Category: Outdoor living

Fall has arrived and change is underway. Hues of brown, gold and orange dominate the landscape, a scene that delights again and again. The days are getting shorter, the nights  cooler, and frost appears on the horizon yet there are still flowers appearing in early fall. Cosmos, marigolds and zinnias are lighting up my garden’s landscape.  These drought tolerant jewels have survived hot dry conditions in zone 4 and are living up to their reputation. As the last of these blooms fade it is time to sow root vegetables and salad greens, plant garlic and fall bulbs such as crocus, hyacinth, allium, tulips and daffodils. After all, change will come again and Spring will appear.  Cheers

Life can be challenging for all of us. The ups and downs can take its toll but let’s remember to be resilient no matter what life brings. Our lives are short like the seasons. It is important to stop and notice the good that surrounds us and to raise our heads high to look up and live. 

We are experiencing a rainy start to the spring season here in zone 4. The much needed moisture is performing miracles throughout my garden’s landscape. The plants are soaking in the precipitation creating supersized flowers. The additional rain has left me scrambling to install garden stakes to keep plants from imploding on themselves from the additional weight of the water. I’m also taking advantage of the moment by plugging in a few annuals in the bare spot throughout the garden.  I’ve had a few floral casualties from the additional rain but the gains have outweighed the losses. I can only hope that this wonderful trend continues into summer.  Happy Planting 

Early spring brings me great joy as I anticipate the seasonal blooms that are on the horizon. As I clear debris from my garden I discover early delights emerging from their winter slumber in the form of perennial salvias, poppies and allium. Tulips and daffodils take center stage.  Here in zone 4 we are still in danger of frost and snow. It should be safe to plant annuals after Mothers Day but until then, I will enjoy our feature flower of the month Allium. Allium is native to the Middle East. I planted allium bulbs last fall in rich well draining soil in a full sun location. Mature allium plants range from 1 – 4 feet tall and the “pom-poms” can be 3 – 10 inches wide.  Colors include pink, purple, yellow and green. Add this frost proof gem to your list of fall bulbs. Cheers

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