In previous years, I have grown two types of green bean plants: Kentucky Wonder and Scarlet Running Beans. Both of these are climbing pole beans. This year, I am growing Contender Bush Green Beans, too–as well as Rattlesnake Beans. I hope to plant all these different beans this week–before the rains, and I thought I’d take…
Identifying Some of the Lichen in My Yard
Jacki Kellum – Lichen on a Water Oak Limb Normally, I am into more traditional gardening, but I am fascinated by a network of lichens that have attached themselves to my neighbor’s water oak tree. Look Closely! I see a smorgasbord of lichens. Usnea strigosa Image Credit: Ohio Moss & Lichen Association “Usnea strigosa, also…
Old Garden or Antique Roses – A List with Dates of Introduction
“Antique roses, also known as old garden roses or historic roses, are roses that existed before 1867. They are known for being hardy, disease resistant, and coming in many colors, shapes, and sizes.” Google Generative ai Archduke Charles Image Credit: Antique Rose Emporium Prior to 1837 Height: 3′ – 5′ Very Fragrant Continuous Bloom “Thomas Rivers called…
How I Created My 20′ Rose Arbor – Partially from Scraps
Rose Arbor – Jacki Kellum Garden 20′ Long – 8′ Wide “We Eat the Whole Buffalo” Following is an old saying that is said to have evolved from the tradition of the Plains Native Americans: “We Eat the Whole Buffalo.” The words allude to a resolve to use everything available when trying to make do….
Focus on Bearded Iris – Listed by Height
Absolute Treasure Image Credit: American Meadows Height: 36-48″ tall Fragrant Pallida Image Credit: Wikipedia Height: up to 40″ Fragrant Señor Jinx Image Credit: American Meadows Height 39″ Mango Image Credit: American Meadows Height 38″ Magical Image Credit: American Meadows Height 37″ Sugar Blues Reblooming Image Credit: American Meadows Height 36″ Fragramt Off Topic Image Credit:…
Sages I Am Growing in My Garden – All Sages Are Not Created Equal
Garden Sage [Salvia officinalis] Image Credit: Gardener’s Path Height: 18″ – 36″ I love purple accents in my garden, and I like the lavender blooms on common garden sage. In addition, the smell of this plant returns me to my childhood Thanksgiving feasts. Garden sage smells of turkey and dressing, mom, and brisk November nights….
Rustic Touches in My Cottage Gardens
Lady Banks Rose in Jacki Kellum Garden This year, I am adding some vigorous climbing roses, to my garden, including Lady Banks and Peggy Martin. Both of these roses require super strong support. Lady Banksia Rose [Lady Banks] Image Credit: Heirloom Roses 1807 Lady Banks or Banksia Rose was first cultivated in 1807. This old…
Plants in the Medieval Cloisters Garden at the Met in New York City
Plants A–F Acanthus mollis – Acanthus* Image Credit: Bluestone Perennials Achillea millefolium ‘Apple Blossom’ – Apple Blossom Yarrow* Image Credit: Rare Roots Achillea millefolium ‘Pretty Belinda’— Pretty Belinda Yarrow* Image Credit: Monrovia Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise Queen’ — Cerise Queen Yarrow* Image Credit: Roger’s Flowers Achillea millefolium ‘Saucy Seduction’ — Saucy Seduction* image Credit: Walter Blom Plants Achillea ‘Terracotta’ – Yarrow* Image Credit: Brecks Aconitum…
How to Attract Carolina Chickadees: Birdhouses, Eggs, Nests, and Songs
Image Credit Birds & Blooms Two days ago, I was thrilled to see that a Carolina Chickadee was checking out a birdhouse that was hanging idly from an arbor in my garden. Jacki Kellum House in Water Valley, MS, May of 2023 I moved to my current house just after nesting time last spring, and…
Climbing Roses in Cottage Gardens – Which Is the Most Fragrant Climbing Rose?
The earliest cottage gardens were peasant constructs. Most of the early peasants lived and worked on a larger landowner’s property, and they had tiny gardens in which they needed to grow many things–most of those things were food and herbs. Gradually, flowers and roses became part of these primitive gardens, and to save valuable space,…