…is native perennial in my own garden. It’s a big, bold plant that turns heads from mid August through September. Helenium is another garden standout for late summer and throughout the fall. Most form tidy clumps about 2 to 3 feet high that bloom for months. The 2″ gold, yellow, red, rust and bicolor flowers complement fall-blooming coneflowers, goldenrod and asters. Ligularia is quickly becoming one of my favorite perennials for da…
…tulips. That’s what spring is all about. The steps of trench-style bulb planting, clockwise from top left: 1. Dig a trench, saving the soil in wheelbarrows and or tubs (for easy backfilling). 2. If using more than one color, mix the bulbs in a tub to ensure random distribution of color. 3. Position the bulbs 3-4″ apart, pointy side up. 4. Backfill with soil, rake smooth and pack lightly…
Rex Begonias paired with silvery Dichondra and Sedum light up a partly shaded garden. Choosing plants and planning color combinations for my collection of garden pottery is a satisfying way to spend a snowy winter afternoon. Every spring, I fill these mini gardens with foliage and flowering annuals to decorate my deck, add fragrance to the sitting area in the perennial garden, and flank the path through the orchard. Amalfi Planters…
…rennials. You’ll likely to hear that 80% of their sales are in May and June. Next, you could ask them the difference in sales potential between a plant that’s in bloom and one that’s not. They will probably say that they sell 10 plants in bloom for every one plant that’s not in bloom. What’s in bloom during May and June when people like us are buying perennials? It’s the early-season flowers: peonies, columbine, lady’s mantle, delphinium and iri…
…even fragrant. With so many to choose from, picking a hosta or two for your own garden can be daunting. Here’s what I look for to help narrow the choices: Mature plant size. Miniature hostas grow only 8-10” tall and less than 12-15” wide, making them ideal for small landscapes, containers, foreground and garden edging. At 3’ tall and up to 6’ wide, the largest hostas create dramatic landscape accents. Plant these in large groups for a low-mainten…
This combination features New Guinea impatiens, a type of impatiens that is not affected by the disease. Featured plants: Infinity White New Guinea impatiens, variegated sweet flag (Acorus gramineus), white licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) and Green spice heuchera. Photos: Courtesy of Proven Winners Have you heard about the new disease that’s wiping out impatiens across the country? Known as “impatiens downy mildew,” it…
Stephen Saint-Onge is a designer who is all about helping people make their homes be the best they can be — no matter who they are, where they are or how big or small their house is. On his website and in his recent book, No Place Like Home , Stephen points to Gardener’s Supply as a favorite resource. Why us? Stephen believes our products are functional and stylish with a design approach that works for busy families. Stephen Saint-Onge We love…
…mal DNA. Many Americans are concerned about the negative effects of GMO use on the agricultural economy and small-scale and organic farming. Surveys show a wide majority of Americans support mandatory labeling. At least 21 countries and the European Union have established some form of mandatory labeling. Mandatory labeling will allow consumers to identify food products they want to avoid. So why not label? Well, here are some of the argu…
Can you guess what this is? (You’ll find the answer at the end of the post.) This year’s Vermont Farm Show in Essex Junction showcased the remarkable range of farm products raised, crafted and sold in the state and, in some cases, nationwide. Here’s a sampling of vendors at the show. These charming characters are knitted from yarn made with llama fleece. Ash Grove Farm’s natural, undyed sheep wool. As the sign says, ̶…
to double the amount you use in this recipe. Anytime Tabouli 1 cup bulgur 1½ cup boiling water 1 tsp. salt ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup olive oil 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh) 1½ cup finely chopped parsley 3 scallions, chopped, with greens salt and freshly ground black pepper Put bulgur in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over it. Let sit for about 20 minutes until m…