At this time of the year our so-called lawn and gardens are covered with spikes of tiny, cobalt-blue flowers. They bloom for at least a month if the temperatures don’t get too hot. Known as Grape Hyacinths (Muscari Armeniacum), the clusters of bell-shaped flowers grow from tiny bulbs that thrive in nearly all soil conditions. … Continue reading Welcome Grape Hyacinths! →

National Dandelion Day was celebrated on April 5. The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial weed. The Chinese call it “nail in the earth” because its long, strong taproot draws nutrients and moisture from deep in the ground. We are told: “At one time there were no dandelions in North America. They originated in Asia … Continue reading Dandelion A Favorite Weed →

Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. Perennials, they die back in winter. Most gardeners prune the herbaceous, succulent stalks to the ground, which will not harm the new growth come spring. However, if left alone, sedums can add interest and beauty … Continue reading Sedum Winter Joy →

While we are accustomed to enjoying our “rhodies” (Rhododendron maximum) when they are in full bloom during warm months, they are also interesting to enjoy during the winter months. Also called Great Rosebay, the woody shrubs are topped by tangles of branches bearing large, leathery leaves, which remain green all winter. During really cold temperatures, … Continue reading Winter Rhododendrons →

A male Downy Woodpecker is pictured visiting a suet feeder, which may be hung vertically or horizontally. Downy Woodpeckers hold the distinction of being the most common and smallest American woodpeckers. Males have a red patch on the back of the head. Juveniles may have a wash of red, orange, or (rarely) yellow on their … Continue reading Woodpecker Visits →