ‘Dancing Doves’. The affair is so successful that I rooted a cutting from the … Read more

Flying Colors

At this time of the year, all the gardening publications are publishing predictions for next year. This is both exciting and intimidating, especially for those of us who are still competing in the great Race against Frost and trying to finish garden clean-up and bulb planting. Glancing through the predictions, one catches my eye—vibrant color … Read more