Epimediums with a Twist

I'm always looking for new ways to pair old favorites. I typically combine the heart shaped leaves of Bishop's hat (Epimedium sp.) with lacy ferns and bold hostas for example. But a recent visit to the inspiring garden of Mitch Evans in Kirkland, WA showed me all sorts of exciting new possibilities to get me out of my design rut!…

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The Emerging Garden

It's been 3 1/2 years since we moved into our mosquito-ridden swamp. Of course we didn't know that's what it was when we first saw this 5 acre property in July of 2009 – that realization came as we squelched our way from house to barn and back in ankle deep water all winter, and…

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Join in the Foliage Fest! (& giveaway)

The past couple of weeks have been a true whirlwind since my book FINE FOLIAGE, co-authored with Christina Salwitz was launched at the 2013 Northwest Flower and Garden Show, Seattle. My first talk at the show – a demonstration style seminar called ‘Spotlight on Foliage’ was standing room only and by the end of that…

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Skinny Conifers for Tight Spaces

Narrow side gardens are the reality for many suburban homes but die hard gardeners don’t need to sacrifice height and beauty just because their footprint is small. Look for trees, shrubs  and perennials that have a columnar shape without growing too wide. Even in larger gardens there is a need for ‘punctuation’ points and these…

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Denver Botanic Gardens – a winter surprise

I had the opportunity to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens last week. As I pulled on thermals, several layers of fleece and my thickest socks I began to doubt my sanity! Temperatures were well below zero and I was the only person outside; other visitors were safely ensconced in the tropical steaminess of the orchid…

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