When I was a tiny child, my mother and my grandmother taught me how to embroider. The highlight of my week was when I would get to go to the dimestore and pick up my design to embroider for the week. Embroidery is still the core of my textile art. The images that you see…
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In the South, April Showers Bring April Flowers
In the South, April Showers Bring April Flowers. As I’ve watched this allium mature and bloom in my garden–in the midst of this stand of bachelor buttons, I’ve been thinking about this expression all month. In essence, Thomas Tusser wrote “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” “…sweet April showers, do spring May flowers” – Thomas Tusser…
Comparing Types of Green Bean Plants: How Many Days for Each to Mature
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…
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….
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…
When to Plant Your Garden – Dates to Start Seeds Indoor & Dates to Plant Outside
When Should You Transplant Seedlings? “It’s time to transplant when seedlings have grown too large for their seed trays or starter pots. If it’s not yet warm enough to plant outdoors, transplant the seedlings to larger plastic or peat pots indoors and continue care. If outdoor conditions allow, start hardening off your seedlings approximately one week…
The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs — Excerpts: Focus on Plant I’ll Grow in My Garden
Image Credit: Complet Illustrated Book of Herbs “Herbs have been used for thousands of years to flavor and preserve food, treat ailments, ward off pests and diseases, freshen the air, and decorate and enhance our lives. Ove the centuries they have also become associated with fascinating myths, legends, and folklore.” Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs,…