A customer asked about her “Butterfly Bush,” but it turned out to be Lantana, not Buddleja—the plant typically known by that name. This mix-up highlights how common names can cause confusion. Just like people misnaming plants, one nickname can spread and stick. Botanical names offer clarity, but quirky common names like “Hooker’s Lips” or “Skunk Cabbage” add charm to gardening. Still, accuracy matters when identifying plants.

“Do you have any H/hardy Hibiscus?”—and that little “H” makes a big difference. Some mean a hibiscus that’s winter-hardy, while others refer to the group of perennials known as Hardy Hibiscus that die back and return each spring. Conversations can be funny and heartwarming, as we work together to find the right plant—sometimes even honoring memories of loved ones through gardening.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a hardy, summer-blooming shrub loved by pollinators and hummingbirds. Native to Asia, it's tough, fast-growing, and perfect for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. With varieties in vibrant shades and minimal care needs, it's a stunning, low-maintenance choice for gardens from Zones 5–9.

Over the last few years, I have noticed an increasing demand for plants that have a tropical ‘look’. Many are meant for gardens around pools, but there is also an increasing number of homeowners who prefer this style regardless of whether they have a pool. The problem is that many regions within the USA are definitely not in the tropics. Happily, there is a way of achieving a tropical vibe without having to relocate nearer the equator!

With thoughtful landscaping installation, even the simplest spaces can be turned into something truly special.

Someone once told me that bare soil is like a wound in the earth. It’s unnatural for soil to be exposed, so nature fills the gap, starting with weeds that grow from existing roots or from seeds carried by the wind. These weeds act like a scab, stopping soil from washing or blowing away and providing ground cover for insects, reptiles, and small mammals. From small beginnings, larger plants can grow, up to and eventually including the regeneration of forests.