Digging In: Finding Inspiration

By Jennifer Smith Like many, I’m inspired by the work of master garden designer Piet Oudolf. The gardens I’ve had the privilege to view in person have never disappointed. I find his use of plant material sophisticated and beguiling. Equally impressive are his books which never disappoint. They are pure joy to read and very... Continue Reading →

Digging In: Plant Selection

By Jennifer Smith When it comes to plants and books about plants, I have little willpower to resist. And for that, I am thankful. If I had any self-control, I wouldn’t be thumbing through Dream Plants for the Natural Garden which features 1,200 beautiful and reliable plants for the natural garden by Piet Oudolf and... Continue Reading →

Digging In: Soil

By Jennifer Smith I’m sure I’m not the only gardener who delights at the sight of loosely amended soil. I see the promise of new flowering plants to attract butterflies, seedheads to attract birds in the fall and grasses to carry my garden through winter.  An expanse of loose soil is a gardener’s blank slate,... Continue Reading →

Digging in: Creating destinations

By Peter Wimberg One million, four million, eight million. That’s the number of visitors, respectively, that the Chicago Botanical Gardens, the Lurie Garden in Chicago and the High Line in New York City receive each year. The newly created Piet Oudolf Garden on Detroit’s Bell Island is also a popular garden destination. While it doesn’t... Continue Reading →

Digging in: Don’t Be Afraid

By Peter Wimberg It’s not often that acting out of fear, or being driven by fear, is advisable. Before you say, what if you’re in physical danger, or a massive storm is coming? Remember, this is a garden column.  But, I do believe that fear (see what I did there?) is creeping into the world... Continue Reading →

Digging in: If Only I had Known

By Peter Wimberg If only I had known. I’ve had those moments with gardening. When many of us start gardening we tend to buy one or two or everything. There are so many intriguing plants that limiting ourselves to a curated palette is not easy. Do I wish I had not collected such an array... Continue Reading →

Digging in: The heat is on 

By Peter Wimberg (Published September 2024) Dare we think about fall?  Spending a few moments on social media will have you believing fall is here, leaves are turning, and days and nights are crisp and cool.  As we enter the fall months, I think it’s a good time to dispel some long-held garden beliefs and... Continue Reading →

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