Scored this Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ from iLandscape convention. It resembles Cousin It and will make a great addition to my garden. The habit and texture will add lots of interest.
Plant it, and they will come!
A few years ago, I purchased my first Liatris ligulistylis on the recommendation of the Native Plant Specialists from Pizzo Nursery. I was told it was the Ultimate Monarch Magnet. The very next summer, I raised my first Monarch, and truth be told, when I released him, he flew directly to this native Liatris. No kidding! Mother nature is so miraculous, the first flower bloomed the very day my Monarch was ready for that sweet nectar. From that day forward, I had multiple Monarchs flittering around my garden all summer long. Last year we had a very wet spring, and to my dismay, the Liatris died off just as it was blooming, and it was a really sad year for the Monarch, so this year I couldn't miss the opportunity to purchase more Liatris from Pizzo at the ILCA Summer Days Event. They only had Liatris aspera, which is another favorite of the Monarch, so I happily purchased a dozen. On my way to the car with the plants, out of nowhere comes the first visitor, just as Jack Pizzo walked up, yes, this is true! The next day when I took the plants out of my car, guess what happened? You got it! A beautiful Monarch flew right over and rested on the flower. Can't help but love Mother Nature and her antics!
Indoor Gardening
Amaryllis bulbs in winter and early spring are a fantastic way to enjoy gardening before the season begins. This bulb was a gift from Jack de Vroomen from De Vroomen Gardens in Holland. He must have kissed it with his magic, as this is the third bloom! The first was in early March, 2 flower stalks with triple flowers. in April it bloomed for the second time, one single stalk with 6 flowers. Here we are in May, with the third bloom. One single stalk with six flowers again!!!!
Happy Spring!
There's nothing like a punch of brightly colored fresh flowers to bring in spring. Bringing the flowers inside during this chilly month really lifts the spirit!
Roses in Winter
Who says you can't tend roses in January? Well, you can if they're made from beautiful fabrics! They may not smell, but they're beautiful and surely FEEL better than live roses!
The Master Plan
Why get a Landscape Design for your property? Having a master plan helps to create an extension of living space that reflects your lifestyle. A good plan creates functional spaces to enhance your property and the ways you use them. Plants are used in a variety of ways to create walls, shade, sound barriers, screen unsightly views, enhance pleasing views, attract wildlife, protect from winds, direct water flow, and enhance the overall appearance of your home, most likely your biggest investment.
To Dye For
Isn't she just beautiful? Baptisia australus, also known as Blue Indigo or Wild Indigo is a native plant of the midwestern prairie. The name originates from the greek word to dye for. Sure is living up to that claim, isn't she?
Spring has sprung!
Nothing more exciting about early spring bulbs to brighten your day!
Getting my Botanic Designing on any way I can
What's a girl to do when she can't design a garden? Design anything she can get her hands on! I had a random opportunity to put my skills to use designing a salon and the decor. Almost finished! The church hats were the icing on the cake, working with silk flowers has me itching to get out in the garden!
Signs of spring
Admiration of this beautiful cardinal brought my attention to the swelling buds of the tree, a sure sign spring is just around the corner!
Winter Garden
A winter garden in the midwest? Of course it's possible! Using design principles like form and texture are key factors when colors are absent. A variety of plant forms with different textures helps to capture freshly fallen snow to create a beautiful winter scene.