“Roses, as big as cabbages,” said Marco Polo when he first saw peonies. Peonies are native to Asia, southern Europe, and the western United States. They have been cultivated in China for more than 2,500 years and are considered a symbol of good fortune. In Chinese, the word for peony is ‘sho yu’—meaning ‘most beautiful.’ … Read more
Everybody associates tulips with the Netherlands, but they aren’t native there. They’re actually native to the mountains of Turkey and Russia! Tulips were imported to the Netherlands from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. With Europe coming out of the Dark Ages, people were looking for the new, beautiful, and unusual. Tulips really fit … Read more
Tomorrow, September 22, is the Autumnal Equinox. The Autumnal Equinox occurs when the sun is directly in line with the equator. On this day, day and night are of equal length. From now until the Winter Solstice on December 21, the hours of dark will be longer than hours of daylight. Right now, our day length … Read more
Daffodils, Jonquils, in England “Lent Lilies”—whatever you call them, they’re still the quintessential flower of spring for many people. Daffodils are members of the Amaryllidaceae—the amaryllis family! Relatives include: Agapanthus (Lily-of-the-Nile) Hymenocallis (Peruvian daffodils) Sternbergia (Lily-of-the-Field) Alliums (onion family, including onions, garlic, chives, and ornamental onions) Lycoris (Naked Ladies, Spider Lilies, Surprise Lilies) and, Asparagus! … Read more
Yesterday was Labor Day. Do you know how Labor Day came to be? The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City in 1882. A proposal by the Central Labor Union suggested that a parade take place to show “the strength and spirit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” This was to … Read more
Organic Insect Solution From Mother Nature Today, August 31, is National Diatomaceous Earth Day. So what is diatomaceous earth? Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of a diatom—single-celled algae. Diatoms are estimated to be responsible for up to 50% of the world’s oxygen. Diatoms surround themselves with a shell made primarily of silica. The fossilized … Read more
In Greek mythology, Iris was a messenger from the gods who traveled to earth on a rainbow. Wherever she stepped, flowers sprang up. Iris means ‘rainbow’—appropriate when bearded iris comes in a vast array of colors from pure white to purple/black—and nearly every color in between. The three upright petals on an iris flower stand … Read more
I’ve had so many customers looking for late summer color—some because they just decided they want to accent that deck, patio or porch, and others because their summer annuals are starting to look a little “tired.” They want pretty fall colors. Pansies and mums are reliable favorites for fall color. There are other plants that … Read more
Did you know August is National Happiness Happens Month? I didn’t either until a customer told me and I looked it up. There it is—in black and white—“August is National Happiness Happens Month.” It did start me thinking about what makes me happy in my garden—the first bloom on my rose; every single solitary fragrant … Read more
Right now I’m inundated with tomatoes and zucchini. I’m sure my neighbors want to run when they see me heading their way with a bag of veggies in hand. But I have no more room on the kitchen counter! And how many loaves of zucchini bread can you eat anyway? And, yet, in the midst of … Read more
