Blog

Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’: Graceful as a Salchow‘Ice Dance’ has long been one of the most popular and versatile varieties in our ornamental grass lineup. Carex, of course, is not a true grass; it’s a sedge. But let’s not quibble. This petite gem works in the border, as edging, or in containers. It’s even used as a substitute for Hosta! ‘Ice Dance’ features wide green leaves with creamy white margins, charmingly displayed in a gracefully arching habit. It gleams in full sun and glows in light

Modern Takes on a Garden ClassicNo perennial garden can call itself complete without a complement of Dianthus. And neither can your perennial offering. These charmers are especially indispensable to the quintessential English cottage garden look. But they’re equally at home wherever they get what they need: Full sun, well-drained fertile soil, and adequate moisture. Dianthus is a cosmopolitan genus with over 300 species. A breeders’ favorite for centuries, its hybrids now number litera

In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson bought some real estate from France. The Louisiana Purchase involved a staggering 828,000 square miles – over half a billion acres, give or take.But nobody really knew what he had bought. Zillow was no help. So Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to do a two-year walk-through.Among the many marvels they found was a succulent-leaved perennial called “bitter root” by natives. A river and a mountain range bear that name still. The newcomer was named

Energy Efficient Early Perennials – Columbine “And the eagle flies with the dove.” – Stephen StillsYou know “cool crops” as a description of certain annuals that don’t need (or like) lots of heat to finish for spring sales. Well, it’s not just for annuals anymore. Pick the right early flowering perennials, and you can realize significant energy savings. If you like your benches full and your heating bills low, we’ve got the perfect perennials for you. Aquilegia is a prime early bloomer, a t

The “aster disaster” rocked the perennial world over 20 years ago when that venerable genus was torn asunder.Those darned taxonomists shipped all “New World” asters off to tongue-twisting new genera like Eurybia, Doellingeria and, in the case of our two favorites, Symphiotrichum.Many professionals snubbed the neologisms and kept right on calling them “asters.” That’s where you’ll find them in our catalog, with Symphiotrichum second. Because that’s where our customers look for them. By any name,