Life and Gardening After Slugopocalypse

Anyone else feel as though this year has got away from them? In theory, my garden should be magnificent this year since I haven't been traveling. Somehow that's not my reality. Between a biblical plague of slugs that is STILL ongoing, crazy wet weather in spring (summer didn't even start until about a week ago)…

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On Trial For You: 8 New Deer-Resistant Shrubs

I'm always excited to see new plants come on the market that offer a new color, shape or size from existing varieties. Yet so often I am faced with the reality that I can't grow them here because of the deer. (And yes those darn rabbits too). Feel the same way? Well I've got some…

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Easy, Budget-Conscious Containers

When it comes to gardening, I'm nothing if not tenacious (although my husband calls it "stubborn…."), and right now that quality is coming in especially handy. Usually at this time of year I'd be anticipating leisurely visits to my favorite nurseries to carefully select an exciting array of shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropicals, and edibles to…

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New Year – New Shrubs!

It's cold, wet, and windy here in Seattle today – but that doesn't stop me dreaming about warmer days in the garden and planning the inevitable revisions. Since I suspect you're doing a little armchair gardening too,  here are some new shrubs I've come across that you might like to consider. Shrubs are the mainstay…

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Move over boxwood – make room for Distylium!

Have you been searching for the perfect shrub? One that is low maintenance evergreen  deer resistant insect resistant disease resistant can be used for hedging, screening, as a foundation plant, groundcover or as part of a mixed border? is tolerant of wet soils, yet also drought tolerant? Maybe something to replace those ailing boxwood that…

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