My Type

What is your type? Tall, dark and handsome, or sophisticated and suave, perhaps a weakness for blondes? We all have a type; it is the form and color we are repeatedly drawn to without thinking.

My type is short, blonde, straightforward, tidy and reliably early. I speak not of a mate, but of my type, in plants. This is exemplified in one of my favorite plants Ranunculus ficaria, also known as Lesser Celandine.

Its heart-shaped leaves emerge early, often appearing in January or February. This is followed by a steady show of buttercup-like flowers from creamy white to deep golden yellow. Flowering usually tapers by April or May and the handsome foliage remains until frost. During exceptionally hot, dry summers or if exposed to sun, this ephemeral perennial will go dormant, disappearing completely.

It is a tidy plant, forming gently spreading clumps that reach about 6 inches tall. It prefers shade and moist, free-draining soil. Its compact size and tidy habit it makes it a perfect selection for a groundcover in shady areas or for in-between pavers on the path less traveled.

Lesser Celandine has clear, golden flowers over rich green foliage; however there are several tempting varieties:

Albus – Lustrous green foliage with creamy white flowers that have a curious purple-blue tinge to the outside of the petals.

Brambling – Handsome foliage has extraordinary mottling in bronze, silver and green with golden flowers.

Brazen Hussy – Luxurious bronze foliage provides exceptional contrast for simple, golden flowers.

Double Mudd – Similar to Albus but with full double-petal blooms that display the outer purple blush.

Flore Pleno – Full, double-petal flowers of classic golden yellow.

I will always be drawn to early, handsome, straightforward blondes; they have stolen my heart. Find your type at your Local Independent Garden Center.

Project: Tomato Cage Makeover

How do you make a tomato cage look good? They are basic utilitarian, structures that look best completely cloaked in their supportee. Though I admire their functionality, I secretly detest their look. Every year I sigh at their annual debut and impatiently count the days until they are completely obscured. As I lamented their debut this year, I realized there was something I could do to make my tomato cage look good. This is how I achieved it. Armed with a standard tomato cage, a hammer, pliers, heavy duty adjustable pliers, gloves and safety glasses (rough sandpaper is optional) I set towards my task.

1)Put on gloves and safety glasses (no one likes wire in the eye!). Flip the tomato cage upside-down. Place two feet firmly on the top support rung and brace the whole structure against your leg.

2) Using heavy duty adjustable pliers, grip one of the wire legs about three inches from the end and twisted away from yourself and downward until a nice curlicue shape is achieved. Then using the pliers, grip about one inch from the bottom rung and bend the wire slightly inwards. This gives a more pleasing silhouette. Repeat this step for each leg. Keep in mind that tomato cages that have already been painted or coated are likely to chip or flake during the reshaping process.

3)With the upper portion complete, put one foot firmly on the top rung in between vertical supports, then lifted it up, and pushed it down, bending the wire back and forth. Repeat this step until all the joints break and the top rung breaks free (a hammer can also help with this step). This will create three new legs. Once the new legs are all completely free, use pliers to bend them slightly inwards and if necessary sand the bottom of each leg where the joint was, as it can be sharp.
Don't be too forceful during this step because ideally you’d like to maintain the shape and integrity of the structure. I found gripping firmly at the second rung joints was best. If the remaining joints were compromised, reinforce by wrapping with a finer wire.

If you’re inspired you can also embellish with wire, beads or paint. Place around perennials, annuals and vegetables that need a little support. This simple flip softens any tomato cage and adds a little whimsy to an otherwise Spartan garden standard.

Field Trip: Dry Creek Falls, Oregon

My background is firmly rooted in horticulture. But like any truly plant-obsessed person, my adoration of plants does not stop at the proverbial garden gate. Wild plants of all kinds are infinitely fascinating and gorgeous. The seasonal, regional, and genetic distinctions give endless distraction. While in search of these botanical treasures, if one can tear their gaze away, one frequently finds oneself surrounded by natural beauty in the form of alpine meadows, ancient forests, waterfalls and geological wonders.

I am fortunately unencumbered and able to travel the state, region and occasionally even to other countries, to see new plants and revisit beloved favorites. Mainly I achieve this through hiking (though any friend or family member of mine will attest, all trips with me involve a stop at one garden center, minimum).

With plants, it doesn’t matter if I’ve seen it a thousand times: the first bloom of the season, the first burst of lush growth, the first blush of fall color. All hold an endearing intimacy, akin to seeing a dear friend after a year’s absence. When repetition does not dull an experience, in sighting boredom but instead cements an unwritten kinship. It is both this bond with cherished favorites and the search for something new that brings me across the miles.

Photo: The falls at Dry Creek Falls.

Photo: Broad-leaved Stonecrop, Sedum spathulifolium intertwined with moss in boulder scree.

Photo: Boulder scree area with thick layers of moss.

Photo: Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia, later in the season it will have stalks studded with white blooms.

Photo: Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera oblongifolia; note the variation in the variegation of the leaf. Fantastic!

Photo: Western Trillium, Trillium ovatum. An early blooming ephemeral woodland plant.


Dry Creek Falls is a well-traveled trail about 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon in the Columbia River gorge. It is a low trail, not ascending above 700 feet.

A Spring To Do List

The sun’s power is magnetic; it draws us towards it, out of buildings and out of sweaters to bask in its warmth. And to witness the life, that it coaxes into the earthly cycle we call, seasons.
This time of year is by far, my favorite when every sunny day is treasured and every plants hovers upon the precipice of miraculously bursting into full exuberant bloom or lush leafy growth. There is so much to do in the garden and every action is filled with potential – dividing perennials, planning a new bed, deciding what seeds to buy for the vegetable garden. I often think that gardeners are the most optimistic and forward thinking variety of human. They are always thinking of what’s next: the next season, the next plant to trial, the next project.
Entering this season of activity and potential with a plan helps to focus your effort and allows you to track your achievements, and a list is often, the simplest way to plan. I have divided the list into rainy and sunny day activities, so that you can make the most of each day.

Rainy, Cold or Snowy Days:
~ Reference any notes from the previous year including written notes, pictures, and receipts or invoices.
~ Visit a Garden Show to get ideas and information.
~ Perform any necessary research about plants, materials, construction, tools and techniques keeping in mind that there are lots of local people with tons of knowledge including garden center employees, master gardeners, neighbors, college/university outreach centers, informational meetings & seminars, and annual garden shows.
~ Plan placement and features of garden beds (including location, orientation, materials, plants and soil required).
~ Peruse seed catalogs and make selections.
~ Clean and Organize Pots.
~ Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse.
~ Sharpen and oil hand-tools.
~ Perform basic annual maintenance to garden power tools and the lawn mower to prepare for service.

Photo: Northwest Flower and Garden Show 2015, Seattle, Washington.


Sunny Days:
~ Edit plants that need to move.
~ Divide perennials.
~ Plant Bare-root Fruits and Vegetables including fruit trees, small berries, rhubarb, horseradish and asparagus.
~ Start planting sturdier perennials, including perennial herbs. Wait until the weather and soils warm in April or May for Tender Perennials, like Agastache and Salvia etc.
~ Pot up perennials, shrubs or trees that are in containers.
~ Tidying Evergreen Perennials, cutting-out old, weathered foliage to allow fresh foliage to shine.
~ Cut-back Ornamental Grasses.
~ Add Compost into the soil and/or as mulch.
~ Refresh bedraggled container plantings with fresh spring color.
~ Clean and sanitize greenhouse (relatively warm day required).
~ Clean sidewalks, patios and pathways with pressure washer or scrub brush.
~ First Lawn Mowing.

Photo: Add color to the landscape.

The sun and the season of potential are coming. Be prepared by using this simple list to achieve your gardening dreams. For additional information and materials visit your Local Independent Garden Center.

Photo: Visit your Local Independent Garden Center.

A Bright & Beautiful Resolution

Christmas has been neatly packed away. After which there is always that starkness that follows and a touch of sadness. No matter how much you bemoaned the holiday season at its height; there is a warmth and comfort to its traditions that is stripped away come the first or second week of January. There is always the struggle fitting in to the New Year, creating bright fresh resolutions from the bleakness of winter. I find that my first resolution is always adding color. Winter can be quite bright if you know what plants to use. The recipes below create vibrant bursts of color to help you get the year off to a bright and beautiful start: Bronze Beauty I have become entranced with all things bronze. Its warmth and depth add a luxurious touch. The real beauty of the show is a Camelot Lenten Rose with butter colored flowers that mature to a multifaceted bronze-pink on burnished stems. Enter bronze, with Belinda’s Find Hook Sedge and a copper Heuchera of your choice, Dolce Cinnamon Curls or Paprika add a rich palette of tones that highlight the stems and mature blooms of the Lenten Rose. As with all strong colors they need to be balanced with softer colors, for example, light butter colored violas. I also like to balance the look by adding the rich green of Sweet Box to bring poise and a touch of sweet fragrance to this outstanding winter ensemble.

Twist of Lemon Yellow is happiness embodied. Its vibrancy is intoxicating! Fragrant yellow primroses nestle amongst a subtle dark green Sweet Box that brings balance and fragrance. Yellow and green variegated Illumination Vinca trails down the front softening the container and reverberates its colors. The twist? A vivid chartreuse Everillo Sedge, incorporating all shades from yellow to green. This bright combination is happiness with a twist.

Subtle Sophistication Perhaps you find vibrant colors vulgar and you crave a subtle sophistication, something that relies on the restrained play of texture, form and color. The slender dark leaves of Black Mondo grass are contrasted by the velvety silver of Dusty Miller. While the rich green, heart-shaped foliage of Beesia is burnished with the dark purple-black of winter cold. Accentuate this with a purple Cylcamen, with foliage that echoes the silver and green of its partners. This is a chic combination that doesn’t fall all over itself trying to impress, but instead, slowly draws you in to the detail.

I love combinations that create a delicate play on colors. Just as you pick up colors that are in your shirt or scarf and echo them in other accessories, by choosing plants that play off of each other’s colors, you create a rich, enchanting and satisfying display. As started bulbs like Daffodils, Iris, Hyacinths and Tulips are arriving incorporate some into each planting to extend the display. Resolve to create something beautiful and bright this winter. For plants, supplies and advice visit your Local Independent Garden Center. Recipes: Bronze Beauty (12” container pictured) 1 x Camelot Hellebore (Helleborus ‘HGC Camelot’) 1 x Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis) 1 x Belinda's Find Hook Sedge (Uncinia rubra ‘Belinda’s Find’) 1 x Dolce Cinnamon Curls Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Dolce Cinnamon Curls’) 1 x Butter cream Violet (Viola) Lemon Twist (10” container pictured) 1 x Everillo Sedge (Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’) 1 x Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis) 2 x Yellow Primrose (Primula) 1 x Illumination Vinca (Vinca ‘Illumination’) Subtle Sophistication (10” container pictured) 1 x Cyclamen (Cyclamen coum or Florist’s variety) 1 x Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') 1 x Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) 1 x Beesia (Beesia deltophylla)

Debris turned Décor

Christmas has passed and the inevitable deluge of gifts must be assimilated with one's other treasured and useful possessions. And yet there is always the debris of Christmas. Compost and recycle what you can, there are always odd items that remain: the gift basket the beauty products came in, the Mason jar the cookie mix was in, the salad bowl that just doesn't match your décor. For me it was a vibrant yellow votive holder shaped like a hedgehog. It's adorable, but the color is too vivid for my indoor scheme. What about outdoors - where its vibrant color and odd shape are free to whimsically punctuate the landscape. Or perhaps the item simply needs to be softened and balanced. If something can contain, display or otherwise incorporate a plant, I will find it. With this as my guiding principle in life, I decided to plant the votive holder then nestle it among my planters outside. This was my personal conundrum but there are many types of Christmas detritus that are serviceable. Before you pack that lot into the garage or donate it, take a second look. • Candle holders, tea cups, glasses and bowls can be used by adding charcoal and rock to create drainage, top with soil and plant. • Tins and metal containers can be punctured at the bottom to create drainage then planted just like a pot. • Line baskets with moss then add soil and plant with cheery seasonal color for outdoors. Or line with moss and plastic for a drip-free indoor planter to nestle potted plants in. • Plant jars, lanterns or large candle holders as terrariums with layers of rock and charcoal to create drainage, then top with soil and plant. Add small touches like miniature statues and figurines to personalize the look. • Visit your local Independent Garden Center for supplies and advice. Honor the thoughtful gift of a loved one by creating a tasteful planter from items that were destined to be Christmas debris. Your complete, and creative use of their gift, may surprise and delight you both.

Fall Container Planting

This simple fall container planting with three plants has a clean modern look that has subtle color and year round interest. The Coral Bells and Evergold sedge are both evergreen. Pineapple Lily has an unusual and interesting flower spike that adds drama and a unique appeal.

Plants & Materials: 1x Eucomis ‘Oakhurst’ Pineapple Lily 1x Heuchera ‘Crimson Curls’ Coral Bells 1x Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ Evergold Sedge 1x Pot 16 to 20 inches wide 1x Potting Soil 2 cu. ft. Bag **You could also use Eucomis ‘Freckles,’ which is a dwarf variety with purple freckles or ‘Tugela Ruby’ which has greener leaves.** PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS: 1)Fill the pot about 2/3 of the way with a high quality, free-draining potting soil. 2)Gently remove each plant from its pot and massage the roots to open up the root ball. 3)Place each plant in the container, move if necessary to get the right look. 4)Fill around each plant and in between plants with potting soil making sure to gently firm the soil down around each plant. Keep each plant at the soil level it was to being with (a.k.a. don’t bury the plant and don’t set it too high). 5)Water thoroughly and place in full to part sun (at least 6 hours of sun a day). 6)Place on a patio or porch near your home and enjoy.