A growing record of the plants in my garden and the lessons they offer. Each profile begins with what caught my attention and follows through how it lives, behaves, and interacts with its neighbors. These are working notes on beauty, function, and surprise — practical details anchored by observation and care.
inkberry holly Common Name: Inkberry Holly (Shamrock) Botanical Name: Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’ Hardiness Zones: 4-9 Height: 3-4 feet Spread: 3-4 feet Foliage: Dense, glossy, small smooth-edged leaves; stays green year-round Bloom: Tiny white flowers spring; black berries persist into winter Growth Rate: Slow to moderate Light: Part shade preferred; tolerates morning sun Soil: Acidic, evenly […]
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heuchera Common Name: Heuchera (Coral Bells) Botanical Name: Heuchera spp. Hardiness Zones: 4-9 Height: 8-18 inches Spread: 8-18 inches Foliage: Mounding; copper, caramel, plum, silver, chartreuse depending on variety Bloom: Tiny bell-shaped flowers on slender stems, late spring to early summer Growth Rate: Moderate Light: Partial shade; morning sun preferred Soil: Well-drained, organic, slightly acidic
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Opening Observation Every spring, when the Kingsblood tulips open, I think back to high school lawns in Skagit Valley, when students would use spent tulip petals to make campaign art on the grass. Reds for the letters, yellows and whites for the outlines. It was temporary and messy and absolutely beautiful. Those petals came from
Plant Profile: Mayflowering Tulip ‘Kingsblood’ Read More »
Opening Observation Although I grew up where tulip fields were part of the spring landscape, someday I’d still like to see the ones in Holland — those miles of color that seem to blend straight into the sky. Until then, I make do with my own small tour at home. The Perennial Delight mix feels
Plant Profile: Perennial Delight Tulip Mix Read More »
Opening Observation I grew up in Washington’s Skagit Valley, where tulips weren’t a novelty; they were a season. Spring meant rows upon rows of color stretching to the horizon, fields so bright they looked painted against the gray. I never dug bulbs myself, though one of my best friends did. She was known for how
Plant Profile: Fosteriana Tulip ‘Flaming Purissima’ Read More »
buckwheat Common Name: Buckwheat Botanical Name: Fagopyrum esculentum Hardiness Zones: Annual — all zones Height: 2-4 feet Spread: Varies by seeding density Foliage: Heart-shaped green leaves, red stems Bloom: Small white flowers, mid to late summer Growth Rate: Very fast — germinates in 3-5 days Light: Full sun to partial shade Soil: Poor to average,
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crimson clover Common Name: Crimson Clover Botanical Name: Trifolium incarnatum Hardiness Zones: Annual — all zones Height: 12-36 inches Spread: Spreading mound Foliage: Bright trifoliate leaves, soft texture Bloom: Deep crimson flower spikes, spring through summer Growth Rate: Fast Light: Full sun Soil: Poor to average, well-drained; fixes nitrogen Water: Low to moderate Opening Observation
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Opening Observation A field of memory, right in the yard. Some flowers bloom from nostalgia. For me, tulips are one of those. I grew up in Skagit Valley, Washington, where tulips weren’t just a springtime decoration, they were a cultural event. The Tulip Festival marked the season as clearly as the scent of fresh soil.
Plant Profile: Darwin Hybrid Impression Tulip Mix Read More »
coral sunset peony Common Name: Coral Sunset Peony Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Coral Sunset’ Hardiness Zones: 3-8 Height: 2-3 feet Spread: 2-3 feet Foliage: Upright, neat, deep green; holds shape through season Bloom: Early spring; semi-double; coral pink fading through apricot and blush to ivory Growth Rate: Slow to establish; long-lived once settled Light: Full
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Opening Observation Astilbe has followed me for years, in catalogs, garden centers, other people’s yards, but somehow never home with me. I have put them in my online cart more times than I can count, only to trim them out at the last minute. Not yet, I would think. No good place for them. This
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A bright start to spring A bright, cheerful daffodil is a great way to see the garden start to come alive. A Golden Harvest comes early and lights up the garden when everything else is still half asleep. It’s one of my husband’s favorites. Daffodils are one of his favorites because they’re unapologetically cheerful, bright,
Plant Profile: Trumpet Daffodil ‘Golden Harvest’ Read More »
Opening Observation When I started researching cover crops and natural ways to reclaim the back beds, Alpine Strawberry kept appearing on every list. It was usually framed as a charming option, a ground-hugging perennial that covers soil quickly, suppresses weeds, and offers the unexpected delight of tiny, edible fruit. It caught my attention, if only
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