Easy Gardening

I received a book for Easter entitled ‘Ornamental Shrubs for Temperate Gardens May Flowering’ by Edward Hyams. Since it’s publication in 1965 the botanic names of the odd variety may have changed (this is a continued source of annoyance to me as soon as I learn one Latin name it is changed into another). However the awe that spring blossom can produce may let me forget this minor issue.

This is my selection from over 50 shrubs and many species that Hyams recommends for May flowering.

Caragana – a broom like shrub Castanea alnifolia or pumila – sweet chestnut shrubs Ceanothus Cercis siliquastrum – Judas tree appropriate given my gift. Cestrum fro

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A whole lotta garden-coaching is going on over on the garden-center blog I write for.

First up, I show off my favorite and most-recommended shrubs for turning a yard into a garden with big, showy ones, most of them fast-growing.  Cheap, too.  Like the Weigela above – ‘White Knight’ on the left, common pink on the right.

I’ve also compiled my favorite perennials and shrubs that brighten even the darkest of shady spots. Like the Eu

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