Welcome Romania!Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Blooms are Appearing!
The Roses Bushes Are SendingOut Huge Blooms
The Mum Plant from Gloria & Donis About to Show its Fall Colours
The Miniature Pansies areBlooming Like Crazy!
The Black-Eyed Susan Started Slowbut is Picking up Momentum
But some have established themselves and are showing great colour.
Wait until next spring when we can get to them all as soon as the frost lifts!
Hitting Some Snags!
The Angle Saw Cutter About to Go Into ActionWe presume that eighteen years ago they must have been some kind of markers to prevent earth-moving equipment to avoid an accident, perhaps snagging gas lines buried deep underground.
We dug down a couple of feet around them and tried to pull them out of the clay. They were stuck fast!
So to the rescue came Jim, a friend in St. Kitts with an angle saw cutter. They cut those pipes in literally seconds, going through them like butter.
I had never used one of these before. You should see the sparks fly as the grind wheel bores through the steel.
It was so much fun I looked around dying for more metal to cut ... in fact, every man should have an angle saw cutter and metal to cut to let off steam!
All's well that ends well ... no one is going to be stubbing their toes on those posts anymore.
The View from the Office Window
Coach MJ in the Office Window Tallying theLatest Swim Meet Results on Her Trusty Laptop
Well all our Rock and Earth Moving is Paying off.Here's Mar's View from Her Office Window.
Wait Till Next Year When all is in Bloom!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Welcome Denmark! Visitors from 22 Countries Have Now Visited Our Garden!
Today some one from Niv, Frederiksborg came by for a visit. Hope you enjoyed your stay. Come again!
Monday, September 24, 2007
I'm losing a day or two of posting ...
Mar bought a built-in vacuum on which the installation was going to be about three hundred smackers, plus parts, plus taxes."Hey, said I, "What could be so hard installing it ourselves and save a bundle?"
So instead of posting today I will continue this project that really truly sucks ... er I hope it does LOL LOL LOL.
Love Mike
PS: "Lord give me the patience to bear", Gram always said .....
PPS: Anyone got any new swear words?
Saturday, September 22, 2007
..... from our E-mailbag : from Longueuil, Quebec
Beautiful Virtual Daises Sent from SueLPThat was a lovely idea that Brit suggested regarding dedicating a part of your garden to your Mum, Mike. Of course you would just HAVE to include some Marguerite Daisies! They come in lots of colors and I find them lovely.
I have a pink Véronique in my garden planted for our daughter,Véronique. I would have taken a pic to send you but it is not blooming right now an looks rather boring.
You both seem to be very happy with this wonderful project and I am amazed at how much progress you have made in just over two months!
Sue LP
Thanks for the daises Sue!
Yes, when a bit, (or oft more than a bit), is done every day in the garden, it sure transforms quickly from the yard of just grass we inherited.
Mar and I just came in for supper after our nightly walk up and down the new staircases and along the new paths.
Every time we take this stroll we notice how all of our new plants are all fast developing ... very satisfying indeed!
Scruffer HAS to lead in the walk and Ruffy trots along behind, just happy to be with the group.
The Yarrow Lives!
New Leaves Photographed on the Yarrow,Taken After Sunset this Evening
Brought back from Melinda's garden in St. Catharine's, it looked like they had bought the biscuit as all the existing shoots wilted and died within the first week, (as seen above surrounding the new foliage).
Shows how strong roots can be .....
There are a ton of uses for yarrow, many of them medicinal ... (and no, we're not planning to be the neighbourhood homeopaths!).
They dry extremely well, retaining most of their gorgeous yellow colour and can be used in dried floral arrangements.
Yarrow attracts butterflies and apparently the type of wasps who eat insects to feed their young ... help yourselves to all the mosquitos you want guys!
If the yarrow flowers are left to go to seed, gazillions are produced which attract the birds to the garden.
From everything we've read and been told, yarrow is a great perennial to add to any garden.
We're learning .....
An Image Found on the InternetShowing Yarrow in Full Bloom
The Fescue is Thriving
We planted two clumps of fescue in the Bonsai Bed and both are doing great.Took this shot right into the sun today ... isn't the result neat!
You can see Saint Nick, one of our newer Garden Creatures blazing in the rays of the sun at the top right.
The Lighter Side of Gardening!
I need a small favor ... if it's not too much trouble. I am going away on vacation and I need a friend to come over to water my plants while I am gone. In the hot weather they'll probably need water twice a day. Thanks a lot. I'll send you a postcard. I've attached a photo for your reference.
THE LADDER IS IN THE GARAGE
That is hilarious! Thanks for this contribution Barb!
Welcome to Belgium!
At 4:06PM today we had a visitor from Belgium, the 21st country to visit Gardenmania! (The Plot Thickens).It feels so neat to share our garden worldwide.
(It was 10:06PM their time.)
Friday, September 21, 2007
Arizona? Nope. Canada!
Our Baby Cactus
(click on image to enlarge)
Well, the little, winter-(supposed)- hardy cactus we have given a home to in the Bonsai Garden is faring as well as all the other plants.He definitely seems happy among the Japanese Maples and the fast-growing ground cover, (does anyone have a name for this invasive ground greenery?).
In fact, does anyone know the species name of this cactus?
Boy do we have a lot to learn! ... "This is a cactus and this is a well, um, er .... a pretty flower!"
If anyone else has a cactus in a northern clime, perhaps you could help us with its winter care. We're thinking mulch plus one of those small milk carrying containers to protect it from our winter.
Finally, does it work? I accidentally brushed up against it. It's not those large quils that get ya. They are easily removed. I was also stabbed with a couple of dozen minute little rust coloured ones that are virtually invisible ... until they are in your skin.
This is DEFINITELY a gift for your worst enemy if he gardens. LOL
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Two Trees or Not Two Trees? That is the Question!
When inspecting our four new locust trees today, (and they seem to be adjusting great to their new home!), we noticed one had a little pod hidden in a spray of leaves.Taking it inside, we broke it apart and found two small seeds inside.
We've planted them in the two pots above and hope they grow, so the only question left to be asnswered is, "Two Trees or not Two Trees".
The Joy of Gardening
Took this macro shot of our miniature pansies today.Sometimes a photo like this seems to capture the essense of its beauty better than in "real life".
..... from our E-mailbag : From Manitoba
Marguerite Joyce HamerWhy don't you name part of your garden after your lovely mum?
She would love that, I,m sure ... wouldn't that be nice?
Take care and keep diggin' (smile)
Brit
That's a splendid idea! We'll have to come up with something ....
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Daffodils Are In!
Cousin Ros graced us with a pack of 40 daffodils, (it actually contained 49!), when she visited us recently and it came time to plant them soonest ... but where?
The answer came yet again from, who else ... Uncle Walmart!
Their most recent and incredible garden centre clearance was these huge Terra Cotta pots measuring 11.5" tall and 10" deep ... for only two bucks a piece!
Since the garden is in its early stages of planning, this special gave us a great idea ... let's pot the daffs for now.
So five pots got eight bulbs each and one got nine. They have been placed around the garden.
Being portable offers the chance to use them on the deck, front steps or where ever next year, especially when company comes calling.
Thanks Ros! We'll be sure to shoot these pots in the spring for you when they are in full bloom.
(Hmmmm ... maybe we should run back for more of those pots and try tulips too!)
The answer came yet again from, who else ... Uncle Walmart!
Their most recent and incredible garden centre clearance was these huge Terra Cotta pots measuring 11.5" tall and 10" deep ... for only two bucks a piece!
Since the garden is in its early stages of planning, this special gave us a great idea ... let's pot the daffs for now.
So five pots got eight bulbs each and one got nine. They have been placed around the garden.
Being portable offers the chance to use them on the deck, front steps or where ever next year, especially when company comes calling.
Thanks Ros! We'll be sure to shoot these pots in the spring for you when they are in full bloom.
(Hmmmm ... maybe we should run back for more of those pots and try tulips too!)
The Last Pot Planted Lucked Out
with Nine Bulbs, the Rest Got Eight
with Nine Bulbs, the Rest Got Eight
The Rhodie Bed Got a Pot of Daffs
We Placed Three Pots of Daffs
up the East Staircase
The Birds Got One Next to Their Bath
Even the Strawberry Patch Got a Pot of Daffs
Look Who's Coming For Breakfast!
There are a pair of doves now frequenting Ruth's new birdfeeder and they were here this morning at the crack of dawn for an early breakfast.They seem to be so gentle, because they feed happily among the sparrows with no apparent arguments, (well there was one minor one we overheard about which party should win in the upcoming provincial elections ... but that talk is obviously just for the birds).
Only one of the doves comes down to eat; its partner sitting watch nearby on a tree limb or fence.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Today's Effort ~ The New "No Name" Bed
We built yet another small terrace in the east garden today, up the berm directly behind the Bonsai Bed.Next year we'll decide what this "No Name Bed's" permanent residents may be; for now we have planted a hosta we acquired from Melinda in St. Kitts and several lilies given to us by Alan Trafford, the Bonsai specialist.
In the image above, the new "No Name Bed" stands out from all the other limestone we have carted in ... it is the lighter and flatter limestone from Chris & Jayne's which I had suspected was straight from a quarry.
I was sort of right. Chris explained today that they had pulled it all out of their place when they were digging their own garden .... seems the builder had blasted that survey with dynamite prior to its development. Guess in time it will darken to the same hue of the limestone we have been pulling off the mountain.
In all probability our rock was pulled from the fields one by one with horses or oxen by the United Empire Loyalists when they first developed their farms in the Niagara frontier. It was all thrown over the edge of the mountain and is "easy pickings", (tell my back that!), in the resulting rock fields hidden away in the forests "up there".
This same image taken less than two months ago on July 24th, when we took possession of our home, would have been all grass. It sure feels like we have made alot of progress!!!!
Oh ya, also in the pic you can see our abundance of what I call "Fairy Lights". We have gone kinda crazy and there are 60 of them spread through the property. You don't need a flashlight after sunset around here!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Another Kind Donation from Gloria & Don's Garden
In addition to all the iris and the Rose of Sharon, (see yesterday's posts), that Gloria and Don kindly donated for our garden, they also gave us two trumpet vines.
We planted them this morning against the wall. You can see in the next image just how beautiful they become.
The mature trumpet vines at Gloria and Don's send out hundreds of these little trumpets in an amazing show.
Off to Wal*Mart for a trellis ... they have a huge discount on them!
This Morning's Planting
Here's a trumpet vine in full bloom ... that will be ours faster than you can say Gardenmania!
We planted them this morning against the wall. You can see in the next image just how beautiful they become.
The mature trumpet vines at Gloria and Don's send out hundreds of these little trumpets in an amazing show.
Off to Wal*Mart for a trellis ... they have a huge discount on them!
This Morning's PlantingHere's a trumpet vine in full bloom ... that will be ours faster than you can say Gardenmania!
"Morning Has Broken"
Even with our garden construction just underway this year, what a pleasure it is to go out into the early morning light and enjoy our progress thus far.Any doubts about the stump that Scruffer and I hauled off the mountain yesterday fitting in were smashed as the first morning coffee was being enjoyed. Sitting smack dab in the east garden, it looks like it has been there for eons. The stump definitely creates a focal point in that section.
Can't wait until next summer when all of Gloria & Don's iris bloom at its base. Isn't it funny how we don't want life to go too fast, yet we can't wait to see our garden toils in full bloom.
Mar and I differ in opinion on the wall behind. I want it to disappear in an array of vines and blooms. She likes it. We'll give Scruffer the deciding vote I suppose, (knowing he likes to do #1 up against plants, LOL.)
The bird bath and feeder have been crowded all weekend as the sparrows have found this new food supply. Sorry guys for chasing you away to get this shot ... we'll go back inside so you can fill your tummies!
Welcome to the Netherlands and Malaysia! ~ Your Visits are the 19th and 20th Countries to Drop By!
Note to the Visitor from the Netherlands: SEND BULBS! Hahaha
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Planting Our New Rose of Sharon Plant from Gloria & Don = A Family Affair!
One of the plants donated to our new garden from Gloria & Don is a Rose of Sharon.
Boy, did we have a perfect spot just created for it ... the little peninsula formed on the berm by our ever-growing meandering path.
Here's Mar placing it in its new home, closely supervised by Scruffy and Ruffy.
Making a little ring around the new transplant to hold in water ...
The Scruffer is completely unsure of this new addition to the garden. He thought the dirt was just fine!
Convincing Scruff the plant belongs .......
Meanwhile, down the path, "Hey Guys, forget the dumb plant! It's the weekend. Throw the ball!"
<><><><><><><><><>
.... and BTW, here's a Rose of Sharon in full bloom ... we can't wait for ours to reach this maturity!
Boy, did we have a perfect spot just created for it ... the little peninsula formed on the berm by our ever-growing meandering path.
Here's Mar placing it in its new home, closely supervised by Scruffy and Ruffy.
Making a little ring around the new transplant to hold in water ...
The Scruffer is completely unsure of this new addition to the garden. He thought the dirt was just fine!
Convincing Scruff the plant belongs .......
Meanwhile, down the path, "Hey Guys, forget the dumb plant! It's the weekend. Throw the ball!"
<><><><><><><><><>
.... and BTW, here's a Rose of Sharon in full bloom ... we can't wait for ours to reach this maturity!
"Our Tree That Wasn't"
This morning Scruff and I went up on the mountain and dragged out this huge stump which just fit into the van. It is over six feet tall.We plunked it down on the east slope of the berm right in the middle of the existing plants, (only one hostas had to be relocated), and bingo ... it looked like it had grown and died there.
It does look artistic and natural. From one angle it looks like a camel and from another, well, just an old dead tree stump.
Ya gotta be here to appreciate it.
(Edit: Mar says it looks like a cactus)
.... then the iris and other beautiful plants arrived! ...
While Scruffer and I were up on the mountain, our old friends and neighbours, Gloria and Don, were putting together some plants for our garden from theirs, (and boy, do they have a garden!).Below the stump we moved in a row of limestone rock to create a new bed for their donated iris. Just imagine how beautiful they will be next year!
One Block from the Garden
Mar took this image yesterday one block from our home.Walks around the block on a clear night are quite gorgeous with a view of the whole shoreline of the Lake Ontario's Golden Horseshoe. Sometimes a dozen planes at a time are visible over the lake, all waiting their turn to land at Pearson.
Now back to gardening!
We Have Had Visitors from Two New Countries Today, Bringing the Total so Far to Visits from 18 Countries!
Welcome Panana!
Welcome Mexico!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Progress Report ~ September 15th, 2007
Even the birds must be getting confused! This is the third time we have moved the bath since we moved in ... but for a purpose ... close and closer to the house affording us a good look from the patio door or office windows.
We have buried the bath a bit and arched some limestone in front of it creating flower beds on two levels.
We are designing all the berm's flower beds on many levels. In that way, one day, when all is in bloom on the whole berm, we should see all the flowers in one look from the house since they'll be at different strata.
Look at Scruffy ... just waiting to be the first one to try the latest extension to the meandering path along the berm. This section winds into the new strawberry patch. Won't it be neat once the edges of the path have grown in with ferns, hostas and flowers!
An image doesn't always reflect slopes. There is fall off of a few feet between the strawberry patch at the right to the point where Scruff is standing.
The beginnings of our strawberry patch were created this weekend, including its first three plants.
We look forward to the day we see our grandchildren sneak up on the berm's path for a delicious berry!
Hey, forget that ... I look forward to the day Mar and I sneak up there with a hot chocolate fondue on a crisp June evening and go crazy! Y*U*M*M*Y!!!!
BTW ... found this site ... lots of neat tips ... fertilizing and especially mulching strawberry plants through winter ...
Growing Strawberries in Ontario
Well here's the overall view of the east end of our garden as seen from the patio window ... we think a marked improvement over what was there when we arrived less than two months ago on July 24th ... it was basically just grass ... now, wait till it is all planted, grown up, greens of every shade and flowering!
We have buried the bath a bit and arched some limestone in front of it creating flower beds on two levels.
We are designing all the berm's flower beds on many levels. In that way, one day, when all is in bloom on the whole berm, we should see all the flowers in one look from the house since they'll be at different strata.
Look at Scruffy ... just waiting to be the first one to try the latest extension to the meandering path along the berm. This section winds into the new strawberry patch. Won't it be neat once the edges of the path have grown in with ferns, hostas and flowers!
An image doesn't always reflect slopes. There is fall off of a few feet between the strawberry patch at the right to the point where Scruff is standing.
The beginnings of our strawberry patch were created this weekend, including its first three plants.
We look forward to the day we see our grandchildren sneak up on the berm's path for a delicious berry!
Hey, forget that ... I look forward to the day Mar and I sneak up there with a hot chocolate fondue on a crisp June evening and go crazy! Y*U*M*M*Y!!!!
BTW ... found this site ... lots of neat tips ... fertilizing and especially mulching strawberry plants through winter ...
Growing Strawberries in Ontario
Well here's the overall view of the east end of our garden as seen from the patio window ... we think a marked improvement over what was there when we arrived less than two months ago on July 24th ... it was basically just grass ... now, wait till it is all planted, grown up, greens of every shade and flowering!
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Greetings from the Niagara!
Enjoying a hike on the Bruce Trail near our home.
Welcome to All Green Thumbs!
This is Marilyn & Mike
This is Definitely Mike!
Gnome Sweet Gnome
Hardiness Zone Colour Legend
Hardiness Zone Map ~ Great Lakes
Hardiness Zone Map ~ USA
Great Source for Perennials!!!!
Cindy Ripley
6 Nursey Lane (No Kidding!)
Fonthill
905-892-5598
cindyripley@hotmail.com
Best call or E-mail for an appointment
We bought 45 plants for $30 on July 10/07.
That has to be the best price anywhere!
She has them growing in her garden, plus has pictures of all, so great way to choose your own.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
6 Nursey Lane (No Kidding!)
Fonthill
905-892-5598
cindyripley@hotmail.com
Best call or E-mail for an appointment
We bought 45 plants for $30 on July 10/07.
That has to be the best price anywhere!
She has them growing in her garden, plus has pictures of all, so great way to choose your own.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Bee Balm
Monarda (bee balm, horsemint, oswego tea, or bergamot) is a genus consisting of roughly 16 species of erect, herbaceous annual or perennial plants in the Lamiaceae, indigenous to North America. Ranging in height from 1 to 3 feet (0.2 to 0.9 m), the plants have an equal spread, with slender and long-tapering (lanceolate) leaves; the leaves are opposite on stem, smooth to nearly hairy, lightly serrated margins, and range from 3 to 6 inches (7 to 14 cm) long. In all species, the leaves, when crushed, exude a spicy, highly fragrant oil.
Cleome
Cleome is a genus of flowering plants traditionally included in the family Capparaceae. Some recent classifications (e.g. the APG II system have included the Capparaceae within Brassicaceae, while others classifications have transferred Cleome (along with other related genera) to its own family Cleomaceae, separate from both Capparaceae and Brassicaceae.
Candy Lily
Pardancanda norrisii, candy lily. 36". Candy lilies are hybrids between Belamcanda chinensis and Pardanthopsis dichotoma. They are very similar to Belamcanda but with larger flowers in a wider range of colors from blue and purples through yellows, reds, oranges, and bi-colors, with or without dark spots on the petals. Individual blooms last for one day but keep coming for weeks. They have iris like foliage and are often mistaken for iris, especially when they first emerge. Plant Pardancanda in average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Plants divide easily in spring or late summer. Plants often self sow, but the seedlings are easily transplanted or weeded out. If fungul or bacterial leaf spot become a problem, trim off affected foliage and move plants to a location with more sun, better drainage, and better air circulation.
Chinese Lantern
Physalis alkekengi (Bladder-cherry, Chinese Lantern, Japanese-lantern, or Winter cherry; Japanese: hozuki), is a relative of P. peruviana (Cape Gooseberry), easily identifiable by the larger, bright orange to red papery covering over its fruit, which resemble Chinese lanterns. It is native from southern Europe east across southern Asia to Japan. It is a popular ornamental plant, though can be invasive with its wide-spreading root system sending up new shoots some distance from where it was originally planted.
Columbine
Aquilegia caerulea is a species of Aquilegia native to the Rocky Mountains from Montana south to New Mexico and west to Idaho and Arizona. Common names include Colorado Blue Columbine and Rocky Mountain Columbine, the latter also shared with Aquilegia saximontana. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 20-60 cm tall. The flowers are very variable in color, from pale blue (as in the species name caerulea) to white, pale yellow and pinkish; very commonly the flowers are bicolored, with the sepals a different shade to the petals. Aquilegia caerulea is the state flower of Colorado. It is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens, with numerous cultivars selected for different flower colors. There are five varieties: Aquilegia caerulea var. alpina, Aquilegia caerulea var. caerulea, Aquilegia caerulea var. daileyae, Aquilegia caerulea var. ochroleuca, and Aquilegia caerulea var. pinetorum.
Cornflower
The Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) also known as Bachelor's button, Basket flower, and Boutonniere flower is a small annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Europe. It is an annual plant growing to 40-90 cm tall, with grey-green branched stems. The leaves are lanceolate, 1-4 cm long. The flowers are most commonly an intense blue colour, produced in flowerheads (capitula) 1.5-3 cm diameter, with a ring of a few large, spreading ray florets surrounding a central cluster of disc florets. The blue pigment is protocyanin, which in roses is red. In the past it often grew as a weed in crop fields. It is now endangered in its native habitat by agricultural intensification, particularly over-use of herbicides, destroying its habitat; in the United Kingdom it has declined from 264 sites to just 3 sites in the last 50 years. It is also however, through introduction as an ornamental plant in gardens and a seed contaminant in crop seeds, now naturalised in many other parts of the world, including North America and parts of Australia. It is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, where several cultivars have been selected with varying pastel colours, including pink and purple. It is also occasionally used as a culinary ornament. Cornflowers have been used and prized historically for its blue pigment. Cornflowers are often used as an ingredient in tea and is famous in the Lady Grey blend of Twinings. In folklore, cornflowers were worn by young men in love; if the flower faded too quickly, it was taken as a sign that the man's love was unrequited. In herbalism a decoction of cornflower is effective in treating conjunctivitis, and as a wash for tired eyes. The Blue Cornflower has been the national flower of Estonia since 1968 and symbolizes daily bread to Estonians. It is also the symbol of the Estonian political party, Rahvaliit, the Finnish political party, National Coalition Party, and the Swedish political party, Liberal People's Party. The Cornflower is also often seen as an inspiration for the romantic symbol of the Blue Flower. The Blue Cornflower was the favourite flower of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Because of its ties to royalty, authors such as Theodor Fontane have used it, often sarcastically, to comment the social and political climate of the time. In Austria it is a political symbol for pan-German and rightist ideas. The Members of the Freedom Party wore it at 2005's Parliament Opening. The Cornflower is the national flower of Poland.
Delphinium
Delphinium is a genus of about 250 species of annual, biennial or perennial flowering plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The common name, shared with the closely related genus Consolida, is Larkspur. The leaves are deeply lobed with 3-7 toothed, pointed lobes. The main flowering stem is erect, and varies greatly in size between the species, from 10 cm in some alpine species, up to 2 m tall in the larger meadowland species; it is topped by many flowers, varying between purple, blue, red, yellow or white. The flower has five petals which grow together to form a hollow flower with a spur at the end, which gives the plant its name. The seeds are small and shiny black. The plants flower from late spring to late summer, and are pollinated by butterflies and bumble bees. Despite the toxicity, Delphinium species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Dot Moth and Small Angle Shades. Other names are, lark's heel (Shakespeare), lark's claw and knight's spur. The scientific name is taken from Dioscorides and describes the shape of the bud, which is thought to look like a (rather fat) dolphin. The Forking Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) prefers chalky loams. It grows wild in cornfields, but has become very rare nowadays. The flowers are commonly purple, but a white variety exists as well. Baker's larkspur (Delphinium bakeri) and Yellow larkspur (D. luteum), both native to very restricted areas of California, are highly endangered species. Many species are cultivated as garden plants, with numerous cultivars having been selected for their denser, more prominent flowers. All parts of the plant contain an alkaloid delphinine and are very poisonous, causing vomiting when eaten, and death in larger amounts. In small amounts, extracts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine. Gerard's herball reports that drinking the seed of larkspur was thought to help against the stings of scorpions, and that other poisonous animals could not move when covered by the herb, but does not believe it himself. Grieve's herbal reports that the seeds can be used against parasites, especially lice and their nits in the hair. A tincture is used against asthma and dropsy. The juice of the flowers, mixed with alum, gives a blue ink. The plant was connected to Saint Odile and in popular medicine used against eye-diseases. It was one of the herbs used on the feast of St. John and as such warded against lightning. In Transylvania, it was used to keep witches from the stables, probably because of its blue color. Larkspur, especially tall larkspur, is a significant cause of cattle poisoning on rangelands in the western United States. Larkspur is more common in high-elevation areas, and many ranchers will delay moving cattle onto such ranges until late summer when the toxicity of the plants is reduced.
Dianthus
Dianthus is a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species extending south to north Africa, and one species (D. repens) in arctic North America. Common names include carnation (D. caryophyllus), pink (D. plumarius and related species) and sweet william (D. barbatus). The name Dianthus is from the Greek words dios ("god") and anthos ("flower"), and was cited by the Greek botanist Theophrastus. The species are mostly perennial herbs, a few are annual or biennial, and some are low subshrubs with woody basal stems. The leaves are opposite, simple, mostly linear and often strongly glaucous grey-green to blue-green. The flowers have five petals, typically with a frilled margin, and are (in almost all species) pale to dark pink. One species (D. knappii) has yellow flowers with a purple centre. Dianthus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, Double-striped Pug, Large Yellow Underwing and The Lychnis. Also three species of Coleophora case-bearers feed exclusively on Dianthus: C. dianthi, C. dianthivora and C. musculella (which feeds exclusively on D. suberbus). The colour pink may be named after the flower. The origin of the flower name 'pink' is unknown; it has been suggested that it comes from the frilled edge of the flowers, which look as though they were cut with pinking shears, but actually, the shears were patented in 1893 and got their name from the flower.
False Dragonhead
Physostegia virginiana is more commonly known as Obedience Plant or False Dragonhead, since when bent, the stems will take the new shape. Obedience Plant can grow up to 4 feet tall. Small white flowers bloom on the plant in July and August. It will spread by rhizomes, and can spread at a very fast rate. The flowers are usually white, though light pink flowers are also possible. It is a perennial that is native to most of the United States, except for the Pacific Coast states.
Foxglove
Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and biennials that was traditionally placed in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. Due to new genetic research, it has now been placed in the much enlarged family Plantaginaceae. The genus is native to Europe, western and central Asia and northwestern Africa. The term digitalis is also used for preparations containing cardiac glycosides, particularly digoxin, extracted from plants of this genus. The members of this genus are known in English as foxgloves. The scientific name means "finger-like", and refers to the ease with which a flower of Digitalis purpurea can be fitted over a human fingertip. The flowers are produced on a tall spike, are tubular, and vary in colour with species, from purple to pink, white and yellow. The best-known species is the Common Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. It is a biennial, often grown as an ornamental plant due to its showy flowers, that range in colour from purples through to whites, with variable marks and spotting. The first year of growth produces only the long, basal leaves, while in the second year the erect leafy stem 0.5-2.5 m tall develops. The larvae of the Foxglove Pug feed on the flowers of Digitalis purpurea. Other Lepidoptera species feed on the leaves including Lesser Yellow Underwing.
Globe Thistle
The Globe Thistle is very interesting if one likes thorny, prickly plants. The leaves are large, deeply cut and very prickly. The stems are silver-white, while the flowers are either white or a grayish metallic blue. The flower heads are round like a ball and are entirely covered with needle-like thistles All of the species bloom from June or July through September. Echinops Rilro has deep steel blue flowers and grows about 3 feet high E. sphaerocephalus is the tallest growing species, attaining a height of from 5 feet to 7 feet with large, white flowers. All the Globe Thistles are distinctive plants and are well adapted to plant in borders, among shrubbery or to use as bold specimen plants. The flower heads, which are excellent for cutting, can be dried and will remain attractive for months, They are also suitable for naturalizing in wild gardens.
Gloriosa Daisy
Rudbeckia hirta (common names :Black-eyed Susan, Blackiehead, Brown Betty, Brown Daisy, Brown-eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy, Golden Jerusalem, Poorland Daisy, Yellow Daisy, Yellow Ox-eye Daisy) is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is an upright annual (sometimes biennial or perennial) native to most of North America, and is one of a number of plants with the common name Black-eyed Susan that also has purple on the side. The plant can reach a height of 1-2 m. It has alternate, mostly basal leaves 20-75 cm long, covered by coarse hair. It flowers from June to August, with inflorescences measuring 10-15 cm in diameter (up to 30 cm in some cultivars), with yellow ray florets circling a brown, domed center of disc florets. Black-eyed Susan was designated the state Floral Emblem of Maryland in 1918.
Hen and Chicks
Hen and chicks is a common name for a group of small succulents belonging to the flowering plant family Crassulaceae, native to Europe and northern Africa. They grow close to the ground with leaves formed around each other in a rosette, and propagating by offsets. The 'hen' is the main plant, and the 'chicks' are the offspring, which start as tiny buds on the main plant and soon sprout their own roots, taking up residence close to the mother plant. Plants commonly referred to as "Hens and chicks" include ground hugging species of Sempervivum (Houseleeks) such as Sempervivum Pekinese, Sempervivum arachnoideum (Cobweb Houseleek), and Sempervivum tectorum (Common Houseleek); the related genus Jovibarba. The name is also used for some species of Echeveria, Sedum and Bergenia although these plants differ significantly from, and should not be confused with, Sempervivum and Jovibarba. The description below provides characteristics of Sempervivum and Jovibarba only. Aside from the common morphology, the many species of hen and chicks differ widely in appearance. Colours range from lime green to burgundy to purple, and size varies from as small as 1 cm to as large as 20 cm across. The leaves can be thin and spiky or thick and rounded with a pointed tip. Some, such as Cobweb Houseleek, have fine spiderweb-like filaments that grow naturally from leaf edge to leaf edge, forming a white cover on the top of the plant, while others have fine hairs that cover the entire plant structure. Upon maturity (usually around 3 to 4 years old) the plant will send up a single stalk that can reach 5-15 cm tall. The head of the stalk is a cluster of star-shaped flower buds 1-2 cm in diameter, which range in color from dark pink to yellow and that flower for several weeks. After blooming, the plant will die. Usually by this time it has produced many offsets ('chicks'). Hen and chicks are popular in gardens for their varied and interesting appearance and hardiness. They are grown as container planting or rock gardens. They do best in well-drained, rocky soil; if they stay wet, the outer leaves will rot. Although they do best in sun, they will grow in light shade.
Hollyhock
The hollyhocks comprise about 60 species of flowering plants in the genus Alcea (Ál-ce-a) in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to southwest and central Asia. They are biennial or short-lived perennial plants growing to 1-3 m tall, with broad, rounded, palmately lobed leaves and numerous flowers, pink or yellow in the wild species, on the erect central stem. Alcea species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix quadrigemina and the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). Hollyhocks are popular garden ornamental plants, cultivars selected, particularly from A. rosea. The flowers have been selected for variations in colour, with dark purple, red and white-flowered plants available in addition to the colours found in wild plants. Hollyhocks are very drought resistant, and do well in full sun locations that might be too hot or dry for other plants. They produce large, flat coin-shaped seeds (1/2" diameter) that seem to grow easily wherever they drop. While an individual plant might only live a handful of years, by that time chances are good it will leave plenty of descendants. They have very long taproots which make transplanting difficult. A stylized, symmetrical hollyhock is the seal of the Tokugawa family in Japan, and is often used as a reference to the era in Japan's history where that family ruled the country.
Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium foliosissimum is easy to spot and identify because of its growth patterns: it is often in dense to loosely scattered colonies in open mountain meadows; it grows tall (commonly two to three feet) in an open, airy manner; and its leaves are finely cut. Its abundance of softly lavender/ blue/purple flowers are borne in numerous, showy clusters. Altogether, Polemonium foliosissimum is a softly appealing, lovely plant. Charles Parry first found this plant for science in Colorado and it was named by Asa Gray in 1878. "Foliosissimum" is Greek for "very leafy".
Lupin
Lupin, often spelled lupine in North America, is the common name for members of the genus Lupinus in the family Fabaceae. The genus comprises between 150-200 species, and has a wide distribution in the Mediterranean region - Subgen. Lupinus, and the Americas - Subgen. Platycarpos (Wats.) Kurl. The species are mostly herbaceous perennial plants 0.3-1.5 m tall, but some are annual plants and a few are shrubs up to 3 m tall, with one, Lupinus jaimehintoniana, a tree 8 m high with a trunk 20 cm in diameter, from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. They have a characteristic and easily recognised leaf shape, with soft green to grey-green or silvery leaves with the blades usually palmately divided into 5–17 leaflets or reduced to a single leaflet in a few species of the southeastern United States; in many species, the leaves are hairy with silvery hairs, often densely so. The flowers are produced in dense or open whorls on an erect spike, each flower 1-2 cm long, with a typical peaflower shape with an upper 'standard', two lateral 'wings' and two lower petals fused as a 'keel'. The fruit is a pod containing several seeds. Like most members of this family, lupins can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into ammonia, fertilizing the soil for other plants (see legume). The genus Lupinus is nodulated by the soil microorganism Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus). Some species have a long central tap root. The yellow legume seeds of Lupins, commonly called Lupini beans, were quite popular with the Romans and they spread the cultivation of them throughout the Roman Empire. Today, Lupini are most commonly found in Mediterranean countries, especially in Portugal, Egypt, and Italy, and also in Brazil & In Spanish Harlem, where it is popular along with beer. In Portuguese the Lupini Beans are known as "tremoços". In Antalya, Turkey it is known as Tirmis amongst the local people. The Andean American variety of this bean is the Lupinus mutabilis, a widespread food during the Incan Empire. They are commonly sold in a salty solution in jars (like olives and pickles) and can be eaten with or without the skin. Lupins are popular ornamental plants in gardens. There are numerous hybrids and cultivars. Some species, such as Lupinus polyphyllus and hybrids like the Rainbow Lupin (Lupinus × regalis) are common garden flowers. Others, such as the Yellow Bush Lupin L. arboreus are considered invasive weeds when they appear outside their native range. Lupins are also cultivated as forage and grain legumes. Three Mediterranean species of lupin, Lupinus angustifolius (Blue Lupin), Lupinus albus (White Lupin) and Lupinus luteus (Yellow Lupin) are cultivated for livestock and poultry feed and for human consumption. The Andean Lupin Lupinus mutabilis and the Mediterranean L. albus, L. angustifolius[2] and L. hirsutus[3](these varieties are known locally as altramuz in Spain and Argentina) are also edible after soaking the seeds for some days in salted water [4]. These lupins are referred to as sweet lupins because they contain smaller amounts of toxic alkaloids than the bitter varieties. Both sweet and bitter lupins in feed can cause livestock poisoning. Lupin poisoning is a nervous syndrome caused by alkaloids in bitter lupins, similar to Neurolathyrism. Mycotoxic lupinosis is a disease caused by lupin material that is infected with the fungus Diaporthe toxica; the fungus produces mycotoxins called phomopsins, which cause liver damage. The worst damage to lupin is caused by anthracnose, fusarium wilt, fusarium and other root rot, bacteria and viruses.
Mrs. Bradshaw
Geum (Avens) is a genus of about 50 species of perennial herbaceous plants in the rose family Rosaceae, native to Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and New Zealand. They are closely related to Potentilla and Fragaria. The Geum 'Mrs. Bradshaw‘, Geum chiloense, produces lovely scarlet, semi-double flowers that are shaped like small roses. Its fresh green, fuzzy foliage makes it different from the rest. With a plant height of 3’ and a spread of 12-18”, this is a highly valued plant. ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ has a long blooming season, from May to July, and is easy to care for. Not bothered by pest or insects, it is one to defiantly try. ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ needs full sun but can tolerate afternoon shade, in moist well-drained soil. It is a perfect addition to any cottage garden, makes a wonderful combination with bright yellows, gold’s and true blues (like Delphiniums, Salvias), for borders and mass plantings and for cuttings.
Mugho Pine (It's Moo Goo!!! Our First Garden Purchase!!)
The Mugho Pine tree, Pinus mugo mughus, may also be called the dwarf mountain pine. This evergreen little dwarf conifer has branching, upright stems evenly covered in 2-inch-long needles of a deep, dark true green. Thanks to its low growth, mugho pine can be used at the front of a border or anywhere you want year-round greenery in conifer form. Mugho pine trees do not need special soil. In nature, it often grows in slightly rocky areas with shallow topsoil. It does require good drainage. Roots grow near the surface, so using a cover soil with a 2-inch-thick mulch to protect them is recommended. These trees are easily transplanted. They make a great landscaping evergreen tree because their shape and size are controllable by shearing.
Poppy
Poppies need to be planted in full sun, in a moist but well drained area. It has a plant height and width of 24" and blooms from May until July. Poppies are best used as cut flowers, as a border plant and as underplantings to larger, late flowering perennials. They do go dormant in July or August, and the foliage will die back completely to the ground. Avoid planting in wide open spaces.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron (from the Greek: rhodos, "rose", and dendron, "tree") is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. It is a large genus with over 1000 species and most have showy flower displays. It includes the plants known to gardeners as azaleas. The Rhododendron is an interesting genus characterized by shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees, the smallest species growing to 10-20 cm tall, and the largest, R. arboreum, reported to 50 m tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1-2 cm to over 50 cm, exceptionally 100 cm in R. sinogrande. They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In some species the underside of the leaves are covered with scales (lepidote) or hairs (indumentum). Some of the best known species are noted for their many clusters of large flowers. There are alpine species with small flowers and small leaves, and tropical species such as subgenus Vireya that often grow as epiphytes. Rhododendron is a very widely distributed genus, occurring throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere except for dry areas, and extending into the Southern Hemisphere in southeastern Asia and northern Australasia. The highest species diversity is found in the Sino-Himalayan mountains from central Nepal and Sikkim east to Yunnan and Sichuan, with other significant areas of diversity in the mountains of Indo-China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. In addition, there are a significant number of tropical rhododendron species from southeast Asia to northern Australia, with 55 known species in Borneo and 164 in New Guinea [1]. Relatively fewer species occur in North America and Europe. Rhododendrons have not been found in South America or Africa. Rhododendrons are extensively hybridized in cultivation, and natural hybrids often occur in areas where species ranges overlap. There are over 28,000 cultivars of Rhododendron in the International Rhododendron Registry held by the Royal Horticultural Society. Most have been bred for their flowers, but a few are of garden interest because of ornamental leaves and some for ornamental bark or stems. Both species and hybrid rhododendrons (including azaleas) are used extensively as ornamental plants in landscaping in many parts of the world, and many species and cultivars are grown commercially for the nursery trade. Rhododendrons are often valued in landscaping for their structure, size, flowers, and the fact that many of them are evergreen [5]. Azaleas are frequently used around foundations and occasionally as hedges, and many larger-leafed rhododendrons lend themselves well to more informal plantings and woodland gardens, or as specimen plants. In some areas, larger rhododendrons can be pruned to encourage more tree-like form, with some species such as R. arboreum and R. falconeri eventually growing to 10-15 m or more tall. Like other ericaceous plants, most rhododendrons prefer acid soils with a pH of roughly 4.5-5.5; some tropical Vireyas and a few other rhododendron species grow as epiphytes and require a planting mix similar to orchids. Rhododendrons have fibrous roots and prefer well-drained soils high in organic material. In areas with poorly-drained or alkaline soils, rhododendrons are often grown in raised beds using mediums such as composted pine bark.[7]. Mulching and careful watering are important, especially before the plant is established.
Summer Skies
SUMMER SKIES is noted for its double flowers. It is a mounding, clump-forming perennial that typically grows to 24” tall and spreads to 24” wide. Features soft, violet-blue double flowers (to 1.25” diameter) with fine dark veining and a hint of greenish-white in the center. Flowers typically bloom from late spring to early summer in hot summer climates such as St. Louis, but may bloom throughout the summer into fall in cooler northern climates. Sparse late summer and/or fall rebloom may occur in St. Louis if plants are cut back hard after flowering. Deeply cut gray-green foliage. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, organic soils. Also prefers part afternoon shade in hot summer climates such as the St. Louis area. Plants may be cut or sheared back after flowering to rejuvenate, shape and/or encourage rebloom. Side stems may be removed or trimmed at any time to control spread. No serious insect or disease problems. Taller stems may need some support. Specimen, group or mass in borders, rock gardens or cottage gardens.
Sweet Million (We GOTTA Have Some Cherry Tomatoes in Our Garden!!)
Early maturing hybrid cherry type tomato. Clusters of tiny fruit are well rounded, deep red in color with a delicious sweet flavor. Tolerance to cracking and good holding qualities. Tall Indeterminate plants grow tall and require support. Maturity is 60 days from transplanting.
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