Author Archives: dirtynailz

While some gardeners snobbishly declare that they only grow perennials, dahling, I like mixing annuals with my perennials. In fact, my favorite annuals give so much bang for so little buck, that I wouldn’t be without them. So there. I … Continue reading →

In October, when flowers in the gardens here in RI dwindle to a precious few, the Montauk daisy reigns supreme. The botanical name of this plant, Nipponanthemum Nipponicum provides a clue to its origin. It is indeed from Japan. In … Continue reading →

It’s a sure bet that as soon as the kids head back to school, chrysanthemums  – hundreds of them – will begin to appear in a nursery or market near you. I am not sure if this is a tradition … Continue reading →

Notice anything different? We all loved those worms – and the bee – but we thought it was time for a change so we have a new look! Please let me know what you think, and stay tuned for more … Continue reading →

Last May, I wrote excitedly about my purchase of 10 Crocosmia Lucifer from Brent and Beck’s bulbs. At the same time, I also bought 10 anemone coronaria De Caen in red, white and blue colors – or at least, that’s … Continue reading →

Last October, I wrote (more than some of you probably would have liked) about the pumpkin shortage here in RI. I referred to it as a “crisis” and while it may not really be as serious as that in the … Continue reading →

In one of my posts after Tropical Storm Irene, I included photos of my smashed garden. The plants did look pretty sad, so a few days ago, I went in there with my sleeves rolled up, prepared to yank out … Continue reading →

Some of you may have already heard the earth-shattering news: a plant scientist at the University of Connecticut has come up with a non-invasive Euonymus, aka “Burning Bush.” OK, I get the part about how great it is that this … Continue reading →

Rhode Island is about as close to the Lyme disease epicenter as you can get, just a short drive from Lyme CT. Unlike doctors in other parts of the country who dither for months before zeroing in on Lyme, doctors … Continue reading →

Our power came back on Thursday evening. We were without electricity for five days.  I am only now beginning to realize how stressed out I was last week. I had to work from assorted cafe’s, shop every day for our … Continue reading →