The Perennial Optimist - ONCE UPON A CONEFLOWER

Fragrant, Lovely Carolina Allspice

Calycanthus floridus Michael Lindsey in my garden

The first time I smelled a Carolina allspice in bloom was over thirty years ago in the overgrown yard of an abandoned farmstead. The property was near my home in a secluded location, and I often went there on summer walks.

It was an early spring evening. The last of the sun’s rays streamed low through the trees. Unmowed grass lapped at the farmhouse foundations like a weedy ocean, softening its forlorn and empty hulk. Vines climbed through open maws in the stone ruin. It had been decades since anyone had lived there.

Yet the most wonderful scent of ripe strawberry and pineapple filled the air. At first I couldn’t fathom where it was coming from. Apart from a few daffodils there was nothing left of the old garden.

Which Witch Hazel? Take Your Pick

If you’re looking for a cheerful addition to offset dreary days, look no further than witch hazel (Hamamelis). This small to medium understory tree fits easily into most yards and isn’t fussy about care. It blooms in late winter through early spring, often opening as soon as a warm spell occurs.

This is usually February through April in zone 6, but this year my hybrid cultivar Jelena opened in January, as soon as temperature warmed. You can’t beat that for winter pizzazz!

All About Asters

October Skies

April 24, 2023 – Author’s Note: This article has been corrected. It originally misstated a cultivar as Bluebird. I found the original tag still at the base of the plant this spring. It is actually Skyscraper.

Asters are a confusing lot. Many varieties look similar, so it’s easy to mix them up. Also called Michaelmas daisies because they bloom around St. Michaelmas Day (Sept. 29), asters comprise a huge and diverse family. Usually upstaged by their flashier mum companions, asters are frequently passed over. Or they end up as a last-minute addition to the shopping cart. They just don’t get much respect.

That’s a shame, because these beauties are in fact much tougher than they seem. Armed with facts and a bit of luck, they’re relatively easy to grow on in the garden. Let’s start by demystifying them.