Author Archives: natureisnurture
Another Fall Favorite – Cape Honeysuckle
I recently came across another perfectly colored and timed blooming plant for fall: Tecomaria capensis or, the commonly known, Cape Honeysuckle. It all started when, on the way home from a family Colorado road trip last June, we stopped in … Continue reading
Fall Flowers, Foliage & Fruit
Below is an article I recently wrote for my workplace newsletter. Although a bit premature, the subject hopefully be timely soon as we seek relief, even if only in the planning stages, from the current heat spell here in North … Continue reading
Irony of the Ice Plant
As I write this post, I admit I have a lot of trouble reconciling that a succulent preferring hot and dry conditions has the common name ice plant. It simply does not compute! However, after researching a bit I found the reason the … Continue reading
Summertime & Shasta Daisies
To me, daisies are the flowers that best represent summertime. Just as tulips speak of spring and chrysanthemums of fall, daisies speak to the lazy and hazy warm days of midyear. Shasta daisies are among my favorite of this family for … Continue reading
Vincas for All Areas
You may be surprised to learn that Vincas, or Periwinkles, come in a variety of types and tolerances. Whether you are looking for something to complement your containers or beds, in sun or shade, as an annual or perennial, there is a … Continue reading
It’s OK to Allow Plants to Bolt Sometimes
It’s OK to allow plants to go to bolt sometimes, such as when annuals are just past their prime season but not quite spent enough to pull. If you are unfamiliar with bolting, it is the phase in a plant … Continue reading
Oxalis – One of Many Shamrocks
As I was browsing the floral department of my local grocery store for fresh tulips, I saw the cutest display of potted “shamrocks” all dressed up for St. Patrick’s Day. I had to purchase one for my office of course … Continue reading
Cat Grass
Since most of us are in the midst of winter and our lawns are yellow, brown or bare, our outdoor and indoor/outdoor cats may not have much greenery to partake of. While the jury is out regarding the benefits of … Continue reading
Cast Iron Plant Lives Up to Its Name
A few weeks ago, I had occasion to take a peek at my neighbor’s gorgeous backyard. We were doing a one-day dog-sitting stint for their beautiful and very well-mannered golden retriever. I could go on and on about how wonderful … Continue reading
