Author Archive: Peggy Riccio

  1. New Plants for a New Decade

    by Peggy Riccio | February 1, 2010

    Freshen up your landscape with these new introductions.

  2. Color and Beauty in Winter’s Garden

    by Peggy Riccio | October 5, 2009

    Plants that provide structure and interest in the winter landscape.

  3. Decorating for Autumn

    by Peggy Riccio | August 4, 2009

    In the garden: Plants, pots, and outdoor accessories for the fall landscape.

  4. Growing Herbs In Containers

    by Peggy Riccio | June 2, 2009

    On the deck, patio, or in the garden these herbs love being contained.

  5. Vegetable Gardening In Raised Beds

    by Peggy Riccio | March 31, 2009

    Raised beds with soil high in organic matter results in higher yields.

  6. Bulbs For All Seasons

    by Peggy Riccio | August 13, 2008

    With the milder winters becoming more and more common in our area, I have become confident that I can try “southern” plants. Southern plants thrive in hot and humid summers but need a mild winter to make it to the next year. They are usually winter hardy to zone 7 or 8, not the uppermost [...]

  7. Hardy Geraniums

    by Peggy Riccio | April 11, 2008

    The first hardy geranium I purchased lasted only five months. Then again, I bought Samobor on an impulse: the maroon petals were peeled back like shooting stars, the green leaves had large bands of dark purple, and the foot-high plant swayed gently in the breeze. I was also quick to plant it in a sunny [...]

  8. New Plants For 2008

    by Peggy Riccio | March 15, 2008

    By Peggy Riccio LEFT AND MIDDLE: Thai Delight Caladiums ‘Notus Lotus’ (left) and ‘East Meets West’ (middle) from Hines Horticulture RIGHT: Pentas lanceolata ‘Northern Lights Lavender,’ from Ernst Benary of America. Ever in search of “what’s new,” I spent several weeks this past autumn talking with representatives from over 20 nurseries to learn about new plant introductions. I was looking for new plants to try this summer, not just new shades of petunias, or yet another begonia, but varieties th

  9. The Indoor Herb Garden

    by Peggy Riccio | October 12, 2007

    With a little know-how you can grow fresh culinary herbs year-round!

  10. Avant Garden

    by Peggy Riccio | August 14, 2007

    Upon entering Paul and Beth Babikow’s private, artistic garden, one is immediately struck by the plant selection. Instead of planting what Paul sells at his wholesale nursery—annuals and perennials—the garden reflects Paul’s predilection for American woody natives and Asian introductions. But the signature feature of the garden is the marriage of modern art and horticulture [...]