Ornamental grasses have gone from making me roll my eyes during a dinner conversation (see my About page) to a perennial I am looking for a spot in my yard to plant more. The particular grass, I am writing about is commonly called Switch grass (Panicum virgatum). … [Read more...]
Witch hazel tree for flowers in February
I could not let February pass and not profile my favorite winter flowering plant, the witch hazel tree. Yes, I said winter flowering plant. Yes there are plants that bloom in the winter including the Dawn viburnum and Lenten rose. They however, can't compare to the best of the witch hazels when you are facing a cold snow filled winter like we have in the Midwest. … [Read more...]
Garden Structures for Four Season Interest
The importance of garden structures in a winter garden cannot be overemphasized. In the dormant season, the lower sun and overcast skies dull the limited colors of the landscape. … [Read more...]
Architectural plants for winter gardens
I would like to continue the discussion of adding winter season interest to your garden. In this post I will discuss of the use of architectural plants. This was suggestion #4 on my post a couple of weeks ago. … [Read more...]
Two trees with great winter bark & fall color
One key to a great landscape is that it looks good year around. It’s really pretty easy to have a showy spring or summer display. To have an attractive yard that you can look out onto through your window in January and smile is more challenging. Selecting plants that provide year around interest should be the goal of every gardener. Today, I’d like to talk about two such plants. A pair of related small maple trees with great winter bark, the Three Flower Maple and the Paperbark … [Read more...]
