It is always hard for me to focus in on one variety of plant this time of year. But this little treatise is going to zoom in on the genus Crocosmia - mostly because they are coming into full bloom now and there isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t come into the store with a sample and want to know what it is.

July is a very busy month for me in my garden and it should be for you as well. This is the month I like to put the finishing touches on everything, so all I have to do for the rest of the summer is water and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Here are some things we should all be focused on…

I couldn’t help but notice the other day while driving around town, that lavender was coming into bloom.

That of course got me thinking about growing lavender, choosing varieties, and how to actually use the plant other than just to look at it.

I don’t think that I am alone when I say that I am drawn to plants with foliage that is anything other than green. If your search for dark foliaged plants for shade has left you frustrated, look no more. Here are a few choices that are well worth incorporating into your garden…

Every year I try to move my customers a little farther out of their comfort zones to experiment with some plants that perhaps they are unfamiliar with or are afraid they will fail to make grow. Mostly, I am talking about the focal or “thriller” components of a container planting.

As much as I would love to talk about reblooming hydrangeas and other wonderful blooming plants, the fact is that the weather is finally cooperating for us gardeners to get a bunch of chores done and I fully intend to work myself into a state of blissful exhaustion.

I first fell in love with Peonies back in the early 70’s when I was stationed in Petersburg, Virginia with the US Army.

I was driving out in the country one afternoon when I came upon row after row of these incredible plants covered with pink, red, or white blooms that looked like carnations on steroids.

I know it is probably raining in your garden and will be for at least another week, but I have to tell you that the last two weeks were just amazing! I would sincerely hope that you all share my feelings.

It just blows me away that even at the crusty old age of 70 I am still overwhelmed by the magic of spring.