Although we haven’t yet had a killing frost, lower temperatures and shorter days are affecting our gardens and neighborhood for sure. The leaves on nearby oak trees are turning a bright orange and their acorns are all over the street and driveways. Our Dogwood trees (Cornus Kousa) are also turning, and their beautiful bright-red berries … Continue reading Savor the Season →

This summer’s unusually high temperatures, following months of below-normal rainfall, have resulted in significant drought areas in the Greater Boston Area and beyond. Although we’ve not wanted to waste water on our so-called lawn, we’ve tried to keep our gardens watered, especially those where some of our “special trees” are growing-such as the Kousa dogwood … Continue reading The Late-Summer Garden →

Daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis, but they are not true lilies. This Greek word is made up of two parts: ‘hemera’ meaning day and ‘kallos’ meaning beauty. The name is appropriate, since each flower lasts only one day. There are more than 35,000 registered daylily cultivated varieties (cultivars). They are among the most carefree … Continue reading Daylilies Dazzle →

At this time of the year there are so many beautiful flowers in bloom in our garden. They draw butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to the borders. Perennials include the daylilies, Japanese irises, hostas, daisies, and balloon flowers. Among the bushes and shrubs are roses, spireas, and viburnums. Plus, I mustn’t forget the annuals like … Continue reading Blue Endless Summer Hydrangea Blossoms →

I’ve always loved Japanese Kousa dogwood trees (Cornus kousa), especially their white (and sometimes pinkish) flowers. Well, it turns out that their blooms are not really flowers after all! The four showy dogwood flower petals aren’t actually “petals” as botanists define them. The spectacular white pointed beauties are “bracts,” which are modified leaves that look … Continue reading Kousa Dogwood Tree Blossoms →