Author: Stephi

Clematis Stem Wilt: An Update to Something’s Wrong With The Clematis

Yesterday, I wrote about the terrible condition of two of my clematis plants (Something's Wrong With The Clematis). This morning, after an interesting discussion on Facebook, I called the Morton Arboretum Plant Hotline.  They are a great local resource for what's going on with plants in the area. They said it sounded like my clematis have clematis stem wilt. … Continue reading Clematis Stem Wilt: An Update to Something’s Wrong With The Clematis

Something’s Wrong With The Clematis

Usually, my clematis are one of the stalwarts of my garden. They grow beautifully with very little attention.  But this year, after being gone to Yosemite for a few days, I came home to both my Clematis "Sugar Candy" looking like this: It was really puzzling. My two ideas as to what was happening where that somehow … Continue reading Something’s Wrong With The Clematis

Oh Those Pesky Rabbits

A few years ago, I had chicken wire installed all around the bottom of the picket fence in the backyard.  That solved the rabbit problem for many years. Over the years, the fence got bent, damaged, removed and generally became "holey".  My first clue that this was going to be bad this year was the very … Continue reading Oh Those Pesky Rabbits

A Rare Treat: A Cardinal’s Nest At Eye Level

Right outside my front door is a Judd Viburnum that has been home to many robin's nests throughout the years This year, we saw some busy birds flying in and out, so of course I had to investigate.  I assumed it was a robin as before, but a quick peak at the eggs and nest materials, it … Continue reading A Rare Treat: A Cardinal’s Nest At Eye Level

The Garden Was Party Perfect

My goal this spring was was to get the garden in shape for my twin boys high school graduation festivities. While the weather barely cooperated, the gardens were helped by the cool spring and looked beautiful, green and lush.  Some of the spring shrubs were still blooming and overlapping with some of the early summer … Continue reading The Garden Was Party Perfect

Beautyberry Bushes–Did They Survive The Winter?

Last year, I wrote about buying three Purple Pearls Beautyberry Bushes (Callicarpa x NCCX1) at the Morton Arboretum Plant Sale.  I had seen them the fall before in the parking lot there and thought they were just stunning with all those amazing, unusual purple berries (see Purple Beautyberry Bush).  I had to plant them in my yard! For a first year … Continue reading Beautyberry Bushes–Did They Survive The Winter?

An Amazing Spring For The Flowering Trees

This spring, despite (or maybe in spite of) the poor weather the trees exploded in color like I have never seen before.             How were your flowering trees this year?  I need to replace the maple tree we lost last year (So Long Beautiful Maple Tree) so I'm thinking a magnolia is in … Continue reading An Amazing Spring For The Flowering Trees