Creating a beautiful garden is a rewarding task, filled with exciting possibilities. The nicest compliment a gardener can receive from a friend or neighbor is, “You have flowers blooming all season – How do you do it?” By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Summer 2023 issue.] Creating a beautiful garden is a rewarding task,
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Just like the standard and the teacup poodle, we like some of our plants big and we like some of them small. Explore these beauties that come in contrasting sizes. By Abby Lapides (This article was first published in the Gateway Gardener April 2021 issue.) Just like the standard and the teacup poodle, we like some of our plants big
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Did you know Pelargoniums and Geraniums are two different plants? Geranium refers to the genus of hardy perennials that is commonly called cranesbill. One of my highest recommended perennials; it always seems that a cranesbill can fit into just about any planting. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2020.] Did you know Pelargoniums
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Cut evergreen stems form a foundation for winter decorations that can be accented with dried flowers, festive berries and ornaments. By Abby Lapides (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue) Cut evergreen stems form a foundation for winter decorations that can be accented with dried flowers, festive berries and ornaments. Many of the common trees
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From bald eagles to pelicans, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area located in Columbia, Missouri, is a haven for many of Missouri’s waterfowl. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in the September 2019 issue of The Gateway Gardener.] From bald eagles to pelicans, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area located in Columbia, Missouri, is a haven for many of Missouri’s waterfowl. Eagle
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The green sea of a well-kept lawn adds a sense of serenity to the yard, however harsh chemicals and time spent on upkeep can ruin this tranquility. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2019 issue.] The green sea of a well-kept lawn adds a sense of serenity to the yard, however harsh chemicals
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Our Missouri natives provide beautiful blooms on tough plants. Some of these spectacular beauties can grow upwards of 6’ or ever more, causing them to be too large for some of our smaller gardens. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener July/August 2018.] Our Missouri natives provide beautiful blooms on tough plants. Some of these
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Profusions of flowers climbing up a trellis, spilling over walls, creeping through the garden as a showy groundcover, Clematis do it all. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener June 2018 issue.] Profusions of flowers climbing up a trellis, spilling over walls, creeping through the garden as a showy groundcover, Clematis do it all. Clematis
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The English cottage garden brings a charming intimacy to the home. Many plants that thrive in St. Louis offer the cheerful informality bursting with color that evoke the welcoming flare of the cottage garden. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2018 issue.] The English cottage garden brings a charming intimacy to the home.
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Alliums…I love their toughness, functional beauty and versatility in the garden. Some varieties sprout gorgeous gigantic blooms, while others give scrumptious veggies and herbs for cooking. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in the Gateway Gardener September 2017 issue.] Alliums…I love their toughness, functional beauty and versatility in the garden. Some varieties sprout gorgeous gigantic blooms, while others
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