THE LATEST

Why Bark on the Beach is More Than
a Walk

Bark on the Beach brings Animal Rescue Rhode Island’s extended family together and helps fund the work that continues long after the last paw print disappears.

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Parsley & Petal

Peonies and Roses: A Love Story

My love affair with peonies isn't over. It's just on hold while I get this growing devotion to roses under control.

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Salvia nemorosa (Woodland Sage)

Salvia is an all-star perennial I rely on most for structure, movement, and repeat color heading into early summer.

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How I Prune Hydrangeas in My Rhode Island Garden (Mophead & Panicle Guide)

Most hydrangea pruning mistakes start with one simple question: Which hydrangea do you have?

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What Deer and Rabbits Eat First (and What They Leave Alone)

These are the plants that have actually survived deer and rabbits, and how I manage stubborn wildlife in my garden.

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POPULAR IN THE GARDEN

Plant Spotlight

Closely observed plant profiles, growing notes, and seasonal favorites.

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Lavender (Lavandula)

Growing lavender in coastal New England isn't easy. After years of experimenting with different varieties, here's what I've learned about choosing the right ones and creating a fragrant, pollinator-friendly garden.

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Pinks (Dianthus)

The best garden plants aren't always the loudest ones.

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Catmint (Nepeta)

If I could only recommend a handful of perennials, catmint would make the list every time.

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From the Garden

Featured

Green Crumbs: A Pet Emergency

A close call with Minnie led to a list worth keeping: trusted pet emergency contacts, evacuation resources, what to have ready, and a printable P&P Pet Emergency Contact Card.

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Wall of Shame, No. 1: Pickle or Pear?

It started with a packet of Dill Pickler cucumber seeds and ended with Abbott and Costello on a piece of white linen. Welcome to the Wall of Shame.

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What the August Garden Needs Now

By August, the garden shows the effects of a long, hot summer and offers some useful information in return. What to water, deadhead, divide, move, and simply observe now, plus a look at what worked, what didn’t, and what can wait for cooler weather.

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Practical guidance, garden lessons and seasonal decisions from life in the garden.

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From the Journal

Observations, stories, and rituals that make the garden a home. A collection of family traditions, unexpected connections, and the stories that grow alongside the garden.

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My Garden is a Work in Progress, Not a Failure

Gardeners are artists working in a dynamic medium. After ten years of trial and error, I’ve learned that good garden design isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about knowing your garden, trusting your eye, and learning to compose with change.

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A Summer Visit to Lavender Waves Farm

A visit to South County Rhode Island's only lavender farm became a lesson in observation, landscape design, and the ways gardens continue to teach us.

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Garden Design Lesson: Borrowed Views

A borrowed view is one of the simplest ways to make a garden feel larger without adding a single plant. Discover how framing distant trees, neighboring gardens, and natural scenery can transform the way you experience your own landscape.

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