A blooming Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is very popular at this time of the year. But its resemblance to the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) makes it confusing, not only to shoppers and gift-givers, but also to garden nursery staff members. A Thanksgiving cactus has very pointed, sharp-toothed, claw-shaped projections on its flattened “segmented stem edges” … Continue reading Thanksgiving Cactus Time
Chrysanthemums For Us!
Considered the quintessential autumn flower, the chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. It was introduced to the Americas in 1798. The easy-to-grow, herbaceous perennials (Chrysanthemum indicum) can live for years in the New England area so long as they … Continue reading Chrysanthemums For Us!
Japanese Maple – A Symbol of Elegance
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a species of deciduous shrubs or small trees native to Japan, China, and Korea. Belonging to the Aceraceae family, they are renowned for their elegant beauty. Japanese Maple trees come in a wide variety of colors and leaf shapes. The leaves may start off green in the spring, transition … Continue reading Japanese Maple – A Symbol of Elegance
Early Fall at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
Early Fall video from October 11, 2023, at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. Length: 2 minutes. The Van Wickles placed great emphasis on the landscape, particularly Bessie, who was an avid gardener. They hired Bristol author, gardener and landscape architect, John DeWolf to lay out the grounds. DeWolf based his over-arching … Continue reading Early Fall at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
‘Diana Remembered’ Hosta – An October Surprise
‘Diana Remembered’ is a medium sized hosta named after the late Diana, the Princess of Wales. As the photo shows, its leaves have begun to turn yellow and die back. Its blossoms have never appeared so late in the season – an October surprise for sure. Highly fragrant, the tubular, white flowers can reach 4″ … Continue reading ‘Diana Remembered’ Hosta – An October Surprise
Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!
A pink ‘Knock Out’ rose blossom makes an appearance in the October garden as nearby hosta plant leaves begin to die back at the end of the season. Knock Outs are popular because they’re one of the longest blooming, lowest maintenance, most pest and disease resistant roses. The different varieties can provide up to six … Continue reading Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!
Russian Sage – A Late-Season Beauty
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a popular flowering herbaceous perennial grown for its handsome gray-green foliage and beautiful late-season, lavender-blue flower spikes. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it is sometimes referred to as a sub-shrub for the sunny perennial border. A nectar source with a bracing herbal aroma, it also attracts beneficial bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. But … Continue reading Russian Sage – A Late-Season Beauty
New England Asters Provide Nectar
New England Asters ‘Alma Potschke’ (also known as Michaelmas Daisies) provide the perfect nectar source for butterflies and bees beginning in early September. They form abundant clusters of flowers at the tips of sturdy stems. They are also valued for the quality of their cut flowers. And they are unpalatable to browsing deer and rabbits! … Continue reading New England Asters Provide Nectar
Zebra Grass Creamy-tan Blooms
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) is a perennial clump-forming ornamental grass that can grow 5 to 10-feet tall. In early fall, it sends out attractive, fan-shaped, creamy-tan color blooms/plumes. It is known by many other names, including Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia Grass and Maiden Grass. It can spread quickly and is considered invasive in some … Continue reading Zebra Grass Creamy-tan Blooms