Every year the Pantone Color Institute introduces its “Color of the Year”, reflecting what the Institute thinks is the zeitgeist or prevailing mood for a particular 365-day period. The 2020 color is “Classic Blue”, a shade lighter than navy blue, but deeper than sky blue. On the large Pantone color chart, it is number 19-4052. … Read more
When I first wrote about pincushion flowers, which go by the unattractive Latin name, scabiosa, fifteen years ago, I had just purchased a lovely one. It was a striking dark purple-flowered variety, ‘Ace of Spades’. Billed as a perennial, I cosseted the plant for its entire first year, giving it sun, water and a prime … Read more
I have columbine or Aquilegia vulgaris growing in my garden—and occasionally in the grass, rock wall crevices, cracks between pavers, and just about anywhere else that that is home to more than an atom of soil. I regard this as a blessing, because most of them are self sown specimens that flourish with absolutely no … Read more
Somewhere out in my yard, General Köhler lies sleeping peacefully under a light blanket of snow. I expect he is snoring, or would be, if he were not a hyacinth bulb waiting for the earth to warm up next spring. These days merchandisers frequently name plants according to purported ease of cultivation—“Oso Easy” and “Hasslefree” … Read more
Balloons lift spirits just about any time. On hot, mid-summer days, balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) provide equal elevating power. Right now in my garden, both blue and white varieties are covered with the puffed, rounded buds that give the plants their common name. They are in the process of opening into the flattened, bell-like flowers … Read more
