There is nothing quite like watching and waiting for the first blooms to appear. This spring was more colorful than usual because the scarlet and magenta verbena forgot they were annuals and came back in force. I love spring, but I planned the garden to peak in summer because ofContinue Reading
Description: Pink Flirt Daylily Background: I grew up seeing orange and pale yellow daylilies everywhere. We had a huge mound of the orange ones in our yard. I always considered them as little more than weeds, as yard background noise. My attitude toward daylilies didn’t change until I discovered there were othersContinue Reading
Every label I have read clearly states verbena is an annual in zones 4 to 7. I read labels and used to believe them. But, I am beginning to think labels are best thought of as educated guesses—more like what the grower believes about a plant rather than botanical facts. Continue Reading
Phloxes are great garden flowers. They have beautiful blooms and smell as if they could be an ingredient in Sweet & Sour Tarts. I have had good luck growing regular garden phlox and creeping phlox, but I’ve planted dwarf phlox multiple times, and it has never made it past aContinue Reading
I love tomatoes. As a child, tomatoes were a treat in the same way as other fruit. I was picky about my tomatoes—they had to be fresh from the vine—store-bought tomatoes were just not the same. Tomatoes, warm from summer sun, seemed juicer and tangier than those from stores, despiteContinue Reading
The deck is a staple of American life. It’s the designated place for grilling, drinking, and socializing. We have a deck, not a big one, but it has served its purpose. Having a deck is my right as an American, so would someone please explain this to the carpenter bees. Continue Reading
It’s mid-March, and today the temp may reach 78 degrees. The azaleas are loaded with buds, and the daffodils are up—so, the cycle begins. Spring starts early here; the average daily high in March is around 65 degrees. The sun has moved from the very back of the house andContinue Reading
Description: Portrait of a small bouquet of rosemary flowers Background: When I planned the herb garden, two herbs, rosemary and thyme were accorded top billing. These I use frequently, and I liked the idea of being able to step outside and get them fresh. Thyme, I had successfully grown in the past,Continue Reading
Description: A garden in full bloom, late-April Background: I live on a street in the middle of the city. Lots are small with front yards to match. Tired of trying to grow a decent lawn, I settled on flowers. Having decided to plant flowers, my design inspirations were bees, butterflies, birds, colors,Continue Reading
Winter in Atlanta is the rainy season. Fall and spring have regular, predictable rain— the kind one expects. Winter is different. From late December until February, it rains—drenching rains. The temperature varies with the rain. Sunny days are cold, while rainy days tend to bring warmer temps. A sunny dayContinue Reading
