Fragrant Abelia

May 25, 2017May 25, 2017 ~ Brianne Turczynski ~ 1 Comment

"...do plant Abelia Triflora. It flowers in June, grows to the size of what we used to call syringe [lilac], and is smothered in white, funnel-shaped flowers with the strongest scent of Jasmine." -Vita Sackville-West In Your Garden; June 18th, 1950 I waited all summer to buy the Abelia. As you might know, shrubs are best … Continue reading Fragrant Abelia

History’s Peony: A Search & Rescue

June 14, 2016June 20, 2016 ~ Brianne Turczynski ~ 7 Comments

Small pleasures must correct great tragedies, Therefore of gardens in the midst of war I boldly tell... -Vita Sackville-West The Garden; 1946 In this little beloved town of mine some take pleasure in knocking down the very old homes and building instead new homes of fiberglass and vinyl. One of these very old homes, which was a … Continue reading History’s Peony: A Search & Rescue

ROMANCING THE CLEMATIS

May 13, 2016June 3, 2016 ~ Brianne Turczynski ~ 2 Comments

An unusual way of treating clematis is to grow it horizontally instead of vertically...but do this as gingerly as you can, for clematis seems to resent the touch of the human hand. ...the reward will be great. For one thing you will be able to gaze right down into the upturned face of the flower … Continue reading ROMANCING THE CLEMATIS

“Go Round Popping The Buds”

May 11, 2016May 23, 2016 ~ Brianne Turczynski ~ Leave a comment

Far more satisfactory [than the hibiscus], I find, are the hardy fuchsias...although they will probably be cut to the ground by frost in winter, there is no cause for alarm, for they will spring up again from the base in time to flower generously in midsummer...and in case of extremely hard weather an old sack … Continue reading “Go Round Popping The Buds”

“Magenta is a Nasty Color”

May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 ~ Brianne Turczynski ~ 1 Comment

The only nasty color produced by the zinnia is a magenta, and this, alas, is produced only too often. When magenta threatens, I pull it up and throw in on the compost heap, and allow the better colours to have their way. -Vita Sackville-West February 12th, 1950 Yes, magenta does show up all too … Continue reading “Magenta is a Nasty Color”