by John Bickel | May 1, 2015 | Plant of the Week
Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’ Our Magnolia collection is truly spectacular at this time of year, exhibiting a multitude of attractive colors, forms, and fragrances. M. ‘Alexandrina’ has exceptional blooms borne heavily all over the tree. Each flower has...
by John Bickel | Apr 24, 2015 | Plant of the Week
Pieris japonica By far, one of my favorite fragrances in the spring is in April when the delicate, pendulous, clusters of bell-like flowers of Pieris japonica bloom. They have a strong, sweet scent that isn’t overpowering, but similar to hyacinth. The leaves emerge...
by John Bickel | Apr 16, 2015 | Plant of the Week
Crocus tommasinianus The Cherry Border is currently overflowing with these early bulbs. The color is a clear, light, faded purple that seems to have an ethereal glow, each with a spark of deep orange making up the reproductive parts. Each year in early spring the...
by John Bickel | Apr 1, 2015 | Plant of the Week
Rohdea japonica One can come to rely on foliage in a garden for color and texture that lasts beyond the season of flowering. This is a fine plant given its general good behavior and the fact that it does not die back for the cold season. The evergreen leaves are...
by John Bickel | Mar 26, 2015 | Plant of the Week
Eranthis hyemalis When I think “spring ephemeral,” Eranthis hyemalis is always the first flower that comes to mind. It is a reliable standby that beckons to spring; emerging valiantly in multitudes amongst the last of autumn’s litter. The leaves open first below the...
