The Hort Report, from Jim Russell

06/10/2017

June is Rose Month at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Here are low landscape roses combined with catmint [nepeta]. Classic.

06/10/2017

California poppies. Gorgeous orange color. What would you combine it with?

02/17/2017

32 new photos · Album by Jim Russell

02/13/2017

I returned to Charleston this month and was happily reunited, not only with my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Charlie, but also with 3 plants that, for me, are quintessentially southern - camellia, live oak and spanish moss.

Camellias abound, blooming at this time of year, in pinks, whites and reds. They never seem to be taller than 8 or 10 feet tall. Although scentless, the flowers are stunning and the shrubs embody charm and grace.

Live oaks are majestic evergreen trees that provide a stately presence. They have a happy companionship with the Spanish moss, which may,or may not, grow through other trees and shrubs, but always seems to be present in the live oaks.

The horticultural highlight of the trip was visiting the Angel Oak, on John's Island, outside of Charleston proper. Down a non-discript gravel drive, in rustic farmland, behind an unflattering tall, chainlink fence, exists the most impressive tree ever. The oldest living tree east of the Mississippi. While 'Angel' refers to the name of a previous landowner, there was certainly a spiritual quality to the space. Monastic and reverential was the atmosphere. It was a memorable experience, and the first place I will visit upon my return.

02/12/2017

Hellebores in bloom at the Eastern Parkway entrance at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

11/12/2016

Part of the maintenance of the garden is raking up leaves in fall. It's not a one time process this was round two, with at least 1 more sweep in the weeks ahead.

07/07/2016

Here is the transformation. A woodland stream, added as a focal point in a tiny garden.

50 new photos · Album by Jim Russell

07/07/2016

Another look at the faux rock wall and water feature, which I created for a garden in Williamsburg.

54 new photos · Album by Jim Russell

01/24/2016

Let's talk gardening...

Join me on either February 6th or 7th, as your Living Lessons return to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in 2016! Click here for more information from BBG. This garden design series uses the grounds of ...

09/06/2015

Coming soon... a report on the development of a small garden in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

02/27/2015

The Advanced Master Gardening Training

Yesterday I began another round of my annual program for NYC Parks Department employees. The course formally has the unfortunately wordy title, The Advanced Master Gardening Training. The objective of the course is to introduce the participants to the terminologies, techniques and concepts of landscape design. Along the way, we look at the modern history of urban parks and some iconic garden styles. [ 97 more words. ]