Pineapple Lily ‘Sparkling Burgundy’

It has been some time since I last took time to write about what interests me
most ... gardening. In the interim, life got in the way in the form of family
illness and a full time business designing, installing and caring for clients' 
gardens. 
The fact that it is a grey day in Winter has brought me back to where I began. 
Years ago when my children were small, at the end of the day, I would use garden
planning as the remedy for the winter blues. 
Today, I was thinking about a client's enclosed patio and decided to share
the plant I had suggested she try in one of her containers this spring/summer.
This particular client always brings a smile to my face with her funloving, quirky
disposition. The plant I suggested evokes the same response.
I am referring to the Pineapple Lily (eucomis comosa), which I originally
discovered at the entrance to a beautiful old garden in Cincinnati.    
After some investigating, I learned that the Pineapple Lily was a native of South
Africa and was typically hardy through zone 7. That was somewhat discouraging 
until further research revealed 'Sparkling Burgundy',a variety that is hardier 
and boasts gorgeous color in both flowers and leaves. The species is a long lived 
plant that is happiest in sun and can live in a wide range of soils and is amazing
in containers! It reaches 18"-24" in height and blooms from midsummer to early 
fall. An added bonus is its pest resistence and attraction to butterflies and 
other pollinators.
If you are looking for something striking, unusual, needs little care and 
can be used directly in the garden or as the centerpiece for your containers,
look no further.

Consider The Redbud

This Spring the Redbuds have been absolutely glorious! Cercis Canadensis dot the woodlands along the highways, their bright pink flowers unmistakable among the fresh greens of newly leafed out bushes and trees, sharing center stage with the pristine white Dogwood trees. I recently received an email from a friend requesting their identity to ensure she can include one in the landscape of her newly built home.   They are relatively small ornamental trees, reaching 20-30 feet in height at maturity. Redbuds are members of the Pea family and flower directly on the woody stems.  To the delight of my grandchildren, the flowers are edible and can be added to your favorite salad or fried and eaten as a snack. I recently learned the hard way that sharing that information with children may lead to an afternoon walk explaining , AD NAUSEUM ,  that they can’t eat every plant that crosses their path! Their are some great varieties of the species like  Lemon Twist, a weeping version,

and Forest Pansy, boasting striking purple leaves.

I am moving soon, after 25 years in my present home , and I am looking forward to creating a whole new “garden room” in the empty lot next to the 1885 building which houses my husband’s law firm on the first floor and where we are planning to make our new home on the second and third floors. Adventure awaits and I think a Forest Pansy may be part of  it!