I’m so excited to tell you about this beautiful shrub named Eclipse Big Leaf Hydrangea. The leaves are dark purple — almost black, and have a sheen like satin. They stay dark all season long, year after year. The blooms are a spectacular — cranberry or amethyst color — providing dramatic contrast to the dark […]
Teri Cole, (in memoriam)
Teri Cole is a 63-year resident of Bainbridge Island. She is a landscape designer known for her containers, arbors and floral decorations. She loves butterflies, birds, dogs, birdhouses and paintings.
Posted inGarden
Seeds Galore
If you love to grow plants and vegetables from seed, this publication, “The Whole Seed Catalog,” is for you. The pictures are large and all in color, and the text is beautifully written. You’ll discover unique seeds from nine other countries as well as beautiful recipes. This is a book you’ll cherish, never toss away […]
Posted inGarden
Spring Is Here!
March is my favorite month for planting bareroot trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous edibles. By planting bareroot, you’ll save money. Here are some plant suggestions: Tree types: Flowering • Fruit • Shade Shrubs: Lilacs • Flowering currants • Dogwoods • Bridal spirea • Forsythia Roses: English • Climbing • Rugosa • Modern • Old fashioned […]
Posted inGarden
Aromatherapy in Your Garden
How about am aromatic garden? Perfume-scented flowers, blooming trees and herbs in the garden are so important for insects, animals and people. Plant fragrances change your mood and brighten your spirits and can be very calming. You can create a scented haven with little effort, as Mother Nature will assist you with her magic wand. […]
Posted inGarden
Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden
Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees! Sadly, there has been a decline in the health of our pollinators, and it’s important for gardeners to create a pollinator-friendly garden. You will need to provide blooming plants, which is their food source; shelter in the form of large-leaved shrubs, trees and tall grasses; and water to encourage their survival. […]
Posted inGarden
Small and Beautiful Gardens
I prefer smaller gardens because they can take your breath away as you walk through them. Victorian, shabby chic, perennial beds full of flowers, vignettes, pathways, a rose garden, concrete birdbaths, arbors covered with blooming vines and climbers and a charming porch for entertaining. Containers overflowing with trailing blossoms. Fragrance! Don’t forget the long-blooming mammoth […]
Posted inGarden
Campanula Bellflower
Campanulas are my new favorite plant. There are about 500 varieties — encompassed trailers, creeping or tufted miniatures and erect kinds 1 to 6 feet. Most are perennials; some are biennials or annuals. Flowers are usually bell-shaped, though some are star-shaped, cupped or round and flat. They bloom from spring to fall, depending on the […]
Posted inPeople & Places
I Love Winter!
As it gets chilly and the temps drop, I always wish for a beautiful snowfall, which is so good for the garden. A blanket of snow insulates the plants and allows a slow and deep watering as it melts away. As my garden sleeps, I turn my back, go inside and make plans for the […]
Posted inHome
Holiday Decorating
In this article, I offer you my inspiration to decorate for Christmas as you allow your garden to rest. A few ideas: It’s time to dress your home and garden with all the available natural materials. I’ve collected bird nests, cones, moss, ivy from the forests, dried hops from my garden and twigs from the […]