I feel a post percolating about the fires and rebirth, but having just returned from GWA, I'm too tired to write it today. My home and garden were spared--the fire was several miles away--but many were not so lucky. Below are two recent posts from Fiskars and Lowe's. If you visit my Lowe's post and leave a comment, I'll give you a big hug next time I see you. Of course, I'd hug you anyway. Would a plant by any other name truly smell as sweet? Pond plants and prairie natives: a tale of two extremes Art in the garden: how much is too much? Have a beautiful Labor Day, and please donate to the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities U.S.A, or the rescue agency of your choice. All over the country there have been floods, fire and power outages. Our rescuers now need our help. If you see a...

The Slow Food garden situated in the center of Indianapolis incorporates mind and body in its teaching while gardeners grow unique veggies. Here is some of what I saw:

If you want to be invited to a pollinator keg party, just plant one of the many mountain mints and stand back for the show. A few years ago, while visiting the Ponca City Herb Festival, I purchased several native plants including, Pycnanthemum virginianum (common mountain mint) from Wild Things Nursery. If you've never purchased from Wild Things, you're missing out on a great Oklahoma, native plant source. Virginia or common mountain mint is one of the most perplexing plants I grow. In decent soil with normal irrigation, this native wants to conquer an entire corner of the garden in partial shade. I shouldn't be surprised. It is from the Lamiaceae or mint family. It spreads by seed (although I've never noticed it moving to any other bed in the garden) and by creeping underground stems. Those underground stems get ya every time. Each spring, I pull up great hunks...

Not a mum, but a truly worthy plant I found on the half off table a few years ago at TLC Nursery, Helianthus salicifolius 'Table Mountain' Yes, I know we've had a terrible summer, and it's still hot. Even if you haven't completely thrown in the trowel, it's probably now buried somewhere in the garden of your frustration. In solidarity, I've been leaving my garden bucket outside every night to lure the rain. And, yes, I started off with a perennial sunflower in the first photo, but I wanted you to see something bright and beautiful right off. Going to the fall nursery sales and picking up prairie flowers is a great way to fill in spots where lesser plants have died. One of my many asters taken last fall. Can't remember the cultivar. Whether rain dances, lures or prayers to the Almighty worked, we got some rain. So, it's...