Sneak Preview: Piet Oudolf Documentary

I’ve been following the work of Piet Oudolf for some time now. He has been called the master of site-specific design in the contemporary naturalistic planting style. Although I’ve only seen his work in photographs, the scale and scope is awesome, thoughtful, and to me, inspiring. I’m so excited to share this preview of a piece being done to feature and document his work and process.

There has been much dialogue and debate as to whether or not this style of naturalistic planting design will take root here in the US, and to what degree. Reserved for public spaces? Will it creep into mainstream residential design? Time will tell, but this I know for sure. Mr. Oudolf’s body of work is and will continue to be looked upon for generations to come as an artistic triumph of self-expression in planting design.

Oh my stars!

Corydalis temulifolia ‘Chocolate stars’

Gardens Illustrated magazine describes it this way: “Wonderful crinkle-edged, rust-coloured foliage in winter becomes almost orange in March. By April, lavender flowers deck the now bronze leaves. The whole plant gradually fades to olive green by June and sits unobtrusively in the garden until November when the first frost knocks back the green leaves and reveals the new rusty leaves emerging from below. It is a sight for sore eyes in February.”

I think that sounds just divine.

Image Source: John Grimshaw’s Garden Diary

Rehab for a Gardener?

“In January the most important thing a gardener can cultivate is themself.” So says Jojo Tulloh in the Gardens Illustrated articled titled Respect Yourself. I couldn’t agree more and liken it to nursing a nasty hangover after binging on gardening for months on end. I do my best to sleep it off and find that a little ibuprofen helps too. But what’s the use? It won’t be long before I fall off the wagon again. I always do.

Debauchery lies ahead, beneath the current pages of the calendar. Soon I’ll be drunk again with flowers and foliage. Is rehab in order? I don’t think so. I just need some time to rest, to plan, and even dream a little. Perhaps I’ll set a goal or challenge of learning a new skill over the coming party *ahem* growing season. The next drunken stupor is inevitable, but it’ll will have to wait at least until March.

No one says it better than the late Amy Winehouse (below). Happy New Year!

Too late to plant bulbs? We shall see.

I’ve been bad. I was given some bulbs this past autumn but for one reason or another, never got them in the ground. The ideal time to plant bulbs is about six weeks before the ground freezes in your area. This gives the bulbs time to root and establish themselves. We’ve already experienced one ground freeze about four weeks ago. Recently the snow melted and temps were in the 50s. I got busy and buried 75 tulip bulbs before the predicted rains began. But am I too late?

I’ve seen gardeners plant daffodils in the snow and they were beautiful the following spring. Below left: An images from a Master Gardener project I documented. The gardeners were planting daffodil bulbs in January snow. Below right: Great results despite the late planting.

This is my first time ever planting bulbs. It’s easy, but tedious if you have several bulbs to plant. It’s the digging that gets you. I don’t own one of those fancy bulb dibbles. I did all my digging with a trowel and fortunately have nice tillable soil to work with.

So, what is the best time to plant bulbs?

When the average nighttime temperature in your area is 40-to 50-degree range. For northern climates, plant in September or October, in warmer climates, you may need to plant in December or later.

If you plant too early, they might come up before the weather gets colds then die once frost comes. Planting too early can also lead to fungus or disease problems.

What if you miss the ideal time?

Let’s be honest. This happens, but don’t wait for spring or the next fall because bulbs do not survive above the ground indefinitely. If you find that you have bulbs that need to get in the ground, take your chances by planting them as soon as you can.

Here’s how I did it:

Step 1: I arranged the bulbs where I wanted them above ground. This helped me visualize the spacing and layout. Hard as you may try, it’s difficult to remember your layout once they’re underground. That’s why you start with everything layed out above ground.

Step 2: One by one, I dug a hole for each bulb. All bulbs should come with specific planting instructions. Generally speaking, tulip bulb holes should be 8 inches deep. Refer to the chart below for other bulb depth guidelines. Some bulbs will look nice planted in clumps rather than individually.

 

Step 3: With the hole prepared, I placed the bulb in the hole with the pointy-side up. I gently pressed the bulb into the bottom of the hole just to ensure that it did not roll or tip over. 

Step 4: Next, I gently sprinkled soil back in the hole being careful not let the bulb tip over as I filled in the soil. Once covered, I patted it down with my hands.

Step 5: You can lightly water the bulbs after planting to help begin the process of growing, but do not soak them or they may decay and die. I did not water as the soil was moist and rain was predicted for later that day.

So now I wait. The bulbs will lie dormant for the remainder of winter. I think it’s gonna work despite my procrastination. I did not add any bulb food or fertilizer as I figured these bulbs were already well fed and programmed for next spring. Hey, they’re lucky they even got in the ground!! Stay tuned for a progress report.

Purple Petticoats at the Junction

Remember that? I was too young to comprehend what this show was about when I watched it as a child. But that catchy theme song and opening footage? I’ll never forget! It’s what I’m reminded of every time I mention a favorite Heuchera of mine- ‘Purple Petticoats’.

I stumbled across this plant last year– a remnant of a promo we did at Sundown Gardens earlier that season. By September, four quart-sized plants remained unnoticed by customers seduced by more ample gallon-sized containers. Tending to them day after day, I noticed the subtle color changes throughout the season. The foliage was fancier than the other Heucheras and I became a bit obsessed with them. I took them home and planted them about this same time last year. Still in a tight grip of a horrible drought, I had little hope they would make it, but almost as soon as I planted them, they began to thrive. By late autumn the coloration had intensified and the foliage had become a lovely deep purple.

So, I guess I have a little Petticoat Junction of my own now. It’s on the sunnier side of the tracks, just beyond the “Shady Rest Hotel” where the edge of the shade garden meets the full sun area. ‘Purple Petticoats’ resides in the sun area. Yes, I said sun. Recent breeding trials with the native species Heuchera villosa have created plants that are able to tolerate more heat and humidity. In addition, they have increased sun tolerance and many do quite well in full sun situations. Hail to the V!

Please enjoy some images from the Junction. Note the color differences throughout the season. For an encore, I’ve attached a little real-time video. The backlight effect is caused by sun shining through a neighboring tree’s leaves.

May 6. Deep purple foliage.May 31. Green tones emerge as temperatures rise.August 1. Green hues shift to red before returning to purple in autumn. The underside of the leaf remains bright purple.

Other Heuchera villosa hybrids include: ‘Caramel’, ‘Circus’, ‘Brownies’, ‘Citronelle’, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Pistache’, ‘Tiramasu’, and ‘Frosted Violet’.

The Greatest Spectacle in Gardening

In May, two things are certain in Indiana, The Indianapolis 500 and the blooming of our state flower, the Peony. As a child, our family planted acres of tomatoes on our farm while listening to the race on a portable radio. Though we were only 35 miles away, it seemed as though we were in another universe listening to the AM broadcast. As if it weren’t exciting enough, the carefully choreographed start of the race always brought chills. Jim Nabors singing “Back Home Again in Indiana,” the “Gentleman start your engines!” from Mari Hulman George, followed by the unusual but instantly familiar sound of the cars revving their engines. It always lived up to its billing, “The greatest spectacle in racing.”

In our yard, a very different spectacle also coincided with the month of May– the blooming of the Peonies. My mom had very few perennials around the house when I was growing up. As a youngster, I found these magical ‘reappearing’ plants exquisite. It was recently that I learned our farmhouse had many established perennials when my parents purchased it in 1965. My dad found them a nuisance when mowing the lawn and “removed” nearly all of them. Only 5 were spared the fatal slash of the whirling metal blades: Yellow Bearded Iris, Tiger Lilies (probably Lilium lancifolium), a Hosta similar to H. Lancifolia, Lilly of the Valley (Convallaria majelis) and Peonies (Paeonia Festiva Maxima). This quintet taunted my inner gardener for decades, and despite a stolen moment of fascination and appreciation, my attention was often redirected back to farm work.

Today, I revel in the splendor of perennials and nothing warms my heart more than Peonies in spring. This year their display is especially glorious. I even got a bloom from the plant I accidently sprayed with Roundup three years ago. I love that it refused to die– just like my intrigue and fascination of perennials.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - May 2013

Spring is finally here and so are the blooms. In central Indiana, it’s been a long time coming but so worth the wait.  Above: The first Peony blooms have opened. Many more herbaceous varieties will follow in the coming weeks.

Winter King Hawthorn Tree

Foxglove ‘Goldcrest’

Heuchera ‘Circus’

Dwarf Red Pincushion Flower ‘Mars Midget’

Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day is a Meme created by May Dreams Gardens. Gardeners post images of what’s blooming in their garden on the 15th day of every month. All are welcome to participate.

Rediscovering My Garden

There has not been much time for the garden since I began working at Sundown Gardens just over a year ago. My enthusiasm is no match for my exhaustion. I liken it to being a chef or housekeeper. Most likely, they do not delight in cooking dinner or cleaning house after a long day at work. Yet the distance between myself and my garden has brought on something of interest– a new perspective. I see it through new eyes now. On a recent journey into the backyard, this is what I saw.

The delicate yellow blooms of Epimedium x perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten.’ Tiny, but quite cheery. Low to the ground– as in groundcover. Delicate red mottling in spring.

Pretty shades of mauve on the candles of Pinus parviflora v. ‘Glauca’ or Blue Japanese White Pine.

The short bottlebrush blooms on Fothergilla x gardenii ‘Blue Shadow’ (Blue Shadow Fothergilla) are a delight. I love white blooms and I’m inspired to create a White Garden out of annuals for the patio this year.

As the various Hostas emerge, I am struck by how intense the coloration is on the yellow plants. They seem to emit light from within, especially in the morning and early evening. Hosta ‘Paradise Island.’

The wavy edge on a Hosta leaf is referred to as a ‘piecrust edge’, and who doesn’t love pie? Hosta ‘Dancing Queen.’

This Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime’ is a tree I regularly visit and stop to ponder. Far wider than it will be tall, the new growth stretches and pushes out farther and farther every year. I always feel as though it’s trying to tell me something. 

The flowering of Aesculus hippocastanum or Horse Chestnut Tree is always a noteworthy event. The showy white flowers are quite elaborate with just a touch of pink. 

The Horse Chestnut’s foliage is large and reminds me of tropical plants.

Not my favorite tree, but I was impressed with how many samaras (helicopters) were hanging from the branches of Acer negundo or Boxelder Tree. The tree can handle higher moisture levels and perhaps that is why it seeded itself near the banks of the creek.

Two things strike me about Acer palmatum ‘Emperor 1’: First, how lateral the older branching has become and the extreme horizontal position the leaves hold on the branches. This is my one and only red tree.

I feel exuberant when I see Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’. The whimsical coloration and form of the bracts always lift my spirits.

It’s not spring in my book without Dicentra spectabilis (Old-fashioned Bleedingheart) and Peonies. Both hold special places in my heart and memory. There is something so sumptuous about a Peony bud breaking open.

There is a threat of frost this evening and I’m not too concerned about it. Just as the individual plants have grown, so too has the garden in my mind’s eye. I hold the images of lovely springs past and present there. Come what may. Nothing lasts forever.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - April 2013

What a difference a year makes! This time last year I had Peonies and Dicentra blooming. We are nowhere near that this year. Spring has sprung, and only the true spring bloomers have come out to play.

Hellebore Ivory Prince. The last blooms are slowly turning to green and will soon become indiscernible from the plant’s foliage.

An interior detail shot of the Hellebore Ivory Prince flower.

Hellebore White Spotted Lady presents a dynamic color contrast. Hellebores are great in the shade garden.

The maples are also begining to bloom. This is the early bloom stage of O isami Japanese Maple. Maple tree blossoms are fleeting.

I love the color combination of the Star Magnolia Tree buds. The softest shades of pink and light grey green are so sophisticated.

Before the bloom turns snow white, diffused pink shades appear on the petals. 

This flamboyant bloom is Bloom-A-Thon® Lavender Reblooming Azalea. I was given two plants so I could observe their bloom cycles and test their hardiness. This azalea’s flowers should last for 4-6 weeks in spring, and then another 12-16 weeks in summer and fall. 

Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day is a Meme created by May Dreams Gardens. Gardeners post images of what’s blooming in their garden on the 15th day of every month. All are welcome to participate.

Make Way for Hellebores

One of the very sure signals of winter’s departure is the emergence of Hellebore buds in my garden. Although some species can bloom as early as Christmas, mine are late winter bloomers, hence the common name Lenten Rose.

I grow Hellebores for their evergreen foliage, but the bonus is the very early blooms. They are relatively care-free and make great companion plants to my Hostas. Hellebores are typically sold as shade plants and that indeed is one of the benefits of this plant, but many Hellebores can receive a fair amount of sun all year long and do just fine.

When the weather cooperates, I jump outdoors and remove the old tattered foliage to reveal the emerging flower stalks beneath. This practice known as “deadleafing” shows off the flowers much better than leaving them to compete against the old battered foliage.

To begin, I inspect the plants to check how high the buds are. This is my cue for how close to let the pruners come to the plant’s interior. Note: On old leaves its normal to see browning and blackening of tissues as the individual leaves go through their natural life cycles. If you see this in otherwise active and healthy tissue, it could be a sign of a fatal disease known as “Black Death”.

Next, I snip away at the plant removing the old stems and leaves. This technique need not be precise. The new growth will eventually cover the snipped stems.

I collect the spent foliage and discard it away from the garden. This will reduce the spread of any harbored disease to other plants.

There, all nice and trim. Over the next week or so, the plant will fill out and hide the recent cuts. When blooms are spent, simply remove them and enjoy the lovely evergreen foliage all year long.

Although Hellebores will grow in a variety of soil conditions, adequate soil preparation is the key to long-term health and vigor. This is true for many ornamental perennials. Welcome Spring!

A View on Winter

In anticipation of our first snow, I surveyed the garden to see what I would see. Camera in tow, I headed down the stairs in the blustery wind and rain. What would possess me? Not exactly sure, but this I know for sure: I am driven by a strange desire to visit my plants– no matter what time of year. I have developed a profound connection with the plants. 

Most perennials have been cut back to the ground and the trees and shrubs are now in complete focus. What do I see? Decline. Decay. Deterioration. Yet in the midst of this seasonal decomposition, a bit of steadfast determination has caught my eye. Possibility. Optimism. Is this a metaphor for hope?

Tiny buds wait patiently.

Cones cling tightly.

Green is ever so green.

The seasons of one’s life are really no different than those of the garden. Some seasons transition beautifully from one to another. Others are harsh and relentless. Like a garden, one must have a little expectation of better days to come. A stoic bud ready to open when inclement seasons have passed– a garden is life, filled with patience and hope.

Despite the dreary cold day which brought rain, thunder and lighting, the sun also shown near the afternoon’s final hours. Tonight will bring snow and a whole new crystallized palette for the garden.

And I, I will wait patiently.

Autumn's Closing Door

As winter knocks on the garden door, I sieze every moment to survey the back lawn and take in the lingering autumn view. No fall is ever the same, and this year we are surprised to see several leaves still clinging on to the Chestnut Tree (upper left). Not so long ago, the heat was unbearable and droughty conditions threatened to wreak havoc. But now, the morning air is biting and often accompanied by frost crystals. The few hours of sunlight draw elongated shadows upon the terrain. The deciduous trees are but mere skeletons of their former voluminous selves. The time has come to wrap things up, and each day presents itself with all sorts of necessary tasks to be accomplished before the snow begins to fly.

Mid November and we are still planting. A practice that I am more comfortable with having worked at the nursery this year. As long as the earth is tillable, I’m game for planting trees, shrubs, even a few select perennials like Peonies.

These Peonies were given to me by a customer of Sundown Gardens, the garden center and nursery where I work. She indicated they had been purchased several years ago at Sundown when it was a peony farm. That was decades ago. I found it enchanting that they had come full circle- back to Sundown and now on to a new gardener’s home. This particular plant is Paeonia lactiflora ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’.


Other areas of the garden are getting cleaned up for the winter months. Leaves are raked out, branches and brambles pruned. Every year, I cut back my Limelight Hydrangeas and take out any branches that are growing into the plant. Limelights bloom on new growth, so there is no risk of cutting off next year’s blooms. I also take time to loosen and rake the mulch which has formed a hard crust over the top. I want to be sure that any moisture from rain or melting snow penetrates the mulch instead of running off.

Terra Cotta pots have been emptied and scrubbed to remove salt buildup from fertilizer and hard water deposits. They are ready for a dip in a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) which will rid them of any lingering diseases and chemical residue that may have set in during the growing season.

While some plants are taking up residence in the garden, others will have to wait until next season. My Acer palmatum ‘Beni hime’ or ‘Beni hime’ Japanese Maple is one that shall remain homeless this winter. I simply can’t decide whether to plant him in the ground, or in a container.

I purchased the very small maple from Dannaher Landscaping & Nursery. They specialize in rare and unusual plants, especially conifers. This little Japanese maple was grafted by David Dannaher several years ago. It’s a dwarf grower whose annual growth rarely exceeds 1-2 inches per year. Because they are difficult to propagate, there aren’t many available for purchase. I just love the tiny leaves which are about the size of a penny.

And so, another Thanksgiving comes and goes. This is a time of year that is typically melancholy. But instead of feeling sadness for autumn’s closing door, I’m actually looking forward to winter’s arrival. I have worked hard to turn my gardening obsession into a full time career and more than ever, I welcome a little downtime.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - October 2012

So, here we are. It’s officially fall and not much is blooming, at least not in my garden. I do have a couple of things to share though. We’ve had two frosts and temps in the lower 30s already, but despite these two occurrences, the Geraniums (annual and perennial) are still blooming. Above, the pink flower is an annual from the Caliente Geranium series (Geranium Pelargonium). What I love about this variety, aside from its blooming power, is the semi-trailing habit. It’s perfect for containers where you need a little ‘spill’ action over the sides. I’ve deconstructed my summer pots already, but could not bring myself to get rid of these beauties.

Pictured above, Rozanne Geranium was a plant I kept my eye on all season at the garden center. I was told that this particular plant was a prolific bloomer and would bloom till a hard killing frost. As the season went on, the plants in pots indeed kept blooming. We sold them by the hundreds and my curiosity got the best of me. In late September, I finally took the plunge and purchased five plants to try in my own garden. True to form, they have kept blooming. Wayside Gardens calls this plant “The Geranium of the Millennium!”  The blooms are brilliant and seem to glow in the garden beds. I plan to line the sunny area below the Juniper (pictured below) if the plants survive our Zone 5 & 6 winter.

Even from a distance, the five small Rozanne Geranium have a presence. Imagine what they’ll look like when they mature. If all goes well, I will add up to six more plants to this area.

Earlier this spring I planted one Heptacodium miconioides– a large fountain-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub. The common name of this shrub is Seven-Son Flower. The blooms are actually white (in September), but more interesting than that are the small purplish-red fruits that follow. They are crowned by five showy, sepal-like pink calyces that elongate after the bloom. They last into late fall. In winter, this shrub’s tan bark will exfoliate and reveal an attractive brown inner bark. It was only recently that I learned this plant is native to China. Unknowingly, I somehow always gravitate to plants whose origins are Asian.

Ok, technically not a bloom, the foliage of Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow is so showy that I had to include it in this post. I have a couple of favorite plants this year, and this one ranks right up there. As the temperatures have cooled, the tips of the foliage have taken on reddish-pink tones. I’m making it a point to learn more about Euphorbia this winter.

Sedum Autumn Joy is always a fall favorite. The large mass by the creek bank is always beautiful this time of year. The blooms have started turning their tell tale color of deep bronzy-red.

Looking back at the house from the creek, it’s hard to believe that summer is finally over. The fall rains have created a verdant lawn which compliments the onset of autumnal tones in the trees.

Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day is a Meme created by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. Gardeners post images of what’s blooming in their garden on the 15th day of every month. To see what’s blooming all over the world today, visit Carol’s blog.

New Shade Garden Plants: Part 2

Yes, I know it’s bit insane when you consider how many new plants I’ve introduced at Sutherland this year. But in my defense, most were on sale, or purchased with my employee discount at the garden center. And a bit of review for the newer readers: we have spent the last several years painstakingly clearing, cleaning, and amending the property and soil so we could at long last begin the fun part– planting! The following concludes my list of shade loving plants that were incorporated into the garden this season. I hope you see something you like, or better yet, have some personal experience with any of them that you can share with me.

 

Hosta ‘Fire Island’

The brilliant yellow leaves of this Hosta really caught my attention earlier this spring. By summer, the leaves had turned chartreuse and the base of each leaf stained with red from the petioles. As this plant matures, it should develop rippled edges and just a touch of corrugation (already evident on some leaves). I’m a sucker for yellow and chartreuse in the shade garden.

Height: 10-14”

Spread: 15-30”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: Midsummer

Bloom color: Lavender shades

Water: Even moisture, regular

 

Hosta ‘Hollywood Lights’

Whenever I see a pretty green Hosta, I snatch it up. So often, the green plants take a back seat to the blue, yellow and variegated variaties. The asymmetry of the variegation is refreshing after seeing so many “perfect” specimens at leaf shows. Each leaf is distinctive with the interplay of dark green margins and chartreuse centers.

Height: 23”

Spread: 43”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: Midsummer

Bloom color: Pale Lavender shades

Water: Even moisture, regular

 

Hosta ‘Hyuga Urajiro’

I can hardly pronounce the name of this little guy! It’s by far the most unusual Hosta I have in the garden. The top side of the leaves are frost blue with fine yellow streaks while the underside have a metallic silver sheen. The blooms are fantastic on arching stems– white with just a hint of pink. I’m not a fan of streaked Hostas, but I had to give this odd plant a try.

Height: 8-10”

Spread: 14-16”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: Midsummer

Bloom color: White shades

Water: Even moisture, regular

 

Crytomium x fortunei - Fortune’s Cold Hardy Holly Fern

Can ferns be macho? I say yes, and tend to be drawn to those that appear more masculine. Fortune’s has tough-looking woodland style with strong upright form and holly-like leaf formations. A nice departure from the more dainty ferns, which tend to resemble green doilies in the garden.

Height: 18-24”

Spread: 15-18”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: NA

Bloom color: NA

Water: Even moisture, regular

 

Dryopteris erythrosoia - Autumn Fern or Japanese Shield Fern

When I created my first Hosta bed, I envisioned a collection of mostly Hostas sprinkled with an occasional Hellebore and some gold grasses for contrast. As the bed grew, so did my appetite for differing plants, and dare I say color? I really like the contrasting warm tones on the new fronds of the Autumn Fern against the many shades of green, gold, and blue from the neighboring plants.

Height: 12-18”

Spread: 12-18”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: NA

Bloom color: NA

Water: Even moisture, regular

 

Polystichum polyblepharum - Tassel Fern 

Maybe what I really want is a fern garden!? Here’s another fern that I’ve introduced to the Hosta garden. The Tassel Fern is all about texture. It’s a sturdy fern with luscious shiny dark green fronds that bend backward after they emerge. The word “polyblepharum” means “many eyelashes.” Oh, and did I mention, deer resistant?

Height: 18-24”

Spread: 12-15”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: NA

Bloom color: NA

Water: Even moisture, regular

 

Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’

This was a great find! It looked terrific in the pot and has just gotten better and better since it’s been in the ground– even through the drought. The foliage and bracts are stunning in shades of cream, lime, and green. As the weather cools, the ends should become red, orange, and pink shades. Chalk this up as an excellent heat and drought tolerant plant. Technically not a ‘shade’ plant, it resides in sunny area within the shade garden.

Height: 20”

Spread: 20”

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade

Bloom time: Late spring

Bloom color: Multicolored

Water: Low to Average water needs

 

Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’

As noted in a previous post, I’ve planted around 40 of these in one mass planting. I’m a big fan of purple/burgundy foliage plants. I find the lovely plum-purple leaves with dark purple veins on this Heuchera quite sumptuous. It blooms in white/cream shades, but I find the flowers on most Heuchera quite distracting, so I cut them off immediately after they bloom. Looking forward to a big batch of plum pudding next spring.

Height: 8-10”

Spread: 12-16”

Exposure: Full Sun, Full shade

Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer

Bloom color: White shades

Water: Average water needs

 

Heuchera ‘Purple Petticoats’

The photo your are looking at was not taken by me. It’s actually from the Terra Nova website, where I learned that ‘Purple Petticoats’ placed first for winter foliage at a top horticultural show during one of Holland’s toughest winters. The frilly edges of the leaves are accentuated by the clinging frost. I hope to witness this chilly effect in my own garden this coming winter.

Height: 12”

Spread: 24”

Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

Bloom time: Spring

Bloom color: White shades

Water: Average water needs

 

September Reflection and Thanksgiving

But now in September the garden has cooled, and with it my possessiveness. The sun warms my back instead of beating on my head … The harvest has dwindled, and I have grown apart from the intense midsummer relationship that brought it on.

- Robert Finch

September has always been a favorite month of mine. The prelude to fall, my favorite garden season, I relish in the transition from searing summer to cool crisp days. The slower the better. My visual side obsesses with the hues of autumn. Cooking, in particular roasting, begins to peak my interest again, and the rush to get last minute perennials, trees, and shrubs into the ground before September’s end revives my gardener spirit no matter how long and hot the summer was.

I stayed home from work today with a nasty head cold. Being sick is no fun, but I am happy for a bit of time to sit and reflect as we anticipate another rainfall this afternoon. I miss the garden center when I’m not there. It’s an exciting time as we are receiving shipments almost as frequently as in spring. Though this time, it’s mums, corn shocks, bails of straw including bittie bails (so cute), asters, pumpkins, gourds, plus all sorts trees and shrubs. Yes, fall is just around the corner.

It seems like only yesterday the sun would beat me to chase as I would begin the 6AM ritual of endless watering in the muggy morning air. The changes of the season are certainly in the air, and the sight of my breath in the cool morning air does not bother me as much as the prospect of waking to a dark sky. Fall provides an opportunity to exhale and time to reflect on what was accomplished during the summer months. Many things were planted despite a scorching summer sans rain. I made a pact with the garden to remain focused and steadfast on plant material that I refused to lose. Today, I can look out among the lawns and smile proudly, not only at the fact that we made it, but that many are thriving. Although we have not balanced the rain deficit, we have had enough for things to break dormancy and come back with a vengeance. New growth abounds. Let’s hope for a late winter.

It’s a little early for Thanksgiving, but it’s always appropriate to be thankful. Today, I am thankful for all the wonderful gardeners and growers who have taken the time to teach me a thing or two. You know who you are, and your garden wisdom is paying off.

New Shade Garden Plants: Part 1

Working at a Garden Center and Nursery has been a blessing and a curse at the same time. It’s very difficult to resist the urge of bringing home new plants everyday. From time to time, I give into temptation and add a little something here and there at Sutherland. Looking back though, I guess it’s been more than just ‘a little’ something. Maybe I have a problem. Could I be turning into a plant collector? Could it be time for an intervention?

Before the big drought, I began with a few additions to the shade gardens. Its been difficult trying to keep it all alive during the dry period, but I think I have persevered. The following plants are new 2012 introductions at Sutherland.

 

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Rhythm and Blues’

This lovely perennial is set along the front of the house. I’m unsure of the finicky nature of this very thirsty plant, but when I saw the beautiful raspberry-pink plumes, I knew I had to give it a try. Much like a peony, the bloom period is fleeting, but so worth it. Astilbe is a great plant for color in the shade garden.

Height: 25”

Spread: 16-20”

Exposure: Part sun

Bloom time: Midsummer

Bloom color: Pink shades

Water: Prefers consistent soil moisture.

 

Thalictrum Evening Star Strain

In the Hosta garden, I’m trying this Thalicturm by Terra Nova. A grower/friend of mine gave me three of these to try and I shared two with other gardeners. I’m looking forward to next season to get a report back on their performance. This is a lovely woodland perennial with foliage like Epimedium.

Height: 8”

Spread: 10”

Exposure: Part shade, Full shade

Bloom time: Spring

Bloom color: Pink shades

Water: Average to moist

 

Thalictrum kiusianum, Dwarf Meadow Rue

In a different area of the Hosta bed I’ve placed a Thalictrum commonly known as Dwarf Meadow Rue. My goal for this slow spreader is to fill in all areas between the larger Hosta plants where unsightly mulch and bare spots are visible. The lacy foliage will contrast nicely against the larger leafed plants.

Height 4-6”

Spread 12-16”

Exposure: Part Shade

Bloom time: Summer

Bloom Color: Lilac shades

Water: Average to moist

 

Fallopia japonica ‘Variegata’, Variegated Japanese Fleeceflower 

I’m very excited about the addition of this plant as it meets several visual criteria in the garden. This is tall vigorous grower with heart-shaped creamy white leaves splashed with dark green specs. The new growth often has coral shades on reddish stems. I’ve only had the plant a few months and already I’m loving all of its attributes.

Height: 4 feet

Spread: 2-3 feet

Exposure: Full sun, Part shade

Bloom time: Late summer, Early fall

Bloom color: White shades

Water: Low to average water needs

 

Filipendula palmata ‘Variegata’, Meadowsweet

I find the large maple-shaped leaves along the stems of this plant enchanting. I maintain that I am a foliage guy and couldn’t resist these leaves splashed and marginated in white, platinum, lime and dark green. The leafy stems rise to 4 feet and in late spring are topped with a large plume of white flowers. This plant is best in part shade. Note: Apologies for this photo which focuses on the bloom and not the foliage. What was I thinking?

Height: 4-6 feet

Spread: 2 feet

Exposure: Part shade

Bloom time: June

Bloom color: White shades

Water: Moist, well-drained

 

Final thoughts: 

I’m frightened by the quantity of plants listed above and I haven’t even gotten to the Hostas, Trees, and Shrubs yet. Oh my… stay tuned.

Thalicturm Evening Star photo copyright Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - August 2012

Mid way through the eighth month of the year, I’m happy to report that there are a few things other than Knock Out Roses in bloom. No matter what the weather may bring, my Limelight Hydrangeas never disappoint. In my opinion, this underrated plant deserves to be in the ‘Sensational Shrubs’ category. It’s very low maintenance and the reliable bloom display comes on just as the rest of the garden seems to have petered out. The flower heads are large (6 to 12 inches) and emerge soft lime green, transitioning to cream in high summer. As Autumn arrives, the tiny individual blossoms fade to parchment-tan and pink. By November, dried panicles are perfect for cutting and ready for autumnal arrangments indoors. I’ve even seen a crafty gardener or two weave some panicles into holiday arrangments too!

Also blooming are the old fashioned Hosta plantaginea. These old standbys are a workhorse in the shade garden providing sturdy, upright scapes and shiny lush foliage. This well known Hosta is native to China and was first identified by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1789. Because of its many wonderful attributes, it is still used extensively in hybridization today. Hosta plantaginea is a common sight in many older shade gardens and is prized for its very fragrant pure white flowers.

These plants were donated to my hosta garden from a dear friend of my partner. She tells us that the original plants traveled from Germany in a steamer trunk of her great grandmother’s. That would put the journey back into the mid 1870s. While I can’t verify that story, I do know that many Hosta were imported into Europe long before they were in the West, so her timeline would hold true. Hmmm. In any case, generations of Hosta lovers know that few things are as lovely as the perfume of plantaginea in the summer evening air.

Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day is a Meme created by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. Gardeners post images of what’s blooming in their garden on the 15th day of every month. To see what’s blooming all over the world today, visit Carol’s blog.

Tough Choices in Times of Drought

Between work at the garden center and home, I feel like the water wand is permanently attached to my hand. We are experiencing severe drought conditions here in the Midwest and that means we have tough choices to make. If you have to choose between lawn and plants for watering– choose plants.

My lawn (pictured above) has not been mown since late May. It simply has not rained enough for it to grow. Although it looks awful, I’m not too concerned about it. It’s actually gone into dormancy and can stay this way for some time before any irreversible damage* is done. On the other hand, flowers and plants will die off without regular watering. This includes trees and shrubs!

Here are a couple of good articles on watering and dealing with drought: 

Learn to Water Well

The Top 3 Rules for Tree Care

Drought Could Limit Garden Plants’ Development Next Year

If you have tips or techniques you’d like to share on dealing with drought, leave them in the comments section. We can all benefit from each other’s gardening experience.

*Note: If you have recently installed sod or seeded a lawn, you must water it until it is fully established. 

An education, from sunup to sundown

Regular readers of this blog have no doubt noticed that my postings have been less frequent lately. You see, I have not been feeling well. My body has been plagued with mysterious ailments and pain. I can hardly straighten my back. I’m weary, weak, and a constant state of exhaustion appears to be the new norm. The joints of my knees are on fire and burn with every step my body takes. My feet are in agony and sometimes reject commands to carry me just one more step forward. My hands don’t feel normal and my fingertips can hardly clasp anything. It seems I’m losing my dexterity. The muscles in my legs are constantly spent, as if I just ran a marathon– ‘keep moving, keep moving’ a voice whispers in my head. Oh yes, and then there’s my head. Constantly swirling and racing as the list of things to do quickly outpaces the things that can be done. I’ve been feeling like I got hit by a truck. It’s not the flu though. No, I’m not sick this time. I’m working at a garden center.

If life were a game show, I made a stop on the garden center wheel. I’d wanted to do this for quite some time with the eventual goal of opening my own place one day. I’ve been watching and waiting, and on April 12, gave it a go. I can honestly say it’s everything and nothing like what I expected.

I selected my place of employment based on a private audit I had been making over the past couple of years. My choice came down to the place that offered a diverse plant selection, was tidy, and most important, exhibited signs of organization. That place is Sundown Gardens in Carmel, Indiana. Established in 1949 as a “mom and pop” peony farm, Sundown has transformed itself over many years into a sizable institution. Thankfully, it has retained that ‘small’ garden center feel. We are anything but small though. I have been placed in the Perennial department. Yes, there are departments, and separate staff (teams) for each: Annuals and Container Design, Perennials, Nursery (Trees and Shrubs), Garden Shop, Landscape Design, Landscape Maintenance and Installation, Irrigation, and Turf Management. Sundown Gardens runs about as efficient as any place I’ve seen. That’s what attracted me to it, and as a long time customer, was exactly why I chose to work there. I figured if I’m going to learn, I should learn from the best. And what an education it has been.

Going in, I felt comfortable with my tree and shrub knowledge, but was a bit surprised when I learned I would be placed in Perennials. I mean, I know a thing or two about shade gardening, but sun-loving perennials was a whole new world for me. Sundown carries such an extensive perennial selection that it rivals any of the major perennial mail order businesses. In peek season, we receive about 700 to 1000 perennial plants per week. And so the cycle goes: unload delivery truck, price each plant, stock the tables, place or create signage, design display vignettes, water, sell and repeat. That’s a lot of plants– and add to that, consults with the landscape design team and pulling orders for their projects. We monitor our inventory and bloom cycle, check plant availability lists from the growers, visit them if time allows, and place orders for the next week’s shipments. Simultaneously, the Annuals, Garden Center and Nursery teams do the same thing.

It’s now June, and the mad rush which spiked with Mother’s Day and Memorial Day has come and gone. Just like that, it was over. Our plant shipments are not quite as large now and customers are no longer in a frenzied state. The inner workings of a large garden center are anything but routine. Truth be told, I was not prepared for how physically draining it would be. For weeks, I ached. Consequently, the thought of working in my own garden seemed as appealing as a root canal. A cold hard truth had hit me. I was well-educated, well-read, and well-traveled. I could hold my own in most social situations. But when it came to this intense physical labor, I was soft. Slowly, my body has given into what I asked of it. 

My interaction with the plants is teaching me way more than any book could. I have a great mentor who from the beginning has been so generous and patient. I look back on my first days and can hardly believe that she was asking me to make Hosta selections for the store. By day three, I did my first solo day in Perennials– on a weekend no less. I guess they saw something in me and realized that I wasn’t going to be a total mess. Who knows, maybe I do know more than I give myself credit for. In any case, my education continues, and I’m more eager than ever to see gardens, discover new plants, and most of all, connect with people.

I’ve learned much in the way of perennials since that first day. I now recognize more plants in the landscape and can even recognize traits in various plants and match them up by genus (ok, I’ve done this a couple of times and got it right). I’ve become more comfortable with those Latin plant names. Some even roll off my tongue. The “common” names still puzzle me though.

I won’t pretend to fully comprehend the business side of things, as it is a bit more intricate than I imagined. However, I am hopeful that I will succeed in this area. I have great mentors to glean from, and they seem eager to share their knowledge. Part of what makes this experience so fantastic is that everyone has been extremely supportive. So, I close this post in true Oprah style, “This is what I know for sure.”

  • The garden center business is not a plant business, it’s a people business.
  • People first, plants second.
  • Nature is incredible.
  • You can’t ponder a plants relationship to this earth without contemplating your own.
  • Gardening and plants connect us, ground us, and teach us about continuity.
  • A big smile can camouflage how dirty your clothes are.