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  

I have got quite a few calls of late asking what can I do to stop the sap run after I pruned my maple tree. I would recommend no pruning on leafy trees at this time of the year until they start to leaf or flower out. If pruned at this time of the (dormant) year you will possibly have to deal with pulsing sap from the wounds.

In regards to your rose bushes the same advice should be heeded. DON”T. On roses I would suggest wait until at least May…(at the earliest). If it turns very cold after you prune your roses in our cold zone area the remaining canes can turn ‘dead” black and the rose will probably be lost…………

In conversations of great gardens and cool plants, the conversation always seems to include a question or two concerning “fragrance” in the garden. As with spectacular looking store-bought veggies that are short on flavor, so it is with so many of the shrubs that are introduced……. where is the fragrance? With this thought in mind , I decided it might be of interest to visit this topic and share a few favorites that not only will bring GREAT scents to your garden but the butterflies and hummingbirds that will make you and other garden viewers smile……

Caryopteris: Dark Knight is a favorite of mine not only because it is fragrant but because of its stellar midnight blue flowers. Filled with fragrance this mid to late summer bloomer is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Honey bees will also find this rough tough plant a true dandy.

Azaleas: Northern Light series of this very hardy plant species will give your early spring nose a royal treat. Multiple colors to choose from this plant has surprised many a gardener. I find it will do the best on an easterly exposure with AMPLE compost worked into the planting site.

Roses: Ahhhhhhhhhhh what would a garden be without a rose or two. Not only do many of the old variety roses carry a heavy early morning scent, but many of the newer introductions. It really pays to do a little research before you grab the shovel. You will also have to address the issue of deer in your particular area unless you have a hefty tear-wiping tissue in your garden tool box. Fourth of July (red and white re-blooming climber) Double Delight (Red and white) Mr Lincoln (DEEP Red) Sentimental (Purple white floribunda) Sun Sprinkles (yellow miniature)

Witch Hazel: I had to mention this plant because of two important aspects. First of all, it will not only bloom when all the other plants in your garden are still late winter sleeping, but the unique color and shape of this bloom will grab your closer inspection. On top of that, if you are not paying attention to your garden at this time of the year you will miss the show and that would be such a shame. Mild fragrace will tickle your nose if you move up close.

Cystisus: Many a gardeners nose will give off a wild sneeze with this  early spring blooming plant. Usually upright with a grass type branch structure this evergreen bloomer will knock the fragrance bottle off the shelf. Colors of yellow, lilac, and purple are the most common. They will bloom for a long period if weather permits. Lydia broom is a low spreading shrub form and is the number one choice because of it’s electric yellow blooms.

Deutzia: It is rather sad this plant does not capture more attention. With its very special cream colored blooms late spring this species should have more respect in garden centers as well as local gardens. You may have to do a little searching to find of of the many varieties but you will be rewarded when it does it’s thing in your garden.

Mock Orange: The absolute “knock out” fragrance of this GREAT plant has made its presence in gardens for a long long time and as soon as you dip your nose into one of the early spring blooms I am sure you will be off to the local nursery to make your purchase. From single white to doubles the flowers will light up and capture the gardens attention!

Butterfly Bush: I suppose this family of dramatic shrubs is very well known by gardeners around the community but I must add my two-bits worth of knowledge. Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and bloom guaranteed has this species the favorite of many a garden. From yellow to pink to dark purple the long spire type blooms will forever capture your fragrant chasing nose. There is rumor that the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture is trying to bane this plant because it can get aggressive in the western area of our state……. I HOPE NOT for the sake of central and eastern Oregon gardeners and landscapers.

Lilacs: What can I say……….. a garden without a lilac in cold climate areas would be like a kid not smiling when he sees his first sunflower bloom! From dwarf types (Miss Kim) to the old fashioned homestead purple this family has treated the earliest settlers with their sweet fragrance. Do note however that there are a few species that are almost scentless………. Some lilacs are also a sucker-less………..

Daphne: The “Rock Daphne” has got to be the choice of gardeners in cold climate areas. A low evergreen rounded shrub that will take your breath away when you smell its sweet hot pink blooms. May not be easy to find but well worth the search. The “Summerset” and the Carol Macki” are deciduous and upright versions that are equaly hardy with pale pink fragrant blooms.

Viburnums: This family is very large with over one hundred of named species. Many are not hardy so make sure you check with your local plantsman at the nursery to make sure you make the proper choice. Korean Spice is a great choice in my books, as well as Pink Dawn…….. my oh my is all I can say. Plant one of these and share the fragrance and you will have a friend forever!!!!!!!!!!!! Planted on the east side will really add to the show.

Honeysuckle Vine: The “Hall’s” honeysuckle is one of the finest there is. Fast growth, pale yellow blooms, and intoxicating fragrance will be all yours when you plant one of these. I planted one of them by our bedroom window and when it comes into bloom…………. Aphids can sometimes be a problem so make sure you keep watch. Air traffic control may also have to be set-up to help with hummingbird navigation!

If you have junipers in your landscape, January and February are perfect times to do a little corrective pruning and shaping. By doing so at this time of the year when they are dormant as soon as new growth emerges in the spring it will hide any brown edges left by pruners and hedge shearers. Remember to remove no more than one third of the overall size of the plant. Try to keep the base of the plant a little wider than the top so as to reduce browning and thinning due to lack of light.

Yew plants, Alberta spruce, and boxwood will also benefit from this time of the year pruning as well. If you can achieve more pruning with hand pruners versus hedge shearers you will minimize the brown edges on leaves and needles. Upon completion you may want to side-dress with a systemic insecticide as a preventative for summers spider mites and scale. If you use granular organic fertilizer (and I hope you are) now would be an excellent time for this chore. Our (Redmond Greenhouse) “Cold Climate” blend would be one of the best choices and would last the entire season. The microbes and mychorizae in this selection will help feed the soil and extend good drought tolerance and extended root systems. If any of your evergreens are showing signs of drying or faded greens you might want to apply a foliar spray of “Wilt-Proof”. This product has proven itself year after year guarding against our cold winters dehydration.  

Hope all is well as January starts to wind down……… Spring is on the way… Doug

I really had no intention of writing an entry into my blog at this late hour of the day, but as I wandered out to feed our chickens I happened to view the Alpine Current I had planted a few years (probably about 5 ) ago and marveled at not only it’s exsistance but it’s thriving exsistance. In full bloom with colorful yellow blossoms the plant looked like it belonged in a botanical garden!!! When planted, it was supposed to be in a line of regularly watered and maintained shrubs, but due to my sons “chucker raising” project the said shrubs were obscured from water and maintenance by the construction of lean-to sheds. Let me tell you, these plants are doing their thing and real proud of it! I must say that they did get premier planting treatment at the time, followed by generous waterings to get them established before they fell to neglect, but the end result is a testimony of their hardiness and durability.

This great plant gets to be about three to five feet tall and seems to be untouched by insects or disease. Trouble free and easy to grow. A great plant to attact wildlife as small birds and bees just love this species. After it blooms there will be a small red fruit that developes. Fall color is an additional positive feature of this hardy durable drought tolerant plant. If you are looking for this type of performance then this could be your plant. Alpine Currents would also offer a good alternative to traditional hedges. Happy Planting……………. Doug

     In recent times there has been a lot of talk and publicity about bamboo and all the things it might bring to our lives. With so much conversation I though it would be of interest for our “cold zone” gardeners to take a look at one of the species that “might” grow in our area. For several years we have stocked the “Nuda” bamboo with some positive results. It is rated for at least zero winter degrees. For the folks I have talked to that have had success they paid strict attention to planting details. VERY large amounts of a “manure” free compost worked very deeply into the soil along with the use of organic fertilizer. Water is essential especially in the typical dry cold winter season. Some have added an insulative layer of compost over and around the bamboo for the first year or so to help establish the roots. I would also recommend that the planting site be on the east side for additiional winter time protection. The genus name of the Nuda is Phyllostachys.

     We try to stock this plant whenever possible as there is a lot of local interest.    Happy Gardening     Doug

  Spring (Non-Fragrant) Blooms and then Wonderful Bird Freindly Vibrant Red Fruit

     In areas like ours this particular shrub  should be of GREAT value. It breaks dormancy early in the spring and us usually untouched by late season frost. Soon to follow will be the wonderful pink flowers that will color up the entire shrub. As I mentioned in the title intro the blooms do not have the staggering fragrance of the vine type honeysuckle. As the flowers fade they are followed by vibrant red berries that make it an ongoing treat for our feathered freinds. The leaves are thick and leather like thus holding up to severe weather conditions. I don’t think I have ever seen this shrub harmed by the freeze of cold dry climates. It warm climate areas many consider this shrub to be a touch invasive and not worth planting but for us it tickles us just fine.

     Once established this plant is EXTREMLY drought tolerant and holds-up VERY well to deer problems. It can be planted as a single plant in the back of the landscape (it gets to be about 5′-8′ tall) or you make a dandy hedge that will act as a screen, windbreak, or simply just dividing areas of your garden and landscape.

     If you are looking for TOUGH………. this plant is for you… Enjoy…Doug

I suppose if I had to pick-out the number one ornamental grass that we sell at Redmond Greenhouse if would have to be Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster “Feather Reed Grass. It seems no matter how many of these plants we bring in from our select growers we just can’t seem to keep them in stock. Selected as the plant of the year (a few years back) this tall and stately grass has only gained in popularity. A quick starter in the early spring, a dramatic eye catcher throughout the summer, and topping it off with a GRAND finale in the late autumn season complete with dynamic seed heads, this grass seems to have it all. Other “extras’ you could tack on to this plant would be it’s drought tolerance, dandy deer resistance (almost proof), and complimentary texture variance. A small start of this plant will grow very rapidly in your garden providing unique interest and added depth. I have seen them as single specimans adding intriguing interest, and in contrary I have seen them planted in mass as well as in single lines creating privacy and hedge-type settings. As you can see this plant is a true value in the landscape. One last thing I would mention is the fact that is has no known disease or insect problems……… now we are talking……. happy planting     Doug

PS: feel free to make and add comments on this blog Cold Zone Gardening 

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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

I was driving down a rural street the other day and as I came around a corner I was confronted with the spectacular beauty of a stellar early Spring bloomer. The striking azure gold colors of the blooms from the old and reliable “Forsythia” were a simple treat for my eyes. It reminded me of the importance of early spring color. May and June have an abundance of color that will light up ones landscape, but the colors of early spring are usualy colors that realy excite our late winter senses.

The Forsythia is a tough as nails plant and should do very well in most garden landscapes. There are dwarf (2′-3′) as well as traditional varieties (4′-7′) that should find a special place in some corner of your landscape. The flowers are born on new wood from last years growth so if you have a healthy and well pruned plant you should see a spectacle of color. Just remember to give a pruning to these plants “Just” after they bloom so as to stimulate lots of new growth which will bear next years spring blooms. 

Although this family of plants will do well in poor soil I realy feel you owe it to the plant to give it a good start and well fed soil. Amend the planting site with ample shovels of good organic compost plus about ten cups of a good granular organic fertilizer (try our Cold Climate Organic). In goes the plant and you have set the stage for a ”Next Spring Spectacular’ . I find it an added treat to visit the garden a couple of weeks prior to bloom and clip a couple of branches for indoor forcing. My oh my what a treat this great plant is……….. You just have to love some of these “Early Spring Bloomers.

A touch more about forsythia Click Here