garden planning

Glorious Garden in Eight Hours

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Sometimes deadlines make you neurotic.  Other times, they help you get focused.  I am choosing the latter course, because I want a good-looking garden before Memorial Day.  The problem—for the past week wet weather and at least one blast of high wind have made the garden soggy, riddled with opportunistic weeds and full, once again, … Read more

Purple and Gold

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For several years, one of the big mail order nurseries has touted a lovely combination of climbing plants: the stalwart, yellow-flowered rose, ‘Golden Showers,’ and the purple clematis, ‘Etoile Violette.’  The two make a lovely color combination when they grow together; the buttery color of the rose contrasting with its color wheel opposite, dark purple.  … Read more