Amwoga Khalwale

July is a prime time for many flowers, marking the peak of summer with an explosion of color in gardens everywhere. This month, gardens are often at their most vibrant, with plants that love the warmth and long days showing off their blooms. These flowers can range from those with delicate, airy petals to robust, … Read more

Fall-blooming flowers are nature’s way of extending the season of beauty in gardens, offering vibrant colors when most summer plants have faded. These plants often feature rich hues like deep purples, golds, and reds, complementing the changing foliage of autumn. They thrive in the cooler temperatures, sometimes even blooming better as the days shorten, providing … Read more

Selecting perennials for a garden in a cold climate involves choosing plants that can endure harsh winters while still offering beauty and interest. These plants have adapted to survive through mechanisms like deep root systems that protect them from frost, evergreen foliage that provides year-round greenery, or the ability to bloom early in spring even … Read more

Gardening in shaded areas doesn’t mean you’re limited in floral options. Plants that thrive in low light conditions often have adaptations like larger leaves to capture more light or bloom at times when the sun’s rays are less direct. These plants can transform a dim garden into a lush, verdant oasis, using the shade to … Read more

Hybrid Witch Hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia) is a cross between Hamamelis japonica (Japanese Witch Hazel) and Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel), belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family. This hybrid has been cultivated to combine the best traits of both parent species. As a hybrid, Hamamelis × intermedia doesn’t have a native area in the wild; it’s … Read more

Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis) is part of the Hamamelidaceae family within the Hamamelis genus. It’s known for its fragrant, showy flowers, distinguishing it among witch hazels. This species is native to central and eastern China, specifically found in provinces like Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan. It naturally grows in the understory of deciduous forests, often … Read more

Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family, within the Hamamelis genus. It’s closely related to other witch hazels but distinguished by its early blooming habit. This species is native to the central United States, specifically found in the Ozark region of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It naturally occurs in rocky, wooded slopes … Read more

Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is classified under the family Hamamelidaceae. It’s a member of the Hamamelis genus, which includes several species known for their unique flowering times. This species is native to North America, specifically found from Nova Scotia in Canada, southward through the eastern United States to Florida, and westward to Texas. It … Read more

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) is classified within the Anacardiaceae family, the same family as other sumacs, poison ivy, and cashews. This species is distinguished by its aromatic leaves when crushed, which gives it its common name. This sumac is native to North America, stretching from Quebec in Canada to South Dakota in the U.S., and … Read more

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is part of the Anacardiaceae family, which includes other notable plants like poison ivy and cashews. Within the Rhus genus, it’s distinguished by its lack of hairiness on young stems, setting it apart from relatives like staghorn sumac. This species is native to a vast region of North America, spanning from … Read more