Referred to as “mums” for short, we are told that chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty, friendship, and joy. Called the “November birth flowers,” chrysanthemums are primarily grown as ornamentals. One species is cultivated as a source of the insecticide, pyrethrum. The weather has been unseasonably warm in the Greater Boston Area and the bees have been feasting … Continue reading Chrysanthemums – November Birth Flowers →

The leaves of a Japanese Dogwood tree (Cornus kousa) transform into beautiful purple-to-red colors in the fall. Viewed from afar they appear to be colorful “carpets” in mottled shades of reds, oranges and yellows. Their leaves contain tannins, which help them to persist on the branches longer than leaves on other trees. So, we’ll keep … Continue reading Japanese Dogwood – Foliage on Fire →

Native to East Asia, Kousa Dogwood trees (Japanese Dogwood or Cornus Kousa) are admired not only for their beautiful flowers in the spring and early summer and their interesting bark but also for their berries. Even their leaves “provide vibrant fall foliage,” since they will turn a beautiful deep orange-red or even purple at this … Continue reading Kousa Dogwood Berries – Pretty and Tasty →

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 →