I scored the jackpot today, both in lavendars and in hostas.  I went to Byron Center’s  K Gardens.  They had several Stitch in Time hostas, and, though it was expensive,  I  bought one.  Here it is. I hope it is very happy under the kousa dogwood.  I bought two other hostas–ghost spirit and allegan fog. … Continue reading

There used to be only two color choices when it came to day lilies: yellow or orange.  But those clever lily growers have, in the past few years, developed all kinds of lovely pink lilies.  And some of those have landed in my garden.   The lovely flower here is Prairie Blue Eyes. I’m off to… Continue reading

I spent a lovely afternoon with two other gardeners who also happen to be cat lovers.  Amy rents an apartment in one of those beautiful old Heritage Hill homes.  But that hasn’t kept her from gardening.  She has transformed a lovely slope behind her apartment, using stones to make little “vignettes.”  She has herbs mixed… Continue reading

Three summers ago I planted a number of dutchman’s pipe vines that would create a green wall around part of the secret garden.  This year that wall is finally filled in.   That’s it behind me. I’m standing behind a couple of white dome hydrangeas that run along a battered picket fence.  The wonderful surprise is… Continue reading

How could I forget five of my favorite blues?! Stokesia blooms in July and has the most wonderful fuzzy touchable flowers.  One of my clumps was trampled by a painter earlier this spring, but has bounced back and is getting ready to bloom.   The picture below was taken last summer.  These remind me a bit… Continue reading

A friend from South Dakota asked about blue flowered perennials that would be hardy for her zone, which happens to be the same as Grand Rapids, Michigan.  So this post is for you, Pats!! This is Brunnera, or Bugloss.  It is sometimes referred to as false forget-me-not.  It is an early bloomer, coming on in… Continue reading

Hydrangeas Buds cluster like tiny beads, promises of gems set in lacy caps or heavy mops that soon will nod in intermittent time with black bodies bees and ruby throated hummers, and invite pollen dusted nuzzles from bumblebees and moon strung moths who whisper summer dreams. But today buds cluster, still green and sleepy from… Continue reading

Today I am going to tackle the boxwood hedge.  Two years ago I never would have considered trimming it, but now I think it needs just a little taming.  And because we are now past the mad gardening rush of May and early June, there are sales.  And it’s time to plan a little shade… Continue reading

The white dawn climber in the front is in full bloom.  Rose slugs attempted to do it some harm, but insecticidal soap did them in.  I’m told they don’t really hurt the  plant that much, but they’re ugly, and I’ve waited too long to see white roses climbing up the chimney to trust them to… Continue reading

I know hollyhocks are prone to these pests,  but I didn’t expect to play host to quite so many.  Perhaps it’s a banner year for them.  It certainly was for rose slugs.  Those I was willing to fight.  I think the weevils have defeated me.  I planted three hollyhocks last summer but only one really… Continue reading