Author Archives: Meghan Shinn

Blue Puffball Chastetree Fits Small Gardens

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Blue Puffball chastetree

Virtues:  Small-space gardeners will delight in Blue Puffball chastetree (Vitex agnus castus ‘PIIVAC-II’ or Blue Puffball). This long-blooming shrub stays short and compact, making it an easy addition to city gardens or tight corners in established beds and borders. Flowers …

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Stunning Silver Plants for Dry Times

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lambs ears

Olympic athletes may be disappointed to settle for silver, but it’s a most desirable color in the garden. Silver-leaved plants are a sophisticated design choice, and, even better, they tend to be drought tolerant. 

Tomato Planting Tricks for Cool Weather

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tomato seedlings

If you’re experiencing a slow spring or temperatures have warmed but aren’t quite to be trusted to remain that way, try this trick before planting heat-loving starter plants like tomatoes and peppers out in the garden.

Guinevere Dwarf Crabapple Fits Small Gardens

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guinevere dwarf crabapple

Virtues:  The dwarf crabapple tree named Guinevere is the solution for gardeners who have limited growing space but want the year-round presence of a woody plant and an ornamental tree’s special effects in certain seasons. This tiny crabapple provides gorgeous …

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Buttonbush: The Shrub That Has It All

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buttonbush

Virtues:  Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), is a United States–native shrub with so much to offer. This four-season shrub adapts easily to various soil types and provides essential food to bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Its year-round interest, low maintenance requirements …

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