Vino

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/71428-product.html#

Coleus 'Vino'

We had a nice plant in a pot, overwintered in kitchen, survived the winter better than any coleus ever has for us.

Took it outside this spring, damaged in a wind storm, never recovered, composted.

Very disappointing.

Too contrived

"Ask yourself whether the flower size and shape of the clematis will be appropriate alongside its companion, or whether the combination looks too contrived."

- Clematis for Small Spaces by Raymond J. Evison (2007) page 33

I have so many issues to address in the garden that contrivance does not make the list.

And since when did interior decorators take over our beloved hobby? (apologies to whomever I stole this one from)

The #1 concern for me will always be, "Will this plant thrive in that spot?"

BloomIQ

http://bloomiq.com/

Inspiring ideas.

Harlequin

http://www.northlandfarmsllc.com/

We bought a Harlequin Honeysuckle at Menard's, planted it by the near gate in the chain link fence.

Lonicera periclymenum 'Harlequin'

The grower was Northland Farms of West Olive, Michigan

Osaka

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/sceneb088.html

Bought a few Osaka series plants at Luxembourg, planted them around the garden.

First toad of 2014

Saw the first toad of the year in the garden today.

It was about the size of a quarter.

Who was Ann Folkard?

http://www.bloomsofbressinghamplants.com/us/Gardeners/Variety/Geranium_Ann_Folkard.html&s=1&genus=&common=&variety=Ann_Folkard

Found in the garden of Mr. P. G. Folkard, but who was Ann?  Wife? Sister? Mother? Daughter?