The lack of flowers blooming in the garden in the fall can be a real bummer, but as I write this in August, you've got time to plant some autumn bloomers. Asters come in a range of stunning colors, particularly pinks and purples, and there are more than... more »

The arrival of gold, orange, and red in the garden signals that fall is upon us and that most plants are beginning to shift gears to prepare for winter dormancy. As autumn colors are, it's nice to have something to set off the fall glory.... more »

You want a shrub in that dry corner, but no shrub will work. You want something that looks different. You want superlow maintenance. I've got just the right perennial for you: Baptisia is a quick-growing, uniquely blooming wildflower native to areas from... more »

“In the Spring," the poet Tennyson tells us, "a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love." He fails to mention where a young woman's fancy turns. I can speak only for myself, but every spring of my girlhood — as far back as I can remember... more »

There’s a distinct smell to native Southern California flora, and if you can get far enough out into the native landscape, you’ll discover a fragrance that exudes warmth and dryness. It’s a scent I look everywhere for and one I associate closely... more »

To describe Pride of Madeira's features as anything other than stunning doesn’t do the plant justice. You’ve probably heard the list of attributes before — purple flower spikes, mounding habit, low water use, coastal tolerant, sage... more »

Purple can be used to help create a desirable mood in the garden — from peaceful to romantic to inspiring. In color theory purple traditionally indicates knowledge, self-respect, spirituality, dignity and wealth. In the landscape it promotes feelings... more »

Purple prairie clover (also known as violet prairie clover) is a showy, adaptable perennial native to a wide variety of prairie ecosystems across most of central North America, from Saskatchewan down through Texas. It’s not a true clover but rather... more »

Purple may possibly be the perfect garden color. It is the color of royalty, which is obvious when you see it reigning supreme over the rest of the garden. At the same time, it's a great mediator. It blends well with the cool side of the color wheel... more »

In late fall through winter, Russian sage sheds its flowers to reveal stately silvery stems for a perfect snowscape complement. But it's also safe to say that purple-flowering plants reign in spring and summer gardens, and Russian sage, a particularly... more »

Every October or November I begin my search for transplants of sweet alyssum to add to my garden. My love affair with this tiny plant began years ago when I discovered its broad usage in my southern winter garden. If you're looking for a winter bloomer,... more »

Common periwinkle has become quite common indeed. The plant is extremely popular because of its ability to quickly cover the ground with elegant glossy leaves year-round. One plant can cover up to 8 square feet. While common periwinkle sits... more »

Are you tired of perennials with the usual round flowers and mounding habit? Looking for an accent, something that screams "wowee zowee" but doesn't take up much real estate? Like butterflies to boot? Liatris, or Blazingstar, is one of the most unique... more »

Are you finding your landscape lacking as the dog days of summer give way to fall? With that late-summer twilight zone setting in, are you wondering whether there’s anything more that will bloom or bear fruit before it’s all mums and pumpkins? Fear... more »