LATEST RANTS
Meet me in Norfolk, Va. for the PLANTPOP Film Festival!
Join me next Friday at the 6th Annual PLANTPOP Film Festival, celebrating the work of "incredible commissioned filmmakers. They represent the coolest plant people near them and come from cities, states, and countries all over the world." Several of the [...]
Nine Good Reasons To Let That Plant Go
The frost has come or is soon coming to a garden near you – and yet I have a sneaking suspicion (judging from the reactions on my latest Instagram post @marianne.willburn) that tough decisions are still being avoided by otherwise [...]
Getting It Done in November, Bone on Bone: A Letter from the Midwest
Cincinnati, Ohio November 3, 2024 Dear Marianne, I don’t know about you, but I garden a lot more productively when I’m rushed and surly. And I’ve been both lately. Having a hard deadline is why. My hip replacement will be [...]
“Let’s Grow Local;” A Blueprint for Smart Business/Community Environmental Impact
Despite all the buzz around planting for pollinators and other eco-gardening drives, perhaps the best and easiest ways to positively impact the environment is to simply plant trees. Last week, I was pleased to participate in Let's Grow Local, [...]
“One of my favorites: A blend of gossip, news, crusade and, yes, raw rant, it blows the cobwebs out of gardening’s mustier corners.”
– Washington Post gardening editor Adrian Higgins
Evergreen Death by Drought! Plus, a Puzzling Graphic about Root Depth
We had two long hot and dry spells in the DC area this summer, and their impact can be seen all over town. Lots of dead conifers, especially Yews and Arborviteas. (Junipers seemed to thrive.) The drought [...]
Gathering Osage Oranges
Fallen fruit of the single Osage orange tree in Yakima Arboretum. (c) Lorene Edwards Forkner When October arrives, some people get out their heavy sweaters and rake leaves. Others switch over to pumpkin spice lattes, [...]
What Makes A Plant Good?
My career has, so far, involved working with both nurseries and private gardens. I'm also involved in plant trials and, without wanting to sound too big-headed, I have a reputation as someone who knows a thing or [...]
GardenRant Voices
GardenRant is the work of these highly opinionated gardeners:
GUEST RANTS
GardenRant welcomes “guest ranters” who want to take over our little piece of cyberspace for the day. Whether you’re in the plant industry or just an ordinary gardener with an axe to grind, you’re invited. Find out more here.
