Perennially Yours Blog
For fourteen consecutive years I have travelled to Gardener’s Supply Company in Burlington, VT to lecture to sold out audiences about the joy and rewards of high impact, low-maintenance flower gardening. For much longer, I have been a loyal customer, always eagerly expecting the next garden-tested, earth-friendly product. And now I am thrilled to have been…
Read MoreAstilbes are the drama queens of the shade garden. You cannot help but admire these ‘no-fuss’ divas for their beauty and grace. Flowers can be delicate and frothy or stiff and compact. Blooms range in color from red, burgundy, white, purple, rosy-purple, peach and various shades of pink. The handsome, fern-like foliage is a delightful…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreHaving recently raved about smooth Hydrangeas, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these native beauties can sometimes be bothered by leaf roller caterpillars (Olethreutes ferriferana). Leaf rollers will not kill the shrub, but rolled leaves, and possibly diminished flowers, can be frustrating. Until this year, I only noticed leaf rollers on my…
Read MoreNot all Hydrangeas are created equal. In beauty, yes; but in ease of care, not so much. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are a no-brainer. Smooth Hydrangea is native to the eastern United States. The shrub flowers on new wood. Translation: it doesn’t matter how windy and cold the winter; flower buds form in spring after Old Man Winter’s…
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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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Sedum mexicanum ‘Lemon Coral’ This is one dazzling workhorse of an annual – although it is a perennial for those of you in Zone 7 or warmer. The screaming yellow foliage never stops drawing attention. It is a terrific filler or spiller for containers, although I use it more as a weed-smothering mat around perennials…
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Itoh Peony, commonly called intersectional peony, is for gardeners who want large, exotic flowers on stems that don’t need staking. Oh, and the dark green, lacy foliage that forms a compact 3’ X 3’ mound is also disease and deer resistant. Do I have your attention? This no-fuss peony is a cross between a tree…
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