The quiet pitter-patter sound of raindrops seeped into my dream state. The gentle rhythm carried along a magical fragrance in the air that only can be experienced with rain. In my half- dream state, my brain registered that it surely must be the irrigation system. It had to be close enough to five in the … Continue reading Autumn Rain
Category: Uncategorized
Plant Junkie
There is no question about it. I am a certified - card carrying - plant junkie. If such a club or organization existed, my name would be right at the top. Plants seem to find their way into my care if I need them or not. I just can't resist! Often I wonder if this … Continue reading Plant Junkie
More than Potatoes
Garlic from the Feil's Idaho garden Last week found me traveling to visit some dear friends living in Idaho. The perfect weather enabled me to soak in the vast open landscapes found in eastern Oregon. As I drove through little farming towns along the way, I noted the flag of our country flying from almost … Continue reading More than Potatoes
Big Words
When speaking of such things as mycorrhizae , Philadelphus lewisii or even evapo-transpiration, it seems to mean little to those not familiar with the world of soils, plants and water. As a result, using big non-descriptive words can fail to relate to the essence of good plant growth that those same gardeners may instinctively know … Continue reading Big Words
Who is Confused?
The Poppies of Tuscany There seems to be some confusion about this week's holiday and what is to be remembered or to be thankful for. Plus, it seems the more I read, even the flower representing this holiday was a mystery. With that being said, let's clarify the dates. Memorial Day itself is always held … Continue reading Who is Confused?
Dry Shade Winners
Helleborus and Vinca minor in dry land shade garden Over the years, there are two micro climate areas that seem to stump the best of gardeners for a successful outcome. One is hillside planting that I will address next week, and the other is plants to use in dry shade areas. Yet there are wonderful … Continue reading Dry Shade Winners
Pictures on the wall
Family Cabin Last weekend my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren met at our little log cabin for the celebration of spring birthdays and the commencement of converting the large garage into a bunk house for this ever-expanding family. During the course of the weekend, various ideas flew about which I found of interest. While many … Continue reading Pictures on the wall
A Fun Kind of Weeding?
There are several methods of controlling weeds in a garden. Some of those methods can be toxic while others can be kind of fun and far more benign for the environment! Did I say that weeding a garden can be fun, or am I employing the Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn methodology to fool you into a … Continue reading A Fun Kind of Weeding?
Color
Liriope muscari and Tete d tete daffodils Who recalls the opening scene of the movie, The Color Purple? The camera panned out to reveal a field of beautiful lavender cosmos. Without watching any further, the producer captured my attention. Color in the garden can cause a head to turn with anyone passing by. It is … Continue reading Color
Beneficial Lavender
Monarch and Bees on Lavender Lavandula, commonly known as lavender, is a plant known by many. Yet it makes me wonder how many people know about its history and use beyond a placeholder for a colorful perennial shrub to grow in a sunny area of the garden. Planting lavender is relatively simple. The plant requires … Continue reading Beneficial Lavender
