Three flower maple (Acer triflorum), often called trifoliate maple, is native to eastern Asia (USDA hardiness zones 4-7). The latter pseudonym is misleading as A. triflorum is actually one of many compound-leafed maples identified as “trifoliate maples”. This small deciduous understory maple typically grows 2o-25 feet tall with a densely-branched, rounded crown. Specimens often grow to 35-40 feet in height range. The […]
Archive for the ‘mulching’ Category
American Basswood Tree
American basswood (Tilia americana) is a common deciduous native tree in midwestern and eastern U.S. forests (USDA hardiness zones 2-11). This large majestic tree is remarkably fast-growing but not weak wooded. Basswood is planted as a large residential shade tree, street tree along wide avenues, or tall privacy screen. A mature specimen may grow 50 […]
Multi-Use Bowles’ Golden Sedge
Bowles’ golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’) is an easy to grow sedge (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). Golden sedge was introduced by English plantsman and garden writer E.A. Bowles who discovered it growing in eastern England. Bowles’ Golden sedge grows 1 ½ to nearly 3 feet high (in flower) and 2-3 feet wide. It features bright lemon- […]
Shredded Umbrella Plant For Woodland Gardens
Shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia) is native to China, Korea, and Japan (USDA hardiness zones 5-7). The plant is often misidentified as mayapple (Podophyllum). The foliage is exquisitely dissected, similar to a finely dissected Japanese maple leaf. The plant serves a wonderful addition to any shade garden. In mid-spring exquisite umbrella-like foliage emerges covered with hairy silver hairs. Umbrella-like pubescent leaves are very dissected and […]
Alexandrian Laurel For Deep Shade
Alexandrian Laurel or Poet’s Laurel (Danae racemosa) is a wonderful evergreen shrub that is rarely planted in U.S. gardens. Danae is indigenous to Iran and Syria. This evergreen shrub needs partial to full shade and the warm climes of southeast or Pacific northwest states (USDA hardiness zones 6 – 9). If winters are exceptionally cold […]
Berggarten Salvia Favors Both Gardeners And Culinary Afficiendos
Common sage (Salvia officinalis), a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is the culinary sage familiar to most cooks (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8). The species grow 1.5 – 3 feet high and wide. Multitudes of showy two-lipped, 1-inch long, violet-blue flowers arise on short, upright spikes in late spring. Flowers attracts numerous bees […]
Our Native Bigleaf Magnolias
Bigleaf magnolias are represented by four species: (M. macrophylla), umbrella magnolia (M. tripetala), Fraser magnolia (M. fraseri), and Ashe magnolia (M. ashei). All are medium-size trees with huge leaves and large flowers that appear after the leaves unfurl. All are native to the southeastern United States as far north to West Virginia and Ohio (USDA hardiness zones […]
The Next Generation of Weigelas
Weigela (Weigela florida) is old-fashioned shrub with rose colored blooms and arching branching habit in mid-spring. This shrub is native from Japan, Korea, and China (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). New hybrids of weigelas are arriving at garden centers this spring. Compared to previous cultivars that were 6-9 feet tall, new introductions grow only 2-5 feet […]
‘Alleghany’ Viburnum Is A Four Season Gem
Alleghany viburnum (Viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’) aka lantanaphyllum viburnum, is a large easy to grow semi-evergreen (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). It will grow to about 10-12 feet tall and a spread of 12 feet at maturity. This low maintenance shrub is a hybrid cross between V. rhytidophyllum and V. lantana ‘Mohican’. The cross was made in […]
Benefits Of Mulching
Mulching benefits garden soil and enhances the landscape appearance. Here is how: Prevents weed seeds from germinating, thereby reducing hand weeding. Mulching keeps plant roots moist and cool in summer. Fall mulching acts like a thermal blanket and aids newly set plants to establish their roots quickly. Reduces the need to water the garden as often. […]

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