Shrubby cinquefoil or Potentilla fruticosa is the rose’s often-overlooked relative. It boasts so many conspicuous virtues—hardiness, varmint-resistance, a repeat-blooming habit and beauty—but somehow it lacks the flash of the eternally beloved rose. I am, of course, addicted to roses, but not long ago I finally bought a pink-flowered potentilla and now I wonder why I … Read more
I love etymology, the study of word origins. That is partly why I am intrigued by weigela, a gorgeous flowering shrub that is having its moment of glory just now, in mid to late May. Weigela is part of the larger honeysuckle plant family, known botanically as Caprifoliaceae. If you are into astrology, you know … Read more
In spring you notice all the flowering trees that have been hiding in plain sight for the rest of the year. Right now, the striking Kousa dogwoods or Cornus kousa, are strutting their stuff, with large, white, four-petaled flowers that boast green centers. The trees are anonymous to all but their most loyal followers three … Read more
Normally, when I think of lace, my mind settles on images of brides and babies’ christening gowns. Artist James McNeil Whistler’s mother famously wore a lace-trimmed cap in his “Arrangement in Grey and Black No 1”, but she certainly did not look happy about it. At this time of the year, the lace that I … Read more
I love the moment in spring when all the flowering trees and shrubs seem to burst into simultaneous bloom. Depending on the weather, that mass flowering can last a few days or more than a week. It always ends in showers of petals that rival the snow flurries we had up until about three weeks … Read more
