mgervais
Michelle Gervais, New Milford, CT, UScontributor
I rediscovered gardening in college, and soon switched from a math major to a horticulture major. A "major" change, and a good one! The years since have included growing culinary herbs, edible flowers, and mesclun mixes on Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts, managing both a retail greenhouse and a nursery yard in Westchester County, New York, and managing visitation, marketing, and general business for a small but amazing public garden in Putnam County, New York. I signed on to Fine Gardening Magazine and Kitchen Gardener Magazine in 2000.
These days I'm an associate editor at FG and www.finegardening.com. I tend an 8-year-old, 1/4-acre garden surrounding my 19th-century in-town house, where I tend to neglect my one large perennial border while obsessing over my container gardens, which are filled with lush tropicals and annuals. I have a paralyzing fear of pruning, and when it comes to in-the-ground plants, I find myself perpetually at a loss as to where to put them, no matter how much I love them. Can anyone help me find the perfect spot for my new Geranium 'Rozanne'??
Contributions
Green and even more green
Here's another set of photos that illustrate that the color green can be exciting enough all on its own in a container. All of these containers were designed by, yet again, Scott Endres in St. Paul...
Green is enough!
It's amazing what you can do with just the color green. In this grouping of containers designed by Scott Endres in St. Paul, Minnesota, the only other color you'll find is a small dash of orange...
Spice up containers with more than just plants
Along with being a master at combining plants (see yesterday's post), Minnesota garden designer Scott Endres also knows his way around a container, as you'll see in the next three days. In todays...
What to do with blue?
When it comes to blue foliage, I have a garden mental block. I just can't seem to figure out what to put it with. But Scott Endres in St. Paul, Minnesota, sure knows what to do. If these combos are...
A dramatic container combo
Steely blue, bronze, and deep purple make for a dramatic mix in this container combo designed by Miyako Kinoshita in New Milford, Connecticut. The plants in this combo include 'Sweet Caroline Bronze...
Which one of these plants is not like the others?
Can you spot the plant that doesn't belong? A sprig of 'Pink Frost' sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Pink Frost', USDA Hardiness Zone 11) fits right in with this patch of 'Burgundy Glow' variegated bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow', Zones 3-9). It's ...
A happy jumble
When the words "cottage garden" come to mind, this is the kind of planting I picture in my mind. This is a mix of yellow and orange cosmos, red and pink zinnias, and purple tall verbena Verbena...
Subtle differences can be just enough
Here's an example of a combo that shouldn't work, but does. All of these plants have quite similar textures and colors, but when you put them together, instead of creating a chaotic mishmash, they...
From humble materials...
A couple of weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of touring Bedrock Gardens in Lee, New Hampshire, with one of its creators, Jill Nooney. Jill's an amazing sculptor and garden designer. Among the many...
Tropical fever
Furcraea (Furcraea foedita 'Mediopicta', USDA Hardiness Zone 11) is the focal point in this combo at the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. It's backed up...
Reaching for the sky
OK, so this garden might not be intentional, but isn't it spectacular? This ambitious plant was spotted on a riverside building in Newburgh, New York. Just think about how far water has to travel to...
Gazing balls have a place in gardens...
Some gardeners think that gazing balls are tacky. I tend to think it depends on the base you put it on (or not at all.) At the Enid A. Haupt Garden of the Smithsonian Institue in...
A waterfall of foliage
At the Enid A. Haupt Garden of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., 'Silver Falls' dichondra (Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls', USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11) spills over a wall, creating a...
A simple tuteur for annual vines
If you'd like to add a bit of last-minute verticality to a garden bed, try making this simple tuteur for an annual vine. Choose a spot, collect a bundle of bamboo stakes, and loosely press them into...
Birdhouses are a pop of color in borders
Colorful birdhouses are striking focal points in addition to homes for the local birds in this mixed border at the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington...
Milk glass lights up the garden
Sure, you could spend buckets of money on fancy lanterns for your garden. Or you could drive on down to the local thrift store and pick up a few milk glass vases and teacups for a couple dollars...
An ode to copper
Copper is the name of the game in this little vignette designed by Beth Giebel in New Milford, Connecticut. In it, she combines a ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius cv., Zones 3-7), a sneezeweed...
Foliage like dinosaur feathers!
This variegated version of mountain thistle (Acanthus montabus 'Frieling's Sensation', Zones 7-11) was dicovered by Ohio nursery Glasshouse Works in the early 1980s, and it's just as...
A funky chair-turned-planter
A metal chair without a seat is a perfect opportuniy to make a creative statement in a garden. Give it a vivid coat of paint, build a simple planter box to fit the frame, and plant it up with...
A book-matched set
These subtle and intriguing beds were designed by Rebecca Batchie for a garden in Kent, Connecticut, and punctuate the ends of two long mixed borders. They add continuity to this garden and their...
READER PHOTO! Cute as a button
Today's photo is from Pam Wittenberg in Santa Rosa, California. She says, "It's baby katydid season in our garden, and we've been finding them hiding out everywhere." Adorable. Thanks, Pam, for...
Historic grandeur
Today's photo is of a fountain in the North Garden at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. It has a timeless beauty that's hard to ignore. Kris Green...
Nicotine & castor oil
Call me crazy, but that's what comes to mind when I see this beautiful combo from the display gardens at Blithewold Mansion & Gardens in Bristol, Rhode Island. The pink flowering tobacco...
Black & blue isn't always painful
Today's photo was taken in the garden of Kristin Green in Bristol, Rhode Island. I was walking around her charming, in-town garden recently when I rounded the far corner of the house and was floored...
READER PHOTO! All the joys of a garden, on a deck
Today's photo is from Miriam Settles in northern Virginia. She says, "I started a container garden about 8 years ago because I don’t have much land around our townhouse for flower beds, but I...
READER PHOTO! A happy accident in hypertufa
Today's photo is from Michael Larkin in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He says, "This container was handmade using hypertufa. I have made lots of hypertufa containers, but this is by far one of the...
READER PHOTO! 'Star Gazer' & 'Blaze'
Today's photo is from Grace Peterson in western Oregon. She says, "This is a photo I took last year of a 'Star Gazer' oriental lily (Lilium 'Star Gazer', USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8)peeking our from the...
A garden gate fit for a....gardener!
Freeland Tanner created this gate from garden tools to welcome visitors to his enclosed vegetable garden. Freeland's collections of garden tools can be seen all over the garden he shares with his...
Moon window
Rather than a moon gate, this garden feature at Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, New York, is more of a moon window, offering a glimpse into the formal flower garden beyond the wall. Welcome to the...
Better than flowers
While the subtle flowers of Japanese maples usually come and go without notice, the winged seeds are another story. This Japanese maple...
We can't help but personify plants
Especially when they look like this! You can find this happy orchid in the Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, New York. Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE...
Floral synchronicity
Some plant combos just can't be planned. In the garden of Sabrina and Freeland Tanner in Napa, California, it was just pure luck that this clematis vine wandered into the euphorbia and they decided...
A property-line seating area
"This sunken woodland patio provides a beautiful, private place to sit along the property line. The fence undulates with the topography, and its construction provides a pleasing texture that alludes...
A simple solution turns into garden art
Animal deterrents needn't be ugly. This solution to a common problem became a whimsical bit of art in the garden of Brian Higley and Meg Rasmussen in Beacon, New York. Brian says, "Before our sedum...
Orange+Green=Bold Contrast
OK, so we've decided to make this "Brian Higley Week" at the GPOD, since we have shots of so many of his great hardscape elements. We hope you'll be inspired by them! Today, we feature a fence and...
A bench built for a lifetime
This is another creation from landscape architect Brian Higley. He says, "These benches were designed to be simple but beautiful fixtures along a trail at Madam Brett Park in Beacon, New York...
A wow-worthy screen that blends right in
This woodland screen was created by landscape architect Brian Higley for a garden in Garrison, New York. He says, "This stick fence screens a small sitting deck in a woodland garden. While it's made...
READER PHOTO! A green roof good enough for a gnome...
Today's photo is from LeAnn Locher in Portland, Oregon. She says, "This is in the funky neighborhood of North Portland, in Portland, Oregon. Located along a sidewalk, this "gnomescape" features a...
READER PHOTO! A happy orange and lime theme for a busy patio
Today's photo is from David Bockman in Fairfax, Virginia. Recently David's studio, greeneyedesign, llc, was approached to design the outdoor dining area containers for Fresh Lunch Catering. The...
READER PHOTO! A faux borrowed view
Todays' photo is from Mindy Arbo in Winchester, Massachusetts. She says, "To distract visitors from some newly built houses next door, we borrowed from a Japanese design element called The...
READER PHOTO! Mirrorstone
Today's photo is from Sally Muspratt in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. She says, "I designed this garden to create beautiful reflections in "Mirrorstone," Adam Frenlin's simple stainless steel column...
Floating stones
At Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor, Maine, these stone steps seem to float above the water. It's a serene sight. That said...
Maine Day 5: Candelabra primulas
These candelabra primulas (Primula X bullesiana cvs., Zones 5-8) beside the lower pond in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden seem to capture the sun and...
Maine Day 4: Heuchera and catmint
Sometimes two similar textures can work quite well together. Gardeners at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden combined 'Miracle' heuchera (Heuchera 'Miracle', USDA Hardiness Zones 49nbspwith...
Maine Day 3: Primula vialii
Primula vialii was in full bloom by the lower pond in the Five Senses Garden at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, Maine. This primula is native to China and prefers moist soil and...
Maine Day 2: Pondside at the CMBG
This is a planting at the edge of the central pond in the Five Senses Garden at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, Maine. Some of these plants include blue oat glass Helictotrichon...
A week of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens!
Last week, assistant editor Kerry Ann Morre took a garden-themed tour of Maine with her trusty camera by her side. This week in the GPOD, we'll feature five photos from one of her favorite stops, the...
Alliums amongst the ferns
Soft-textured hay-scented ferns (Dennstaedtia punctilobula, USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8) are the perfect foil for the spherical blooms of an allium (Allium sp., Zones 3-11) After the blooms have faded...
Mirror image
At first glance, you'd think these urns were mirror images of each other, but the mirror has nothing to do with them from this angle. Instead, this decorative mirror is a compelling feature on this...
A humble focal point
You don't have to spend a lot of money or time creating a striking focal point in your garden. Designer Nancy Ondra leaves this yellow watering can on a post in her garden, where it's both convenient...
Evening reflection
Garden designer Laura Crockett created this garden lantern from a reclaimed streetlight. Placing it next to a water feature more than doubles its appeal as the sun goes down. Water's not just for...
READER PHOTO! Snow? In the middle of summer?
Todays' photo is from Erle Nickel in Oakland, California. He says, "No, that's not a snow drift blanketing this plant. It's the intriguing Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Summer.' Native to...
A planting for hot, baking sun
A spot like this, in the baking sun by a pool in Denver, Colorado, needs to have plants that can take a beating and still look good all summer. Garden designer Tom Peace used a variety of tough...
A garden that glows at night
Barbara Paul Robinson's "moon garden" in her garden in Washington, Connecticut, is designed to be viewed from an upstairs bedroom window at dawn and dusk. Instead of the white blooms...
A patio that floats!
OK, not really. But the narrow water channel and pool that surround Scott Endres' back patio in St. Paul, Minnesota, sure seem to make this patio seem like an island of tranquility. It's a tiny...
A narrow side yard becomes a fascinating journey
When faced with a narrow passageway on the side of his house, Minneapolis/St. Paul garden designer Scott Endres didn't consider it just a way to get from the front to the back, he saw it as another...
No flowers for me, thanks.
When you're potting up your containers this year, consider trying one that doesn't rely on flower power. Fascinating foliage can be even more compelling than flowers. Rita Randolph in Jackson...
Two seasons of silver sage
Silver sage, a biennial (Salvia argentea, USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8), is most commonly photographed in its first season, when it flaunts beefy, extravagantly silvery and fuzzy leaves in a low rosette...
Borage isn't boring!
Want some true blue for your garden? Borage (Borago officinalis) is an old-fashioned annual herb that many gardeners grow for its edible young leaves and flowers, which taste faintly of cucumber. Its...
A perfect marriage of plants and hardscape
Randy Bolin and Tom Nelson's front entryway in Oakland, California, is a riot of colors, both in hardscape and plants. The vibrant slate steps are the perfect inspiration for their plant palette full...
Whisper-soft texture at dusk
In the garden of Sabrina and Freeland Tanner in Napa, California, a lantern is tucked into a low sweep of feather grass (Stipa sp., USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11), which just serves to enhance the...
An oasis for bored significant others
What garden-obsessed shopper doesn't need one of these at their local nursery? At Annie's Annuals and Perennials in Richmond, California, bored significant others can hang out together at the GUYS...
READER PHOTO! It's a bouncing baby...mantid! Or 500...
Today's photo is from Rebecca Sweet in Los Altos, California. She says, "Every spring we buy a praying mantis nest at our local nursery, hoping it hatches and provides us with at least one praying...
"Driftwood" and grasses
This is Barbara Weirich's Benton Harbor, Michigan, fall garden, where she took advantage of a fallen tree branch to create a beachy atmosphere with flowing grasses. Welcome to the Fine Gardening...
A rusty privacy screen inspires a planting
Barbara Weirich's husband is a metal fabricator, and he created this privacy screen for her garden in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It's at the end of a long, narrow alleyway in her garden, and...
A splash of red makes a big impact
This is yet another example of what a splash of hardscape color can do for a garden. Try to imagine this scene without its bright red bench. Not quite as interesting, right? A punchy focal point like...
Which one of these things is not like the others?
In the garden of Jack Hyland and Larry Wendt in Millerton, New York, a series of mirrors acts to expand the visual space in this little hidden garden. The last fence panel, however, isn't a mirror at...
A quiet spot to rest
This shady little nook can be found along an interior wall in the flower garden at Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, New York. The wall of green soothes your eyes and provides a break from the...
There's an anteater in the garden!
In the garden of Randy Bolin and Tom Nelson in Oakland, California, an anteater munches away amongst the pots on the deck. It's these little details that make a garden personal and wonderful, as this...
READER PHOTO: Artichokes are bold and beautiful!
Today's GPOD is from Laura Livengood Schaub in San Jose, California. She says, "Artichokes are a beautiful winter perennial in Northern California, growing 5'-6' tall with large gray-green leaves...
A criss-cross combo
This little vignette is a perfect combination of colors that ties together beautifully. The chartreuse flowering tobacco (Nicotiana cv.) on the front right is echoed by the 'Morning Light' miscanthus...
Chilean rhubarb, a horticultural beast!
Chilean rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) is a gargantuan perennial that is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. It prefers moist, rich soil in full sun or partial shade. This plant certainly says "WOW"...
READER PHOTO: Boxwood Buddha
Today's GPOD is from Sherry Willis. She says, "I was advised against turning an ancient, overgrown boxwood into a topiary but I couldn't resist. This is the result after about four years of endeavor." Thanks, Sherry, for sharing this with us!
Blurring the edges
A meadow of cosmos was the perfect way to transition from garden to fields at this garden in Millerton, New York. The flowers sway and dance in the slightest breeze and provide cover for wildlife and...
Matching plants to hardscape
Designer David Feix in California took cues from the colors on this patio when choosing plants for this vignette. The orange tips of the blue-green agave (Agave sp.) match the low stucco wall, while...
Take cues from your surroundings when choosing plants
When choosing plants for this garden bed, designer Rebecca Batchie looked up and took into account the red of this classic barn when she chose the red and white lily. By matching the two, she made...
Tall, dark, and handsome
This dusky container design is quietly dramatic. It was designed by Peter Robideaux and his staff in Brookfield, Connecticut, to be an example of what could be achieved with the plants he sells in...
READER PHOTO: Hummingbird & Honeysuckle
Today's GPOD is from Tina Wilson in Arlington, Washington. She says, "I have a large garden and plant a variety of flowers that naturally attract hummingbirds, bees, birds, dragonflies, and other...
READER PHOTO: Cherry blossoms
Today's GPOD is from Mary Beth Jarrosak on Block Island in Rhode Island. She says, "This weeping cherry tree is on my brothers property on Block Island, and it was given to him by our...
Longwood Gardens, Day 5: Peirce's Woods
It's Longwood Gardens week at the GPOD! This week, we've been celebrating this fabulous public garden in pictures. Longwood, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a...
Longwood Gardens, Day 4: The Silver Garden
It's Longwood Gardens week at the GPOD! This week, we're celebrating this fabulous public garden in pictures. Longwood, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a long-time FG staff...
Longwood Gardens, Day 3: Annuals in the Idea Garden
It's Longwood Gardens week at the GPOD! This week, we're celebrating this fabulous public garden in pictures. Longwood, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a long-time FG staff...
Longwood Gardens, Day 2: The Topiary Garden
It's Longwood Gardens week at the GPOD! This week, we're celebrating this fabulous public garden in pictures. Longwood, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a long-time FG staff...
It's LONGWOOD GARDENS week at the GPOD!
It's Longwood Gardens week at the GPOD! For the next five days, we'll celebrate this fabulous public garden in pictures. Longwood, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a long-time FG...
A great vine for shady containers
It's not easy to find colorful plants to make a splash in shade containers. The rex begonia vine (Cissus discolor, USDA Hardiness Zone 11) is one great plant that does the job. It's an Asian...
READER PHOTO: A froth of pink
Today's GPOD is from Deanne Fortnam in Nashua, New Hampshire. She says: "Nothing can beat the exuberance of clematis in full bloom in early July combined with lilies and baby's breath" Thanks...
Pretty, and pretty cheap
Create inexpensive, home-made garden lanterns with some twine, a few Mason or Ball jars, some sand or glass beads, and a few tealights. Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog...
Create a focal point with pots
Stumped as to how to display a collection of cacti and succulents? Create an island bed on your patio! This stunning display is in the demonstartion gardens at Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh...
A "kitchen" garden
At the Little Herb House in Raleigh, North Carolina, discarded kitchen implements serve as garden art in a "kitchen" garden bed of herbs. Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog...
Dressing up a staircase
At Filoli in California, this simple concrete and brick staircase is dressed up and defined by a seasonal display of potted tulips. This is a great way to liven up a bare area of a garden in spring...
READER PHOTO: A simple combo with big impact
Today's GPOD is from Mindy Arbo of the Cotton-Arbo retum in Winchester, Massachusetts. Mindy says: "This striking combination of Hosta 'Sum and Substance' and Chelone 'Hot Lips' comes from the...
READER PHOTO: Clematis 'Jackmanii'
Today's GPOD is from Chris Tidrick in Champaign, Illinois. He says, "This Clematis 'Jackmanii' climbs up the light pole in our front border and makes a wonderful partner to the Baptisia...
#ff = Follow Friday on Twitter!
I've been "tweeting" on Twitter for quite some time now, and I have to say that it's one of my best sources of gardening information, inspiration, and all-out entertainment. I love my "tweeps," and I...
READER PHOTO: Daffodils, daffodils, and more daffodils!
Today's GPOD is from Wendy Niemi Kremer in Oak Hill, Virginia. She says, "This photo shows three of my favorite daffodils in my backyard border: Narcissus 'Thalia', with its orchid-like blooms, tiny...
READER PHOTO: Shades of blue and gray
Today's GPOD is from Michelle Van Heuvelen. She says: "I garden on a farm in Iowa. I have a number of gardens spread out around the farm. Including a small, formal potager, a long border...
A botanical Jack-in-the-box
Todays GPOD is from Kerry Ann Moore, one of FG's assistant editors. She says, "This little summer baby looks like it’s about to explode! Even though this image is frozen in time, it evokes an...
Mix it up with pansies
Want to do something different with your pansies this spring? Plant them with your lettuces! They really dress up a planting, and you can even harvest a few of the edible blooms for your...
Dress up your pots for Easter!
Today's photo is from Danielle Sherry, one of FG's Associate Editors. She says: "There’s not much to choose from at the nurseries in early spring--especially when it comes to container...
READER PHOTO: A second show for a spectacular tulip
Today's photo is from Rebecca and Emily Sweet in Los Altos, California. Rebecca says: "While helping me get ready for a huge garden party last week, Emily, my 14-year-old daughter, was sidetracked...
Beach garden
In this private garden in Michigan, the property drops off steeply, overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. Sad that her grandchildren couldn't get to the beach, the homeowner/garden designer...
Where's Waldo?
The bunny, that is. Can you find him? Associate Editor Danielle Sherry spent a bit of time with this fellow as she took photos at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, & Arboretum in Rhode Island. He...
Beautiful AND functional
This metal sculpture serves two purposes. It screens a view of the neighbor's house, but it also makes a stunning focal point that is emphasized by a matching urn in the foreground. This thoughful...
A not-so-delicate container combo
This combo may look refined and fussy, but its anchor is one tough cookie. Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9) is sometimes banished from borders due to its...
Deep red equals high drama
This sultry, monochromatic bed makes a big impact with its large sweeps of deep red plants. Amaranth and coleus supply the bulk of the drama, and are knitted together with a band of ornamental kale...
READER PHOTO: Poor, tortured trees...
Today's photo is from Susan Morrison in California's SanFrancisco Bay area. She says: "This house is in the older part of my neighborhood and unfortunately a lot of the trees are still treated this...
READER PHOTO: Mountain bluet
Today's photo is from Andrew Keys in Topsfield, Massachusetts. He says: "The appearance of cool customer Centaurea montana (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9) means it's a sure thing it's high spring in my...
Common plants, uncommon effect
You don't need the latest and greatest plants to make a stunning plant combo. All of these plants are relatively easy to find in your local garden center: 'Polaris' verbena (Verbena rigida Polaris...
A perfect pairing of plants and pot
Sometimes it's tricky, pairing plants with a stunning, highly decorative pot, but the horticulturists at Cranbrook House and Gardens in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan seem to know what they're doing. The...
I'd like one of those, please.
This collection of begonias at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts is eough to give anyone a case of plant envy. Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog! Every...
An Ode to Coleus
This photo doesn't even begin to illustrate the range of colors and textures that coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides cvs., USDA Hardiness Zone 11/annual) can provide to both containers and the...
READER PHOTO: Spring comes early!
Today's photo is from Erica Glasner in Atlanta, Georgia. She says: "This is Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata Alba’ (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9). A mouthful but a great evergreen shrub...
To love a garden
In honor of this blog's most frequest visitor, here's a soothing scene from the Cotton-Arbo retum in Winchester, Massachusetts. FG visited this garden with our cameras last summer, and were wowed by...
A peaceful setting indeed
The Temple of Peace in the woodland at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts. Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great...
A mathematical masterpiece
Not many plants can add the level of texture and drama to a garden that 'Lucifer' crocosmia (Crocosmia 'Lucifer', USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9) can. Its lance-shaped, corrugated leaves are a study in...
Should it be called mountain rue?
Meadow rue (Thalictrum rochebrubeanum and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9) is a perennial native to Japan that forms large, 3-foot-tall clumps of muted green foliage and sprays of delicate...
It's a bit rusty...
Rusty metal blends into a garden amazingly well, especially when paired with a bronzy sedge. This photo was taken in Laura Crockett's garden in Hillsboro, Oregon. Welcome to the Fine Gardening...
A juicy combo for a container
This combo might be juicy, but it also has teeth! The flame-licked leaves of Tropicanna canna (Canna 'Phasion', Zones 8-11) are the perfect backdrop for the flashy orange spines of this porcupine...
A promising sign that spring is on its way!
Today's Garden Photo of the Day is from Associate Editor Danielle Sherry. She says, "Despite the snowfall this past weekend in New England, my Purple witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis 'Purpurea', USDA...
It's all in the details
The designer of this little river-rock tower says that of all the creative hardscape touches she's added to her small garden over the years, this has always gotten the most attention. It's elegant in...
Mixed messages in the garden
Hot-headed or happy-go-lucky? Two sides of a botanical coin. Happy Monday! Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a...
Who goes there?!
The staff of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina got a little creative last year... Plant Delights is a plant-lover's paradise. But they're not just about to-die-for plants. Their...
Pair one fine texture with another
Sure, we all know that contrast is the name of the garden design name, but sometimes it's just as effective to pair a fine-textured plant with one of a similar texture but with a different color. The...
Love-in-a-mist is one cool annual
Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena cvs., annual) delivers a 3-part punch, with it's finely textured foliage, intricate blue flowers, and striped, balloon-like seed pods, all at the same time. It's a...
READER PHOTO: The hummingbirds demand their bath
Today's GPOD comes from LeAnn Locher, a storyteller and gardener in Portland, Oregon. She says: "We've created a water feature in our garden using a rain chain with water dropping into and...
Old world charm in a California garden
Filoli is one of California's most famous and beautiful estates. Its spring display is classic and spectacular. To see how Filoli was the inspiration for another, more casual California garden, check...
A stunning and functional garden focal point
When we first featured this birdhouse on the cover of the December 2000 issue of Fine Gardening, the FG office got dozens of calls from gardeners wanting one just like it. Years later, this garden...
The origins of everyday things
Way back when, I used to collect rubber duckies. When you start to have more than a few dozen of something, you start to wonder where they came from. I began to picture factories in China, pushing...
Ruby grass is pretty in pink
Ruby grass (Melinus nerviglumis) This gray-green, graceful grass is a wonderful, visually soothing addition to summer gardens. The pink blooms begin to appear on arching stems in spring and last...
A Japanese Garden in New York
The Japanese garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, New York. Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a...
A tumble of cool clematis softens hot hardscape
Among the many delights of Cornerstone Gardens in sun-drenched Sonoma, California, is this stucco wall and metal gate softened by an exuberant tumble of purple clematis blooms. Welcome to the Fine...
A simple structure makes a big impact
At the Vesper Hill Chapel garden in Rockport, Maine, a simple bamboo trellis is used to serve as a visual end to this garden space. It's a simple way to add interest and boundary without spending a...
Use paint to make a splash
In the vegetable garden at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boyleston, Massachusetts, a bean tower isn't just functional, it's a colorful focal point. Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the...
Catalog Review: Thompson and Morgan Seeds
I've never been to England, so I only have vague ideas about English gardens. But leafing through the pages of Thompson & Morgan makes me feel like I’m just a bit closer than an ocean away...
This is not the way you want to lose a limb...
This just in: man arrested for shotgun pruning.
My favorite Fine Gardening articles ever!
Recently Steve Aitken, FG’s editor, asked the FG editors to name our favorite article from the past 20+ years of FG. That’s a tough one! Rather than just one, I thought I’d share my favorite 10 from the last few years. We have published over 130 issues, after all. Some of these are online now, so you can check them out right away. Here goes (in reverse chronological order)!
A garden to grow with
The kids' garden at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh is a deight for young minds.
We're on Twitter!
Yes, Fine Gardening is trying to look younger than it actually is. Wait! The magazine is about 21 years old. That's about right, no? Anyway, if you tweet, follow us!
Neighborhood Workday to the rescue!
I can barely move this morning. My joints are stiff, my muscles are screaming, and I’m so happy! On Saturday the “Neighborhood Workday” came to my house.
Purple Perilla Pesto does not rock my world.
The search continues for a use for my perilla.
A garden gem in Upstate New York
The King's Garden at Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York
Common Name Conundrums
Fine Gardening's copy editor, Suzanne Noel, and I often get mired in minutia (Suzanne, should that be minutiae?? Long conversation ensues…). These matters often send me on short journeys of...
Finally! A plethora of attractive rain barrels
A couple of years ago Gardener’s Supply came out with a rain barrel that looked like an elegant terra-cotta urn, and I was pretty darned excited (though not excited enough to cough up 219...
I love my Dutchman's pipe!
I planted Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla, syn. A. durior, Zones 5-8) on my pergola maybe 6 years ago, having seen it on some arbors in Saratoga Springs, New York, the summer before...
Things I love in theory
Things I love in theory. In reality? Not so much.
If life gives you dandelions, make wine!
I already have dozens of dandelions blooming in my lawn. Dozens, I say. I've always known you could make dandelion wine, but thought it would be complicated and would require special equipment that wouldn't fit into my budget.
A sunny oasis in the snow
Connecticut is such a maze of back roads that I could drive a different route to work every day. But I’m stuck in a rut, so I usually stick to one scenic route that takes my over the hills...
Next photo challenge: Signs of Spring
Spring is right around the corner, and so is our next photo challenge.
Garden blockade
Keep out!
Don't hate them because their garden is beautiful
"Perfect Gardens" are real gardens, too!
Gardening Resolutions for 2009
A perennial exercise in deluding ourselves? We think not.
More containers, continued
More of my fave containers from my garden
More containers
Some of my favorite containers and container groupings from my garden over the years.
Rex begonia vine
Love this vine - Cissus discolor, AKA rex begonia vine. Got it from Cottage Garden Nursery in IL.
My favorite coleus for containers
Notice a common theme here? I ALWAYS include 'Texas Parking Lot' coleus in my container plantings. It's my absolute favorite coleus, sometimes called 'Alabama Sunset'.
Plant Shopping List
It's not even 2009 yet, and Fine Gardening Associate Editor is already thinking about what plants to buy next year.
Green and even more green
mgervais | September 2nd, 2010
Disease Prevention Tip - Stop Spraying!
PFZimmerman | September 1st, 2010
Calling On The Capitol - DC Revisited
CoolGreenGardens | September 1st, 2010
Green is enough!
mgervais | September 1st, 2010
Recent comments
Re: READER PHOTO! A happy accident in hypertufa
I love the vertical stones set in the middle of the design!
posted: 1:33 pm on July 28thRe: A garden gate fit for a....gardener!
Ooooh, so jealous, Rebecca! Tell them I say hello!!
posted: 2:27 pm on July 23rdRe: A garden gate fit for a....gardener!
No worries, you'll definitely be seeing more of this garden in FG in the next year or so! In the meantime, here is another GPOD from the same garden.
posted: 1:20 pm on July 23rdhttp://www.finegardening.com/item/14406/whisper-soft-texture-at-dusk
Not enough, I know!
Re: Evenings are the best
Gorgeous!
posted: 11:18 am on July 2ndRe: #ff = Follow Friday on Twitter!
Now see? I knew I was going to forget someone. Cristina, you're definitely worthy of the list!
posted: 10:08 am on June 9thRe: Pasadena Open Days Tour Part II - Urbanite!
Great post, Billy! I'm one of those weird women who finds real excitement in the potential contained within the walls of a building supply shop. The only think more exciting is FREE raw materials! Urbanite is just a great idea, on so many levels.
posted: 9:56 am on May 10thRe: READER PHOTO: Shades of blue and gray
I'm fascinated by that salvia! Those beefy purple leaves - very cool!
posted: 10:09 am on April 8thRe: In A Dinosaur's Garden
Awesome, Billy!!
posted: 5:00 pm on March 31stRe: Deep red equals high drama
Canase, this photo was taken at Longfellow Gardens in Minneapolis. It's a gem of a garden in the middle of town that I stumbled upon by accident a few years ago. The gardeners there do amazing things with annuals!
posted: 10:21 am on March 25thRe: It's all in the details
Not at all, Stan. They're just stacked. If they fall over, they fall over. Then there's an opportunity to do something different!
posted: 10:13 am on March 2ndRe: Medusa, garden-style
Thanks, guys! It's been tons of fun digging through the photo archives. Got any special requests?
posted: 3:43 pm on February 11thRe: My favorite Fine Gardening articles ever!
Well, you'd better get cracking, Steve, and kick out an awesome article or two, fast! In the meantime, what are your favorite articles??
posted: 9:49 am on November 14thRe: Common Name Conundrums
Almost!! Fascinating, though. Still working on it...
posted: 2:42 pm on July 8thhttp://lakecounty.typepad.com/life_in_lake_county/2007/03/a_tale_of_two_s.html
Re: Finally! A plethora of attractive rain barrels
OK, now that I've been clued in that a rain barrel is called a "water butt" overseas, I have a few more to share!
posted: 4:58 pm on June 29thGreat shape & color:
http://www.oaklandsplastics.com/water-storage-rainwater-harvesting/water-butt-bell.asp?Mn=33
LOVE the coordinating watering can!
http://www.greenfingers.com/superstore/product.asp?dept_id=200410&pf_id=LS3077D
Beautiful!
http://www.guardianoffers.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/guardianoffers/_pml0000636/-/Large-Water-Butt-(220-Litre-Capacity)
Wall mounted and reminiscent of a wall-mounted mailbox
http://www.gonegardening.com/xq/ASP/dept_id.5002/pf_id.990176/referer./qx/gg_shop/product.htm
Roman temple, anyone?
http://www.getethical.com/products/7863/500_litre_column_water_tank
And finally, from my buddy Ryan (@RyansGarden) on twitter. I'm not sure if I should thank him or yell at him! You'll see....
http://www.waterbutts.com/Butt/index.html
Re: Flowers From A Bad Sci-Fi Flick
Visiting Wave Hill in the Bronx several years ago, a gardener in the parking lot just about tackled me and made me swear to go find the Puya in bloom. Had never heard of it, but judging from his excitement level, the Puya was worth searching out. So I go trekking through the garden, past the visitor center, across the lawn, through the house and cafe, and onto the patio, & there it was! Metallic teal, indeed! Took tons of photos. Such a great plant.
posted: 1:47 pm on June 22ndRe: I love my Dutchman's pipe!
I haven't noticed any seeds, but if I did I'd send some to you! In the meantime, here are some links to mailorder nurseries that offer it:
posted: 10:25 am on June 15thhttp://www.arrowheadalpines.com/vines.htm
http://www.gardenvines.com/shop/other-species-9/aristolochia-macrophylla-28.html
http://www.diggingdog.com/pages2/treesvines.php
http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=537
http://www.goodwincreekgardens.com/
http://www.sunlightgardens.com/lists/search_results.html
Re: Stay the *bleep* away from my peas!
Did you really take that picture? I don't believe you took that picture. It's too darned funny!!!
posted: 6:04 pm on May 15thRe: You Want To Paint My What?
Amen, Billy!! When I see a huge swath of lush, weed-free lawn, I'm not soothed. I immediately get all stressed out thinking about the lawn mower, the chemicals, and the work involved. I have an itty bitty little lawn, but I give it tough love. No water or fertilizer. I save money, time, and my conscience. Not lookin' so hot come August, but I don't really care. It always makes it through that hot spell and comes back green.
posted: 3:05 pm on May 7thRe: garden design NE Ohio
Hey - this garden looks familiar! Loved it then and love it now.
posted: 11:35 am on January 7thRe: Planterly Combinations
Awesome plantings, Michelle. I'm coming out there this spring - maybe we can tour some gardens together!
posted: 3:31 pm on December 29th