Originally introduced from China, the Seven-son tree (Heptacodium miconioides) has become very popular in the U.S., especially in the Northeast. Members of the Caprifoliaceae family, they have fragrant white blooms that appear in late summer. The small, star-shaped flowers are produced in seven whorls, which refer to the tree’s common name. It is hardy up … Continue reading Seven-sons Tree: A Magnet for Pollinators →

Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) is considered invasive and aggressive by many gardeners. Its small, pure white flowers emerge in August and if left unchecked, the prolific fall blooming grower can “take over.” But if properly maintained, the vine can be an asset to the garden at a time of year when pretty much everything … Continue reading Sweet Autumn Clematis: An Aggressive Garden Visitor →

The noted columnist Elizabeth Licata was recently quoted: “Goldenrod has its place in the civilized garden. This plant was long confused with ragweed. At least that myth has been busted.” Goldenrod (Solidago) is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the aster family with up to 120 species. It displays small, bright yellow pretty flowers in … Continue reading Goldenrod’s Golden Blooms →

A wasp seen on the left flies away as two bumble bees fight to get at the nectar which has been poured into a hummingbird feeder. We are told that feeders should be cleaned once a week so that our hummer friends will not be harmed by mold, bacteria or germs. Pure white table sugar … Continue reading Waiting for the Hummingbirds →

Lilies are part of the Lilium family and grow from bulbs, unlike daylilies, which grow from tuberous roots. Their six-petaled blooms last a long time, and they make excellent cut flowers. A lily flower may form the shape of a trumpet, with a more-or-less elongated tube. Or the petals may curl under or spread out … Continue reading Our July Blooming Lilies →