Bayberry is a semi-evergreen shrub -- it retains some leaves in mild winters, and also will put on a flush of fresh leaves each spring. The berries, borne on female plants, are used in bayberry candles and remain on the plant through winter, providing both visual and ecological interest.  The fruit … [Read more...]

When this phlox blooms, we know the season has begun in earnest. Early spring bloomers like bloodroot and trillium are done and Phlox glaberrima 'Morris Berd' breaks out its blooms to tell us to get ready for the summer ahead. This disease resistant Smooth Phlox is named after horticulturist Morris … [Read more...]

Spring ephemeral plants are popular in gardens and landscapes across the world and have been for centuries.  American ephemerals especially are gaining admiration by gardeners and collectors. Native ephemerals bring early season color and life into the garden.   They occur naturally in shaded, … [Read more...]

Few colors are as lovely in the landscape than true, vibrant red. While red roses and carnations are Valentine icons, let’s not forget some of Eastern North America’s stunning red flowers. Attractive to you and to garden visitors such as hummingbirds and butterflies.  These red flowers are certain … [Read more...]

Spring ephemeral plants bring beauty and charm to the earliest part of the growing season, and also have important value to the ecosystem.  These plants put a lot of energy into producing blooms, creating large blossoms relative to the size of the plant.  They emerge quickly in spring, taking … [Read more...]

Part One: What are Spring Ephemerals? After a long winter, gardeners are eager to get out of their houses and into their gardens.  In the stark, tawny woodlands of early spring, emerging through the fall leaf litter, little green shoots and tiny, delicate blossoms decorate the forest floor. These … [Read more...]