Perennially Yours Blog
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…
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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Once again this highly popular annual symposium sold out prior to the event date, April 13. BUT the special three hour Pre-symposium class on Friday afternoon,April 12 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. is still open! I will be presenting two lively lectures: Sustainable Design and Maintenance Tips for Beautiful Flower Gardens and Kerry’s Favorite Plant…
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Garden Design’s recent blog titled 10 Lessons from Famous Gardens is riveting and thought provoking! It is packed with so many awesome suggestions. I already knew about some of these design enhancing ideas before BUT I still gained a fresh perspective from seeing these implemented in noteworthy gardens! I loved the tip about using color in the garden. …
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The American Horticultural Society (AHS) provides a wealth of benefits, including a subscription to The American Gardener, a remarkable gardening magazine which they publish. AHS, one of the oldest national gardening organizations in the country, has long been a trusted source of high quality gardening and horticultural information. There are so many membership perks, but a couple…
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