Classy White Gardens

White gardens, also called moon gardens, are actually not all white as foliage contributes additional colors. Silver along with variegated green and white foliage are especially valued in white gardens. Another design factor to consider is that most white flowers are not pure white – they have very subtle shades of yellow, pink, green, or…

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SMALL GARDENS WITH BIG ATTITUDES

Small is the new BIG for many gardeners. Millennials and Baby Boomers are the two largest age segments in the United States. And the majority of individuals in these groups live in smaller living spaces. Research shows that more than 50% of Millennials are choosing to live in cities, while many Baby Boomers are downsizing…

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Gardening with a Pry Bar

I’ve added a new tool to my gardening arsenal – a pry bar. This tool comes in handy when planting gardens in ledges and rocky soil. Just the other day I was adding some perennials to my sister Kim’s ledge garden when I hit a stubborn rock. Kim raced to the barn and came out…

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Gardening Trends for 2020

It is always interesting and eye-opening to read predicted horticultural trends for the New Year. These ‘forecasts’ are compiled by the Garden Media Group that studies global consumer trends to see what’s happening in gardening, landscape design and green living. As stated on their web page “In our first report in 2001, we predicted outdoor…

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VISIT BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AROUND THE COUNTRY – DAY TRIPS AND LONGER

I recently discovered Garden Design’s Garden Tours page. One glance and I became engrossed in fascinating tour suggestions, both for self-guided day trips (on the East and West Coast) plus overnight guided tours. The page also has fascinating articles on magnificent public gardens, accompanied by breathtaking photography. But be forewarned – you may lose track…

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Mosquito Madness!

The mosquitos are worse than ever this year.  The minute I step out into my gardens, I am attacked by swarms.  Usually I am not bothered by these blood-lusting creatures.  Studies have shown that certain blood types are more pestered by mosquitos than others. Mosquitos are most attracted to Type O blood and least attracted…

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Flower Perfumania!

The fragrance of Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), like some Oriental and Orienpet lilies, can either cause you to swoon or gag. Some find the fragrance intoxicating – others find it overpowering. Hyacinth is one of the longest-lived spring blooming bulbs.  They come in all colors from white, cream, pink, deep purple, lavender, apricot, cobalt blue and…

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GARDEN DESIGN OFFERS A WEALTH OF GREAT GARDENING IDEAS

I was sad to see Garden Design discontinue their one-of-a-kind, quarterly gardening magazine, BUT thank goodness their website abounds with even MORE fantastic gardening features and ideas. The website is a great tool to use while planning (or dreaming about) your garden. This online resource of photo galleries, plant information, and design details is free…

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Over the Top Container Designs

I have become increasingly interested in creating head-turning containers since moving to our condominium in Maine four years ago. Gardening space is at a premium. Containers of all sizes and shapes decorate my front deck, side porch, entrance sidewalk and spots in the landscape where it is impossible to dig in the ground. Many of…

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Daylilies and Dreamy Gardens

Garden Design magazine is geared to garden enthusiasts! If you love full-length stories (some run 10 to 20 pages to include lots of glorious photography) on plants, gardens, and practical design ideas—all presented without ads – then Garden Design is for you. If you don’t get Garden Design yet, the Summer 2018 issue is a…

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