Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Dwarf Crested Iris: Featured Plant of The Day


Iris cristata 'Alba'
Dwarf Crested Iris


Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5A to 9A
Height    6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun


Bloom Color    White
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.


Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.


Leaf Color    Green


Culture Notes
Iris cristata will spread quickly if it likes its location.






Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Black Root: Featured Plant of The Day

Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'
    Black Root,  Bowman's Root,  Culver's Root


Type    Perennial
Hardy range    6A to 9B
Height    4' to 7' / 1.20m to 2.20m
Spread    36" to 4' / 90cm to 1.20m
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Lavender and white
Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Division of the clump can be done in the spring and stem cuttings can be taken in the summer. If plants are not grown in the full sun, they will need staking. Dead heading the spent flowers may encourage a longer blooming period. Seeds can be gathered and sown in the fall.  Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources.


Thursday, April 24, 2014

'Happy Wanderer' Vine Lilac: Featured Plant of The Day

Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer'
    Vine Lilac,  Purple Coral Pea,  False Sarsaparilla


Type    Perennial, vine
Hardy range    9A to 11
Height    4' to 6' / 1.20m to 1.80m
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Prostrate
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Color    Purple
Bloom Time    Spring and Winter

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
These vigorous climbers are grown for their attractive blossoms which appear in later winter and early spring.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Hydrangea macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty': Featured Plant of The Day

Hydrangea macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty'
syn. Hydrangea hortensis; Hydrangea opuloides 
Bigleaf Hydrangea, Florist's Hydrangea

Type Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range 5B to 9A
Height 4' to 6' / 1.20m to 1.80m
Spread 6' to 8' / 1.80m to 2.40m
Growth rate Average
Form Rounded
Exposure Full shade to partial sun

Bloom Color Blue and purple
Bloom Time Spring and Summer


Environment
This plant tolerates some drought, occasional wetness and some salt. This plant will grow in dry to occasionally wet soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.


Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

The flowers are very showy.


Culture Notes
Since the deciduous Bigleaf Hydrangea blooms on large buds formed on previous season's growth, any pruning should be done immediately after flowering. Long popular as a florist's plant, Bigleaf Hydrangea performs well in moist, rich garden soil in partial sun to fairly deep shade, where it can grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Be sure that tree roots are not competing with the roots, since this will slow growth dramatically. Flowers are bluish in acid soil, pink in neutral. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.


Pests, Diseases and Damaging Agents
Pests: Aphids, four-lined plant bug, leaf tier, rose chafers, scales and mites can infest hydrangea.

Diseases: Bacterial wilt may blight the flower clusters and leaves. Bud or flower blight infects dense flower clusters in wet weather or after frost. Several genera of fungi cause leaf spots on Hydrangea. Powdery mildews in different genera cover the undersides of leaves with light gray mold. Rust causes rusty brown pustules on the leaves.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Common Peach: Featured Plant of The Day



Prunus persica
    Common Peach,  Flowering Peach,  Ornamental Peach


Type    Tree, woody plant
Hardy range    5B to 8A
Height    15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m
Spread    15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Pink, red and white
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    Yellow
This plant has attractive fall colors.

Culture Notes
Peach trees are familiar to everyone but nearly impossible to keep in good shape.  Although trees last for only a short period (10 years or so in many landscape situations unless they receive good care and are not injured) they flower and bear fruit at an early age.  Locate the tree in an area away from turf, preferably in a large mulched bed.  This will allow the tree to develop with little competition from other plants, and minimize the chances of trunk damage from mowers and can extend its life. Plants perform best on north facing slopes in the Rocky Mountain region.

Peach trees tolerate some drought provided the roots are able to expand into a large are of soil well beyond the drip line. A regular fertilization program with slow release nitrogen is recommended to keep plants vigorous. Too much nitrogen in the soluble form could stimulate sprouting. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people. Foliage from most members of this genus is considered poisonous when ingested. Cherries compartmentalize decay poorly meaning that decay can spread rapidly inside the tree following mechanical injury to the trunk or removing large branches.

Peach trees should be located in full sun or partial shade on very well-drained, moist, acid soils.  The trees should be kept on a regular spray and fertilization schedule to insure best fruit production but this is not needed if fruit is not important.  Avoid excessive pruning as this stimulates internal sprouting.  Many trees live only 8 to 15-years.

This plant resists Japanese beetles.


Maintain adequate mulch area


Clear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line to reduce competition with turf and weeds.  This will allow roots to become established quickly and keep plants healthier. Train and prune the trunks and branches so they will not touch each other.  Remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark, or those that are likely to develop it, as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of splitting from the tree later, when the tree has grown to become an important part of the landscape.  Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size.  The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of flowers.  It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located. Flowers develop from buds formed the previous year.

Tree establishment specifications

Choose good quality trees for planting. The most common cause of young tree failure is planting too deep.  In most instances, the point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk (referred to as the root flare zone or root collar) should be located just above the soil surface.  You may have to dig into the root ball to find the root flare. If there is nursery soil over this area, scrape it off. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider because roots grow best in loose soil.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, extensive research clearly shows that there is no need to incorporate any amendments into the backfill soil. Simply use the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Simply planting with the topmost portion of the root ball slightly higher than the surrounding soil might still install the tree too deep - be sure to locate the root flare.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch to at least a six-foot diameter circle around the tree. This area should be at least two feet in diameter for each inch of tree trunk diameter and maintained during the establishment period.  Apply a thinner layer of mulch directly over the root ball but keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. This allows rainwater, irrigation and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk and applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.

Regular irrigation after planting encourages rapid root growth that is essential for tree establishment.  Trees provided with regular irrigation through the first growing season after transplanting require about 3 months (hardiness zones 9-11), 6 months (hardiness zones 7-8), or one year or more (hardiness zones 2-6) per inch of trunk diameter to fully establish roots in the landscape soil. Trees in desert climates may take longer to establish.  Trees that are under-irrigated during this establishment period (and most trees are) often require additional time to establish because roots grow more slowly.   Be prepared to irrigate through the entire establishment period, especially during periods of drought.

Irrigation also helps maintain and encourage the desirable dominant leader in the tree canopy on large-maturing trees.  Instead of a dominant leader, trees that are under-irrigated during the establishment period often develop undesirable, low, co-dominant stems and double leaders that can split from the tree later.

Unlike established plants, which do best with deep, infrequent irrigation, research clearly shows that recently transplanted trees and shrubs establish quickest with light, frequent irrigation.  For trees planted in spring or summer, provide one (cooler hardiness zones) to three irrigations (warmer hardiness zones) each week during the first few months after planting.  Daily irrigation in the warmest hardiness zones provides the quickest establishment.  Following the initial few months of frequent irrigation, provide weekly irrigation until plants are fully established.  With every irrigation, apply one (cool climates) to two (warm climates) gallons of water per inch trunk diameter (e.g. 2 to 4 gallons for a 2-inch tree) over the root ball only.  In most landscapes that receive more than 30 inches of rain or irrigation annually, if the mulch area is maintained weed-free, irrigation does not need to be applied outside of the root ball.  Never add water if the root ball is saturated.

In cooler hardiness zones, in all but the driest years, irrigation of spring- and summer-planted trees usually can be discontinued once fall color has begun. Irrigation of fall planted trees, however, should be continued until foliage has dropped from the deciduous trees in the region.  In warmer climates, irrigate fall-and winter-planted trees as described for the spring- and summer-planted trees.

In drier, desert climates there is benefit to be gained from applying additional irrigation outside of the root ball area. This is best done by making a large diameter berm four to six inches high, then filling it with water so it percolates into the soil.  For the first two years, irrigate twice each week through the spring, once per week in summer provided monsoons arrive, and twice each week again in fall if it remains warm.  Taper off watering to once or twice each month in winter and resume twice weekly next spring.  For years three to five, water twice per month in spring, summer, and fall and once or twice per month in winter.  During years five through seven, water once every three weeks in warm weather and once every six weeks in winter.  After this, the drought-tolerant desert trees should be able to survive on natural rainfall.

Trees with good, strong structure need no pruning at planting, except to remove broken twigs.  Do not remove branches to compensate for root loss - research has shown that this can be detrimental to establishment.

Spring transplanting best

Balled-and-burlapped and bare root trees recover best when transplanted in late winter or early spring in the cooler portions of North America.  This usually corresponds to the initiation of root growth.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Hardy Orchid: Featured Plant of The Day

 Bletilla striata
    Chinese Ground Orchid,  Hyacinth Bletilla,  Hardy Orchid

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5B to 9B
Height    10" to 18" / 25cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Irregular or sprawling
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Color    Lavender
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

Environment
This plant will grow in wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Soil should not dry out, as this will cause less flowering on the plant the next season.   Mulch deeply when in the northern climates, but dig the bulbs when frost is near and store them inside.  Otherwise, a deep mulch will provide protection.  With milder winters, plant about 1" deep in the fall; otherwise, plant as soon as possible in the spring.  Keep cool and dry once the ribbed leaves have fallen.  The rare cultivar, 'Alba', will flower white.




Wednesday, April 9, 2014

'Prism Sunshine' Garden Petunia: Featured Plant of The Day


Petunia x hybrida 'Prism Sunshine'
    Garden Petunia



Type    Annual
Height    12" to 14" / 30cm to 35cm
Spread    15" to 20" / 40cm to 50cm
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Spreading or horizontal
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun


Bloom Color    Yellow
Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green
This plant has fragrant foliage.

Culture Notes
Petunias belong to the Solanaceae family and come originally from South America. The current hybrid varieties originate from crosses between Petunia axillaris and P. violacea. The most important culture groups are the large flowering (Grandiflora) and the slightly smaller (Multiflora). In addition, the hanging types, such as the "Surfinia" and "Wave" series, and small flowering types ("Milliflora") are gaining ground strongly. Thanks to new, fashionable sorts and colors, Petunia is still one of the most popular summer flowers. The attractively colored plants require little care and can tolerate sun and heat, but need regular watering.

The yellow, grandiflora Petunia 'Prism Sunshine' earned the Gold Medal award for its compactness, uniformity (F1 hybrid) and rapid growth.  However, what is most predominant about this plant is its beautiful, light yellow flowers that, in contrast to existing yellow varieties, do not fade or discolor. In the garden, it grows to form an impressive plant with a very attractive radiating color that flowers abundantly over a long period.  It also was a 1998 All America Selections bedding plant winner.

Petunias are usually purchased in flower, but 'Prism Sunshine' is perfect for hobby gardeners to sow. In the middle of May or after the last frost, the Petunia can be planted outside in the garden or in pots on a sunny patio or balcony. Ensure good porous ground, sufficient water and not too much fertilizer. The sunny color contrasts superbly against the dark ground, or against darker tinted flowers such as other Petunias, Fuchsia 'Florabelle' or scarlet Lobelia speciosa. This medal winning Petunia really comes into glory standing alone between low bushes and leafy plants, bringing a ray of sunshine to the garden or the balcony.


Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Blue-eyed Grass: Featured Plant of The Day

Sisyrinchium bermudianum
 Blue-eyed Grass


Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5A to 8B
Height    8" to 10" / 20cm to 25cm
Spread    8" to 12" / 20cm to 30cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun


Bloom Color    Blue
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

Environment
This plant tolerates some salt.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Do not allow this plant to dry out during the growing season.  It self-sows readily, and division is recommended after its long flowering season.  The blue star-like blossoms of S. bermudianum really stand out against its dark green foliage.


Monday, April 7, 2014

Wine & Roses Weigelia: Featured Plant of The Day


Weigela florida 'Alexandra (Wine & Roses™)' 
Old Fashioned Weigela,  Rose Weigela


Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    4B to 8A
Height    4' to 5' / 1.20m to 1.60m
Spread    4' to 5' / 1.20m to 1.60m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Full sun
Persistence    Deciduous


Bloom Color    Pink
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Purple
This plant has attractive fall colors.


Culture Notes
Weigela grows best in a sunny location and moist soil.  Shaded plants are straggly.  Weigela also dislikes crowding.  The growth rate is moderate and the shrub transplants well.  Some annual dieback and winter injury make annual pruning necessary.   Plants suffer in the deep south eastern part of the US. Foliage does not fade to green in summer heat. This cultivar recently received the Pennsylvania Horticulture Association Gold Medal Award 2000.

Planting and establishing shrubs 
The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Alpine Geranium: Featured Plant of The Day

Erodium reichardii 'Roseum'  syn. Erodium chamaedryoides 
Alpine Geranium,  Heron's Bill,  Stork's Bill


Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5A to 7A
Height    2" to 3" / 5cm to 8cm
Spread    6" to 9" / 15cm to 23cm
Growth rate    Slow
Form    Spreading or horizontal
Exposure    Full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Pink
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

Environment
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral to slightly alkaline (6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Overly moist conditions will seriously harm this alpine plant.  This mat forming plant can be increased by division in the spring or by stem cuttings in early summer.  'Roseum', with its pink blooms and darker veins, is probably the most available plant of this species.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR SPRING & SUMMER PROJECTS


CREATE A QUIET PLACE USING IRREGULAR FLAGSTONE





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ENJOY AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE COMPLETE WITH KITCHEN






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 ENJOYING A QUIET EVENING BY THE POOL