Dreaming up stunning color combinations is one of the most fun, creative, and satisfying activities any gardener can do. But how to come up with them? Well, you can study plant combination books, look at pictures, and imagine compositions in your head, but nothing beats seeing plants live and in person and trying out different combinations right in the garden. That’s why… Read more →
I love all seasons of the year–even when there’s not much (or anything) blooming. Winter has its unique beauties. However, after moving to Portland, I didn’t expect to see much of the winter wonderland that visits the Midwest. Boy, was I wrong this year! Nine inches of snow and a coating of ice made for some fierce cabin fever last weekend,… Read more →
Think annuals are just “plant material,” plunked down for June to September color? Think again. Some annuals may not bloom all summer, but they do offer something unique at a specific time of the year. Don’t hate them because they’re not petunias! They make their season special. With all the zinnias and lantanas, sunflowers and cannas in the garden in August… Read more →
“Why include annuals in a book on bloom times?” I used to think. “They’re only blobs to be plunked down for summer-long color, right?” Well, though it might be the goal of breeders to produce plants that churn out an unwavering supply of blossoms for three months or more in summer, many annuals do not follow this program. But that’s… Read more →
