Gardening advice: where I learn the difference between answers that help you versus answers I’m seeking just for me. Let me explain, as I share flower images from my garden! Not too long ago, I spent an inordinate amount of time searching the internet for an answer to a burning gardening question. It wasn’t a […]
Trees and Hydrangeas Turning Brown After Tropical Storm
Are your trees and hydrangeas turning brown since Tropical Storm Isaias? My River Birch trees and Little Lime Hydrangeas suddenly look like late Fall has arrived. Here’s what I’ve learned so far. Tropical Storm Isaias hit us here in southern New Jersey on August 4th. Our neighborhood didn’t appear to suffer any major damage other […]
Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon Care
Use this Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) guide to grow this pretty flowering perennial shrub with a long season of continuous blooms! Easy to maintain and pollinators love it! I love Rose of Sharons — any and every one — all colors, shapes and sizes. If I could have all of them in […]
Black Eyed Susans: Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm
Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm Black Eyed Susan glows in the landscape! Handles heat, humidity and clay soil, and blooms mid-Summer into Fall. Learn the pros and cons in this guide. Table of Contents Are Black Eyed Susans perennials? The perennial version of Black Eyed Susan is Rudbeckia fulgida The origins of Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm Black Eyed […]
Portulaca: This plant thrives on neglect!
Portulaca (also called Rose Moss or Moss Rose) is an annual that thrives on neglect yet blooms non-stop Summer into Fall. Learn how to grow these pretty flowers easily. Perfect in hanging baskets and in the garden! If the idea of watering your garden often is not your cup of tea, you should consider drought-tolerant […]
Verbena bonariensis: garden must-have or invasive weed?
Verbena bonariensis: a must-have garden perennial but sometimes considered an invasive weed. Learn more here before adding this self-seeder to your garden so you’re prepared! This article includes planting and seasonal care info plus plenty of photos. I love this easy-care plant! I can’t believe I haven’t yet blogged about Verbena bonariensis – being that […]
Even gardeners need a break, as I found out the hard way
Even gardeners need a break sometimes. I found out the hard way after a day of gardening in Summer heat. Take a break. Admire your garden. You deserve it. And you just might see a bee buzzing around the lavender! Yesterday I was reminded that I’m human. At 10 AM I went out to do […]
Blue Star Kalimeris or False Aster loves heat and humidity!
Blue Star Kalimeris (Kalimeris incisa Blue Star) is an easy-care perennial. Loves heat and humidity. Pale blue flowers bloom all Summer. A must-have plant for your flower garden! I’ve been working on my gardens almost non-stop this season. Sometimes I almost feel like it isn’t truly gardening, as my chores have included things like scraping […]
Embracing the green garden when no flowers are blooming
The green garden comes into its own when no flowers are blooming. Spring is finished and Summer just getting started. Here is my soothing green garden in detail. That space between the Spring blooming bulbs, flowering shrubs and trees, and Summer garden flowers blooming profusely, is completely green. Everything is simply green in the garden. […]
Spring Flowers: images from my garden
Spring flowers in my garden do something important: they lift my spirits, alleviating moments of anxiousness or depression. Spring flowers offer hope. Enjoy these images from my garden. I’ve been planting bulbs every Fall for the past two years, and trust me: once you begin planting bulbs you won’t ever stop! At least I won’t! […]