hobblebush

Improving On Nature

– Posted in: Native/Invasive

Can anyone improve on nature? Maybe it's better to admit that what I'm doing isn't natural--it's gardening. Gardening in the most naturalistic way possible. Gardening to make the woods more easily enjoyed by humans. Tinkering and tweaking to yes--make it more beautiful.

A Stroll Through Fickle February

– Posted in: The Secret Garden

Fickle February. That's what I'm calling it, mostly because it has better alliteration than Roller Coaster February. A roller coaster of weather is what it's been. Every time it's gotten mild, I've been outside walking the trails I've made and taking pictures. Then it gets cold and I hunker back inside. These photos are a [...]

Hobblebush, A Native Shrub That’s Easy To Love: Wildflower Wednesday

– Posted in: Native/Invasive, Plant info

At first glance, I thought it was a hydrangea. But I don't know of any hydrangea that blooms with the trilliums. And the large, exquisitely puckered leaves were unlike any hydrangea leaf I'd ever seen. Turns out it was a viburnum--Viburnum lantanoides--to be precise. This native shrub likes it cool and moist--perfect for northern climates. [...]