As an avid crossword puzzle fan I frequently encounter intriguing and sometimes very challenging clues. One that has stumped many solvers over the years is “The Jetsons’ dog.” At first glance it seems simple but fitting the answer into the grid can prove tricky. As a fan of Hanna-Barbera cartoons like The Jetsons, I decided … Read more
Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ is an award-winning variety of California lilac cherished for its stunning floral display. In spring, this compact evergreen shrub becomes smothered in clusters of fragrant royal blue flowers. ‘Dark Star’ makes an excellent addition to coastal gardens, borders, slopes and more. In this growing guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know … Read more
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is popularly used in Asian cuisine. Its citrusy, lemony flavor adds a refreshing zing to soups, curries, and teas. While lemongrass is commonly grown as an annual in temperate climates, it is actually a perennial grass. With a little care and effort, it can be propagated indoors year round. … Read more
I have been thinking so much about horse manure lately. It smells so good that you might not believe it, but it’s really fun to work with! In the past, I only used a bag here and there and only used it all in my hotbeds. But things are going to be different now!. Im … Read more
A friend was amazed as she looked at my perennial bed in late October of two years ago and said, “That flower looks just like an iris!” And indeed, it was Iris St. It was a beautiful tall bearded hybrid with violet-tinged white standards and falls. It bloomed in the spring, like most garden irises … Read more
The Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’ is an exciting cultivar of the classic European beech tree that brings distinctive color and form to landscapes. With its narrow columnar shape and deep reddish-purple leaves that last all season, it makes a dramatic vertical accent in gardens. Here is an in-depth look at the ornamental qualities and care … Read more
Dahlias are easy to grow and bring life to your garden. They have bright colors, are strong, and can flower until the first frost. Dahlias like well-balanced and composted soil, and full sun. With 42 different species and thousands of cultivars, dahlias offer plenty of variety. Variations in color, flower form, size, and foliage make … Read more
A long stem rose has a stem that is 18 to 24 inches long, which makes it longer than a regular rose. Because they have a longer stem, these roses are often chosen for weddings, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day. Thanks to the longer stem, the roses can be arranged more creatively in a vase or … Read more
In zone 6 climates, it might seem impossible to grow magnolias, but not all of them are hothouse flowers. There are actually more than 200 species of magnolia, and many of the beautiful hardy varieties can survive the cold winters in USDA hardiness zone 6. Read on to learn about a few of the many … Read more
Cape primrose, also known by its botanical name Streptocarpus, is a fantastic houseplant that can add a pop of color and visual interest to any indoor space With their trumpet-shaped blooms and velvety foliage, these plants have an exotic, orchid-like appearance that makes them really stand out. The good news is cape primroses are very … Read more