NANCY WITH THE LAUGHING FACE

August 6, 2022

Reliable Shade Perennials for Hot Dry Summers

When we think about drought-tolerant plants, shade perennials rarely come to mind. In fact, we tend to think of shade plants as being especially reliant on water since many are native to moist woodlands, but although these plants certainly appreciate regular rainfall, they can survive long periods without it.

Typically, the well-watered areas where these plants thrive in spring become exceedingly dry by late summer. To make matters worse, where plants grow under the shade of large trees or shrubs, light rain showers are unable to penetrate the canopy of leaves, making some shaded areas the driest in our gardens.

Despite these harsh growing conditions, many shade perennials cope with hot and dry summers as well as their sun-loving cousins, so let’s take a closer look at a few of these remarkable plants and learn how we can help them beat the heat!

HOSTA

Hostas, also known as Plaintain Lilies, are stunningly beautiful foliage plants with broad leaves in varying shades of green, blue and gold, as well as many with contrasting borders and other variegations. Because of their bold appearance, they make excellent landscape plants for large areas, but what makes hostas really stand out amongst other shade plants is that they bloom abundantly in summer!

Hosta flowers are as different in size and appearance as the plants themselves! Some gardeners cut the flower stalks off, preferring their hostas purely as foliage plants, but many hosta flowers are quite beautiful and even fragrant, and the bloom season stretches over the summer months into early fall. With enough different hostas, you can potentially have blooms all season long.

Hosta Lancifolia (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

The hosta known as August Lily blooms in late summer with large white flowers that are both striking and sweetly fragrant. One such variety is ‘Aphrodite’ which is just another plain green-leaved hosta until those flowers emerge, turning it into a ‘scentsational’ exotic beauty. If you’re considering this variety, be sure to plant it where you can appreciate its perfume whenever you pass by.

One of my favorites, old-fashioned Hosta Lancifolia is another fragrant late summer bloomer with abundant lavender bell flowers of delicate appearance. One in full bloom is a sight to behold!

BRUNNERA

Brunnera, Siberian Bugloss or False Forget-Me-Not is one of the most useful plants for lighting up dark shade. It blooms with tiny blue flowers reminiscent of Forget-Me-Nots in early spring but it’s the striking silvery foliage that makes this plant a season-long stunner.

Brunnera is enchanting with tulips and late-season daffodils in the spring and makes a stellar companion for other shade plants which are only enhanced by its glowing leaves. In the photo above, you can see how Brunnera combines beautifully with a Blue Angel hosta and variegated Solomon’s Seal.

By late summer, when there is little flowering in the shade garden, silver and gold-foliaged plants such as Brunnera add glamor and much-needed contrast to what can be a sea of green. Light Up Your Garden with Silver and Gold Foliage has more about using these plants in your garden design.

Over time, Brunnera can spread to fill vacant spaces which also makes it valuable as a groundcover. Some popular varieties include ‘Jack Frost,’ ‘Silver Charm,’ and ‘Diane’s Gold.’

SOLOMON’S SEAL

Polygonatum or Solomon’s Seal is an extremely versatile plant that every gardener should get to know. With arching stems reaching two to three feet, this tall beauty makes a strong architectural statement whether used as a companion plant in garden beds or planted by itself en mass as a groundcover.

In spring, Solomon’s Seal is covered with tiny white bell-shaped flowers on the underside of the stems which are sometimes followed by small dark berries that are a treat for birds. The foliage remains fresh looking all season long, and is especially striking with white variegation. Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ is one such variety with the added bonus of fragrance.

Solomon’s Seal in full sun with Asters and Lamb’s Ears (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Although Solomon’s Seal is typically used in shade gardens, it can also be grown in full sun as a vertical accent. In addition, these plants turn a lovely shade of gold come fall, providing us with three seasons of interest to enjoy.

AJUGA

Ajuga, also known as carpetweed or bugleweed, is one of the best mat-forming groundcovers for sun and shade gardens alike. A vigorous spreader via stolons or horizontal roots, ajuga quickly forms colonies of close-packed rosettes, making it nearly impervious to weeds. Here in New England, escaped plants from long ago often appear in lawns and are only noticed because of their lovely blue or white flower spikes in May.

Although ajuga will grow in full shade, half a day of sun intensifies the colorful foliage, especially in those varieties with purple shading. The spring flowers are quite showy but not very long-lasting, so ajuga is best planted for its eye-catching foliage which stays colorful through fall.

Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Ajuga grows well just about anywhere including dry shade under trees, on slopes, in containers and between stepping stones. Some newer varieties to try are ‘Chocolate Chip,’ ‘Burgundy Glow’ and ‘Black Scallop,’ all with stunning blue flowers in spring.

Hay-scented Fern (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

FERNS

Ferns add elegance and airy movement to any garden and, since they’re non-flowering, it’s all about those graceful, and sometimes colorful, fronds. Although ferns in general tend to be moisture lovers, our native Lady Fern, Eastern Wood Fern and Hayscented Fern tolerate hot and dry conditions better than most. In the photo above, Hay-scented Ferns grows in full sun!

Additionally, I’ve found that Japanese Painted Ferns hold up well through hot dry summers, especially when planted closely with companions that shade the soil and help hold in any moisture. These unusual ferns add striking color to any shade garden and I highly recommend giving them a try!

Japanese Painted Fern showing burgundy ribbed fronds (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

The key to success with keeping shade perennials happy through the dry summer months begins with planting. Always amend your soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold before you add any plants. In this way you’re mimicking their natural woodland habitats where leaves accumulate and slowly break down over years, continuously feeding and enriching the soil.

Keep in mind that most shade plants enjoy some morning sun with afternoon shade. Also, as I mentioned above, placing plants fairly close to one another helps shade the soil and retain valuable moisture. Once planting is completed, mulch your plants each spring with a layer of fine shredded bark.

By following these tips, you can be assured that your shade perennials will thank you with beauty and vigor for many years to come!

August 1, 2022

Reliable Sun Perennials for Hot Dry Summers

In Northeastern Massachusetts where I live and garden, we’re sadly experiencing a severe drought this summer. On a daily basis I check the extended 10 day weather forecast, searching for any showers or thunderstorms that may be heading our way, but every time rain is predicted it often fizzles out before reaching us. This lack of adequate rainfall, coupled with searing temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s, has created a harsh environment for our flower gardens.

Since drier summers and water restrictions have become the norm in many parts of the United States, it’s a good idea for flower gardeners to familiarize themselves with drought-tolerant perennials that will grow well in their particular hardiness zone – plants that can be counted on to perform reliably when the going gets tough!

If you’re thinking about adding sun perennials to your garden, planting in autumn is a great time to do it. Roots will benefit from more regular rainfall and plants will get a good headstart on growth for the following year. In this way, they’ll be more robust and better able to withstand whatever the dog days of summer throw at them!

Here are a few remarkably heat and drought-tolerant perennials you can plant in your garden this fall:

Echinacea and Friends (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

CONEFLOWERS

Modern varieties of Echinacea, also known as coneflowers, come in a rainbow of colors and heights so it’s easy to find one to fit any flower garden. The common Echinacea purpurea is a tall pink/purple native with dark golden centers that attact butterflies, beneficial wasps and bees. The large seed heads also provide nourishing food for birds come fall, so don’t be in a hurry to deadhead these beauties! Echinacea are prolific summer bloomers with some repeat bloom into early fall.

YARROW

Lacy-foliaged Yarrow is a native wildflower here but there are many modern cultivars now available in a variety of colors. These versatile plants have a long history of medicinal applications including use in the battlefield to staunch bleeding from wounds. In addition, yarrow is beneficial in the garden as it attracts a variety of pollinators and enriches the soil with nutrients making it a great addition to the compost pile. Yarrow grows well in poor soil and shrugs off the heat with ease; it’s also tolerant of both dry and wet conditions.

Each yarrow bloom is actually made up of many tiny flowers clustered together. The color of each cluster changes through the season as older flowers fade and new ones emerge bright-colored. This creates a lovely effect of many color shades being present on one plant at the same time. Here in Zone 6, yarrow begins to bloom in June with repeat bloom throughout the summer.

SHASTA DAISY

My favorite daisy is the cultivar known as ‘Becky’ whose pure white blooms with yellow centers bring classic cottage garden looks to any flower bed. Lovely with daylilies, catmint and roses, she also combines beautifully with native wildflowers.

Becky is one robust daisy with strong stems and a long bloom period that begins here in late June. She makes an excellent cut flower and regular deadheading will promote repeat blooming.

RUDBECKIA

Black-eyed Susans are native to North America and are as common on windswept prairies as they are at the edge of woodlands. Dark centers contrast boldly with their golden yellow flower petals, so bright that the eye is instantly drawn to them! They provide a long season of bloom from summer to early fall and are beloved by pollinators and birds.

PEROVSKIA

Native to high elevations and harsh environments, rugged Russian Sage tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. Blooming in the garden at a time when many flowers are flat or disc-shaped, Perovskia sports long, graceful wands of powdery blue, adding a desirable element of airy movement while also providing cooling contrast to hot summer colors such as yellow, orange or red. If you prefer softer colors, a lovely and simple pastel vignette can be created using blue Russian Sage with pink and white Echinacea!

Perovskia atriplicifolia tends to be a large, sprawling plant that is best placed in the back of the flower garden. More compact varieties include ‘Denim n Lace’ and ‘Little Spire.’

NEPETA

Nepeta or Catmint adds a softness to the garden with its gray-green foliage and blue, pink or white wands of flowers. Taller nepetas like ‘Six Hills Giant’ are great ‘filler’ plants for any open spaces and shorter varieties like ‘Little Titch’ make a lovely edging. The foliage of catmint is aromatic when brushed up against and repels aphids and Japanese beetles, thus making it a perfect companion for roses! Although most nepetas flower heavily in June, they repeat bloom over a long season.

‘Montrose White’ is a stunning summer blooming variety that will provide dainty sprays of cool white blooms through fall. An added bonus is that this catmint attracts honey bees and other pollinators like nothing else in the garden!

Of course, this is but a short plant list for there are many other heat and drought-tolerant perennials out there. Choose varieties and colors that appeal to you and fit into your garden space and look forward to enjoying their care-free beauty for many summers to come!

June 4, 2022

Create a Soothing Outdoor Oasis with Potted Ferns

Many of today’s modern ferns are descendants of ancient plants that have lived on the earth for millions of years. This fact alone speaks of their hardy and resilient nature but although ferns are tough plants, they are also graceful, striking and surprisingly easy to care for!

A volunteer garden fern of unknown variety makes a home with Creeping Jenny

Just one large fern planted in an urn provides a focal point of instant elegance, but potted ferns can be combined with other plants as well. The newly planted fern above will fill out quickly and the bright Creeping Jenny will spill generously over the edge. This simple but dramatic combination will light up my entryway all season long and require only minimal care. You can also group several pots of ferns together to create a soothing, serene and tropical looking summer oasis. Urban yards which many times lack abundant sunlight are the perfect settings for potted ferns!

Close-up of Japanese Painted Fern with Black-eyed Susan

Although ferns are thought of as shade plants, some are remarkably sun tolerant. As a general rule in Zone 6, I like to place ferns where they get morning sun followed by afternoon shade to protect them during the hottest part of the day. If you live in warmer areas of the country, you’ll want to provide your ferns with more shade. The beauty of planting ferns in pots is that you can easily move them around to find their perfect happy place!

Japanese Painted Fern ‘Burgundy Lace’ showing some late spring color

The following colorful hardy ferns look fabulous in pots and are easy care for beginners and experienced gardeners alike:

Japanese Painted Fern

The popular Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ is variegated with graceful fronds of varying silver, purple and burgundy coloration. The variety ‘Burgundy Lace’ emerges as a striking purple-red in early spring, slowly changing to silvery green with deep red ribs. ‘Metallicum’ retains a cool silvery-gray metallic sheen and really lights up darker areas.

Autumn Fern

If you prefer a warmer palette, the Autumn Fern, Dryopteris erythrosora, emerges a bright orange-red or copper color in the spring, then slowly changes to a bright green. ‘Brilliance’ is a particularly striking variety with new fronds showing dazzling color throughout the season. This well-behaved fern is perfectly sized for growing in pots with companion plants but it does prefer more shade!

Hay Scented Fern

Dennstaedtia punctiloba, the common Hay Scented Fern, is so called because it emits a pleasant scent reminiscent of freshly mowed hay when crushed or disturbed. These bright chartreuse ferns change to a pleasing soft yellow in the cooler days of fall. Hay Scented Ferns can be aggressive spreaders in the garden but are easily contained in a large pot where one plant makes an eye-catching specimen. In spite of their delicate and lacy appearance, these ferns can tolerate more sun than others.

You can purchase ferns at any garden center but if you already grow ferns in your garden or know someone who does, mature clumps can easily be spaded up and divided in the spring to grow on in pots.

Ferns enjoy rich, humusy soil which retains moisture so you may want to add a little compost to your potting mixture. Water your potted ferns early in the morning so that any drops of moisture on the fronds dry off before the sun gets hot enough to cause sunburn. Ferns like to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. A little liquid kelp once a month should be all the fertilizer they require to look their best.

At the end of the growing season in October, ferns can be planted back into the garden, or the pots can be moved to an unheated garage or cellar for the winter months. This cold period will mimic their natural outdoor conditions. Give them a small drink of water about once a month while dormant indoors, just enough to keep them from completely drying out. Move the pots back outside once temperatures have warmed up in the spring and resume watering as usual. Potted ferns should grow well for about three years when they will need to be divided to start the process once again.

April 24, 2022

Forsythia – The Sunshine Shrub

Here in New England, Forsythia shrubs herald the arrival of spring like nothing else in the landscape and April is their time to shine.

Forsythia is not native to the United States but originated in Asia and started to appear in Europe around the mid-1800’s with American hybrids coming along around the time of World War I. Also known as ‘Golden Bells,’ Forsythia was named after the Scottish botanist, William Forsyth (1737-1804), a founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society. (from A Brief History of Forsythia by Mary Ellen Hammond, March 2017)

Although Forsythia have become commonplace, that doesn’t make them any less glorious! Even on the grayest days, they are beacons of light in the landscape. You’ll find many older shrubs growing along roadsides and creeping into shady woods where the blooms may be sparse but still a treat to our winter-weary eyes.

Forsythia are sun-lovers, so for the showiest blooms give these beauties at least six hours of sunlight daily. Other than that, these hardy shrubs will grow in just about any soil and even tolerate dry conditions once they’ve matured. In addition, they don’t seem to be bothered by pests or disease, and even the voracious whitetail deer leave them alone!

Another plus with Forsythia is the wide range of sizes and shapes now available to the American gardener. Tall, spreading and arching types can quickly fill out into impressive specimens, reaching 8 to 10 feet in height and width at maturity. Left to grow wild on their own, sprawling hedges can form over time, for when the long arching branches eventually touch the ground, they take root and make another shrub. But don’t let the vigorous nature of these larger shrubs scare you off, for there are many petite or dwarf varieties which are perfect for the average-sized home garden.

A Forsythia blooming alone is indeed a beautiful thing but when planted with flowering companions, the effect can be enchanting. How wonderful that Forsythia bloom at the same time as cheerful daffodils and other bulbs! You’ll find that even a small shrub makes a big statement when underplanted with complementary bulbs and early blooming perennials.

One thing to note is that the color of Forsythia blooms can be anything from a soft primrose yellow to deep gold, depending on the variety, so consider these cool or warm hues when choosing flowering companion plants.

It can be helpful when shopping at your local plant nursery to group some shrubs or plants together with your choice of Forsythia to get a better idea of how the colors will look combined in your garden. If you already have a Forsythia, clip a flowering sprig to take along with you. That said, winning color combinations can be created with Azaleas, Cherries, Quince, Pieris and more. One of my personal favorite vignettes is Forsythia underplanted with the sparkling periwinkle blue flowers of Vinca!

Easy-care Forsythia grows best in USA Hardiness Zones 5 – 8 and makes the perfect shrub for beginning gardeners!

January 16, 2022

Practical Houseplant Care During Heating Season

In many parts of the United States, we are deep into heating season and spending much of our time indoors. Whether we use oil, gas, electric or wood to stay warm, the heated air in our homes can become bone dry as winter wears on.

We humans acutely feel the loss of moisture in our skin, hair and mucous membranes as humidity levels drop, but don’t forget that our houseplants crave moisture as much as we do. So, how do we keep our plants (and ourselves) healthy and happy in this arid environment? The following are some simple and practical tips to help raise the humidity in our homes to a more comfortable level:

WATER PLANTS THOROUGHLY

The simple act of watering plants is the easiest way to put moisture back into the air of our homes, but just giving your plants a halfhearted passing splash is not going to do the trick. When watering, try to use the ‘drench and drain’ method. By this I mean to water a plant thoroughly, preferably in a sink or tub, where the water can generously run through the potting medium and out the drainage hole(s). Allow the pot to drain completely before returning the plant to its usual home. Alternatively, you can place your potted plant in a bowl of tepid water for an hour or so while it soaks up what it needs. Your houseplant’s pot will feel heavy with moisture after you do this and will keep your plant hydrated for a longer period of time. When the pot feels light again, it’s time to water thoroughly!

AIR DRY YOUR LAUNDRY

Whenever possible, hang laundry around your house or apartment to air dry rather than use a clothes dryer. The damp clothes will not only dry surprisingly fast indoors but will replace much-needed moisture in the rooms where they are placed. I like to utilize bathroom shower rods, towel racks and over-the-door clothes hangers for this purpose. Foldable clothes drying racks are also easy to store and convenient for indoor winter use!

UTILIZE BATHROOM STEAM

We Americans love to shower, so why not leave the bathroom door open while showering or bathing to allow that health-giving steam to escape and disperse into your living space. Many plants thrive in these typically humid rooms so, if space allows, you might move some plants into the bathroom for the winter months; just be sure there is adequate light from a window or LED fixture.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WARMER DAYS TO OPEN UP

Baby, it’s cold outside! But not all winter days are dry and frigid. On cloudy or rainy days, when outside temps are above freezing, try cracking open a window or two to circulate the air for a little while. Be sure to move any plants away from the windows so that the colder air won’t be blowing directly on them. The natural humidity and fresh air will not only help your home feel instantly more comfortable, it will also cheer your winter-weary soul!

POLLY PUT THE KETTLE ON

Heating water in a kettle on a woodstove or kitchen range and letting the steam escape into the air works pretty much in the same way as a humidifier. Making stovetop winter soups and stews helps, too! If you’re fortunate to have a bright kitchen windowsill, any plants placed there will also benefit from the extra moisture given off by daily washing and cooking.

HUMIDITY TRAYS AND HUMIDIFERS

Humidity trays are easily created using a flat baking sheet or even a single plant saucer. The idea is to use pebbles or flat stones to cover the tray or saucer bottom, add water to fill, and then place your plants atop the pebbles so that they don’t sit directly in the water. As the water in the tray or saucer slowly evaporates, your plants will enjoy that extra moisture!

If your home is extremely and persistently dry, or if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, a good quality humidifier will certainly help. These are a great way to direct humidity where you need it most such as in bedrooms and nurseries or near tropical orchids, African violets, ferns and other moisture-loving plants. The downside is that humidifiers can quickly grow mold so be sure to keep your unit clean as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

For more on winter houseplant care, please check out my previous posts:

WINTER HOUSEPLANT SPA https://nancymarieallen.com/winter-houseplant-spa

THE HOUSEPLANT NURTURER https://nancymarieallen.com/the-houseplant-nurturer

Feature photo by Nancy Marie Allen; all others courtesy of Pixabay

December 5, 2021

Light Up Your Garden with Silver and Gold Foliage

Have you ever noticed how accents of silver and gold really add sparkle to the holidays? By using these same colors in our gardens, we not only enhance the beauty of surrounding plants but substantially increase our overall botanical bling!

In my woodland garden, shown in the featured photo above, silver and gold perennials are used together to draw one’s attention to this shady spot. Although the garden would still look lovely with just green plants, it would lack the drama that these brighter plants impart.

Golden ‘Dancing Queen’ Hosta helps companion plants shine (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Golden perennials and shrubs are all the rage right now and it’s easy to see why. These garden gems are useful in that the eye is immediately drawn to them and because of this phenomenon, they are especially effective in brightening darker, shady areas. Hostas, Creeping Jenny, Bugbane, Heuchera, Heucherella, Golden Oregano and Japanese Forest Grass are just a few gold foliage plants to use in shade to part sun.

Golden Hostas, Bugbane and Creeping Jenny make this shade garden glow (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Gold in the sun garden can be absolutely dazzling in its brightness! Golden-striped ‘Color Guard’ Yucca is a particularly bold accent plant and one of the best for dry, sunny sites. ‘Aztec Gold’ or ‘Sunshine’ Veronica are excellent low-growing groundcovers for smaller gardens, while ‘Sun King’ Aralia, eventually growing 4 to 6 feet in height and width, should be given plenty of room to spread. Some Hostas such as ‘Golden Sculpture’, ‘Sum and Substance’ or ‘Sun Power’ can also tolerate sun, although morning sun with some afternoon shade is always best for these beauties.

‘Color Guard’ Yucca (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

With a few exceptions, many gold foliage perennials tend to ‘burn’ with too much sun. You may notice the leaves blanching out (whitening) or the edges turning brown, especially in warmer climate zones. If you find this to be the case, just move your plant(s) to a little more shade until you find the perfect spot!

Silvery ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera looks striking next to a Blue Angel Hosta (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

While far more subdued in appearance than gold, silver foliage plants also bring welcome light to the garden and blend well with both hot and cool colors. Some easy-care silver plants for shade include Brunnera, Lungwort, Lamium and Japanese Painted Fern. Even without flowers, their striking foliage patterns create visual interest all through the growing season!

Berggarten Sage (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Sun lovers like Lambs Ears and Berggarten Sage become even more intensely silver in color as temperatures dip. An added bonus with these plants is their soft fuzzy texture that begs to be touched!

Summer blooming Rose Campion produces abundant cool white or hot pink flowers that contrast boldly with its silver-leafed stems, while Snow-in-Summer is an early spring bloomer with bright white flowers that nearly cover the ground-hugging tiny silver leaves. Other sun-loving silver plants include Russian Sage, Artemisia, Silver Thyme and Lavender.

Silver plants also tend to ‘glow’ at dusk and because of this make excellent additions to white flower or moon gardens!

Rose Campion is a classic silver foliage perennial (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

The well-known Burl Ives song includes the lyrics, “Everyone Wishes for Silver and Gold.” Instead of just wishing, I encourage you to add some of these sparkling plants to your garden next spring!

November 10, 2021

Unusual Houseplants for Fall to Winter Blooms

The dark months of November and December are a time for bringing some of nature’s greenery inside – whether with Christmas trees, fresh-cut garlands or classic holiday houseplants. While the striking flowers of Thanksgiving cactus, Amaryllis and Poinsettias will certainly make our homes feel festive, how about including some new, unusual and, perhaps unexpected, fall to winter bloomers this year?

HOYA

Hoyas are very easy to care for and reward the grower with exotic, almost otherworldly, waxy blooms which are pleasantly fragrant. Unlike other flowering plants, never deadhead the bloom stalks for they’ll repeat flowering over and over again from the same flower peduncles.

It’s fun to get creative with Hoyas since their vining habit makes them useful for climbing and twirling around a plant stand or cascading out of a hanging pot. Best of all, many Hoyas bloom with abandon through the fall and winter months. Hoya ‘Odorata’ is one such floriferous and sweetly-scented variety!

AESCHYNANTHUS

Aeschynanthus, also known as Lipstick or Basket Vine is a vigorous plant that blooms reliably through the darkest months and is extremely tolerant of dry, heated air. With its trailing habit and as its nickname implies, Basket Vine is perfect for a hanging basket where the long stems can gracefully spill over the sides.

The variety known as ‘Mona Lisa’ with its eye-catching vivid red tubular flowers and purple calyxes will brighten any room!

ANTHURIUM

Anthuriums are remarkable houseplants in that they tend to bloom all year! However, the ‘flowers’ are actually colorful heart-shaped spathes with a contrasting spadix which can remain on the plants for months. Regular deadheading of old blooms that have lost their vibrancy will keep new ones coming.

Although the more common red Anthuriums are the perfect complements to holiday décor, they also come in a vast array of other colors including pink, green, yellow, coral, white and purple. By collecting several varieties, you can enjoy a rainbow of colors year round!

JASMINE

If you’re a fragrance lover, then ‘scentsational’ Jasmine is a great choice for a sunny room; just be sure to look for those that are autumn to winter bloomers. Jasmines can be climbing, trailing or upright in habit so there’s plenty of versatility here as to where you place them in your home.

Sweetly-scented and everblooming ‘Orange Jasmine’ will easily fit on a small table or windowsill, while ‘French Perfume’ is a robust vining plant perfect for a stand, pot trellis or hanging basket.

ABUTILON

Abutilons or Flowering Maples are typically grown as outdoor summer shrubs but there are several small-scale varieties that are well suited to indoor culture. The large, hibiscus-like flowers on these almost everblooming plants can bring a look of the tropics to our homes!

Abutilon ‘Blushing Belle’ is a romantic pink and white beauty that is compact in size and blooms nearly non-stop. ‘Miss Marmalade’ with its cheerful orange-yellow blossoms is a dwarf Abutilon that is ideal for a hanging planter. ‘Red Glory’ is a deep scarlet that makes a strong accent plant and is especially lovely when partnered with holiday greenery.

October 22, 2021

The Sun and Shade Garden Challenge

Some of us are lucky enough to have the perfect amount of sunlight in our gardens from spring to fall, but many gardeners have to deal with a mixed bag of brightness going anywhere from full sun to deep shade, sometimes within a single flower bed! The challenge for new and experienced gardeners alike is to find plants that will tolerate varying degrees of sunlight and still perform admirably.

Sun and shade plants working together in late summer

DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT

The only area in my yard that gets full sun all season is a small plot reserved for vegetables. The rest of my garden beds, which include flowers, shrubs and herbs, enjoy varying degrees of sunlight.

Over the years, I’ve acquired a lot of perennials that supposedly tolerate partial shade and have found that some perform better than others, so I experiment by moving plants around to sunnier or shadier locations. In doing this, I’ve discovered that many full sun perennials do just fine with less-than-optimal sunlight while certain shade perennials can be surprisingly tolerant of quite a bit of sun.

WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

My largest and most challenging flower bed in terms of changing light follows the foundation of the house on three sides and goes from full sun to full shade with everything in-between!

Early blooms of Daffodils, Hyacinth, Bleeding Heart and much more carpet my garden in April and May, but June is when this garden is at its sunny best with stunning Alliums, Peonies, Lady’s Mantle and Hardy Geranium. Other plants join in as summer heats up with Echinacea and Rudbeckia blooming in early July and continuing until September.

In the shadiest areas of this garden I’ve included a strong supporting cast of Ferns, Hostas, Brunnera, Solomon’s Seal and Astilbe which enjoy morning sun right through July. Some of these plantings I’ve overlapped and repeated so that there’s a sense of cohesion throughout the border.

Over time the abundance of light slowly diminishes and by mid-October, the sun quickly dips behind the tall trees that surround the property, leaving the garden with just some soft dappled shade as it ends another year. In spite of the drastic changes from spring to fall and light to dark, I’m still delighted by pleasing vignettes all season thanks to using reliably strong summer bloomers and combining them with lots of bold foliage, color, texture and form.

Hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’ blooms from June until frost

COUNT ON VERSATILE PERENNIALS

There are some plants that bloom over many weeks and I’ve come to count on these for season-long color. In fact, the lovely blue-violet hardy geranium known as ‘Rozanne’ is the longest blooming of all my perennials and one I keep spreading around for that reason. A true garden gem, ‘Rozanne’ is an excellent example of a versatile perennial that will tolerate going from bright sunlight to mostly shade and still bloom like crazy from June until frost!

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ with Asters and Sedum

Another one of my perennial favorites for bloom longevity is Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ which lights up my garden like liquid sunshine from July to September. Even sun-loving Echinacea tolerates semi-shade and, although the plants are not as large or as vigorous as they would be in full sun, they hold their own and bloom until summer’s end. Autumn Joy Sedum is also remarkably shade tolerant and looks fabulous in all stages of growth, plus the dark russet seed heads are beautiful right into winter!

‘Dancing Queen’ Hosta, ‘Red Flash’ Caladium and Japanese Painted Fern

USE STRIKING FOLIAGE

Where flowers are absent or diminished due to encroaching shade, dramatic foliage plants can take a garden from humdrum to sensational! I especially love Hostas for their bold and striking foliage. They’re remarkably sun tolerant in spring and summer but it’s later in the season when I really appreciate their versality for, even without blooms, these plants can carry a shady border until frost. Golden and chartreuse varieties such as ‘Dancing Queen’ are particularly bright and contrast nicely with darker greens. Silver and frosted foliage plants such as Lamium, Lambs’ Ears, Japanese Painted Ferns and Brunnera also light up the shade while the varied hues of Caladiums add dazzling color!

Sweet Alyssum is an annual that adds delightful fragrance to non-stop blooms

INCLUDE FLOWERING ANNUALS

The list of flowering annuals for sun and/or shade is seemingly endless! I like to think of these one-season wonders as garden fillers since they easily tuck into small spaces and give the garden a lush appearance. Pick some contrasting or complementary colors to pair with your perennial plantings and enjoy non-stop blooms until frost! Annuals are also a great way to fill out a newly planted perennial garden while your other plants mature.

PAY ATTENTION TO GEOGRAPHY

Our geographic locations and hardiness zones also affect how plants grow and thrive in different levels of light. For example, a Hosta growing in the coldest regions of zone 3 will tolerate much more sun than one in southern zone 9. So, my experience with gardening in Northeastern Massachusetts could be very different from yours, even though we may grow the same plants.

EMBRACE MAKING CHANGES

The important thing to remember when working with a garden challenge is that you can always change what doesn’t work. Fall is the perfect time for us to do garden renovations, so don’t be afraid to experiment by moving a poorly performing plant to a better location or trying a new plant altogether. I’ve just added some ‘Heritage’ roses and ‘Six Hills Giant’ Nepeta so it will be interesting to see how they fare next year in this sun and shade garden.

Challenges can be blessings in disguise so embrace making changes and look forward to a garden that will only keep getting better!

All photos by Nancy Marie Allen

May 29, 2021

Stalwarts of the Late Spring Garden

After the early bulbs and perennials of spring have bloomed and faded, many of us experience a garden pause before the June bloomers begin their show.

If you find that you need more color to bridge the gap from spring to summer in your garden, here are a few plants that will easily tie the seasons together!

OLD-FASHIONED BLEEDING HEART

Dicentra Spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is easily the best perennial for blooms that go from early May into June and sometimes beyond. You most often see these plants in the classic pink or white but there are new varieties now available including some with red flowers and golden or fern-like foliage.

In my gardens, bleeding heart begins its show along with the daffodils and continues well into peony season without missing a beat! Bleeding Heart prefers some afternoon shade and is cold hardy to Zone 3.

BRUNNERA

Also known as Siberian Bugloss or False Forget-Me-Not, Brunnera is an early spring bloomer here in New England. Although the delicate blue flowers tend to fade as June rolls around, these plants easily carry on through summer with their stunning silvery foliage.

Brunnera positively shines in the shade garden, blending well with Hostas, Solomon’s Seal and Astilbes amongst others. Brunnera is cold hardy to Zone 3.

Geranium Macrorrhizum (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

HARDY GERANIUM

Bigroot Geranium or Geranium Macrorrhizum is the first of my hardy geraniums to bloom, typically in mid to late May. The bright magenta flowers rise above the foliage on delicate looking stems but there is nothing delicate about these plants. Tough, reliable and drought-tolerant, Geranium Macrorrhizum forms an attractive mound, slowly spreading by rhizomes which make it an invaluable groundcover for sun to part shade.

Trim back the flower stems after blooming and the attractive foliage will look fresh all summer, sometimes turning red in the fall. This very hardy geranium is cold tolerant to Zone 3.

CLEMATIS

Clematis are often thought of as fussy plants but they’re actually very easy to grow in a sunny garden. They come in an amazing array of colors, flower forms, and heights from short to tall, and bloom times stagger throughout the growing season. Taller clematis will need some kind of support for their climbing vines while shorter ones can be allowed to ramble playfully around and through other plants.

If you love clematis, try an early blooming variety to get the show going. Guernsey Cream clematis is one that blooms for me in mid-May with creamy white blooms. Most clematis are hardy to Zone 4 but check to make sure the variety you choose is one that will grow in your area.

IRIS

Many Iris are June bloomers but there are a few early varieties that will make your May garden pop with color. If you’re partial to these beautiful plants and have the space, you can easily stagger the flower show for several weeks.

Iris are sun lovers and hardy to Zone 3. In the photo above, an unknown yellow bearded variety gifted by a neighbor blooms along with the lilacs!

Solomon’s Seal (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

VARIEGATED SOLOMON’S SEAL

Variegated Solomon’s Seal brings fragrant blooms and a touch of sparkling white to the late spring garden. The wild form naturally grows here at the edges of the forest, but the variegated fragrant variety (Polygonatum Odoratum Variegatum) is one I have grown in my gardens for years.

The remarkable thing about Solomon’s Seal is that it’s a plant at home in full sun to full shade. Yes, that’s right, the plants shown above grow in full sun in one of the hottest areas of my yard which is a testament to its toughness and versatility. In my shaded gardens, this same Solomon’s Seal grows in great swaths, the white variegation lighting up the shadows.

The tiny white bell-shaped blooms which hang along the stems in spring become dark berries in summer and the foliage turns a soft gold in the fall. This is a perennial that truly spans the seasons!

Plant Variegated Solomon’s Seal where it will have plenty of room to grow for these plants love to spread themselves around. Winner of the 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year Award and hardy to Zone 3.

ALLIUMS

The impressive globes of Alliums add drama and texture to our late spring gardens like nothing else! Many grow from bulbs although a few grow from rhizomes such as our common chives. Again, there are early, mid and late varieties to choose from along with a huge size range from ground-hugging to towering. Alliums love a full sun location and are hardy to Zone 4.

All of the above plants are deer and rabbit resistant in my Zone 6 New England gardens.

February 19, 2021

The Hidden Virtues of Houseplants

Houseplants bring the beauty and tranquility of nature into our homes and turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary! But houseplants not only beautify our homes, they also promote health and well-being.

Plant Filled Bathroom – Photo by apartmenttherapy.com on Pinterest

With many of us now housebound either due to the pandemic or winter weather, we want our homes to be healthy havens and that includes the quality of the air we breathe. Unfortunately, hidden volatile organic compounds or VOC’s are emitted as odorless gases from many common household products such as carpeting, paint, vinyl flooring, upholstery and even air fresheners!

Houseplants Enjoying the Sun – Photo by Nancy Marie Allen

The good news is that studies by NASA have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by increasing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and removing common VOC pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Some familiar plants known for their exceptional ability to clean the air include Florist’s Chrysanthemum, Peace Lily, Parlor Palm and Snake Plant.

Potted Lavender – Photo by Marisa04 on Pixabay

If you’re someone who tosses and turns at night, the sleep-inducing properties of Lavender are well-known as this plant has been used medicinally for centuries. Although usually found in sunny landscapes, there are some dwarf varieties that can be grown successfully indoors. Try a pot of Goodwin Creek Grey, Little Lottie or Munstead in a sunny bedroom window and enjoy a restful night’s sleep!

Fragrant Jasmine – Photo by Watsilchum on Pixabay

Some houseplants are known to be effective in easing anxiety and producing calm. Flowering Jasmine has a powerful yet soothing fragrance that can fill a room! Sambac Jasmines grow well indoors and can easily be kept pruned to a manageable size. Maid of Orleans and Grand Duke of Tuscany are two good choices for the home. If you’re not a fan of fragrance, the graceful fronds of Ferns or Palms add a feeling of serenity to any space.

Potted Mint – Photo by Ajaydev Singh on Pixabay

Plants are also known to be beneficial in the workplace, aiding concentration, memory and productivity. If you’re fortunate to have a sunny window or grow light in your office, try a pot of Mint or a Scented Geranium to refresh and stimulate your senses! If you’re limited to low or fluorescent lighting, plants like Heart-Leaf Philodendron, Spider Plant or Pothos make companionable co-workers.

For those recovering from an illness or surgery, the beauty of flowering houseplants will help you feel better by elevating your mood and speeding recovery. A group of plants will also help raise the humidity level, thus easing dry skin and symptoms of colds or flu. Some winter bloomers that will brighten any patient’s room include Orchids, African Violets, Anthuriums, Cyclamen and Kalanchoe.

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