Sneezewort

It is late February, and the air is bone dry. That atmospheric condition will not last forever, and soon enough my part of the world will see a return of humidity. Eventually we will also experience hot weather. Now that the new season catalogs and online offerings are available, I am thinking of adding a … Read more

Besotted With Bespotted Bellflowers

I am about to leave for vacation at my family’s summer cottage in Central New York State. Over the years I have developed several garden beds on the property. Even though I only see and tend them for brief periods each year, they hold a special place in my horticultural heart. Ten ago I bought … Read more

Unfoxy Foxgloves

Part of the fun of gardening is discovering and growing new plants. There is nothing better than scrolling through online venders’ websites, or, even better, strolling through the display pallets at the garden center, and feeling the thrill of love at first sight when an unfamiliar species or variety comes into view. Last week I … Read more

Daisy Fleabane

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

Pipevine

A few years ago, my daughter and I were in a public park, hiking up a steep road in the direction of the highest point in our state. Not far from the summit, a large butterfly stopped to rest on the pavement in front of us. The slender “tails” on the lower wings marked it … Read more