I’ve experimented with several dozen perennials over the years. But there are certain ones that I return to ~ time and again. They are star performers, easy to grow, hardy, can handle a wide range of soils, and moisture. Each of them adds a unique element to any garden. They are classics. The genii listed [...]
I just returned home from my first trip to Europe. I was drawn to Grass Days at Kwekerij Oudolf, the home and nursery of influential Dutch garden designer and plantsman, Piet Oudolf and his wife Anja. I won’t elaborate on the Oudolf’s SPECTACULAR private garden in this post. I’ll save that for a later date. [...]
This winter I finalized a 10,000 square foot design for clients who reside in a rural setting in central Illinois. Their recently renovated Prairie Style home has lovely views of nearby timber and a vast meadow. The site and home lend themselves to a more naturalistic garden. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) are in abundance in the [...]
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is one of my favorite plants. It is a staple in my design work. I often use Perovskia in masses to create a rhythm in large scale planting beds. The plant’s upright nature lends to incorporating well with ornamental grasses. Additionally, its coloration is a perfect foil for hot and cool [...]