A Pollinator Party!
Blunt mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) is one pollinator party plant! It is literally buzzing with all sorts of bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and miscellaneous bugs. I planted it for the silvery loveliness of its bracts when it blooms and also got great plant TV.
Swingin’ with Swallowtails
I seem to have created a black swallowtail nursery. Between the dill, fennel, parsley, and zizia, they have lots to choose from. I like to watch the caterpillars chomping away, doing their job of eating machine.
Wish Upon a Pond
I’ve wanted a container pond since forever. This year, I am making it happen! I scored a deal on a huge blue pot, bought myself a papyrus, and have been messing around with pumps. Six trips to the hardware store later…
Poke Milkweed Victory!
After years of trying to site poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) and keep the rabbits from mowing it down - success! I’m managing to keep about a half dozen stems alive and one finally bloomed.
It’s Tulip Time!
How can anyone resist a tulip? So elegant and easy-going. Until the critters find them. But never mind that. It’s tulip time!
Delight of April Flowers
April has arrived and Mother Nature is tossing bouquets everywhere. Happy spring! Don’t forget to bring some flowers indoors.
Edith Farnsworth House Blossoms
I have the privilege of leading a spring flower walk at the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano, IL around the third week of April. That seems to be the sweet spot for maximum flower power.
Spring Postcards
Yes it snowed. It’s March, after all. But, wait! The early bulbs are blooming and shrugged off that snow while appreciating its much-needed moisture. Hi cuties!
Trees = Architecture
Winter is for architecture. This is the season when the cacophony of foliage and flower is stripped away. Now is when the bones of the garden are the foreground and the feature.
Once Upon a Moonlit Garden
I confess to being more fond of the sickle moon than Luna in all her fullness. However, a winter full moon so bright it lights the garden is a treat to be celebrated.