Is there anything more lush and elegant than a peony (Paeonia valbiflora or Paeonia officinalis) in full bloom? Since their flowers get so large and full, I use peony rings to keep my plants erect and even then some blooms escape and bend toward the earth. Some of my peonies are the ones I remember […]
Garden Notes
Happy Accidents in the Garden
Some years ago, I planted Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) or wild daisy in my perennial bed. I got them from a friend and since they were free, I took a few plants and placed them in several locations. The daisies liked my garden and did well, but it seemed that every year, just when the […]
Lasagna Mulch for Strawberries
Strawberries are a rewarding fruit crop that will produce for many years in the home garden. All you need is a small space with sunshine, reasonably good soil and a gardener willing to water when the weather is dry. Strawberries need 1-2 inches of water each week and this is especially important from early […]
Inspired Backyard Patio
This weekend I visited my daughter in Chicago for our annual Mother’s Day/Garden weekend. I usually spend a couple of days with her and we do some gardening, go shopping and do other girl stuff. This year Rochelle took me to Miller Beach near Gary, Indiana to visit her friend John. A few years ago […]
Pregnant Moth Orchid
I have been growing moth orchids or (Phalaenopsis) for a few years now with a bit of success and have been touting how carefree these beautiful plants seem to be. I have them in a bright window facing west with a little summer shade cast by a small Hawthorne tree outside the window. The orchids […]
Euphorbia Polychroma
I have grown Euphorbia Polychroma or Cushion Spurge in my garden for a long time. It is a beautiful perennial with striking foliage and it blooms chartreuse yellow just after my tulips are finished, adding a much needed punch of color to our yard. It flowers for a long time in late spring and helps […]