Featured Articles

‘Pacific Fire’

         Fifteen years ago I started an annual trek across the country in search of, arguably, some of the world’s finest plant materials. My first trip to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon specifically, was thrilling before I even hit the ground. As the plane was descending,...

15 June, 2008
Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune        Behind a privacy row of Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Columnar European Hornbeams), situated in front of a large curvaceous bed of Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass) and flanked by two Acer palmatum ‘Sharp’s Pygmy’ (Sharp’s Pygmy dwarf Japanese maples) lays a...

17 May, 2008
Going Native

  Those who know me well know that my passion for unique plants often leans towards the coniferous end of the plant world. While I admit that conifers are exciting, offering bold textures, unique colors and interesting bark, my appreciation for deciduous and broadleaf plants is...

29 April, 2008
Not Just Dull, Green Pyramids

       Often I find myself making comparisons between plants and wine. Being passionate about both has me always being inquisitive and never knowing it all. Having a deep appreciation for a subject matter leads to more interesting conversation, while strengthening relationships with others who share...

17 March, 2008
Anticipation

Anticipation By the time the middle of winter rolls around most gardeners are chomping at the bit for the arrival of spring color. Although, the appreciation for winter interest gardens has helped satisfy my yearnings for unique texture and bold colors. The Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)...

25 February, 2008
Witch’s Broom

Tom Castronovo and the Gardener News will be hosting a symposium this April introducing their garden writers to the public. This event will cover a wide range of gardening topics, helping to educate those interested in the green industry. My topic of discussion will focus...

25 January, 2008
Sugi: A Revered Conifer in Japan

  With the holidays quickly approaching, there is a sense of urgency to decorate and adorn our homes. While Christmas trees are a small part of the holiday season, the selection of tree types is enormous. The popular candidates are Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Fraser Fir...

26 December, 2007
Winter Protection for Our Green Friends

       According to Consumer Reports, the average depreciation value for all models of automobiles is 45 percent over the first three years. Having said this, most go to great lengths to protect an investment that’s depreciating. Checking fluids; changing the oil every three thousand miles,...

17 November, 2007
Cathaya argyrophylla: An Endangered, Uncommon Conifer

       John Stella (John Stella Horticultural Sales) is a friend, colleague and plant enthusiast whose vast botanical knowledge is not only encyclopedic, but seldom rivaled. John often refers to certain plants as “BIO Plants”, an acronym for Botanical Interest Only. His usage as an adjective...

17 October, 2007
Funky Genus

        Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Reginald Dwight, Gordon Sumner, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu and Norma Jeane Mortenson (Baker) all have achieved worldwide recognition. However, these five people are all better known by such names as Pele, Sir Elton John, Sting, Mother Teresa and Marilyn Monroe.  It...

17 September, 2007