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Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship

April 5, 2025 By Talya Tate Boerner 6 Comments

During the spring, I am constantly reminded of my love-hate relationship with spiderwort. Bear with me as I try to embrace a more positive attitude about this herbaceous perennial that grows all willy nilly in our flowerbeds. Really, it’s sort of a flowerbed-hog, but I’m trying to tip the scale in favor of love, because who wants to spend so much time living on the hate side?

I sure don’t.

Spiderwort (Tradescantia) does have several good qualities. And today, in the spirit of looking on the bright side, I’m concentrating on those.Continue Reading

10 Sun-Loving Perennials and Annuals

May 23, 2024 By Talya Tate Boerner

10 Sun-Loving Perennials and Annuals

Since spring is the best time to work in the garden, now is the perfect time to introduce you to my favorite sun-loving perennials and annuals.

I garden in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which is growing zone 7a, recently shifted from zone 6b after an update in the USDA Plant Hardiness Map. (Check your zone HERE.) Depending on where you live, my favorites may not be the best choices for your area, but many of these will do well in a wide range of the country. As always, research before you plant.

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We Created a Moon Garden!

April 26, 2024 By Talya Tate Boerner

We created a moon garden by accident! I realized this a few nights ago when, half asleep, I trudged outside with Gracie and Annabelle and saw the Man in the Moon perfectly situated in the sky above our backyard. It was like he was waiting for us. And, even though he was still one day shy of full, his brilliant spotlight made our plants glow.