Archive for the ‘Flowers’ Category

         If there were one group of plants that consistently fill the ranks of “fragrant choices” for backyard gardens, it would have to be that of the fabled rose bush. As far as history can go back, people all over the world have been mesmerized by the scent of this huge family of plants. This intense interest still prevails; however the task is a little more involved due to the fact that many of today’s introductions have no fragrance whatsoever. With that thought in mind let’s take a look at some of old time favorites as well as some of the newer varieties that should add a wisp of fragrance and the chance of a lingering memory! I should also add that these potential choices have a reliable history in regards for toughness and hardiness for our arid cold gardening zone.            The old fashioned Rugosa as well as newer rugosa introductions are always a good choice of plants for our particular zone. They consistently offer a variety of wonderful fragrances, plus they often times add unique and dramatic winter interest in terms of twig color and rose hip/berry presence. Many gardeners have also found them to be some-what deer resistant! In addition, most are quite resistant to damaging insects and disease. In fact they react very badly to a wide variety of chemical sprays so often associated with rosebush care.            With that valuable information aside let’s take a look at some of the fabulous varieties we have to choose from in local garden centers. Starting the “fragrant rose line-up” would be one called William Baffin. This magnificent old timer will rise up to upwards of eight feet and fill the midsummer branches with fragrant pink blossoms. Next in line might include a variety called Therese Bugnett. Graced with summertime double red blooms it will also add wonderful winter interest of purple-red stems and glorious bright orange rosehips. Cuthbert Grant is another history laden variety with similar double red blossoms and intense early morning fragrance.            It might be important at this point to mention that many garden experts including myself would conclude that the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers could well reduce the fragrance of many types of fragrant plants. Old fashioned planting techniques including lots of organic debris, coffee grinds, and egg shells worked deeply into the soil could well provide the perfect growing soil! Synthetic fertilizers also have a tendency to shorten bloom time as well as disrupt valuable microbial soil activity.            Continuing our fragrant rose lineup I would have to include the antique variety called Morden Blush. This extremely winter hardy variety will please your senses with a spicy fragrance borne from double ivory blush blooms. Summer heat is not a problem thus it should provide a wonderful presence in your garden here on the high desert. A favorite of mine is one called John Cabot. This tough as nails, large (up to 8’) rose bush will present eye-catching dark double pink blooms off and on the entire summer season.            A quick look at some of the newer hybrid introductions might include some of the non-stop blooming floribunda types such as Sunsprite (vibrant yellow, w/ lemon fragrance), Purple tiger (purple white), and one called Hot Cocoa (dusky red). In the Hybrid Tea department such choices as April in Paris (classic pink), Double Delight (Red White), and Pope John Paul II (pristine white fresh citrus scent) would make great reliable selections. If you are in need of a fragrant climber look no farther than named varieties such as Fourth of July (red white), and Golden Showers (yellow).            The list is long and the fragrance will take you back to memorable childhood days. Take your time in making your selections and you will be rewarded with years of memory making scents and fragrances.       Happy Planting…………… Doug  

     Ahhhhhhhhhh the wonderful world of tulips and other spring flowering bulbs. The show thus far has been nothing short of spectacular. It does pay to plant a variety of “fall” bulbs because of the elongated blooming season. In particular my tulips have been a show in motion for well over two months now. I realize that many folks can’t plant tulips beacause of deer problems, and to that I do say…. I’m very sorry. However with so many other wonderful fall planted bulbs and tubers you can still have a very good show of early color. I also planted a couple of fritalaria (Crown Imperial), the yellow variety and they both did a great job of blooming as well as an increase of conversation as to “What is That!!!”

     As with all flowering bulbs make sure you don’t remove the foliage until after it turns yellow or brown. Feed your bulb beds with some or our (Redmond Greenhouse) “Cold Climate” granular organic fertilizer. This task will better ensure a repeat showiing in the spriing of 2010.

     Great early spring flowers that might help cover fading bulb foliage might include the likes of Snapdragons, violas, veronica, and calendulas. Happy early spring and I hope your early planting are doing well…………….. Doug

If there was one plant in our nursery that commands “TOP” spot in terms of popularity, quantity of sales, and “Stellar” performance in the landscape, that one plant would have to be Lydia Broom. Setting it apart from other species of this popular family is the fact that it is not upright and vertical but rather mounding and spreading achieving an overall height of about two feet or so. It is not invasive as are other species found on the western side of the Cascades. Lydia is evergreen and will grow at a medium rate. If you desire to prune this cascading plant the time to do so is right after it blooms. Remove no more than one third of the overall size of the plant. When this wonderful plants springs into seasonal bloom (usually late April or May) you had better grab your sunglasses. “Holy Cow” might come up short in terms of exciting words used to express ones feelings as you gaze upon this plant. Vibrant screaming yellow tiny blooms cover the long slender grass like branches of this plant. Blooms usually last for weeks creating a GREAT stir in your neighborhood.

            When planting make sure you amend the soil with liberal shovels of organic compost. I would also recommend about six to eight cups of our organic fertilizer “Cold Climate” which will feed the plant for an entire season as well as feeding the soil with microbes and Mycorrhizae.

            In conclusion, all I can say is, you need to get out and plant one of these plants as soon as you can before they begin to bloom in the nursery. The Planting season is now, the plants are still dormant, and you will have set the tone for a GREAT day in your rock garden when Lydia does its colorful “Spring Dance”……………..Happy Planting

      As a small child I do well remember my grandmother taking me by the hand and guiding me in the direction of my very first garden. Flowers were her love and joy in conjunction with the great outdoors. Living in the rural area of Oregon, Frenchglen to be exact was certainly a long way from the local garden center. Traditional garden seeds were hard to come by, but Grandma always seemed to have what she needed regardless of our distant location. Sweet Peas and Bachelor Buttons were two of her favorites. Easy to grow, tough as nails, and sure fire performers, helped make both of these flowers a great introduction to youthful gardening.  Sweet peas quickly became a favorite of mine as they did so well in our restless chilly spring weather. She always had me soak the seeds overnight to hasten germination, plus she instructed me to roll the moistened seeds in this powdery black material. Later identified as legume seed innoculant, I have continued to use this product on all my bean and pea seeds. It improves overall plant vigor as well as increasing blossom and subsequent fruit set on this particular species of garden plants. 

            Sweet peas come in two types of plant growth habit. Low growing bush type, plus the traditional climbing vine variety. Since they do best in cool season growing conditions we always sowed the seed in early spring (April / May) thus providing a grand show of color and fragrance usually in the month of May. Once you have grown Sweet Peas and indulged in their wonderful pastel colors and sweet fragrance you will be hooked for a lifetime of enjoyment.

            As you shop your local garden center for available seed you might just want to give a try to some of the many wonderful varieties. If you really get into it you will want to take a look at mail-order garden catalogs as well as internet sources due to their increased selections. I don’t think you will be disappointed with this new found friend of the early and cool garden. Many varieties will not only yield color to the picket fence but they make excellent cut flowers for indoor enjoyment. I have even sown a few seeds in a hanging basket to grace the early spring patio. You just might deliver  one of these fragrant bouquets to a close friend of relative, causing an unexpected smile of delight.

Now is the time to sow this wonderful seed. Enjoy!!!

As you get out into the yard and bigin your spring clean-up make sure what you do does not have to be done in repeat procedures throughout the season especially when it comes to weed. A good plan of prevention is a must unless you just love the exercise of bending and pulling. I would recommend that after you clear the area of weeds and grasses that you apply one of two granular products that will act as pre-emergence yet cause no harm to existing perennials. The products, ‘Weed and Grass Preventer” (Treflan) which is a synthetic granular product which we carry, and “Corn Weed Blocker” (a product made of natural corn by-products) an organic alternative, should offer you some very good relief from reoccurring weed sprouts. If the granules come in contact with existing perennials you should not have a problem as the product only affects un-sprouted seeds and sprouts. After applying the granular product to the target area I find it best to seal it all up by putting down at least three inches of organic compost. Water the area well which will release the product and you should stay pretty weed free for the entire season. Good Luck with the weeds.

 March is here and the tough little smiling faces are looking up and you saying Plant me Please. Beds and borders will come alive with reliable color for cold climates. You may look out on a cold morning and say……. dang, but as soon as the sun kisses their blooms all will be well. Plant with good organic compost and blended organic fertilizer (Cold Climate) and one of the first jobs of sping is done. You are feeling good and you are in the zone!

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