Thursday, February 28, 2013

Dreaming Of Spring

The puppy has kept me in the mode of being a new mother, not something most people want to go through after having human babies that are all grown up!  However, it is getting a little better, sleeping through the night, being able to withstand the crate for a few hours and not having too many accidents.  Duffy has lots of hair on his back but it will be a while before the face hair fills out.  He is a cutie and I think will be a wonderful Westie.

Duffy Five Months

I was just thinking the other day what he will do to my spring garden.  Our yard is fenced but he may be on a leash for a long time until he can leave the flowers on the stems.  My daughter's Westie used to whip off the daffodils as he ran through the garden(many plants are toxic to animals).

Do you ever order bulbs and then forget what you have ordered?  I really wanted to do some unusual tulips this year and spent a great deal of time covering them in chicken wire and mulch and sprinkling Plantskydd on top.  So far, so good, but as soon as the weather warms I will have to apply a topping of more Plantskydd because the rabbits will be looking for those little nubs to poke through.

I did find my order receipt so here is a peek of what I will have coming up in the spring garden!

Christmas Orange Tulip
 
Orange Princess
 
Sensual Touch Tulip

I did order some Allium Christophii (Star Of Persia) just gorgeous at the Lurie Garden in Chicago and Northwind Perennial Farm in Wisconsin.

Allium Christophii (Star Of Persia) Northwind

Allium Shurbertii is a yearly order because the bulbs do not always produce as large specimens the following year.  They really are a conversation piece!



I know I did order some more of the Spellbinder Narcissus because they are so sturdy and last a very long time. 



Bravoure Daffodil

Two years ago I planted many Hyacinthoides and soon found out that the blue ones are the most prolific.  So, last fall I put in a variety call Excelsior.

 
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Heat Resistant Annuals For 2013

Plant breeders are paying close attention to our changing climate and each year are introducing more and more heat resistant plants.

These are just some of the new introductions that will tolerate heat.

 
Glamouflage Grape Petunia
Variegated Foliage
 
Blue A Fuse Petunia
Each flower is a different color combination.
 
Supertunia Watermelon
Self-cleaning
 
I can't wait to try this one as some of the other Supertunias are great in the heat and last all summer.
 
Trilogy Petunia
Great in the rain 
 
Supercal Artist Rose Petchoa
This is a cross between a petunia and calibrachoa and is much more heat resistant than either of the parents.
 
Supercal Blushing Pink Petchoa
 
Blushing Princess Allysum
Four to eight inches tall and trails to three feet
 
Frosty Knight Allysum
 
Sungelonia Angelonia Family
Compact, tons of blooms, white, deep pink and blue
 
Lanai Vintage Rose Verbena
 
 
 
Estrella Pink Star Verbena
 
Caliente Deep Rose Geranium
Self-cleaning, constant bloom, slightly trailing
 
 
These are just some of the new introductions for 2013 that are advertised as heat resistant.  Hopefully, we can find some of these new annuals in the nurseries.  Annuals are expensive so it is worth planting the varieties that will stand up to the heat of our recent summers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Friday, February 01, 2013

Plant Of The Year

Do we really care what has been designated as "The Plant Of The Year"?  We all have our favorite perennials but we really should take note of what is chosen each year that has sustainability for a wide range of climatic conditions, low maintenance, pest and disease resistance, available in local nurseries and will have interest through multiple seasons.  These are the attributes looked for when a plant of the year is selected.

This year Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum has been selected as the Plant Of The Year for 2013.

Solomon's Seal (Spring)

Solomon's Seal (Summer)


Variegated Solomon's Seal in the Fall

This is a plant that is on the north side of my home, some sun and lots of heat.  It received good amounts of water but never flinched in the heat, no browning, wilting or die back.  It's a winner!

2012 was another winner through heat and drought, Brunnera Jack Frost.

This is a perennial that will not disappoint, spring, summer or fall!

A great plant to intermingle in the summer border

Brunnera Jack Frost will take quite a bit of sun, no browning leaves, beautiful all spring, summer and fall.