Category Archives: Country Gardening

Advice, commentary and exploration

Hydrangea Wreath

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Eliza Waters

My friend Carol has a PeeGee Hydrangea (H. paniculata) in front of her house, which has been burnished a lovely shade of deep rose and mauve from the cool weather, but not yet ruined by frost. I suggested we get together … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, Country Living, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Autumn Leaves

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Eliza Waters

It’s beginning to look very autumnal around here! The red maples, sumac and Virginia creeper are blazing red. The birch trees are turning gold and leaves everywhere are drifting down with the slightest breeze, crackling and swishing underfoot with each step … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Frost Predicted

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Those who don’t garden probably wonder about the sanity of those who do, particularly when they come upon a scene like this. At this time of year, why attempt to postpone the inevitable? Protecting tender annuals from a late frost … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening | Tagged , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

My Gardens

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Although my gardens that I have been working in all summer have been blooming abundantly, it occurred to me that I haven’t written about them or posted photos. How remiss of me! So here is a recap of what has happened … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Weeds

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Eliza Waters

American goldfinches (and lots of birds) love all sorts of seeds! Consider leaving seed heads for the birds to forage. Coneflower (Echinacea), Tickseed (Coreopsis), Sunflower (Helianthus), Ox Eye Sunflower (Heliopsis), Thistle (Circium, Caduus) and Cosmos are just a few favored … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, Field Notes | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Green Flowers

Posted on September 6, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Green flowers are unusual in the garden, although breeders have added many new cultivars in the past few years. Lime green compliments any color in the garden, but my favorite pairings are with hot pink, orange or lavender purple. The above Flowering Tobacco is … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Giant Swallowtail

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Eliza Waters

I had an unusual visitor to my garden the other day. While having lunch on our deck, I noticed a rather large butterfly flitting among the Coneflowers. I grabbed my camera and went down to get a closer look. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Mother Nature Owns Your Garden

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Eliza Waters

A few years ago while reading a garden anthology that featured several authors, one article by Gene Logsdon, aka The Contrary Farmer, gave me a new perspective on gardening. Up until that point, I had always viewed my yard and garden … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Poppies

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Lettuce Leaf Poppy (Papaver somniferum) Also known as Breadseed Poppy, this is one of my favorite self-sowing annuals that puts on quite a show in early summer. Only lasting a day, the delicate blossoms of papery petals are a lovely mauve color … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Turk’s Cap Lilies

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Turk’s Cap Lilies (Lilium canadense) are now at peak bloom in our woodland. Easily distinguished by their vibrant orange, recurved petals that earn them their name, their annual bloom is an eagerly awaited event for us. Native to eastern U.S., … Continue reading →

Posted in Country Gardening, Field Notes, My Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments