Vines/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer all kinds of questions about vines that thrive in most U.S. soils/climates, though I am more knowledgeable about Zones 4-8. I am a huge fan of vines (even the sort of "Look out, Martha, here it comes again" varieties), especially wisteria, climbing hydrangea, Carolina jessamine, and (invasive though it is) English Ivy. I grow them all, and would love to share what I've learned with you!
Experience in the area
I am a certified, active Master Gardener in Maryland (Montgomery County) and have six+ years experience working at a local garden nursery. I've been gardening for more than 20 years and have done consulting work for many residential homeowners on all aspects of gardening and garden design.
Organizations
Maryland Master Gardeners Friends of Brookside Gardens Nature Conservancy
Publications
I have authored numerous nature and gardening-related articles for publications ranging from Audubon Naturalist News to Washington Gardener magazine.
Education/Credentials
I have taken courses in Integrated Pest Management, perennials, shrubs, and vines.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrienne | 04/27/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks a bunch for the advice provided! ..... |
| Joan | 03/07/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | VERY Informative and knowledgeable. |
| Lisa | 08/22/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Excellent advice that I am going to ..... |
| Mary | 06/20/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | very helpful, with a sense of humor ..... |
| Gail | 05/19/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Kathleen was very prompt in answering my ..... |
Recent Answers from Kathleen Franklin
2013-04-26 grape vine dried up:
Good morning, Adrienne - The weather is really crazy, isn't it? Spring is always a bit unpredictable, but this year it seems like it is especially wacky. You say you are in Arizona, but it's really
2013-03-06 Vine?:
Joan, I figured out how to open the photo. Thank you! Now, I looked at it really closely and compared it to my books and plant keys, and I am not absolutely positive what you have, but - to me - it
2013-03-03 Vine?:
Hi Joan - I am sorry, but the photo did not come through. I can probably identify the vine if you give me just a few more pieces of information. 1. Does the foliage die back in winter? 2. Are there
2013-01-16 Wisteria bark problems:
Hi Dan - I am glad you've been enjoying one of my very favorite flowering vines. You did not say whether the vine is Chinese or Japanese wisteria, but it probably doesn't matter too much. What is of
2013-01-11 Pruning; "Best Practice" versus Necessity:
Good day, Dan - Wow, that must be one gorgeous display! Honeysuckle AND clematis! Probably nice whether they bloom sequentially or simultaneously. Pruning is one of those things (I've found# that
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