By Jennifer Smith How does one become a gardener? With my first house I decided, perhaps influenced by my mom who’s an avid gardener, to plant a garden. Later in life I thought nothing of adopting a park for a few years as well as several plots in Ault Park, where my parents were also... Continue Reading →
By Jennifer Smith Fair warning, these plants can be quite generous! Most gardeners are familiar with plants that need division every few years. Hostas, lilies and iris are sure to come to mind. Having plants that contribute new offsprings makes it easier and certainly more cost effective to create a lush garden. The downside is... Continue Reading →
By Mary Casey-Sturk You may have seen a girl selling flowers at the corner of West Villa Place and South Fort Thomas Avenue. Perhaps you’ve stopped to buy zinnias from a young entrepreneur with a smile that could brighten any day. If so, you’ve already met Josie Soltes. If not, you may get the chance... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
By Jennifer Smith Soil, again? Yes, let’s talk about soil again. As I shared last month, I want to create a garden in which you will succeed — where it’s easy to weed and water, and you can try your hand at any number of plants, not just those described as “clay busters” in plant... Continue Reading →
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 →
By Jennifer Smith When the excitement and flurry of the holidays starts to fade, many of us are left with a gray time in the calendar when it’s too soon to break back our pollinator garden or add new plants. If it’s a garden planted for nature that you care for, it’s best not to... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
