John Markowski

LATEST ARTICLES ( 348 )

• Bigger Isn't Always Better

  

  A special delivery arrived in the mail yesterday and I'm expecting more of them in the very near future:By the way, do you like how I added in my boots for... Read more

  Posted on 12 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Wordless Wednesday - The Gifts That Keep on Giving

  

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  Posted on 11 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• What's Blooming Now

  

  It is kind of a slow time right now in the garden but here are some of the blooms that have emerged of late: Miscanthus purpurascens (Flame Grass)Miscanthus... Read more

  Posted on 09 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• "I Have to Friggin Move That" - Caryopteris 'Sunshine Blue'

  

  Quick one today. I have a Caryopteris 'Sunshine Blue' that has literally been relocated five times over the past five years. First it outgrew its location,... Read more

  Posted on 05 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Powdery Mildew on Monarda (Bee Balm)

  

  I guess it was inevitable. With all the rain we've had the past few weeks and the high humidity to go with it, I knew there was a good chance that the powdery... Read more

  Posted on 04 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Movie Trailer for "Garden Deceived"

  I'm really putting myself out there today. I've been working feverishly all day and night on my first film and the official trailer is to follow. Read more

  Posted on 03 September 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Tale of Two Plants - Butterfly Weed and Swamp Milkweed

  

  I have tried countless times to keep Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) alive in my garden and have failed each and every time ... until a few weeks ago. Read more

  Posted on 29 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Introducing a New Blog Series - "I Have to Friggin Move That"

  

  I never shut off "garden analysis mode". Never. I am evaluating when I take the dog out for a walk. I am studying when I take the garbage to the curb. Read more

  Posted on 28 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Stages of Bloom

  

  Initial bloom on the Turtleheads:Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead) Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' (Pink Turtlehead)Maturing/changing blooms as we head into... Read more

  Posted on 26 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Summer Ain't Over Yet

  

  Even at the tender age of 41, I still get that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach as the new school year approaches. I can remember the emotions like it... Read more

  Posted on 22 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Why My Mad Photography Skills Are a Curse

  

  I consider myself to be a pretty decent amateur photographer. Through trial and error and a lesson with a local pro, I've come a long way over the past four to... Read more

  Posted on 20 August 2013 CULTURE, GARDENING, HOME, PHOTOGRAPHY

• Evening Photos

  

  I wandered outside this evening, around twilight/dusk, and snapped these pics. I dig the color/tone/texture, whatever you want to call it. That's all. Read more

  Posted on 16 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Plant Combos

  

  Here are some plant vignettes I am enjoying this fine evening: Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' and Tsuga canadensis (Hemlock) 'Moon Frost' Boxwood and... Read more

  Posted on 14 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Blooms, Who Needs Blooms and a Terrifying Addition to the Garden

  

  I spent some serious time weeding this weekend and in fact, I can't feel the tips of my fingers as I type this. My fingernails are permanently dirt filled and m... Read more

  Posted on 12 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• A Little Joe Pye Weed Love

  

  Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway' (Joe Pye Weed to you common folk) is absolutely my most reliable, statuesque, critter-welcoming and long lasting bloomer when... Read more

  Posted on 09 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Even More Ornamental Grass Talk

  

  Yes, I know that I have a decent ornamental grass collection, but after I pulled out pad and paper to fully document it all, I realized just how big it has... Read more

  Posted on 08 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Our Trip to The Lake - 2013

  

  A water snake chomping down on a fish and ready to feast on my leg.I am an overprotective parent to an embarrassing degree.Looking for "bugs" is a great... Read more

  Posted on 05 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• Checking out More of My Ornamental Grasses

  

  As the calendar swiftly moves from July to August, so does my attention move from the faded blooms on many of the perennials to the building excitement with mos... Read more

  Posted on 02 August 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• New Additions to the Family

  

  It is with incredible joy and unhinged excitement that I would like to introduce you all to the following new members of my extended family. Read more

  Posted on 31 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME

• A Lunch of a Lifetime, a Surprise Bloomer, Chillin with the Critters and So...

  

  Some random garden tales for this evening: I've tried for years to successfully grow tomatoes (yes, you read that right) as I've had to battle the deer, the... Read more

  Posted on 29 July 2013 GARDENING, HOME