Blue Flax, Linum narbonense

Linum narbonenseBlue Flax is a piece of summer sky fallen into the garden, shimmering blue flowers reflecting clear unclouded heavens. Opening during the sunny days and dropping its petals by afternoon, only seems to add to its charm; Genus Linum narbonense. I’ve grown both Linum narbonense and Linum perenne, and although they are almost identical in the garden, the L.narbonense seemed the better. To...

Aquilegia canadensis, Wild Columbine

Aquilegia canadensisAquilegia canadensis, Wild Columbine is a woodland plant of springtime. It blooms mid to late spring in my garden. It grows in partly shady, partly sunny openings and waves in the brisk breezes. Native to the U.S. and Eastern Canada, this columbine grows in rocky ledges and slopes, and low woods. Also known as “Eastern Red Columbine”. USDA Distribution Map. [ The Look ] Aquilegia...

Asclepias tuberosa ‘Butterfly Weed’

Butterflies love them Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, isn’t as popular as it could be. Maybe the combination of the “weed” appellation and the bright orange color, but this is really a fine garden plant that brings a pleasing “pop” to the garden, no less for its drawing power for butterflies than for its joyful color. It took me tow starts to finally get Butterfly weed going in my...

Sedum Spectabile Variegatum

An asset to any garden.This variegated sedum has long been one of my favorites. It began as a “passalong” plant from a friend, and as the years went by its fine qualities slowly revealed themselves. For those qualities it gained a place among my favorites- combining good looks and usefulness. There are many fine types of sedums, and even within this category, Sedum spectabile, there are many...

Chives, Onion’s Little Brother

Chives are part of the culinary herb garden, but can be tucked in anywhere – pots, edges, odd corners of a flower bed. They are easy to grow and easy to harvest, as well as being pretty and polite. They grow from small bulbs and can be multiplied by simply digging up a bit of the clump and replanting in the desired location. The leaves are chopped for a bright green garnish and they add a hint of onion flavor...