In the world of culinary delights, there are ingredients that not only tantalize the taste buds but also carry a rich history. Enter Berberis, the genus of shrubs known for producing the barberry, a prominent ingredient in many Ottolenghi recipes. It wasn’t until I became an obsessive fan of the ottolenghi recipes (and own all … Read more
I just clicked through nearly 40 pages of google image results looking for one good image of an arborvitae hedge. That I found NONE is my first piece of damning evidence in a little rant about arborvitae hedging and how NOT to use these beautiful evergreen trees and shrubs. Are you tired of the typical … Read more
Whenever anyone asks what is my favorite plant, of course, I can never answer. I usually have at least 3 or 4 plants that are my favorite on any given day. This could include the first plant I come across in the garden and the ones I read about at night. Muhlenbergia capillaris – Pink … Read more
Perhaps this post should have a different title, like “How to Have an Orangerie Even if You Aren’t a Member of a Royal Family”. Or “Juicy Fruits – The Taste is Gonna Move Ya”. Growing yuzu and other citrus fruits indoors in something that is both entirely worth it and entirely possible for gardeners anywhere … Read more
Once upon a time in a humble garden, there lived a dreamer—a gardener (we’ll call her Ann) with a heart full of hope and a wallet that echoed with frugality. With the desire to create something truly enchanting, she embarked on a quest: to plant and nurture a living willow arbor arch-like structure without spending … Read more
I was noticing yesterday that the tips of daffodils and spring bulbs are just beginning to poke through the ground, the branches of the willows have yellowed and the forsythia stems have swollen. Its obvious that the fresh yellows of spring are on their way. But a lesser known and even earlier spring harbinger is … Read more
Most people don’t think of Chokecherry when they want to add colorful berries to the garden. Aronia are native to North America and are not only pretty when heavily laden with fruit (which is edible) but they also have pretty white or pink flowers in the spring and pretty fall color. Both main types of … Read more
Aspen trees (Populus tremuloides – also known as quaking aspen) have always been my favorite, likely due to my proud Colorado childhood. Do you recall the questionnaires you used to give your friends to fill out during your elementary school days? What is your favorite color? (me: green or blue). What is your favorite car? … Read more
As we clean up the garden this weekend, I found myself repeatedly coming back to visit the Gatsby Pink Oak leaf Hydrangea I planted earlier this year. These new oakleaf hydrangeas are still small and too new and immature to have bloomed, but that hasn’t stopped them from putting on quite a leaf show in the autumn. … Read more
Does this front garden look kinda familiar? I mean it could be anywhere and it could belong to any one. Right? Which is why I love what this homeowner did with it – they made it their own. Inspired by Japanese water garden design this front garden incorporates many elements of japanese gardens including a … Read more