A Visual Guide to Jacob’s Ladder: A Delicate Shade-Loving Perennial

Jacob’s ladder is a sprawling perennial that produces blue-violet blooms in the spring. It works well in full sun and well-drained soils in cottage gardens, native gardens, wildflower gardens, beds, and borders. Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region and new research both say that this species is native to the Chicago area. Jacob’s … Read more

Catherine de la Mare Penstemon: A Dazzling Electric Blue Perennial

Penstemons have flowers that look like foxgloves. They look great in informal and cottage garden designs and are very appealing to bumblebees. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Few penstemon varieties don’t do well in even the worst winters. If you want to be sure your plants will … Read more

pink diamond queen of the night tulip

The Regal Beauty of Pink Diamond and Queen of Night Tulips As a gardener who loves unique flower forms and rich, vivid colors, I’m always seeking out tulips that make a dramatic impact in spring. Two of my long-time favorites are the deep purple ‘Queen of Night’ and soft pink ‘Pink Diamond’ tulips, which combine … Read more

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ‘Pamina’ – A Beautiful Late Summer Flowering Perennial

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ‘Pamina’ is a lovely late summer blooming perennial plant that brings charm and color to the garden. This Japanese anemone cultivar also known as windflower, makes an excellent addition to borders cottage gardens, and other landscape plantings. With its bushy foliage, tall stems of pretty flowers, and late season bloom time, … Read more

Growing Juicy Tomatoes Indoors on Your Sunny Windowsill

Growing fresh tomatoes indoors may seem impossible, but with the right techniques and care it can be easy and rewarding! Windowsill gardening allows anyone, even those without an outdoor garden, to enjoy homegrown tomatoes year-round. Follow these simple steps to grow happy, healthy cherry tomatoes or even full-sized varieties inside your home. Choosing Your Tomato … Read more

Should I Cover My Tomato Plants When It Rains? Protecting Your Crop From Downpours

As a home gardener, you know rain is vital for nourishing your plants. But when it comes to delicate fruits like tomatoes heavy downpours can actually cause more harm than good. So should you shield your tomato plants when rainstorms hit? Understanding the benefits and methods of covering tomatoes during rain can help safeguard your … Read more