I love my little town’s moxie. Highwood, IL had little more than 4,000 residents at last census- but that doesn’t stop us from trying to take the Guinness record from Boston (population estimated at 645,169) for the most jack-o-lanterns lit … Read Article
Author Archives: Amanda Thomsen
About Amanda Thomsen
Big, loud and fun- Amanda Thomsen landscapes by day and blogs at night. Her blog, Kiss My Aster, on Horticulture magazine's website has alienated/enraptured dozens.She co-authors a blog called Plants That Suck that is about plants that suck. And she is the less popular half of the podcasting team, Good Enough Gardening, which makes her feel like the "Roy" of of Siegfried and Roy, but without the mauling. She lives in Chicago and does not EVER put ketchup on hot dogs.Solidago Solidarity
Honestly, I’m not the biggest Solidago fan. It’s not because I think it causes hay fever, I know Ragweed is the evildoer… Mainly, I think my dislike comes from… Well, I’m just not that into anything gold… As a blonde, … Read Article
The Rhus, The Rhus, The Rhus Is On Fire!
We don’t need no water, let the Staghorn Sumac burn!
Jack Frost Nipping at your Rose…
I know it got cold last night and they called for frost- And instead of bringing any of my tenders or tropicals in, I decided to go a different route. I prayed.
The Asterization of Amanda
You may wonder if I was born this way or if there was some event that MADE me this tacky.
You Don’t Bring Me Flowers…
For years I wouldn’t let Dan bring me flowers, I prefer my own and… He’d get it wrong and bring me Alstroemeria or something…
Bossy Grass Cage Match!
I’m planting 2 kinds of VERY bossy grasses in a small, built-in planter box in my front yard… Which do you think will win?
I Have Sworn Off All Others…
I rarely seek to simplify. Indeed, I’m usually looking to muck up my life a little bit more with each passing day. However, there is now a plant in my life that has made it possible for my to say … Read Article
Crates and Barrow
it’s been almost 4 months since our basement flooded. We are still in the throes of it, somehow.
Why it’s called “Labor Day”…
I have a big weekend planned…. You too?
Optimism? Or Gambling….
Buying dormant Bleeding Hearts in a heat wave in August? I think that’s a show of faith…