Plant(s) of the Week
With the help of Dos Amigos landscaping, I’ve finally found the solution to my backyard quagmire. We’ve decided to fill in the wasteland with two natives, Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and river birch (Betula nigra). The hemlock, a columnar evergreen with tiny needles, will help to screen the neighbors’ looming terrace. River birches, known for their gorgeous exfoliating bark, can grow up to 70 feet tall. Attracting over 400 different moths and caterpillars, I expect the birds will soon be flocking.
Guest
Award-winning horticulturist, artist, plantsman, and author Kelly D. Norris joins me to discuss his latest book, New Naturalism. Kelly encourages gardeners to “plant on the wild side,” embracing a looser, more natural aesthetic with far-reaching ecological benefits. Rather than working against the earth, we can partner with it. New naturalism is a mindful approach to horticulture that asks gardeners to become stewards. Our job? To keep the garden in motion.
Playlist
It’s time to start hardening off your indoor plants. Watch the weather and be mindful of frost!
Early perennial division: Cutesy blue forget-me-nots (Myosotis) are great self-sowers. Ask a friend if you can collect some seeds and shake them over your garden—easy as pie.
Other easy-dividing self-seeders to consider: Phlox subulata, foxglove, and columbine.
To Listen:
Tom Christopher’s podcast Growing Greener.