Muhlenbergia rigens has long been one of our favorite ornamental grasses, but it's virtually unknown outside of its native range in the Southwest US. The narrow, grey green foliage of deer grass creates a spectacular 3' tall arching clump that's only 1' wide at the base. Starting in mid-October (NC), the clumps are topped with narrow but showy plumes that reach 6' tall and transform the clump into an 8' wide mass of flowers. Muhlenbergia rigens is great as an individual drought tolerant specimen, or used in large mass plantings.

This is a Phlox for shade or partial shade and medium to drier soils.  Wild Blue Phlox is rhizomatous and will spread slowly but steadily. It is also commonly referred to as Blue Phlox, Woodland Phlox, or Louisiana Phlox. Some may call it Wild Sweet William, but that is the common name we give to Phlox maculata.  The flowers, atop sticky stems, are slightly fragrant and range in color from pale blue to lavender to violet. Deer seem to have little interest in Phlox, but rabbits especially like Wild Blue.Dame's Rocket, an invasive, non-native plant in the mustard family is often confused as being a native Phlox. It blooms at relatively the same time as Phlox divaricata, P. pilosa, and P. maculata.  The easiest way to distinuish Dame's Rocket is the four flower petals while true native Phlox have five petals. Dame's Rocket also has alternate leaves and Phlox has opposite leaves. *Seed of this species is kept under refrigeration (33-38 F) in our warehouse. The days in transit to you in colder or warmer conditions won’t harm the seed, but it should be put back in refrigeration until you are ready to plant or apply pre-sowing treatment. Live Plant Shipping Table Spring Fall Age/Size Dormant Bare Roots April/May October 1 year Potted 3-Packs May/June September 2.5" wide x 3.5" deep pots Potted Trays of 36 May/June N/A 2" wide x 5" deep plugs

The Compact Inkberry is a small shrub and a type of holly that grows wild all down the eastern side of North America. It grows especially well in damp or even wet soil, but it will also grow well in ordinary garden soils too. It has glossy evergreen leaves that are attractive in every season, as well as white blossoms in spring and pea-sized black berries in fall, that often last all winter. Although it is a holly bush, it does not have the spines or red berries of the common holly bush. It makes the perfect shrub for any border, or you can plant it along a stream or around a pond. It will grow well in full sun as well as shade, and it will be attractive all year round. Attractive evergreen shrub for sun or shade Grows well in wet soils, as well are regular soil White flowers in spring followed by black berries Perfect choice for a wild garden, or by a stream Hardy from Maine to Florida The Compact Inkberry does best in damp, acidic soil, but it will grow well in regular soil, in everything from sand to clay. It is not drought tolerant, so give your Compact Inkberry some water during dry periods. It has no significant pests or diseases and is an easy plant to grow. Plant it with other native shrubs and trees, or clip it into an informal hedge. However and wherever you grow it, the Compact Inkberry will soon become a favorite.

If deer treat your yard like a buffet line, try these plants.

These shrubs for shade add colorful flowers and foliage to low-light situations.

In 1974 Halston bought the Hirsch/Turner townhouse at 101 East 63 Street. Designed by architect Paul Rudolph the project was completed in 1968 for his clients Alexander Hirsch (a real-estate lawyer) and his partner, Lewis Turner. The two men lived in the house for 6 and a half years (1968-1974). Halston lived at “101” (the knick-name he gave the house) for 15 years (1974-1989). During his glory days “101” became one of the most iconic houses of the 70s decadent-disco-glamour era. Strangely enough “101” was shot only a few times for publications (the most prominent were: LIFE Magazine by Harry Benson in 1978, House Beautiful in 1977 and images by Hiro for the New York Times accompanying Paul Goldberg's story in 1977 - Halston's Hideaway). It has always driven me crazy that no one has complied a comprehensive collection of images – you always see two or three images here and there – the house like it’s owner always covered in a sea of mystery and illusiveness. All the images shown here were taken inside “101” during the time Halston owned the townhouse. Photo: Harry Benson (for LIFE Magazine) Halston seated on the ledge (second level) in the master bedroom sitting area that overlooks the living room as an open balcony. Note the three Andy Warhol silk screen canvas portraits of Halston and Liza. Photo: Bob Colacello Sterling St Jacques and Pat Cleveland dancing on the ledge located on the second level open loft area. "At first you want to change everything when you move into a house like this. But the house is such a work of art you end up giving into it" - Halston Halston's Hideaway by Paul Goldberg, The New York Times July 24, 1977 Photo: Harry Benson In 1977 Halston developed for Karastan the first designer carpet collection - this is a great view of the grey wall to wall carpet he developed for Karastan which he used through-out the townhouse. He loved how it looked like ultra suede. His beloved pekingese dog he called Peke is in is lap. From the Harry Benson photo shoot for LIFE Magazine, 1978. What Halston did for women’s fashion with his Ultrasuede shirtdress in 1972, he is now attempting to do with carpet, another of Karastan introductions with the Halston cachet, may kick off a nonstop trend. He also came up with a heavily textured “Basketweave” design that look handcrafted. Suggested retail prices range from $25 to 29.95 a square yard. The “Suede look” is available in 26 colors. The Evening Independent, December 16, 1977 Photo: Harry Benson Another image for the LIFE Magazine photo shoot. Harry Benson took this shot standing the the third floor bedroom shooting down into the living room. Note Halston is wearing his classic black, white and red. Peke sits precariously on the back edge of the chair. Photo: Harry Benson Halston's live-in assistant Mohammed Soumaya. Peke is now on the floor. In 1976 the Halston brand had placed it’s signature on 17 enterprises; including bedding and towels by Fieldcrest, Hartman Luggage, scarves by Daniel La Foret, and carpets by Karastan. By 1976 over 42,000 units of Halston’s ultrasuede dress’s had been sold – at a price of $360 each. Lakeland Ledger, June 3, 1976 Photo: Deborah Turbeville A 1975 image by Deborah Tubeville for VOGUE. Elsa Peretti standing against the wall. The north side of the living room facing the bamboo garden. Photo: Hiro for The New York Times Image shot from the second floor loft looking north toward the bamboo garden showing the double height living room and the third floor guest bedroom at top. From the New York Times article by Paul Goldberg - Halston's Hideway published July 24, 1977 Andy Warhol's Jackie series, 1963-1968. This is a similar work showing 9 canvas Jackie's that Halston had in the third floor guest bedroom. Photo: New York Times The fourth floor living room. This was the top floor of the townhouse - note the skylite - the glass doors lead out to the roof top terrace that covered half of the top floor. The pair of Andy Warhol portraits of Halston, acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen, 1977 that hung in the fourth floor living room. Photo: Andy Warhol A 1979 photo of Victor Hugo in Halston's bathroom on the second floor. Photo: New York Times Halston's bedroom located on the second floor. Note: The mirror wall backs up to the front of the townhouse on 63 Street. Photo: Harry Benson Another image for the LIFE Magazine photo shoot. Halston in bed. Peke lays next to him. Note the 1978 Harper's Bazaar, the Andy Warhol Flower canvas and the mirrored - moveable headboard with handles. Liza Minnelli on the cover of Harper's Bazaar March 1978 wearing Halston. Andy Warhol's Flower, 1964. Acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas 12" x 12". Photo: Ezra Stoller Another view of the living room looking toward the bamboo garden - shot from the second floor loft. This was a very early image probably 1974 or 1975 the garden was still planted with tropicals - see the 1975 Deborah Tubeville photograph - it was 1976 when the bamboo was planted. Note the hand rails on the left - these were removed in 1975. Plans: Cocoran The plans for 101 East 63 Street. Note these are recent plans - many closets have been added and several openings have been changed from the original layout. Photo: Andy Warhol A 1980 shot of Liza on the landing in the living room from Andy Warhol's 1980 series Halston at Home. 1. Halston photo by Warhol, 1980 from the Halston at Home series 2. Warhol silkscreen canvas of Halston, 1978 3. Halston and Liza in the first floor entry hall - (hall staircase behind them) at a 1975 party he gave for her 4. Warhol polaroid of Victor Hugo 5. Bianca Jagger photo by Warhol, 1980 from the Halston at Home series 6. Halston polaroid by Warhol Photo: Andy Warhol Ann Miller by Andy Warhol, 1980 from the series Halston at Home. Photo: House Beautiful The October 1977 issue of HOUSE BEAUTIFUL ran a story about "101" focusing around entertaining. The shoot was styled by HOUSE BEAUTIFUL and they created a table setting using crystal and flatware from Tiffany's. The ironic twist to all this is that this is not how Halston entertained. The dining table was generally set up as a bar and buffet. The menus mainly consisted of caviar, potatoes, champagne and cocaine. “Often the potato course was passed over.” - Halston biographer Steven Gaines. Photo: House Beautiful The lucite dining table designed by Paul Rudolph. Victor had told me that I absolutely had to watch the Dinner with Halston show on channel 5 —Metromedia. This is the idea that we submitted to Larry Freeberg at Metromedia and they turned down, and now they’re doing with other people. Halston’s guests were Bianca, Joe Eula, the acupuncture doctor—Giller, Jane Holzer, Victor. It was very boring. They’d asked me to go on this show and I said no because they’d ripped off my idea. WARHOL DIARIES Saturday, March 12th, 1977 Photo: Andy Warhol Dr. Robert Giller and Halston in the kitchen 1980. Note the low ceilings - many of Rudolphs interiors sported this in some cases as low as 7' high. The small kitchen is located directly behind the dining area. Andy Warhol silkscreen ink on canvas portrait of Dr. Robert Giller Dr. Robert Giller was a renowned New York physician and medical nutritionist whose dietary ideas and vitamin plans made him popular among the New York social elite. Giller was introduced to Warhol by Halston. "His B-12 shots were the morning jump shot of choice for the Studio 54 crowd", with whom he hung out, he became part of Warhol's inner circle. Halston and Peke sitting on the landing in the living room. Photo: Harry Benson Halston waving on the main staircase in the living room - holding Peke. This image was used in PEOPLE Magazines cover story about the life and death of Halston in 1990. The exterior - still pretty much the same as it was when completed in 1968. Left: shows placement of rooms during Halston's era. “A world of its own, inward looking and secretive is created in a relatively small volume of space in the middle of New York City. Varying intensities of light are juxtaposed and related to structures within structures. Simple materials (plaster, paint) are used, but the feeling is of great luxuriousness because of the space. The one exposed façade reveals the interior arrangement of volumes by offsetting each floor and room in plan and section.” - Paul Rudolph Moholy-Nagy, Sibyl, and Gerhard Schwab. The Architecture of Paul Rudolph. New York: Praeger, 1970. P. 80 Hope you enjoy! Best, Doug

Upgrades galore in this turn of the century Brookside charmer. Just steps away from the Brookside shopping disctrict , this 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home built in 1922 combines old world charm with modern updates. Upon entry you are greeted with beaming hardwood floors, elegant chandeliers and a wide wood staircase. The great room hosts a large gas fireplace and new doors that lead to a new 16x23 two tier deck overlooking the flower garden. There is also a den/study with numerous built ins. The brand new designer kitchen will wow you with custom cherry cabinets, hand crafted cabinet pulls, hickory flooring, new stainless steel appliances and LED lighting at the custom cabinets with glass fronts, numerous pull outs and soft close drawers. The Master Suite is spacious with a decorative fireplace, walk in closet with built in storage, a laundry room is off the master bedroom.

With so many aesthetic and ecological benefits, consider one or all of these 7 California native grasses for your next project.

Over the years I have come to think that shade gardens are often amongst the most soothing and relaxing of all outdoor spaces. Shade makes them cool on a hot day. Showy drifts of flowers are beautiful, but color can overload the senses. Green feels serene in contrast. The focus of a good shade garden is on more subtle and sophisticated assets like texture, shape and contrast. You literally have to slow down to be able to appreciate them. Today I'd like to introduce you to one such garden in Oakville, Ontario. The backyard was pretty much a blank canvas when the McAlindon's bought the property in 1984. Cynthia McAlindon explains, "My initial vision was a modest size garden which quickly changed as I became intrigued with plants in gardens belonging to friends and family. In some cases, I would snag seeds or cuttings and start numerous plants which I would eventually place in various areas. If I ended up with a good number of them, I would give some away to friends. In essence, my garden is ever changing. I've even been known to rearrange the garden into December!" "I planted three trees by the back fence which now shade the backyard. Hostas became my passion. I would seek out small nurseries where I would find hostas which were uncommon. I became enamoured with miniature hostas. There are so many colours, sizes and textures which I use to make a nature's quilt. In the shadier areas of the garden, I planted hostas that were primarily white which attract your eyes that way." The view from just inside the back gate. Cynthia inherited her love of gardening from family members. "I was surrounded by a family of gardeners from an early age. My maternal grandmother was a prolific flower gardener for indoors and out. My paternal grandmother, a very strict English woman, also had a flower garden that was beautiful and full of very fragrant flowers. It was my father who became enthralled with vegetable gardening." "My aunt had a dairy farm. She and my uncle grew tomatoes, beans, cucs, strawberries, corn and several other crops. She had a florist shop prior to the farm and surrounded herself with flowers. I spent years working on the farm which got me very interested in gardening and landscaping." Ostrich Fern As well as collecting hostas, Cynthia became a fan of other foliage plants– ferns among them, "Ferns have interested me forever. They also are my go-to for texture. I love Maidenhair, Tassel, Rabbit's foot, and Japanese painted ferns–just to name a few. Tassel ferns are my latest additions." Hart’s tongue, Asplenium scolopendrium has leathery, tongue-shaped bright green fronds. It likes moist, soil that is well-drained. Part-shade to full shade. Height: 30-45 cm (1-1.5 feet) Spread: 30-45 cm (1-1.5 feet) USDA Zone: 5-9. Tassel Fern, Polystichum polyblepharum is an evergreen fern native to Japan and South Korea. It has shiny, dark green fronds and grows in a vase-shaped clump. "Tassels" appear as the fronds emerge. This fern likes organically rich and consistently moist soil in part-shade to full shade. Plant the rhizome on an angle to prevent the crown from rotting. Height: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) Spread: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) USDA Zone: 5-8. Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum venustum Maidenhair fern, Adiantum venustum is a Himalayan native that has wiry black stems and triangular fronds that are apple-green in color. This fern performs best in humus-rich acidic soil. Evenly moist, well-drained soil is key. Slow to establish. Part-sade to shade. Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches), Spread: 50-60 cm (20-24 inches). Zone: 3-8. The contrasting foliage of a Japanese Maple, Hosta and Japanese Forrest Grass, Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' forms a low mound of arching foliage striped with buttery-yellow and green. Moist soil is essential. This clump-forming grass is slow to get established but is worth the wait. Part to full shade. Height: 30-65 cm (12-25 inches), Spread: 45-60 cm (18-23 inches). USDA Zones: 5-9. Hosta 'Guacamole' has avocado-green foliage with a darker green edge. The flowers are white. Part-shade to full shade. Height: 45-50 cm (18-20 inches), Spread: 60-70 cm (23-27 inches). USDA Zones: 2-9. From this vantage point, the pond is partly hidden by a cluster of perennials at the foot of a tall tree. The idea for a pond was Cynthia's but her husband can take credit for its installation: "Twenty-five years ago I told my husband I wanted a pond and he promptly went and dug one for me. I regularly stock it with fish and racoons regularly use it as their food source. Damn rodents!!!" Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum Japanese Iris in light shade. From very bare beginnings, the garden began to take shape over a number of years. "The back yard was flat, all grass with a Japanese maple planted tight to the house," Cynthia says."I had the tree moved close to the fence away from the house. That tree died after being attacked by a bug but several saplings grew from its keys. Those little trees now flourish in my back yard and several have been given to friends." "In the shade of the original tree, I planted numerous hostas and heucheras. Immediately I bought four Austin Roses and planted them by the house so they would benefit from the sun and the warmth the bricks soaked up. They loved it. I planted herbs there also. As the years went by, I added a variety of plants such as False Indigo, Echinacea, lilies–just to name a few." Plants here include Heuchera, Hosta, Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) and Hellebores. Another key plant in the shady part of Cynthia's garden is Heuchera. "Heucheras are another great plant for shade gardens, "Cynthia notes."The colours that are available are outstanding. The leaf sizes range from large to extremely small. I am loving the purples with silver veining for more colour variety." Here are references to a few Heuchera that look very similar to the ones you see in Cynthia's garden: Heuchera 'Sashay' has dark green foliage with a rust colored underside. Part to full shade. Height: 20-25 cm (8-21 inches), Spread: 20-25 cm (8-21 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. A similar cultivar with green foliage and contrasting undersides: Heuchera 'Crimson Curls' Heuchera 'Cherry Cola' has reddish-brown leaves and cherry-red flowers in late spring/early summer. Full sun or part-shade. Height: 40-45 cm (16-18 in), Spread: 30-40 cm (12-16 in). USDA zones: 4-9. Alternate cultivars with dark foliage are: Heuchera 'Encore' Heuchera 'Ginger Peach', Heuchera 'Berry Marmalade' Heuchera 'Champagne' has peach and gold leaves with a matt finish. The flowers are light-peach on maroon colored stems. Part to full shade. Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches), Spread: 30-35 cm (12-14 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Similar cultivars: Heuchera 'Peach Flambe', Heuchera 'Vienna' Heuchera 'Marmalade' has foliage ranging in color from umber to deep sienna. The underside of the leaves is a blend of orange and magenta. The flowers are reddish-brown. Part-shade. Height: 25-40 cm (10-16 inches), Spread: 30-45 cm (12-18 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Similar cultivars: Heuchera 'Amber Waves', Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves', Heuchera 'Kassandra' Without some height, the garden could have looked a bit understated against the backdrop of the tall fence. "One other thing I like to do is to try to get height into my garden. I have an iron urn that I change up every year. It's in the darkest section of the back garden. I'll fill it with smaller Hostas, Heucheras, variegated Ivy and Hellebores", Cynthia tells me. Hosta 'Cool as a Cucumber' has long tapered leaves with a cream centre streaked and edged with green. Lavender flowers in early summer. As with many hostas, slugs can be an issue. Part-shade. Height: 60-70 cm (23-27 inches), Spread: 112-120 cm (44-47 inches). USDA Zones: 2-9. Athyrium angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red' has burgundy stems and lacy green fronds. It likes moist, well-drained soil. Part-shade to full shade. Height: 60-90 cm (23-35 inches) Spread: 45-90 cm (18-35 inches) Zone: 3-9. Astrantia which can be seen both in the image above and to one side of the urn in the previous picture. A similar combination of plants to the one you see in Cynthia's garden: Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium niponicum 'Burgundy Lace' (left) and Coral Bells, Heuchera 'Berry Marmalade'. Oakleaf hydrangea Oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia is a deciduous shrub that produces pyramidal panicles of white flowers in the summer. This isn't strictly speaking a "full shade" plant. They will, however, be quite happy in lightly dappled shade that still allows in sunlight. This type of hydrangea blooms on the previous year's growth (do not prune in the spring). Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. Height: 4-8 ft, Spread: 8ft. USDA zones: 5-9. So many novice gardeners find shade intimidating. I asked Cynthia for a few words of advice and encouragement: "Shade gardening isn't that difficult. Take chances! Not every plant will survive or work into your planting scheme, but it's enjoyable to experiment." "If you see shade gardens that intrigue you and give you pleasure, talk to the owner! Ask questions and note the names of plants! Ask nicely for seeds and, who knows, they may share cuttings or plant divisions. Gardeners love compliments and spending time with other gardeners. I love sharing knowledge and my plants. I have a neighbour who laughingly tells everyone 99 per cent of his garden is actually my plants." In among the plants, there is a wooden bird feeder and a birdbath. "Birds are a joy to observe and to listen to. They bring me joy all year long. There are a good number of hawks in the area so it's interesting to see the birds scatter into my trees", says Cynthia. "Along with the birds I regularly have racoons visiting the backyard. There are several chipmunks that are so tame they will take sunflower seeds from my hands. They're too cute. Squirrels aren't my favourite but there are a good number of them running around. On occasion, opossums scamper across my back fence. Nature is wonderful." We weren't quite sure of the identity of this hosta. Here's a reference to one that's similar: Hosta 'Afterglow' has heart-shaped, blue-green foliage with a chartreuse margin. The leaves of this sun tolerant hosta are moderately corrugated. The flowers are lavender. Height: 60 cm (24 inches), Spread: 121 cm (48 inches). USDA Zones: 2-9. A frog prince awaiting his princess. In a shade garden, plants have the disadvantage of low light. Amending the soil to make sure it is rich in organic matter can help compensate for this shortfall. "For years I would attend the free mulch giveaway the town has every spring and fall. I would fill garbage bags with the mulch, pack the bags into the back of my old Windstar and drive home with a very steamy van. I wanted the best nutrients for the garden", says Cynthia. Sedum is a perennial that is generally regarded as requiring "full sun" but it does surprisingly well in part-shade. Here Cynthia has paired it with a Heuchera with warm peach-colored foliage. Sedum 'Autumn Charm' has this terrific variegated foliage and salmon-colored flowers. Full sun and average garden soil. Height: 35-40 cm (14-16 inches), Spread: 45-60 cm (18-23 inches). USDA Zones: 3-9. Heuchera 'Sweet Tea' has deeply lobed foliage that changes with the seasons. Sprays of white flowers appear in the spring. Full sun to part shade. Height: 50-68 cm (20-27 inches), Spread: 45-60 cm (18-23 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. The bright pop of pink is a peony that is very special. "The prize of my garden is the heritage fern-leaf peony that belonged to my grandmother," Cynthia says. 1. Hakonechloa 2. Astrantia 3. Japanese Fern, Athyrium niponicum 4. Heuchera 5. Heuchera 6. Hakonechloa 7. Oakleaf Hydrangea 8. Hellebore 9. Heuchera 10. Daylily 11. Hosta A couple of notes on plantings: Cynthia has repeated certain key perennials (Heuchera and Hakonechloa) along the front of the garden. This repetition has a way of unifying the planting scheme into a cohesive whole. Most shade gardens will still have areas where the sunlight breaks through. Cynthia has taken advantage of the spots with part-shade to grow flowering perennials–a daylily, a tree peony, an Oakleaf hydrangea and an Astrantia are a few examples. "Using texture over color results in a garden that is extremely soothing and serene," Cynthia muses. "Friends regularly will comment on the calming effect my garden has and that is extremely pleasing to me." Cynthia has every right to be proud of her garden. It's beautiful in a quiet and sophisticated way. Without the high drama of a lot of flowers, nothing demands your attention. I think that is why green feels so restful–it is every bit as relaxing as soft music. Bookmark this post with a PIN.

Easy-to-Tend Raised Garden is Handsome and Versatile Sturdy & Durable Materials:   Naturally rot-resistant cedar & rust-resistant aluminum corners Made By Us, in the USA:  We manufacture these high-quality beds by hand in our Vermont facility Add Greenery & Privacy:   Plant up veggies & flowers (and privacy) for your patio, deck, or backyard No-Bend Gardening:   Elevated beds are easier on your back & knees Quick & Easy Assembly:  Build & plant your bed in under an hour! Bring your garden up to a whole new level! Our 2' x 8' elevated raised bed is easy to plant, tend, and harvest without kneeling or bending.  Plus, it offers creative landscaping opportunities. Set up one or more of these beds around the edge of your patio to add privacy or to create a garden "room." The sides are held in place with our rust-proof, industrial-strength Lifetime aluminum corners. A false, slatted floor is set 10" from the top so there's plenty of root space for vegetables and flowers. Excess water drains through through the slats; vents in the sides allow air to circulate and excess moisture to evaporate. For best results, we recommend filling with 17 bags of our premium potting mixes: Organic Raised Bed Mix (20 qts.) Potting Mix (20 qts.)   Organic Potting Mix (20 qts.)

I love love love today’s Chicago wedding, photographed by Laurie Peacock. Yes, I’m biased, since I think my city is just phenomenal, but Caroline and Edward’s wedding is too wonderful not to love. There was an elegant simplicity to the entire event, held at the 63rd Street Beach House, and the ocean-inspired floral designs by…