Right now the soil in my garden is dry as dust, despite rain late last week. I generally do not irrigate, but it is time for the sprinkler to come out. Watering the containerized plants continues as a matter of course. In addition to combating the dry situation, I am feeling grateful for the plants … Read more
You have to love a plant that comes with the following catalog description: “possesses enough brawn to easily tackle heat, humidity, dry shade and lean soil, yet detests too much fertility.” That describes my climate and parts of my garden perfectly. The good news is that the plant in question is already growing there, having … Read more
In 1919, a new popular song invaded the public conscience. Its title was, “How Ya Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree?)” World War I had just ended and many American soldiers had experienced Europe for the first time. Some of those not annihilated in trench warfare had been exposed to … Read more
In my garden beds, I generally consider Virginia creeper—Parthenocissus quinquefolia—to be a nuisance. The seeds, “planted” by passing birds that eat and excrete the fall berries, germinate readily in inaccessible places like the base of the privet hedge that bounds three sides of the front yard. Disguised by the privet leaves, the fast-sprouting creeper vines … Read more
