I'm reporting on the results of last year's experiment, when I wintered over a bunch of plants from my summer containers, hoping I can grow them again next year, even bigger and better. Some died, some struggled, and some did pretty well. I don't have ideal conditions, but I won't know what works and what doesn't unless I try. Read along to find out how I'm storing over a dozen different plants.
proven winners
A Garden Bed Grows Up: The Evolution of a Flower Border
March 24, 2019 – Posted in: Design, West DeckSpring is right around the corner, and I've been going through photos of the garden bed adjoining our back deck. My, has it grown up--but it also needs tinkering. If you're looking for some flower power to get you through mud season, c'mon over and check this post out. Who knows? Maybe you'll get some ideas for your own spring renovation.
Growing The Earliest Blooms: The Challenge Continues
February 16, 2019 – Posted in: The Earliest Flowers, What's up/bloomingChallenging myself to learn more about plants by trying new techniques and by researching and growing unfamiliar plants helps me grow as a gardener--and as a person. It's all about being a hardy soul and not letting winter get the best of me. Read what I've been up to the last month and let me know in the comments: What cabin-fever-fighting tricks do you have in your arsenal?
My Wintering Over Experiments
December 9, 2018 – Posted in: Experiments, Garden chores, How-toIt's an experiment: I'm wintering over a bunch of plants from my summer containers, hoping I can grow them again next year, even bigger and better. I know I don't have ideal conditions, but I won't know what works and what doesn't unless I try. Read along to find out how I'm storing over a dozen different plants.
Fall Flowers For Cold Climates
October 15, 2018 – Posted in: What's up/bloomingWhere do people get this silly idea that hardly anything blooms in autumn? I gave my colchicum presentation this week and one attendee remarked that I inspired her to have color in her fall garden. There's plenty of color in my fall garden, without even looking at the trees. Here's just a sampling of what I see as I stroll around.
October’s Bounty: Garden Bloggers Bloom Day October 2017
October 16, 2017 – Posted in: What's up/bloomingVisitors asked about two plants at my Colchicum Open Garden. The first one is readily available at garden centers or online. The second one is a little trickier to find--it helps if you know someone. But visitors were also surprised to see so much in bloom at the end of September. It helps if you know my special plants and (not so) secret techniques. Click over to my blog post and I'll share them with you!
New Plants Blooming In August
August 18, 2017 – Posted in: What's up/bloomingThere is a comfort in seeing plants bloom when you expect them to bloom. You sense the rhythm of the seasons that is one of the pleasures of gardening. But if the garden were totally predictable it would get a little boring. That's why even though my garden is supposedly full, I continue to add new plants, even if it means taking out others. Read on to see the plants that are either new to me this year or just hitting their stride this August.
Do you really want to grow your own wedding flowers?
December 21, 2016 – Posted in: Hardscaping and Projects, How-toMy son Rundy (a former contributor to this website) and his sweetheart Debbie announced their engagement mid-February. They got married on July 16th. I want to share our experiences doing the wedding flowers. (And by "our" I mean several people from both families.) I hope this will help you decide if you want to take [...]
Frost Is Not The End: Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day
October 15, 2016 – Posted in: What's up/bloomingWe had our first frost on Monday, 26F (~-3C). And another frost this morning, 27F (also ~-3C). We often seem to skip the light frosts altogether and go straight for the hard stuff. Buh-bye, dahlias, cannas, and cosmos. But there are plenty of plants still blooming. And let's not forget colchicums. I was recently called [...]
Autumn Blooms: Garden Bloggers Bloom Day September 2016
September 15, 2016 – Posted in: What's up/bloomingAutumn blooms come in three categories: fall-only bloomers, "summer" annuals, and rebloomers. Because of this, September usually has more blooming plants than August. When you combine fall-bloomers, late-bloomers, and rebloomers in one bed, it hardly looks like the fall garden is waning. With thoughtful planning and cooperative weather, September can be a floriferous month. What's [...]
Recent Comments