It’s hot as Hades (again!), and I frequently need to remind myself that this is early July, not August. Plants are struggling to stand in the heat and wind — or perhaps I could say that I’m the one struggling to keep them going. Strong sunlight has made beds by the front walkway inhospitable for plants like Durand’s clematis (Clematis x durandii, Zone 6) that bleaches to … [Read more...] about Plants struggling with the heat
Flowers
Appreciating unique nasturtiums
There’s not much discussion about nasturtiums (Tropaeolum major), and apparently little work done to breed new colours. It could be the genes are resistant to manipulation, or perhaps not enough gardeners grow these easy and cheerful plants to attract breeders’ attention. Just a bit of sleuthing around reveals named cultivars (and available seeds) we don’t often see. In the … [Read more...] about Appreciating unique nasturtiums
Scented spring bulbs
I’ve come around to a picky point of view, and that is, I favour spring bulbs with scented flowers. That might seem like a basic gardening no-brainer, but there are some flowers that are more about style and flash, and less about fragrance. For instance, I’ve yet to find any of the elaborately evolved parrot tulips with scent to match their increasingly strange mutations. … [Read more...] about Scented spring bulbs
The luxury of hydrangeas
My ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, 4 x 4 ft. / 120 x 120 cm, Zone 4) is developing broad domes of creamy white flowers. ‘Annabelle’ is a cultivar of the native smooth hydrangea, and woody plant expert Michael Dirr makes a “beauty and the beast” comparison between ‘Annabelle’ with its huge and long-lasting flowers, and its species ancestor with small … [Read more...] about The luxury of hydrangeas
Healthy roses in bloom
When I choose a new rose, I select a cultivar known to be resistant to blackspot disease and then integrate it with other perennials and shrubs. Growing many roses together in a traditional rose bed sets up a monoculture that invites disease — if one gets sick, there’s good opportunity for the pathogen to spread quickly to vulnerable neighbours. Some of my favourites include … [Read more...] about Healthy roses in bloom
