When I am out walking each day, I look at plants—the manicured specimens maintained by landscape crews, the lovingly grown clumps of annuals and perennials on smaller lots, and even the strays—self seeded individuals growing where they may or may not be wanted. The other day I saw a butterfly bush or Buddleia davidii growing … Read more
Novelist Henry James thought the words “summer afternoon” were the most beautiful in the English language. I love that phrase, especially in July when I am sitting in a shaded spot with a glass of iced tea and a good book. Still, in my mind, “summer afternoon” comes in second to the phrase “sunny Saturday … Read more
My behemoth quince bush has been taken over by a plant that has had more names than a check forger, is bound and determined to run completely out of control, and makes regular, unscheduled appearances in respectable gardens everywhere. Sweet autumn clematis is the plant, and if America’s Most Wanted had a plant list, this … Read more
My county has some of the loveliest public parks around, with long, winding roads, beautiful trees and winsome water features. The paths through these parks are among my favorite walking routes. I was out walking not long ago and spotted a clump of yellow flag iris or Iris pseudacorus on the edge of a large, … Read more
I am not an orchid person, but from time to time I fall madly in love with plants that bear orchid-like flowers. Sweet peas beguile me, though I have never had success growing them in the garden. I blame that on climate, though inattention might also play a role. Every year in early summer I … Read more
