Monthly Archives: April 2015

Lenten roses are a well-kept garden secret

Posted on April 19, 2015 by tedmanzer

Lenten roses, probably known more by their scientific name of Hellebore, are curious perennials that fill a unique garden niche. They bloom in late winter to early spring, and few people visit garden centers early enough to see them in … Continue reading →

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Eastern Redbud is a native spring bloomer that really stands out

Posted on April 19, 2015 by tedmanzer

From central Canada to Florida and Texas, this pea and bean relative is hard to miss. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) packs copious amounts of hot pink to lavender flowers. Sometimes stands of these small trees are so dense that it … Continue reading →

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You can grow stevia at home to satisfy your sweet side

Posted on April 19, 2015 by tedmanzer

Those of us who struggle with our weight love something sweet at least once in a while. Sugar tastes great and works well in baking, but at 16 calories per teaspoon, most of us must conserve. The substitutes don’t quite … Continue reading →

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Pineapple guava makes a showy edible hedge

Posted on April 4, 2015 by tedmanzer

I’m always on the lookout for unusual adaptable landscape material. Recently a couple showed me their yard and on one edge was a beautiful hedge of pineapple guava. Even after our recent severe cold the foliage looked healthy. This excited … Continue reading →

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It’s Easter, so what’s the deal with bunnies and eggs?

Posted on April 4, 2015 by tedmanzer

Hopefully Christians all know why we celebrate Easter. The crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection three days later are the most significant events in the history of Christianity. So how did we get to the multimillion dollar industry featuring bunnies … Continue reading →

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My Moment of Proof

Posted on April 2, 2015 by tedmanzer

It’s Easter weekend and we believers need no convincing. Many can point to an event in their lives and swear they witnessed a miracle. It doesn’t matter what skeptics might say or any evidence to the contrary, the moment is … Continue reading →

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Forsythia bushes now signal spring

Posted on April 2, 2015 by tedmanzer

I always look forward to an explosion of yellow forsythia blooms every spring and the mass of color can be quite dramatic. They are often the first of the spring blooming deciduous shrubs, and after a hard winter they are … Continue reading →

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Why can’t landscapers refrain from using weedy ornamental pears?

Posted on April 2, 2015 by tedmanzer

We need some warm spring weather to rid us of those fetid white blossoms on the ornamental pears (Pyrus calleryana). While the bloom can be spectacular, I dread the musky fishy stench every spring. It’s even worse than that of … Continue reading →

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