Author Archives: The Editors of Garden Variety

About The Editors of Garden Variety

The Magazine-style Daily Lifestyle Blog of Gardening, Outdoor Spaces and Natural Living. https://gardenvarietynews.wordpress.com

Emperor’s Candlesticks | An Ornamental Flowering Plant for the Garden

Emperor’s Candlestick is an ornamental, broadleaf, evergreen shrub that is native to Northern regions of South & Central America.  In its native habitat, Sennas can grow up to 30 feet in height. However, if grown as architectural flowering border shrub … Continue reading

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Black Mondo Grass | A Quick Intro to an Exotic Modern Garden Evergreen

By Stickpen – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20113135 Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is a low- growing, ornamental grass that originates from Japan. Very low maintenance and versatile, it can be grown in mass, containers, as border plants or even … Continue reading

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Purple Berkheya | A Fast-growing South African Garden Perennial

Purple Berkheya (Berkheya purpurea) An unusual but fascinating ornamental beauty, purple berkheya (aka Zulu Warrior) is a perennial flowering plant native to South Africa. Purple berkheya is a versatile grower, hardy to US Zones 6b-11 and features prickly stems with … Continue reading

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Italian-Themed Garden | Incorporating Elements of a Mediterranean Garden

I have always found Italian gardens alluring and romantic. In particular, classically styled gardens such as Villa Carlotta off Lake Como, whose gardens incorporations shrubs and trees which produces colorful masses of stunning flowers year-round in addition to manicured hedges … Continue reading

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Wild Plantain | A Showy Perennial Broadleaf for the Tropical Garden

 Wild Plantain (Heliconia Caribaea) Derived originally from the Heliconia species whose origins are Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Central America and Columbia, the Wild Plantain (also known as Lobster Claws) is a showy, herbaceous perennial hardy to USDA Zones 10 to … Continue reading

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Tibetan Whitebeam Tree | A Choice for Small Outdoor Spaces

Með Roger Griffith – eigin skrá, Í almenningi, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4148438 The Tibetan Whitebeam Tree (Sorbus thibetica ‘John Mitchell’) is a mid-sized deciduous tree derived from traditional Whitebeams originating from western China and the Himalayas.  Also known as, John Mitchell, this relatively … Continue reading

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Cape Honeysuckle | A Colorful Flowering Tropical Plant That Gardeners Love

Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) A truly fetching beauty, cape honeysuckle (tecoma capensis) is a hardy, fast-growing ornamental evergreen shrub which is native to South Africa. Drought and salt tolerant, and relatively pest free, here in the United States, cape honeysuckle … Continue reading

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Pineapple Lily | A Pollinator to Attract Bees and Butterflies to the Garden

I was introduced to the pineapple lily years ago while visiting a friend’s garden and fell in love instantly because of its uniqueness. My friend had them growing as border plants and the bi-colored flowers growing from green bracts brought … Continue reading

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Silver Wattle | A Flowering Evergreen for the Garden

Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) A hardy, fasting-growing deciduous tree, silver wattle (mimosa) is native to Australia and Tasmania, but is widely cultivated in Mediterranean or tropical landscapes due to its ability to thrive in both dry and wet conditions. Silver … Continue reading

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Crimson Glory Vine | A Way to Add Decorative Foliage to the Garden

The Crimson Glory Vine (vitis coignetiae) is a deciduous and vigorous climber that originates from Japan and Korea. This ornamental grape vine can reach an impressive 30 to 60 feet, and can successfully be grown in zones 4-8. It needs … Continue reading

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Summer Kitchens and Garden Preservation

Growing up during the 70 and 80’s on a rural farm (population 234) in Northern Florida near the Georgia border provided me with invaluable experiences of growing, harvesting and preserving food. My paternal and maternal grandmothers both had large families … Continue reading

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Pandemic Victory Gardens | A Quick How-to on Gardening in the COVID-19 Era

Victory gardens were widely encouraged and sometimes government-mandated during World War I and II to help supplement food supplies for families (large amounts of food were shipped to help support troops in foreign countries).  The War commission provided people with … Continue reading

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Patagonian Groundsel | A Hardy Evergreen Shrub for Your Garden

Dick Culbert https://www.flickr.com/photos/92252798@N07/8469300364/ Patagonian Groundsel Tree, also known as Patagonian Sea Myrtle (Baccharis patagonica), is a frost-hardy, fall-flowering evergreen shrub originating from South America — Chile and Argentina (Patagonia).  Known for its versatility as a mounding hedge or a thick, … Continue reading

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Bentham’s Cornel | A Beautiful Himalayan Shrub or Tree for Your Garden

Bentham’s Cornel (cornus capitata) — also called Himalayan Strawberry Tree and Evergreen Dogwood —  is an evergreen originating in western China, Nepal and the Himalayan region.

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Bog Gardens | A Beautiful, Creative Solution for Watery Spaces

To many, a waterlogged area of a property is an inconvenience or eyesore. In most cases, poor draining soil in small areas can be corrected by amending the soil or other economical means.

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Using Shade Sails In a Garden Landscape

Some of the best things about spring and summer are the abundance of beautiful weather, the ability to grow things, ample opportunities for outdoor barbecues, parties, and other forms of open-air entertainment, and the ability to enjoy nature is all … Continue reading

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Maidenhair Vine | An Ornamental Plant for Outdoor (and Indoor) Gardens

By Avenue – Own work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14980740 Maidenhair vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa) is a deciduous climbing vine native to New Zealand. It is most notably known for its versatility as a prolific ground cover and screening plant due its rampart but … Continue reading

Posted in Foliage, Garden, Garden Advice, Garden Blog, Garden Borders, Garden Design, Garden Tips, Gardening, Greenhouses, Ground Covers, Landscaping, Perennials, Propagation, Shrubs, Vines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Snow Gum Eucalyptus | An Australian Native Tree for the Garden

By Amanda Slater – May 29th “Tree Three_Snow Gum Blossom”, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4327216 By Sterry2607 – Transferred from de.wikipedia to Commons by Hekerui using CommonsHelper., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org /w/index.php?curid=35857638 By Toby Hudson – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9374575Continue reading

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A Simple Sensory Garden

It has been a dream of mine for many years now as a garden designer to be commissioned to create a large scale sensory garden for a facility such as a hospital, mall, school, senior citizen centers or treatment center. … Continue reading

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Sunn Hemp: A Garden-Boosting Ornamental Plant

Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is a poplar nitrogen-boosting member of the legume family. Although notably grown in the more tropical regions of Asia, it actually originates from India. It is perfect for the home gardener or an urban farm because … Continue reading

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Hen and Chick Poppy | A Unique Flower for the Garden

Fast becoming a poplar addition to many perennial gardens, the Hens and Chicks Poppy (Papaver Somniferum) is a beautiful, albeit unusual, plant. In the spring, it features a single flower featuring stunning petals ranging in color from pink to dark … Continue reading

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Plants For A Low-Allergy Garden

  Flowering Plants: Azalea – Rhododendron Daffodil – Narcissus Day Lily – Hemerocallis Gladiolus – Gladiolus Snapdragon – Antirrhinum Small Shrubs/Bushes: Barberry Bush – Berberis vulgaris Big Leaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea grandiflora Coral Bells – Heuchera Daphne – Daphne Hosta (Plantain … Continue reading

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Container/Small Spaces Vegetable Varieties

As gardening continues to grow in popularity, more small-space gardeners are finding alternatives to full-size vegetables. Thankfully, there are many dwarf hybrid varieties that make it easy to grow veggies of virtually any kind in small spaces.

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Grow a Fern Garden or Add Ferns to Your Outdoor Space with These Exotic Beauties

Ferns (Pteridophytes) have long been a favored plant worldwide, and are included in  both indoor and outdoor gardens. They are natural to woodland forests around the globe.

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Achiote Tree | An Herbal Ornamental for the Garden

Achiote (Bixa orellana), A.K.A. the Lipstick Tree, is a small deciduous tree native to Mexico, Central and South America. Achiote can grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall if grown as a tree. However, if pruned correctly, it can … Continue reading

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Butterfly Bush | A Garden Option to Attract Butterflies, Bees and Other Pollinators

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) – Originating from China, Butterfly Bush is a delicious, perennial shrub known for it’s long plumes. The plumes feature a cascade of tiny, nectar rich flowers that attracts and provides food only, to adult butterflies, bees, … Continue reading

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The Trumpet Vine | A Way to Add Beauty to Your Garden

The Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is a fast growing, tenacious climbing vine native to the southeast region of the US. This hardy perennial is also known as trumpet creeper and produces large, tubular and stunningly beautiful flowers with colors ranging … Continue reading

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Agapanthus | An Exotic Beauty of a Flower That Brings Annual Pop to Gardens

  Agapanthus (African Lily) is a summer flowering perennial (grown from bulbous root stocks) and is native to South Africa. Agapanthus features spectacular blue, white, pink and purple flowers on top of deciduous and tender evergreen leaves which would be … Continue reading

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The Wonders of Acacias |Ornamental Trees for the Garden

 

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5 Stunning Plants to Attract Butterflies To Your Garden

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Herb Gardening 101 | Growing Herbs in Your Garden

As a garden enthusiast, I love growing all types of plants, but the plants that give me the most joy are herbs. It is astounding how many varieties there are and the many qualities they have and benefits they provide: … Continue reading

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Little Fingers: Children In The Garden

Spring has finally arrived and the long awaited anticipation of heading outdoors to start gardening has come to an end. All gardeners, both old and young, are currently jump-starting what they hope to be a bountiful, fun and educational garden … Continue reading

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The 5 Best Springtime Vegetables to Plant in Your Garden

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How To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Garden

Greetings everyone…Spring has finally arrived and I couldn’t be happier. I still have a long wait before I can actually harden off my plants, and I am eagerly awaiting that day!

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Corkscrew Willow Tree | An Ornamental Option for Your Garden or Landscape Design

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Brighten Up Your Outdoor Space with a White or Moonlight Garden

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Accessible Gardens | Designing a Garden for People with Disabilities and Physical Limitations

The National Gardening Survey reveals that three-quarters of Americans garden in one form or another. But only 36 percent of people with disabilities engage in any leisure physical activity, including gardening and walking outdoors, according to a report by the … Continue reading

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Corkscrew Hazel | A Beautiful, Twisted Tree for the Garden

  Photo By: Schnobby – https://commons.wikimedia.org As a garden designer I find that creating a main and unusual focal plant in any garden enhances it charm and invites a welcoming interest. In particular, a shrub such as Corkscrew Hazel would … Continue reading

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10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardening Enthusiasts

With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday season officially upon us, here are ten inspired gift ideas for the gardener in your life.

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Garlic O’Plenty | A Quick Guide to Garlic for the Garden

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Five Shrubs For Your Winter Garden

(Photo by Pixabay.com) For gardeners like me who live in a cold climate, the thought of the upcoming winter season can feel you with apprehension or dread. Winters here in New York state are brutal and long. The snow-covered landscape … Continue reading

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Making Fragrant Potpourris

During this year’s growing season, I have been actively drying and saving various flowers and foliage to create garden crafts for the holidays. One craft in particular that I truly love is making garden potpourri.

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Fall Gardening | Autumn Plans for My Garden

In my home garden, I recently finished sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings for the Fall growing season. I truly enjoy the freshness and quality of Fall’s seasonable vegetables and fruit. I am looking forward to the abundance of nutritious stocks I … Continue reading

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A Dream Come True: Anna’s Garden Design

Originally posted on Anna's Gardening Antics & Musings:
Hello my gardening companions. As you know, gardening and design are my true passions; my purpose. So, I am super-excited to announce the launch of my new garden design site, aptly…

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Healthy Food From the Garden: It’s Broth-Making Time….

Adapted from my sister blog, Anna’s Gardening Antics and Musings… Hello my friends. I hope you are well and enjoying this beautiful and bountiful summer season as much as I am. Fall is rapidly approaching, however, so I have began … Continue reading

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My Love Affair with Tomatoes….

As the end of summer approaches and the first frost looms not far behind, I usually began to get a bit anxious about harvesting and preserving my summer vegetables. In particular, homegrown, ripe tomatoes. I truly love tomatoes and have … Continue reading

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10 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Summer has finally arrived and with it’s arrival the proliferation of the blood-sucking and possible disease-carrying garden foe: the mosquito. In my home garden, I typically place several types of plants to deter mosquitoes. Typically, I either plant them in … Continue reading

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Fallen Fruit in the Garden

(Revised from my sister blog: Anna’s Gardening Antics and Musings) Greetings fellow gardeners! We are experiencing great weather in my area, so I am writing this post on my laptop, in a shady part of my garden. It is so … Continue reading

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My Japanese Knotweed Garden Nightmare….

Re-adapted from my sister blog: Anna’s Gardening Antics and Musings Greetings my fellow gardeners. Thirteen years ago I purchased a beautiful old home with a tiny yard full of miscellaneous shrubs and unusual mystery plants.  I had lovely thoughts of … Continue reading

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Queen Anne’s Lace Jelly Recipe

Re-adapted from my sister blog: Anna’s Gardening Antics & Musings….. Recently, I had the honor of sampling a delicious jelly made from Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) flowers. It was absolutely wonderful: sweet with a mild, flowery taste.

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