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Matchmaking with Bulbs – Part 2

'Mars' allium (Allium) with golden lemon balm (Melissa officinalis 'All Gold') and bigroot geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum); Nancy J. Ondra at Hayefield
‘Mars’ allium (Allium) with golden lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’) and bigroot geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)

In Part 1 of Matchmaking with Bulbs, I covered some ways of choosing flowering and foliage partners to create beautiful combinations with bulbs. Another way to choose companions is consider them from a practical angle: plants that will look good when the bulbs aren’t at their best, or that will support or protect slender bulb stems and blooms. Continue reading Matchmaking with Bulbs – Part 2

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Matchmaking with Hardy Bulbs – Part 1

'Gladiator' allium (Allium) with 'Silver and Gold' yellow-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), 'Edith Wolford' bearded iris, and--in the back--Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii); Nancy J Ondra at Hayefield
‘Gladiator’ allium (Allium) with ‘Silver and Gold’ yellow-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), ‘Edith Wolford’ bearded iris, and–in the back–Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) [May 22, 2013]
When I was writing The Perennial Matchmaker, my original plan was to include an entire section devoted to combinations featuring hardy bulbs, but as the pages filled up with other perennials, I was lucky to keep even a few set aside for alliums and lilies. Now, though, seems like an excellent time to indulge in an in-depth appreciation of these little bundles of beauty, so think of this as a bonus chapter. Continue reading Matchmaking with Hardy Bulbs – Part 1

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The Perennial Matchmaker – A Chance to Win

The Perennial Matchmaker by Nancy J. Ondra

It’s here! I’ve been experimenting with plant combinations, making notes, and gathering photographs for many years, and I wrote the first proposal for this book nearly a decade ago. I’m grateful to the folks at Rodale–where I started my career in publishing as a summer intern in Garden Books 26 years ago–for taking a chance on my idea and turning it into reality. I also owe thanks to excellent editor Karen Bolesta and the book’s talented designer, Joanna Williams, as well as frequent collaborator Rob Cardillo and the many talented blogger/photographers whose inspiring combinations are included in the text.

The book isn’t due out until next month, but the advance copies just arrived, and to celebrate the release, Rodale has arranged to give away 10 copies through Goodreads. It’s open to residents of the U.S and Canada from today to March 1, 2016. You can find details on how to enter here: Book Giveaway for The Perennial Matchmaker.