My plant reference is an ever-expanding personal written sanctuary, a tapestry of my nature woven with the plants I know and love to grow. It is a living testament to my horticultural passion, where each plant holds a story, a connection between me and the vibrant world of botany. Amidst the varied foliage and blooms, I find solace and inspiration. The reference is a curated collection, a symphony of colors and textures, showcasing the resilience and beauty of nature’s creations. From the familiar embrace of perennials to the intricate dance of ornamental grasses, each plant is a cherished companion in my gardening journey. Tending to them, I witness the cycles of growth, the delicate unfurling of leaves, and the bursts of blossoms that mark the changing seasons. This plant reference is not just a garden; it’s a living archive of memories, lessons, and the ever-evolving artistry of cultivation that brings joy and fulfillment to my green soul.
Bleeding Heart
Perennial. Updated since 10/27/2023. The Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) graces gardens with distinctive, heart-shaped flowers dangling gracefully from arching stems. Native to Asia, this perennial thrives in shaded, woodland settings. Its romantic allure and intricate blossoms make it a captivating addition to gardens, especially in early spring. The fern-like foliage complements the pendant blooms, creating…
Holiday Cactus & Christmas Cactus
Beautiful bright early-winter flowering cactus to brighten homes during the holidays. Updated since January 12, 2025. Three years ago, my husband brought home and gifted me a Holiday Cactus (also known as a Thanksgiving Cactus), and it has since become a cherished member of our home plant collection. Watching it bloom with vibrant flowers each…
Tulip
I find planting tulips to be a joyful endeavor, bringing the anticipation of vibrant blooms. As bulbs are placed in the soil, there’s a sense of anticipation and renewal. Watching the first shoots emerge heralds the arrival of spring for me, and the burst of color that follows adds a touch of magic, transforming my…
Ornamental Allium
Alliums, commonly known as ornamental onions, are beautiful and unique flowering bulbs. Plant allium bulbs strategically for maximum impact. Choose sunny locations with well-drained soil, allowing their dramatic blooms to bask in full glory. Group them in clusters or borders to create eye-catching focal points. Plant amid lower-growing perennials for dynamic contrasts, ensuring your garden…
Daffodil
Perennial bulbs. Daffodils bring joy with vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in spring. I love daffodils because they are easy to grow, they symbolize renewal and hope, and they add a bright splash of charm and beauty to any garden landscape effortlessly. Planting Daffodils Choose the Right Location Daffodils prefer well-draining soil and thrive in areas with…
Candy Lily
I have started to go back through my gardening journals. I began gardening more than 29 years ago and I have experimented with a lot of plants and conditions. I would like to start sharing what I have found to be go to plants for my gardens. Plants I both like the look of and have found…
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are nutritious, versatile, festive, fun, rewarding, and healthy. Growing pumpkins is rewarding as they’re versatile, nutritious, and fun to cultivate. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to meals. They’re also great for seasonal decorations and festive activities. To harvest, wait until the pumpkins are…
Asiatic Lily
One of my favorite additions for a pop of color in a flower bed are Asiatic lilies. Asiatic lily bulbs are indispensable garden additions, contributing vibrant hues and captivating elegance. With an array of colors and patterns, these hardy flowers grace the garden with their stunning, upward-facing blooms. Low maintenance and prolific, Asiatic lilies provide…
Plum
Perennial Fruit Tree. Elegant, Productive and Fragrant. Plum blossoms on my plum trees are harbingers of spring with their enchanting beauty and delicate fragrance. The ornamental appeal of these blossoms, ranging in hues from pure white to soft pink, transforms landscapes into a vision of ethereal elegance. Emerging before the foliage, plum blossoms create a…
Zucchini
Zucchinis are easy to grow, nutrient-rich, versatile summer veggies. Growing zucchini is a great choice for both seasoned and novice gardeners. This versatile vegetable is easy to cultivate, and its prolific yield ensures a continuous supply throughout the summer. Zucchini plants thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. They’re packed with nutrients like vitamin…
Hosta
Perennial. Leafy foliage, fancy leafy foliage, lovely leafiness. Planting Hosta in your garden brings a touch of elegance and versatility. Renowned for their lush foliage, these shade-loving perennials offer a diverse palette of textures, sizes, and colors, from vibrant greens to variegated patterns. With low maintenance and adaptability to various soil conditions, Hosta thrive in…
Tomato
Fresh, delicious, homegrown tomatoes enhance every meal. Tomatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to your garden. They are packed with vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. Growing tomatoes offers the delight of fresh, homegrown produce, free from pesticides and often tastier than store-bought varieties. These vibrant fruits thrive in well-drained soil with plenty…
Cucumber
Refreshing, crisp, hydrating, nutritious, versatile, delicious, cooling. Cucumbers are a refreshing, versatile vegetable perfect for summer gardens. They are rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin K, and hydration, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Growing cucumbers is relatively easy and rewarding. They thrive in warm weather and need plenty of sunlight, water, and well-draining…
Black-Eyed Susan
Perennial. The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) graces gardens with its vibrant golden petals and dark chocolate central cones. This resilient perennial brings a burst of summer brilliance, thriving in various soils and climates. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a garden favorite, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Black-Eyed Susans endure through heat, drought, and neglect,…
Shasta Daisy ‘Alaska’
Perennial. Shasta Daisy ‘Alaska’ is a garden treasure, boasting large, white, daisy-like blooms that illuminate any landscape. Renowned for its reliability, this perennial offers timeless elegance and a profusion of flowers. Its hardiness, low maintenance, and vibrant presence make it a charming addition, enhancing gardens with enduring beauty and classic appeal. I recommend you plant…
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