Stories from the Garden

Dr. A continues his common-sense gardening series with more tips for planting temperate bulbs. These are the bulbs that need a cold winter, such as daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinths, and crocuses. You don't need a special bulb digger or a hole for every bulb.

Not everything needs to be complicated. In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. Allan Armitage shares his common-sense approach to planting spring bulbs. Dig a trench, toss them in close together, and let the bulbs figure out which way is up.

Stop worrying about which way is up. Dr. A's common-sense bulb planting: dig a trench, toss in your crocus, mix in tulips, and cover them up. You can even layer bulbs in containers and top them with pansies. Simple and fun!

Dr. A launches a new Common-Sense Gardening series with practical tips for getting the most out of your garden safely and simply. From plants that thrive as temperatures cool to salvias that bring a late-season payoff, discover how to keep your garden going through fall.

In this episode:

• What’s happening in gardens in October

• Plants that shine in cooler weather

• Forsythia sage and Mexican bush sage

• Fall gardening challenges in colder zones

• What’s next: bulbs, soil, and weed management

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage discusses the anemone, a perennial plant that garners mixed feelings among gardeners. He highlights its adaptability to various climates, its beauty, and the challenges it presents, particularly with deer. Dr. Armitage emphasizes the importance of understanding the plant's growing conditions and shares tips for incorporating anemones into gardens effectively.

Dr. Allan Armitage is back in the garden to spotlight Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)—a spectacular ornamental grass that puts on an unforgettable show in late summer and fall.

Think clouds of pink, movement in the breeze, and a garden that really comes alive in September.

Why consider Muhlygrass?

• Stunning pink blooms

• Incredible late-summer and fall interest

• Deer- and rabbit-resistant

• Low-maintenance once established

• Best suited to warmer climates

• Looks especially impressive planted in groups of six or more

And if pink isn't your thing, check out 'White Cloud' for a beautiful white-flowering alternative. As Dr. A says, “This thing just stops traffic.”

Discover the Resilient Beauty of Granvia Strawflowers!

Looking for a garden plant that brings bold color, unique texture, and serious resilience? Meet Granvia straw flowers!

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares why straw flowers remain a timeless garden favorite—and what makes Granvia stand out. With large, vibrant blooms and impressive tolerance to heat and humidity, Granvia is a great choice for gardeners looking for beauty without a lot of fuss.

Why add Granvia to your garden?

• Large, eye-catching flowers

• Excellent heat and humidity tolerance

• Great for containers

• A beautiful choice for spring and fall gardens

• Adds color when other plants may be struggling

As summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s a perfect time to give Granvia a try!

What Is a Culver? The Story Behind Culver’s RootDr. Allan Armitage shares the story behind the common name of Culver’s root, a native plant with a surprisingly rich medicinal history. This short episode explains how plant names often carry human stories, and why Veronicastrum virginicum ended up being associated with Dr. Culver rather than its appearance or habitat.

Dr. Allan Armitage shares the story of pokeweed, a fast-growing plant with striking red stems and berries, a complicated place in Southern food history, and a reputation for being both beautiful and dangerous. He also connects the plant to folk knowledge, political misunderstanding, and the song “Poke Salad Annie.”

Fall chrysanthemums get dismissed as “throwaway” plants, but Dr. Allan Armitage makes the case that pot mums are one of the easiest ways to get instant color on your deck, porch, or front door.

If you want a plant that looks great fast, comes in a huge range of colors and container sizes, and basically performs the second you bring it home, this short episode is for you. Dr. A shares why he still buys pot mums, how he uses them in containers, and what to expect if you decide to keep them around after the season.

Perfect for gardeners looking for fast fall container color, low-maintenance seasonal plants, or a straightforward answer to the question of what actually looks good right now. If you’ve ever walked past a rack of mums and wondered whether they’re worth it, this episode gives you the honest answer.

Join Dr. Allan Armitage as he explores his favorite plant, the butterfly bush, highlighting its varieties, growth habits, care tips, and the impact on pollinators. Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive plant for any landscape.

• Why butterfly bush is a gardener's favorite
• Varieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz series
• Growing tips: pruning, hardiness zones, sunlight, and size management
• Benefits for pollinators, especially butterflies
• Cultural and landscape considerations for inclusion in gardens

• Dr. Armitage shares his personal experiences and reasons for favoring butterfly bush
• Explanation of different species and cultivars, including Budlia dividiae and the Cascade and Pugster series
• Tips on pruning for size control and flowering times
• Hardiness zone recommendations (zones 5 to 8)
• The plant’s adaptability to sun and shade and its pollinator-friendly qualities

Unlock a world of beauty, history, and inspiration with Dr. A’s favorite picks this month. From the delicate blooms of the annual Delphinium to a hidden gem like Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens—discover how self-seeding plants can transform your garden into a cottage paradise. Plus, step into the fascinating story of Bella Costa Green, a Black librarian in the 1920s who defied societal limits to curate JP Morgan’s legendary collection—an inspiring tale of resilience and secrecy that redefines legacy.

Perfect for gardening enthusiasts, history buffs, travel lovers, or anyone craving stories that inspire and entertain. If you’re seeking practical tips, captivating tales, and a fresh perspective on meaningful places and people, this episode is your monthly dose of wonder. Don’t miss out—tap play now and start exploring the best of the world with Dr. A!

Read more here: https://www.allanarmitage.net/musings/2023/may

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