Landscaping Made Easy With Caladiums
My idea of a great summer weekend is spending 10 or 15 hours in the garden. But I know not everyone feels the same, and that includes Longfield Gardens co-owner Pete Langeveld. Pete has one of the nicest yards in his neighborhood, with neatlyRead More
Spring Garden Checklist for a Low Maintenance Flower Garden
Boost your garden’s beauty and reduce on-going maintenance with a bit of early season care. This spring garden checklist will help you focus on what matters most. Recently I met a horticulturist who practices “cocktail gardening.” She learned the techniqueRead More
Fresh Ideas for Growing Cannas in Your Garden
There is nothing subtle about cannas. With their big leaves, impressive height and vibrant, orchid-like flowers, these flashy extroverts love being the center of attention. Finding new and creative ways to use all that exuberant energy is exactly what makes them soRead More
Eucomis: Pineapple Lilies for Your Patio
The first time I grew eucomis was three years ago. I had never seen seen the plant or the flowers, so I didn’t know what to expect. Plus, not all tropical plants grow well here in zone 4. But there was no need for worry. This exotic-lookingRead More
Shake Up Your Garden With Elephant Ears
Want to add add some excitement and personality to your garden this summer? Plant elephant ears! These tropical plants can grow up to 7 feet tall, with leaves as long as your arm. Elephant ears have always been popular in Florida and otherRead More
Time to Jump Start Your Tuberous Begonias
For bold color in shady gardens, it’s hard to beat tuberous begonias. These lush, heat-loving plants have attractive foliage and big, rose-like flowers that bloom continuously from midsummer to frost. Planted in window boxes, hanging baskets, decorative urns or garden beds,Read More
New Dahlias and a Sneak Peek at This Year’s Cutting Garden
I know January is only 31 days long, but this year it seemed to last forever. Thankfully that cold and dreary month is in the rear view window and I can start looking ahead to this year’s cutting garden! As usual, I’m reserving about 80% of the space for dahlias. TheRead More
How to Overwinter Dahlias
Dahlias are heat loving plants that grow best with lots of sun, 80 to 90 degree temperatures and nice warm soil. Unlike most annuals and perennials, they are at their best in late summer and they keep right on blooming rightRead More
Color Trends in the Garden: 2013
The color experts at Pantone are recognized worldwide for their color matching system and their semi-annual fashion reports that predict the hot new colors for each season. As soon as these fashion reports are released, clothing and home goods designers scramble to produce their wares in these designated colors. For gardeners, Pantone’s seasonal colorRead More
Wedding Flowers: Calla Lily
The first thing to know about calla lilies is they are not actually lilies. These sleek and sophisticated flowers are members of the plant species Zantedeschia, and are native to South Africa. Though distant in their origin, today they are one of the world’s most popularRead More
