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Illuminating is a cheerful yellow. Ultimate Gray is exactly what it sounds like. They complement one another nicely: Yellow for sunny optimism, gray for rock-solid reliability. We looked at gray last time, so let’s get sunny and optimistic!CoreopsisThe un-charming common name of this useful, varied genus is “tickseed.” It’s such an uncommon common name that nobody uses it, ever. Just as well, right?The Classics!Coreopsis grandiflora ~Seed-propagated for price-point-conscious finishers.‘Baby Sun’

When the color experts at Pantone announced their Color of the Year for 2021, they gave us a rare double-header.Illuminating is a cheerful yellow. Ultimate Gray is exactly what it sounds like. They complement one another nicely: Yellow for sunny optimism, gray for rock-solid reliability. Let’s go gray first. Obviously, gray – even Ultimate Gray -- is not sexy. Call it silver if it makes you feel better. As designers know, there’s a place for it in nearly every border.Magically, colors that clash

Answer:Duct tape. A screwdriver. Bacon. Acorus gramineus.Question:What are four versatile home problem-solvers?Acorus can’t patch your canoe, open paint cans or make everything it touches delicious.But it can beautify just about any moist spot in your garden -- sunny, shady or in-between. Duct tape can’t fix that.It looks great in containers, too. How pretty is a pot full of screwdrivers?The common name “sweet flag” refers to the scent given off when the foliage is bruised. OK, bacon wins this o

Dangling, jangling wind chimes give the breeze a voice.Dancing, swaying grasses make it visible. Miscanthus sinensisThe world’s premier ornamental grass genus, Miscanthus has graced America’s gardens for over a century. Heights range from just a few feet to Wow! Blades run the gamut from very narrow to very wide, in solid green or a variety of variegation patterns -- so there’s a “maiden grass” for every purpose.All varieties provide movement and sound for a delightful garden presence nearl

The current hunger for succulent plants of all kinds has increased awareness of this tough, fascinating genus. But do folks who’ve recently discovered it realize how long it’s been in cultivation? Mankind’s love for this genus goes back centuries. The name is Latin for “always living,” a testament to its durability. In antiquity, it was used in medicine and magic. Its juicy flesh was said to heal stings and sores, much like Aloe.Some say only two things can kill a Semp: Shade, and poor drai