Category Archives: Natives

If you’re in the mood for a tall perennial

POSTED BY KIM — …try Silphium perfoliatum, or cup plant.  I apologize if I’ve written about this beauty before, but every summer I’m staggered by how tall it really gets — it’s HUGE. This plant was originally given to me … Continue reading

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Filed under Butterfly, Natives, Perennials

Coneflower Central: Sugar Creek Gardens

POSTED BY KIM — More than one customer has commented this season on our staggering coneflower selection.  I have to agree. Before I left work today, I went by the echinacea section, and in no particular order, here’s what I … Continue reading

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Filed under Bragging, Butterfly, Natives, Perennials

The only fern you need to grow

POSTED BY KIM …at least in my opinion.    I love the American Maidenhair fern, Adiantum pedatum.  It’s a Missouri native, loves part or full shade, and gets about 2 feet tall. Spectacular!  I have some growing in a hydrangea bed, and it’s … Continue reading

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Filed under Ferns, Natives, Shade

Virginia Bluebells are making their spring debut

POSTED BY KIM — Oooh, I love my Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica).  Their leaves are just now popping their heads above ground, but it’s all about the flowers.  You CANNOT beat the blues and purples that mingle in these petals.  … Continue reading

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Filed under Natives, Perennials, Shade

Amsonia hubrichtii: 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year

POSTED BY KIM — Big news: Amsonia hubrichtii has won the PPA’s award for 2011.  I know for a fact this is one of Fred’s favorites — he has it in his front yard combined with Sambucus ‘Black Lace’ (if … Continue reading

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Filed under Natives, Perennials, Shrubs

Everyone needs a turtlehead

POSTED BY KIM — Given this rainy weather, I think it’s appropriate for me to write about my turtlehead.  If you have children or grandchildren, I think you need a turtlehead in your yard or you might be breaking the law. … Continue reading

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Filed under Natives, Perennials, Shade, Wet

Vignettes from the K-State Gardens

POSTED BY CALEB I always forget to include that attribution, but I assume that many of you can figure it out from my slant on things…

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Filed under Annuals, Natives, Perennials

K-State Gardens

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Filed under Annuals, Fall/winter interest, Grass, Natives, Perennials, Thugs, Vines

My Startling Jungle

POSTED BY CALEB My garden has gone rather wild in the months that I’ve been absent. It reminds me of these words by Vita Sackville-West, the famous English gardener. “Follow my steps, oh gardener, down these woods. Luxuriate in this … Continue reading

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Filed under Fruits & Vegetables, Natives

Virginia bluebells: a kaleidoscope of spring color

POSTED BY KIM — I can find something to appreciate about most flowers.  Maybe it blooms an especially long time, is really fragrant, or can withstand tough growing conditions.  But when it comes to flower color, I think the Virginia bluebell Mertensia … Continue reading

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Filed under Natives, Perennials, Shade