I have a small patch of pink turtlehead (Chelone obliqua, Zone 4), sometimes called twisted shell flower, a perennial that blooms in late summer through early fall. They send up 30-inch (75-cm) spikes of hooded pink-purple blooms, similar to the violet-blue helmet flowers of ‘Bressingham Spire’ monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii, Zone 3). The monkshood begins blooming a little … [Read more...] about Hummingbirds love the nectar from turtlehead
Summer
Mildew-resistant lilacs
This summer has been considerably more comfortable, unlike the past several years with six to eight weeks of hot, dry weather that stressed me as well as my plants. There has been enough rain, allowing me to relax a bit from the daily watering ritual. Plants have grown well, but so have the spores of moisture-dependent seasonal mildews. Mildew spores are active in late summer … [Read more...] about Mildew-resistant lilacs
The scents of it all
No one has found a way to make the Internet scratch and sniff. This is a great pity, because if I could, I’d share the fragrance in my garden with everyone. Every morning I go out to walk about and breathe in the scents of the garden, and on calm evenings I do the same. You’d have to join me to appreciate the layers of fragrance, from the petite sprigs of lavender to the huge … [Read more...] about The scents of it all
6 secrets to abundance in the edible garden
Barbecues, salads and impromptu snacking are among the many joys of summer — and what’s better than grabbing what you need from your very own garden? But in the hot, hazy heat of July and August, do we really want to work hard at it? I think not. Given the choice of choosing something tough to grow or super simple, I’ll recommend the lazier route every time. Here are some … [Read more...] about 6 secrets to abundance in the edible garden
‘Blue Paradise’ summer phlox
I’ve always got something to say about blue plants, and there’s happy satisfaction when I acquire another blue beauty for my small and growing collection. There was particular joy when I found a pot of ‘Blue Paradise’ summer phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’, Zone 5) this spring, now lavishly blooming in the sunny front bed. ‘Blue Paradise’ is one of the modern phlox … [Read more...] about ‘Blue Paradise’ summer phlox
