One of my favorite flower perennial bushes is Hydrangea. It is a beautiful free flower shrub with tightly clustered florets that create a magnificent ball that can resemble the moon. Hydrangea blooms can come in a variety of colors and sizes and the flowers are surrounded by thick green foliage. The bushes can reach heights of up to 6’ and can be as wide as 9’. These plants tend to thrive in zone 5-8 but with careful planning you can add this timeless classic to your summer garden for a season of joy. Cheers

Our featured flower of the month is the Dahlia. Named after a Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, this tuberous root is an absolute pleasure to grow. The Dahlia has bold and vibrant colors and will thrive in a garden setting or make an excellent cut flower for that special bouquet. The bulbs can reach heights of up to 3ft and when planting, be sure to spread the bulbs 18”-24” apart in fertile soil. Cheers

Although it is spring, we are still experiencing snow in zone 4. I will take this wintery weekend to review my landscape plans and change or tweak ideas before planting.  All I have to do is look at photos I took of municipal scenes, view natural settings as I drive in my car or just check out my neighbor’s garden.  I’m always on the lookout for ideas and inspiration is everywhere! Cheers

Every season has its challenges when it comes to dealing with garden pests. We have several pests in zone 4 ranging from Japanese beetles, potato bugs, cabbage moths, flies and mosquitoes. I like to grow a combination of flowers and herbs in my garden to help keep pests at bay. Not only are these plants attractive they will help you avoid utilizing harmful insecticides. I grow Marigolds which keep certain types of beetles away and I add basil which will keep the flies and mosquitoes in check. By utilizing the right combination of flowers and herbs you are sure to have a pest free environment.  Cheers

Spring is here and now is the time to conjure a plan to attract the necessary pollinators to your garden. I use a combination of annual and perennial flowers to cover a 100-200 square foot area in a sunny location with fertile soil. By utilizing drought tolerant favorites like Iceland poppies, Johnny Jump Ups, Zinnia’s and Shasta daisies you are sure to create an essential space in your garden paradise. Cheers

Add some “pop” to your garden by growing our featured flower of the month, the California poppy.  Poppies come in a variety of colors, red, cream, orange, gold and pink. These delicate silky crepe-paper petals are supported on green stems with fern like foliage. They are” full sun” and adapt well to cool weather climates. They typically bloom from spring into summer and will perform best when planted in deep rich well draining soil. Cheers