More Columns From This Author

Delicate yellow flowers perk a hidden spot
June 19, 2013

A few summers back, when I saw a low-growing perennial in a friend’s front yard covered with dainty flowers in the most delicate shade of yellow, one of the first things I did upon returning home was to find the identity with the intent of obtaining a plant to add to our perennial garden.

More is not necessarily better
June 5, 2013

Being nurturers by nature, one of the first reactions most gardeners have upon seeing a plant in distress, is to smother it with love by providing either water or fertilizer or both.

From the bed to the kitchen
May 22, 2013

Now that I can blame my senior years for forgetting things, I think it seems befitting for me to say that as far back as I can remember, I have wanted to have raised beds in our garden to grow vegetables, flowers or whatever the heart so desire...

Know a plant’s needs
May 8, 2013

Now that spring is here to stay, the excitement and frequency of making trips to garden centers is rising exponentially, making temptations difficult to resist; so, while easier said than done, it makes sense to assess the available space, soil and light conditions, and microclimate of different areas of the garden before yielding to temptation.

The name Sweetshrub says it all
April 24, 2013

Looking for a shrub which just as spring arrives bears the most unusual flowers not only in color but form as well and smell sweet, too? Then look no further, for the Sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, also know as Carolina Allspice is the one for you.

Early bloomers hail spring
March 27, 2013

Towards the tail end of February, just as we begin to get restless and wish the old man winter will go away, flowers of early spring-blooming bulbs make their appearance giving us a sigh of relief.

Time to review some terms
March 13, 2013

First day of spring is just around the corner now. Even though it is still cold, we can look forward to nice, sunny days comfortable enough to step in the garden, do some tasks such as cleaning, preparing beds, planning etc.

In anticipation of Spring
February 27, 2013

Although I found this year’s flower and home show held annually in Richmond somewhat disappointing because of absence of several of my favorite gardening vendors, it did get me excited in the anticipation of spring.

Pleasure of picking the first hellebore
February 13, 2013

On a cold, dreary day, few things seem more uplifting than bundling up and making an effort to step in the garden; and, while most of the vegetation is asleep or barely coming out of dormancy, I can find cheery blooms of crocus popping up at all sorts of unexpected places, a sure fix for the winter doldrums.

Pamper them for the right reason
January 30, 2013

Being a gardener and a worrywart puts me at a distinct disadvantage. I get concerned for just about everything: a plant showing poor growth, leaves yellowing, curling or falling, and other problems houseplants tend to have.