showy flowers

Cannas

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In the middle of the twentieth century, the Brazilian actress and singer Carmen Miranda was a hit with the public. Known for her large personality, great talent, and fruit-bedecked headwear, she was celebrated for her “exotic” beauty. She was a trailblazer for Hispanic performers in the United States. I think of Carmen Miranda when I … Read more

Paeonia Maxima

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Only eight short weeks ago, gardeners in my part of the world were rhapsodizing over the diminutive glories of snowdrops and crocuses.  Now, even the foliage is gone with the wind, and the memory of their charms has been washed away in the high tide of one of the greatest floral show horses of all—the … Read more