Houseplants definitely belong in our homes. They are ornamental plants adapted for growing indoors and are sometimes called pot or potted plants. The most common are exotic plants native to warm, frost-free parts of the world. According to a 1989 NASA study, houseplants can help improve air quality by removing cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde and … Continue reading The Benefits of Houseplants
Observations
Poinsettias – Holiday Favorites
The plant we know as the poinsettia has a long and interesting history. The fact is that the lovely plant many of us place in our homes during the holidays flourished in an area of Central America and was used as a fever medicine by the ancient Aztecs. From its bracts they extracted a purplish … Continue reading Poinsettias – Holiday Favorites
Sedums in the Fall
A favorite fall-blooming perennial, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is attractive at all growing stages, offering year-round interest. Also known as Stonecrop, its stems appear in early spring as a rosette/clump, with its attractive green succulent foliage developing beautiful flowers during late summer and fall. Even the dried flower heads are lovely during the colder months. The … Continue reading Sedums in the Fall
Thanksgiving Cactus Time
A blooming Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is very popular at this time of the year. But its resemblance to the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) makes it confusing, not only to shoppers and gift-givers, but also to garden nursery staff members. A Thanksgiving cactus has very pointed, sharp-toothed, claw-shaped projections on its flattened “segmented stem edges” … Continue reading Thanksgiving Cactus Time
Chrysanthemums For Us!
Considered the quintessential autumn flower, the chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. It was introduced to the Americas in 1798. The easy-to-grow, herbaceous perennials (Chrysanthemum indicum) can live for years in the New England area so long as they … Continue reading Chrysanthemums For Us!
Japanese Maple – A Symbol of Elegance
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a species of deciduous shrubs or small trees native to Japan, China, and Korea. Belonging to the Aceraceae family, they are renowned for their elegant beauty. Japanese Maple trees come in a wide variety of colors and leaf shapes. The leaves may start off green in the spring, transition … Continue reading Japanese Maple – A Symbol of Elegance
Early Fall at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
Early Fall video from October 11, 2023, at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. Length: 2 minutes. The Van Wickles placed great emphasis on the landscape, particularly Bessie, who was an avid gardener. They hired Bristol author, gardener and landscape architect, John DeWolf to lay out the grounds. DeWolf based his over-arching … Continue reading Early Fall at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
‘Diana Remembered’ Hosta – An October Surprise
‘Diana Remembered’ is a medium sized hosta named after the late Diana, the Princess of Wales. As the photo shows, its leaves have begun to turn yellow and die back. Its blossoms have never appeared so late in the season – an October surprise for sure. Highly fragrant, the tubular, white flowers can reach 4″ … Continue reading ‘Diana Remembered’ Hosta – An October Surprise
Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!
A pink ‘Knock Out’ rose blossom makes an appearance in the October garden as nearby hosta plant leaves begin to die back at the end of the season. Knock Outs are popular because they’re one of the longest blooming, lowest maintenance, most pest and disease resistant roses. The different varieties can provide up to six … Continue reading Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!