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October Anti-Plant of the Month-Kudzu
You might have heard “The vine that ate the South” when it comes to the highly invasive vine, kudzu (Pueraria montana ) which has plagued the southeastern region of the US. Native to…
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October Perennial of the Month-Toad Lily
If you think the most exotic perennial you can grow in the shade is a hosta, meet the toad lily, Tricyrtis formosana. Toad lilies resemble tropical orchids with their six tepals (When sepals…
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September Tree of the Month-Aspen
Anyone experiencing peak Aspen glow in the Rocky Mountains has thought about growing aspens once they get back home. Unfortunately, if “home” happens to be St. Louis, you are most likely going to…
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September Shrub of the Month-Diervilla
There’s a new kid in town that could beat out burning bush (October ANTI-Shrub of the Month-Burning bush) for spectacular fall color. This kid comes in a compact size and is as low-maintenance…
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September Anti-Perennial of the Month-Sweet Autumn Clematis
My heart skipped a beat the first time I saw sweet autumn clematis, Clematis terniflora, scrambling up a trellis in full bloom. I promptly purchased the vine and planted it on my gate…
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A Garden-Lou visit to the Keith & Cheryl Kowalczyk Garden
Inspiration can come in many forms and from many places. For Keith and Cheryl Kowalczyk, it’s apparent that one of the biggest influences in creating their Sunset Hills garden was travel, but in…
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August Tree of the Month-Paperbark Maple
A favorite among tree-geeks is the paperbark maple, Acer griseum. It’s love at first sight with its diminutive stature and irresistible cinnamon colored exfoliating bark. Even the samara seeds are adorable. The unique…
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August Shrub of the Month-Variegated Hydrangea
We continue with our Year of the Hydrangea, featuring one of the most frequently asked about plants in my garden: the variegated hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii’. I use these prolifically in my shady…
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August Perennial of the Month-Joe Pye Weed
One of the best perennials for structure in the garden is the Joe Pye weed, Eutrochium, previously known as Eupatorium. It’s a perennial that makes a statement, almost shrub-like with its presence. And…
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A Garden-Lou Visit with Larry and Marian McCord
There are no words that can bring comfort during a parent’s worst nightmare-a child’s suicide. No words can describe the pain. No answers to the thousands of questions that arise after such a…
