Month: June 2019
Trying Something New
I’m trying something new this year: Bush’s Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe bushii). This is a close relative of Wine Cups (C. involucrata), in fact it used to be considered a variety of that species. My understanding is that Wine Cups will spread out more expansively.
If the Goatsbeard Fits, Plant It
A single Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) goes a long way. It’s a big plant – ours grows about 5 feet tall with a 4 foot spread. It’s a perennial but looks more like a small shrub. But if you have the space in a spot that’s moist and shady, this plant has a lot to offer. …
A Near-Death Experience for Caladiums
Back in May I was congratulating myself for doing such a good job on growing 20 Caladiums from corms (which are like bulbs except that they’re different) on the back porch. You know how expensive it is to buy Caladiums in pots at the garden center? I forget exactly, but it’s expensive, especially if you …
The Lurie Garden: After the River
The River of Salvia is an annual high point for Chicago’s Lurie Garden. This year, though, by the time I was able to visit the river had started to dry up, with most of the Salvias no longer in bloom. But even after the river peaked, there was plenty of excitement at the Lurie Garden …
2019 Denver Fling: An Overview
So Judy and I got home around 8 pm this evening after spending 5 days in Denver, where we took part in the Garden Bloggers’ Fling. As usual it was superbly organized. The backdrop provided by the Rocky Mountains and the big Colorado sky did give this year a different feel. Also, I thought it …
A Cute Couple
So guess where I am? I’m in Denver, attending the Garden Bloggers Fling, that’s where. But I’m still going to do a quick post, because I am intensely dedicated. Or obsessive compulsive, one of the two. Anyhow, last weekend Judy took some pictures of Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) with Catmint ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Nepeta x …
The Snow Swan and the Star of Persia
This is going to be a short post. I just want to tell you about my favorite Peony as well as a new Allium in our garden.
Winter Kill
This might seem a little late for a post on plants lost to our last winter (an extraordinarily severe one). But sometimes you need more time to be really sure of your losses.
Garden Keeping Calm for the Moment
This is not one of those times when the garden is a riot of color. It is bursting with lushness and growth, true, but tranquil greens predominate. There are some blooms, but mainly in cool whites and lavenders.
TIMBER!!!
Did I mention that a giant branch broke off our Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila) the day before I got home? I think I did. Judy was in the back garden at the time, inspecting our new grill, so it’s lucky she wasn’t hurt. She said it happened so fast there wouldn’t have been time to …
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