We’ve all seen a praying mantis, or mantid, at one time or another. It’s usually in late summer or early fall when the mature adults are most noticeably on the hunt. Whether perched on the side of your house or scrambling across a plant, these intrepid 3- to 5-inch long insects never fail to elicit a pause when we come across one.
Author: Adrienne
A Pennsylvania gardener
Versatile Grasses
Ornamental grasses are one of those plant families that you either like a great deal or you don’t. (By ornamental, I mean the taller clumping varieties, not turf or groundcovers like carex and liriope.) One reason these grasses are under-utilized is a lack of imagination in using them effectively. The more you know how to play up their best features, the more there is to like.
I wasn’t always a grass fan. But after experimenting with several cultivars over the years I’ve come to truly appreciate their texture, drama and heft. Most are super-easy to grow and nearly disease-proof. They come in varying heights and habits too, so you’re sure to find one that works in your landscape.
Plein Air Painting at Longwood – The Ultimate Garden Immersion
Once a year in autumn, Longwood Gardens’ Continuing Education program offers a one-day en plein air art class in their incomparable meadow. (En plein air is French for “in the open air”.) These outings are always fun and a bit of a thrill for me. The abundant wildflowers, the other artists, the atmosphere generally, the resulting art – it’s all quite inspiring.