Category: Outdoor Living

Freshen up the air in your favorite room by adding indoor plants.  Did you know that plants absorb harmful carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen into the air?  In addition to being beautiful, indoor plants increase humidity, improve your mood and can help to reduce stress levels.  During the previous holiday season, I was given our beautiful featured flower of the month Amaryllis.  Amaryllis is the perfect indoor winter flower.  The bulb is native to the western Cape region of South Africa. It was one of the easiest and fastest bulbs I’ve ever grown.  My bulb kit included everything required to produce this stunning flower.  I placed the bulb in a small pot with the bulb tip facing up. I covered the bulb with dirt leaving the tip uncovered. I positioned the pot in a well lit area while watering it occasionally.  The entire process was amazing to witness and I can’t wait to plant my next one. Enjoy!

The winter solstice has arrived along with an arctic cold front to add a little winter chill to the holiday season. As we gather with friends and family to celebrate, let’s not forget about those less fortunate and continue to pray for peace on earth. Happy Holidays!

It has been another hot dry season and this continuing trend is causing me to rethink my choice of plants in the garden.  It is time to seek out the most hardy, drought tolerant perennials. Some Echinacea and Rudbeckia continue to flower in addition to late blooms of Salvia Victoria and Snapdragons, leaving spots of color throughout the landscape,I would like to see more life in the garden thru fall.  I am thinking about using hardy cactus in addition to tall, drought tolerant grasses to create shade for more delicate flowers. Water is a precious commodity and wise choices are imperative.  

Xeriscaping has never looked so good. With global warming affecting our way of life, now is the time for change. The drought conditions throughout the world call for action. Here in zone 4 it appears to be another dry and hot season as we slowly shift to a desert climate. Years ago I planted numerous drought tolerant perennials knowing that my environment warranted this scenario. Water has become a very precious commodity and restrictions throughout the Midwest are being implemented. Lakes and reservoirs are drying up before our eyes and we need to do our part to conserve and make good decisions for the sake of the planet. 

Enjoy!

I must apologize to my readers for my long hiatus from blogging.  Life has been throwing lemons and I have been doing my best to make lemonade. During challenging times it’s wise to “stop and smell the roses” and they just happen to be blooming here in zone 4. 

I do however want to shift my focus to another amazing perennial I planted eight years ago called “Santolina Chamaecyparissus” or Cotton Lavender. It is native to western and central Mediterranean and grows very well on the sunny side of my garden.  It was slow to develop but after its third season it has never let me down.  Plant this drought tolerant show stopper in full sun and fertile soil for long lasting blooms from early spring till fall.  Cheers