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Tree Peonies
The biggest bloom of June Tree peonies are the aristocrats of the garden. I’ve always felt that they’re the pinnacle of gardening and the plant that many gardeners try to grow, and many ultimately fail. For those that don’t know tree peonies, they’re worthy of attention. For those that know of them, well, you know what I’m talking [...]
Managing an Historic Collection of Rhododendrons
Managing an Historic Collection of Rhododendrons Ambling the paths at Heritage Museums and Gardens is an invitation to revel in a kaleidoscope of bright pinks, lavenders, purple and cream-colored flowers contrasted against a dark green wall of shining leaves. Rhododendrons are regal plants that calm the spirit. And Heritage is an historic epicenter for the diversity of garden [...]
Hybridizing Rhododendrons
100 Years of Rhododendrons After Dexter died in 1943, many of his hybrid rhododendrons were scattered away from Sandwich to different places. While Dexter himself had given away thousands of seedlings during his lifetime, after he died some people who were aware of his fine plants came to buy or to dig up rhododendrons from his estate. The [...]
Dexter Centennial
100 Years of Rhododendrons This year, 2021, marks the centennial of the year that Charles Owen Dexter acquired Shawme Farm. It is because Dexter bought himself a country retreat a hundred years ago that today you have a wonderful place to find a smorgasbord of adventures and learning in Sandwich. Have you noticed that sometimes little actions in [...]
Deciduous Conifers: Beyond Evergreens
Down To Earth by Les Lutz Trees that bear needles are usually evergreen, and most species are. But there are five genera that are needled conifers that are deciduous and drop their foliage each fall. Of these, four will thrive on the Cape and three are found at Heritage Museums & Gardens. The four species that enjoy our climate [...]
Witch Hazel For The Winter Garden
Down To Earth by Les Lutz The days are getting longer and there are already signs of life in the garden. One bright spot in the garden here at Heritage Museums & Gardens is one of my favorite plants for this season, Hamamelis, or witch hazel. The species is just starting to flower now. There are several species that [...]
American Elderberry
Our beautiful elderberry in the herb garden. Sambucus canadensis or American Elderberry is a shrub that can grow to 12 feet, flowering in the summer and producing an abundance of fruits in early fall. The shrub prefers sun to partial share, and moist soil; but are generally easy to maintain and will tolerate a wide variety of conditions. The flowers [...]
The Trouble with Tomatoes
Down To Earth by Les Lutz What a learning experience this summer has been. Along with many of my friends, I decided to grow vegetables this summer. The most rewarding, and the most challenging, have been the tomatoes. I’ve grown them before, but not in a very long time. I like to think that I’m a pretty good gardener, [...]
