flowerfarmandgardens

Camellia April Remembered

2011-06-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is a Camellia japonica 'April Remembered' part of the Ackerman series of Cold Hardy Camellias the April Series. These images were taken early May 2011

Habranthus robustus

2011-06-06T06:54:00.001-07:00

Broadleaf Monk x Daruma

2011-02-27T13:38:00.001-08:00

Orange/Red Chinese Monk Clivia

2011-02-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

Orange/Red Chinese Monk Clivia

Broadleaf Monk x Daruma

2011-02-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

As seen on October 2, 2009 on this Blog this is the same plant in bloom

C cyrtanthiflora

2011-02-12T07:36:00.001-08:00

2011-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

Senetti/Pericallis

2011-01-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

Senetti is a brand name given to new Pericallis hybrids developed in Japan by Suntory flowers Ltd. Pericallis is a relative of the common Aster and is native to the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Clivia x cyrtanthiflora

2010-03-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

The most common variety of Clivia is the Clivia miniata. There are six known species of Clivia. A Clivia x cyrtanthiflora involves an interspecific cross between two Clivia species. This plant is a cross involving Clivia miniata and Clivia nobilis. The drooping flower form comes from the Clivia nobilis parent. Clivia nobilis grows with cascading/pendant blossoms while the C. Miniata parent would have a traditional upward facing open blossom. This plant is of unknown origin. It was purchased at a North Chicago area florist and ended up here in SW MI.

Henglan x Daruma hybrid Clivia miniata

2010-03-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

This is my Henglan x Daruma Clivia miniata. This plant was imported from China. The Chinese have done miraculous things with Clivia miniata. They have dwarfed them and selected and line bred for the form of the plant. Most Clivia connoisseurs around the world have grown and selected the Clivia for the shape, color and form of the flowers. A Chinese Clivia is a living work of art and horticultural mastery and can be appreciated every month out of the year. It is not uncommon for a Chinese Clivia from a special breeder to sell from 10, 000 - 30,000 dollars and one seed can easily cost from five to one hundred dollars! -enjoy

Clivia Belgian type miniata

2010-03-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Now back to the plants. These are two of my typical Belgian type Clivia miniata happily blooming under glass here in SW MI USA.

Heliotrope sport

2010-02-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Are you detecting a theme here? From the archives a sport of Heliotrope 'Blue Wonder' submitted to Carolina Nurseries for evaluation. Also deemed unsuitable for production and once again destroyed.

This strongly variegated Heliotrope had Marguerite ornamental potato vine colored leaves. I know some of the tags read Margarita now but it was originally and is known by me as Marguerite! Anyway this sport had the strongly colored leaves that showcased the dark purple flowers. It was an extremely satisfying combination to my eyes. I have seed from this one as well so maybe a few seasons from now my own introduction? I am not sure how true the variegation will carry over from seed so I'm holding thumbs over this one.

Begonia 'Elephant Wing'

2010-02-01T18:50:00.001-08:00

My Begonia 'Elephant Wing' was found as a sport of the pink Dragon Wing Begonia. It was a plant that resembled the humble Wax Begonia on steroids. It was submitted to Carolina Nurseries for evaluation where it was deemed not unique enough for production and subsequently destroyed. The rolled rim pot in this picture was around 14 inches in diameter. If you use this scale to compare the size of the leaves you get an idea of how monstrous and incredible this plant truly was.

As a side note and from a production standpoint this plant finished at 2 wks prior to Begonia Pink Dragon Wing so in my humble opinion that in and of itself was a very desirable trait for breeding purposes. Fortunately I have saved seeds from this specimen and hope to grow out some seedlings with the same or even better traits!

My esthetic

2010-02-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

A little taste of my gardening style. Another pulled from the archives this is an entry garden at the house. There is a towering Chamaecyparis pisifera var. filifera overhead. Those are the trunks visible Left including the branch through the Fargesia. Also pictured the aforementioned Fargesia nitida 'Eisenach', Helleborus 'Ivory Prince', Rhododendron sp., Hosta sp., Heuchera 'Key Lime Pie', wax begonia, and an unknown Cotoneaster.

nicotiana

2010-01-31T07:02:00.000-08:00

From the archives this Heirloom Nicotiana is from a seed strain that both perennializes and self sows around the garden. It comes in shades or white, pink and some lovely purples. This plant really stood out against the broccoli green heads of Sedum Autumn Joy.

Passiflora incarnata Lemon Chiffon

2010-01-31T06:52:00.001-08:00

Another from the archives this variegated passiflora was discovered as a sport from a non variegated parent in 2007. The original cutting was given to me by yet another client whose garden plant was of unknown origin. I have germinated several seedlings with variegation from this parent plant but the only one I tried in the garden reverted back to the original green. The reluctance of this plant to set seed or to root from cuttings has not allowed me to build up sufficient stock to offer it to the general public.

From the archives

2010-01-31T06:44:00.000-08:00

This shot of Canna Wyoming and Ricinus (Castor Bean) Dwarf Purple adorned the gardens in and around 2003 when tropicalissimo was all the rage!

Jasminum nudiflorum

2009-11-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Jasminum nudiflorum or Winter Jasmine has been in the gardens here now 3 years. The first year it was transitioning from Tennessee but did provide a lovely display of flowers that spring. Last year I actually thought about removing the plant due to it's lack of bloom but we had quite the winter coming early and leaving late with prolonged periods of cold. The plants did little if any blooming at all. This year thanks to the mild fall temperatures we have experienced in the upper Midwest the plants are truly making up for lost time. I have been enjoying flowers for the last few weeks and they have remained unscathed through the frosty nights we have encountered thus far.

Miscanthus sp.

2009-11-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

Miscanthus is not traditionally thought of for its fall color. There are several cultivars in the trade that are described for having a display of color worthy of mention. This plant is providing quite the show this year.

Betula nigra

2009-11-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

Betula nigra or River Birch with its exfoliating bark adds both texture and color to the winter landscape.

Picea abies Norway Spruce

2009-11-23T12:48:00.001-08:00

Around Southwest Michigan there are many beautiful near mature Norway Spruce trees. I often wondered why there were so many near mature specimens around the same age especially through town and the immediately surrounding area. There are often one or a few in the plantings all the same size shape condition age so it drew my interest. Well recently while attending a lecture I received my answer. The Sears Catalog that sold homes also offered Norway Spruce so the Sears Catalog Homes and their neighbors bought and planted these trees! They have thrived and matures quite nicely. It is a shame this plant is not a plant that is offered in the trade here because these original specimens are quite a spectacular site to behold towering over and amongst the houses.

Chasmanthium latifolium

2009-11-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Chasmanthium is a shade tolerant ornamental grass that thrives on neglect and little supplemental watering. As with most ornamental grasses it is tolerant of a range of conditions and should be a very easy plant for the beginner. With it's ornamental seed heads that dangle and shimmer in the breeze it is well worth planting. The seed heads will retain their shape into early winter after which they will fall to the ground. In my conditions this plant vigorously reseeds itself which is something to take into consideration when siting this plant in the garden.

Larix kaempferi Japanese Larch

2009-11-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Larix kaempferi or Japanese Larch is a cone bearing tree or conifer. This tree is an airy deciduous needled tree. It resembles what would be traditionally thought of as an evergreen tree creating a lot of confusion for beginning gardeners. It colors up brilliant yellow with all the other deciduous trees in the area and looses all of it's needles by mid to late fall. This leaves behind these BRILLIANT little cones that to me resemble intricate little roses covering the branches. The durable little works of art can last up to an entire season on the tree!

Cares bronco and Ilex sp.

2009-11-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

Winter interest is of the utmost importance here in the frozen northland. Trees and plants begin dying back by mid October here and will remain leafless for the better part of the season up until mid May here in SW MI that is almost 8 months! To compensate evergreens and berries such as those on this ornamental rush and holly keep us sane until the rays of sunshine and warmth return in Spring. This pairing has outdone itself and I have enjoyed it for the last 2 seasons here in the garden.

Berberis thumbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana'

2009-11-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Fall color on the Crimson Pygmy Barberry a very common and durable landscape plant in the north. Plants here retain their foliage well into early winter.

Phyllostachys nuda

2009-11-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

This clone of Phyllostachys nuda has been top hardy through the last 10 winters here in SW Lower Michigan. It has been subjected to prolonged periods of sub zero temperatures and has never experienced culm damage. This bamboo plant has been able to retain all of its top growth and simply regenerates a new set of leaves once warmer temperatures return in mid to late spring. The plant is a standout in the garden and draws attention from all visitors.

Trichosanthes kirilowii

2009-10-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Snowflake Vine or Trichosanthes kirilowii is a perennial Chinese Cucumber. It is one of the 50 fundamental Herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. My 2 yr old plant in the garden has never produced a fruit until this season so I am excited to share it with you here! It's one and only fruit quickly grew to its mature size of approx. 120mm or 5 inches. It started out green and developed it's orange coloration as the season progressed.

To see flower detail pls view June entry below

Clerodendron bungei

2009-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

.........................Something unexpected from this zone 6 garden. Clerodendron bungei is not thought of as a Northern plant. It happily grows and quickly spreads in this climate and I would chance to say it could overwinter much farther north provided it was protected for the winter with mulch. It's late season blooms in hot pink provide a vibrant display that contrasts sharply with the more traditional Fall mums and pansies. If you want something different try a little Clerodendron Bungei and excite your friends and neighbors. Be aware however of it's aggressive nature as control and siting are important with this particular plant.

Berry good!

2009-10-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ilex sp. providing early Fall color with it's display of color changing berries. These orange colored berries will develop into the bright red holly berries associated with the holidays. Ilex/Hollies are evergreen and hold their berries into the winter months. Everyone knows Hollies are a staple for decorating aficionados who adorn their fireplaces, tables, and mantles with freshly plucked branches harvested in the coldest of winter months around Christmas. They are durable, dependable and quite drought tolerant once established and properly sited in the garden.

Berry Time!

2009-10-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the growing season is winding down. There are however some noteworthy plants around the garden that will carry me from Fall through early winter providing interest in the garden. Cotoneaster sp. is one such plant with it's impressive display of berries. The berries on cotoneaster last from early to mid fall and fade before the onset of winter weather. Most Cotoneaster are deciduous including this particular cv. The berries usually last just about as long as the leaves and then drop leaving behind only the architectural quality and spray like quality of the stems for the remainder of the winter.

Clivia Broadleaf Monk x Daruma

2009-10-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

Fukurin LOB Clivia

2009-10-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is my Fukurin LOB or Light of Buddha Clivia.

Eucomis pole-evansii

2009-07-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic Eucomis or Pineapple Lily this one overwinters against a south wall of the house.

Eucomis bicolor

2009-07-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

Eucomis bicolor see the spring foliage detail in May 2009! Also pictured is dwf Crimson Barberry and tentatively identified Phyllostachys nuda.

Eucomis bicolor

2009-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Morning Cloud'

2009-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Chitalpa tashkentensis 'Morning Cloud' is the result of a cross involving two distinct genera. It is a cross between Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis and Catalpa bignoides. The original cross between the 2 genera was made in the Republic of Uzbekistan which was at the time part of the Soviet Union. This wonderful tree first made its way to the States via the New York Botanical Garden in 1977. The cold hardy Catalpa lent the frost tender Chilopsis its hardiness gene and the long blooming Chilopsis provided a repeat bloom gene to the hardy Catalpa creating a super blooming hardy tree for the North. It is reported to suffer from mildew but so far has not been a problem In it's current wind swept location. This plant originated from Monrovia Nursery so it has made it's way into mainstream commerce and I believe will one day be widely available.

Campanula versicolor

2009-07-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Colocasia 'Coffee Cups'

2009-07-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

This Elephant Ear is a species type collected in the wild by an Indonesian botanist. Can you imagine coming upon a dense clump of these growing in the rainforest? Must have been an impressive and exciting discovery. Unfortunately many of the plants first released under this name were actually Colocasia 'Big Dipper'. Now Proven Winners has added it to their lineup so soon it will be widely available in the trade. The unique thing about this variety is the cup shaped leaves that collect water and dump it when it rains. Plant it within viewing distance of your porch or windows unless you enjoy lounging in the rain while it does it's trick.

Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'

2009-07-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Annual Plumbago is a fantastic filler for beds and borders. If you are a fan of true Blue you can't get a more true blue than this! No gimmicks, tricks, or photoshop is necessary to make the color of this annual a stand out in the garden. The shade blends very well with most other primary colors so you can not go wrong with it in any garden plan. It is durable, fast growing, self deadheading, heat tolerant, and water wise once established. It will bloom continuously from planting through frost. A tender perennial Plumbago will grow as a perennial in zone 8 and into a shrub from the milder areas of zone 9 south.

Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit'

2009-07-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

A front of the border plant with steely blue flowers that are long lasting this Eryngium stays put. It is not a runner like some of the other Eryngiums so will form a nice clump once established.

Trichosanthes kirilowii

2009-06-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Aptly named snowflake vine trichosanthes kirilowii surprisingly can survive the snowflakes that fly all winter here in Southwest Michigan. Related to cucumbers I was doubtful but read online that someone in Michigan had overwintered this unususal night bloomer. I just thought I had stumbled across another lovely annual climber. Little did I know now in it's second year it would provide a lovely display of snowflakes beginning in June.

Passiflora 'Clear Sky'

2009-06-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Catalpa speciosa

2009-06-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Northern Catalpa, another personal favorite considered a junk tree by most people. It has found favor with me because it is a large growing flowering tree for the north. It produces a gorgeous display of exotic colorful flowers at the beginning of summer. Maybe someday it will also find favor with homeowners and landscapers.

Pontederia cordata

2009-06-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Beautiful pickerel Rush is not commonly grown. It is a water plant and is one of my personal favorites. It is accompanied in this picture by a NOID Iris ensata (Japanese Iris) another marginal.

Hydrangea quercifolia

2009-06-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Oak leaf Hydrangea is a durable native plant. It provides multi season interest with it's long lasting color changing florets. They start out green, change to white, then reddish pink blotches develop, from there they return to green and finish out the season drying to brown. The flower heads are retained into the winter and accompany exfoliating bark and an interesting growth habit for winter interest. In addition the leaves are very attractive resembling oak leaves hence the name.

Passiflora caerulea 'Clear Sky'

2009-06-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

The first tetraploid Passionflower Passiflora caerulea 'Clear Sky' was introduced by Dr. Roland Fischer of Germany in 2001. This plant has proven itself hardy through many zone 6 SW Michigan winters. It's drawback though is it refuses to bloom in our short growing season. One plant is kept under glass through the winter so I may enjoy some flowers. There is one other tetraploid Passiflora also by Dr. Fischer called 'White Wedding' someday I will have to give it a try.

Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce'

2009-06-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sedum is one of those plants where there are many strains under one name. While researching the species name for this plant I found many different pictures of Sedum 'Blue Spruce' so there are several mutations in the trade. It was also challenging to find an agreed upon species name. I have chosen to go with Monrovia Nursery on this one so Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce' it is! The foliage behind is Cerastium.

Cerastium tomentosum

2009-05-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Snow in summer. Hmm I wonder where it gets its common name?

Cornus kousa

2009-05-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Chinese dogwood extends the dogwood season by a few weeks with it's late spring bracts. These bracts have yet to color up but are still attractive providing interest before it is truly in full bloom. The chinese dogwoods have a lovely habit and attractive bark upon maturity. There will be many lovely specimens in years to come as they have found favor with many area Landscapers. Hesperus matronalis or wild phlox can be seen in the background of this photo.

Nymphaea

2009-05-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Cold Hardy Water Lilies

Nymphaea

2009-05-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hardy water lilies have one of the longest bloom-times of any plant here in zone 6a southwestern Lower Michigan. They can be in bloom starting in late April and have had blooms up until October .

Nymphaea

2009-05-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Water lilies are not true lilies. A true lily is bulbous and a water lily grows from a rhizome. This is a fibrous wandering root system that sends up flowers and leaves as it roots along the detritus and whatever soil has settled to the base of your pond. Many are quite aggressive and need to be hauled out and shared with friends, relatives, neighbors, sold on e-bay and or traded on gardenweb every few seasons. I must say to many peoples chagrin they also make exceptional compost. (I'll take the heat for this one later)

Nymphaea

2009-05-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Cold hardy water lilies are one of the easiest of plants to grow. Once you take watering needs out of the equation half of the obstacle in gardening is removed. With proper siting and with their lighting requirements having been met they are one of the most rewarding plants and easiest to grow in the garden. In addition they are one of the most photogenic plants I am aware of. If you can't take great water lily pictures either you or your camera are broken! :0)

Matteuccia struthiopteris

2009-05-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Ostrich fern makes a fantastic showing spring into early summer but later takes backstage as the delicate effect gives way to straw brown and chocolate dying foliage. Here in sandy soil you cannot water them enough to sustain them through a hot midwest summer. I wonder if they are any different in the Pacific Northwest. Do tell

Iris fulva pumila

2009-05-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Dwarf copper Iris Iris fulva pumila.

Baptisia

2009-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Lots of serious horticulturists including Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh North Carolina have been promoting this wonderful plant and it is for good reason. It is fantastic, durable, drought tolerant, lends itself well to both formal and informal planting schemes comes in blues, purple, white, red/bronze and yellow. I am sold are you? Yet it is seldom if ever seen in commercialized plantings or private gardens. Be the first one on your block to plant a hedge for goodness sakes or just one plant (you can find a spot).

Tradescantia

2009-05-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Tradescantia nomenclature seems to be a bit of a garbled mess. Maybe I need to read up on them because I am one of their number one fans and promoters. They provide a tropicalesque look in the garden, are free flowering, drought tolerant, come in a variety of shades in the pink, purple, white and blue spectrum, require no deadheading, and freely self seed but never to the point they will overtake your garden. Oh and they are completely winter hardy into zone 4 what more do you need?

Helleborus

2009-05-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Helleborus 'Ivory Prince' has been in bloom for almost 2 months now if you include the green bracts left over from the true flowers which it produced very few of this year. It looks nothing like Monrovia Nurseries photograph of it. I love it for what it is worth. But Monrovia we'll see next year if it will produce anything resembling the picture.

Rhododendron catawbiense

2009-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is a catawbiense type purple rhodie. It is a tried and true ironclad Rhododendron for winter wind swept Southwest Michigan. If you are having trouble with Rhodies and can't get catawbiense to grow that's it there is no other.

Allium unknown

2009-05-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

This allium probably is gladiator or globemaster I will have to verify when my other alliums bloom over the next few wks. Regardless the starry flowers are quite lovely.

Allium Purple Sensation

2009-05-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

I am biased because alliums are a personal favorite but Purple Sensation really is such. The only drawback with Alliums is they begin to enter dormancy while still finishing boom. A skilled gardener or landscaper will strategically place plants to hide this dying down foliage in the border so that the display will not be marred by yellow leaves.

Rosa harrison's

2009-05-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Rose Harrison's, Pioneer rose, or Oregon trail rose is hands down the best yellow rose for northern climates. Most yellows hybrid tea's and floribundas in yellow just don't perform in this climate. Several older specimens around town produce a vibrant display from May to early June here in SW Michigan. It is not readily available other than as a pass a long plant so find a friend and get one today!

Ornithogalum

2009-05-23T14:11:00.001-07:00

Ornithogalum magnum, Centaurea, stipa and Iris

Ornithogalum

2009-05-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Ornithogalum magnum, Centaurea, Stipa and Iris

Baptisia sp.

2009-05-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Baptisia sp. also known as indigo.

Cerastium tomentosum

2009-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Photographed on 5-21-2009

Clematis montana rubens

2009-05-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Photographed on 5-21-09

Allium bulgaricum

2009-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Interesting buds on my plantings of Allium bulgaricum. Photographed on 5-14-2009

Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Blue"

2009-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

One of the new dbl Aquilegia or Columbine great for northern gardens. Blooming on 5-14-2009

Daisy profusion

2009-05-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

A steady spreader for shade to part sun Senecio aureus is a groundcover to beat. It is durable and completely cold hardy. It has glossy rounded leaves that are an attractive dark green. I would term the leaves semi-evergreen at least here in zone 6.

Summers promise

2009-05-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ornithogalum magnum

Late spring beauty

2009-05-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I really picture Centaurea as more of an early summer flower but here it is blooming in May in true color. Centaurea montana or Mountain bluet is drought tolerant, long blooming, and low maintenance. In addition to the blue form there is also a pure white.

Eucomis bicolor

2009-05-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Around the garden I saw this Eucomis bicolor sprouting and had to share it's attractive burgundy foliage. It was purchased as Eucomis bicolor from Brent and Becky's Bulbs in Gloucester Virginia. It is has proven itself fully hardy here in zone 6a. The reed-like leaf is Iris reticulata to the left of the clump.

Allium zebdanense

2009-05-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Wiry and graceful Allium zebdanense is lovely with a backdrop of Aegopodium and Daylily foliage. It is the perfect foil to the structural quality of the daylily foliage and blends well with the blanket of snow the Aegopodium provides. I love it when a happy accident turns out so spectacular such as in this situation. Allium zebdanense is native to Lebanon and Syria. It can be grown in full sun to shade.

April 24, 2009 Magnolia soulangeana

2009-05-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Magnolia x soulangeana is the oldest most commonly grown hybrid sold in the north. It has it's drawbacks such as an early bloom time. It's preferred bloom time is before the last frost date and the blooms once semi open have very little if any frost tolerance a very poor pairing with disasterous results most years. This was one of the few years the plant lived up to it's full glory (the first out of 3) so I have decided to publish a few pictures in honor of this event!

April 24, 2009 Tulipa tarda

2009-05-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

Species type tulips are a wild occurring tulip found in nature now cultivated in gardens. Tulipa tarda is one such tulip. Most gardeners shy away from the delicate beauties because of their diminutive size and understated beauty. With a proper garden plan these beauties can fill a niche and provide a spectacle in and among themselves.

Bergenia cordifolia

2009-05-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Blooming here on April 24th, 2009 we have Bergenia cordifolia. No proper English cottage type garden is complete without Bergenia. It has been a staple in the perennial border there for years and is recognized by most gardeners. I must admit we are a bit slow this side of the pond as Bergenia has just begun to catch on here in the States. Few people know what Bergenia is. Even less have seen it growing or had it in their gardens. This plant is a powerhouse. It provides year round interest with evergreen leaves that blush with tones of red and bronze once the cool nights of fall have arrived. In mid spring multitudes of bell shaped florets herald warmer temperatures arrival. The display is long lasting often two to three weeks or more. Bergenia is becoming more popular and is popping up in commercial plantings. It may soon be overused not that will be an issue at least until I tire of it!

ephemerals

2009-04-15T14:42:00.001-07:00

Scilla siberica is among the bluest of blues in the spring garden. The true beauty of the flower and coloration has proven hard to capture through the lens. The blue is darker in person and appears washed out on film. However this gem of a plant is another important part of any spring planting scheme. Content on neglect (are you following the theme with ephemerals) these plants provide color through the transitory period between early and mid spring plants. When left to their own devices they will spread happily coming up en masse while proliferating through seed dispersal over years forming carpets of deep blue wherever planted. Be it lawns, natural areas or garden settings they will be a faint memory before the staples of the garden, summer flowers and the like take center stage.

Ephemerals

2009-04-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Galanthus nivalis or snowdrops as it is commonly referred to as can often be found poking through the snow and frozen ground. Most years it is among the first flowers of Spring. It can be seen in the garden blooming as early as February. Late snows and freezing temperatures won't faze this plant it laughs at freezing temperatures and lasts from early on through mid spring. Green and white tripetal flowers beckon you in for a closer inspection. This plant serves as a welcome reminder better days are ahead and Springlike temperatures will soon arrive!

Ephemerals

2009-04-15T14:20:00.001-07:00

Ephemerals are the frequently overlooked heralds of spring. They are often times overlooked by modern gardeners due to their diminutive size. What they lack in size they make up for in ease of culture and vigor. When left to their own devices they will happily create colonies forming large naturalized areas of color in early spring gardens.

Chionodoxa forbesii is the first of many ephemerals that are a staple in older gardens. Their fleeting performance is welcomed in early to mid spring. The blue and white is reminiscent of the sky colors so seldom seen during this period and provide a reminder of what lurks behind the grey wash above.

Clivia Belgian

2009-04-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

Your prototypical Belgian twin. This was a late bloomer and had the 2 scapes so I have declared it tentatively a twin though there is no set definition other than normally producing 2 scapes simultaneously. I will keep watch for this trait during subsequent bloom periods. Not a bad form as well.

Hippeastrum 'Aphrodite'

2009-04-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hercules and his companion Aphrodite have created quite a show on the porch. Aphrodite really threw me off and I tentatively decided the bulbs were mislabeled. She started off white with red splashing with a picotee edge. I had even removed the tag as I was certain there was a problem then after a few days the electric pink just kind of faded in to the picture and voila aphrodite had emerged victorious.

Hippeastrum 'Hercules'

2009-04-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hercules is a heavy substance pink. It has to be a tetraploid if I had to guess. I have his pollen saved for hybridization with a secret partner I am hopeful even if it is a tet I will get triploid offspring. I don't even have the pod parents yet but it is in the works for a future posting maybe spring 2011 or so!

Belgian type pastel green throat Clivia

2009-04-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

This is a plant I picked up at a local superstore here in the States SW MI USA. It is highly unusual to find Clivia for sale in this area let alone one such as this. UnfortunatelyI did not have a Clivia chart for color comparison but the coloring in the picture on my monitor at least is fairly true. I pollinated it with some good pollen from another pastel but from a plant of Chinese stature. I should certainly see improvement overall in the next generation.

Variegated Anthurium

2009-04-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

This anthurium has a variegated sport or offset. I have read online that variegation in anthurium is an unstable trait but for 7.99 was well worth the "sacrifice" . I am not an anthurium enthusiast or even knowledgable about the growth requirements so we will see what kind of steward aI turn out to be for this exceptionally rare specimen. On either side of this anthurium are monk-daruma type chinese Clivia. On the left a broadleaf and right a red flowered selected as the reddest blossom amongst 100's of plants. The variegated leaves belong to a sparrow and the teeny plants at the bottom of the picture are henglan.

Hippeastrum 'Apple Blossom'

2009-04-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Cymbidium Goeringii

2009-02-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

In March of 2007 I was fortunate enough to have found a seller of Cymbidium Goeringii direct from China. I received 5 plants all of which have bloomed for me at least once. This particular plant is in it's second consecutive flowering. It will continue to bloom for a few weeks providing a welcome respite from the dismal winter of 2008-9.

2009-02-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

Papilio deserves an exclamation! I have been a huge fan of Hippeastrums since a child and this fascination continues into adulthood. Well I have finally been able to come upon a bookoo lot of Hippeastrum Papilio fulfilling some of my wildest of plant dreams. I would have preferred to have seen these blossoms nestled amongst the graceful foliage and on somewhat lengthened stems but I have many years left in which to enjoy my 2 new planters of Hippeastrum Papilio!

Hippeastrum jewel

2008-12-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

Jewel is a real Gem of a Hippeastrum. The breeder of this plant Miyake Nursery of Japan is famous for producing the teacup and other specialty Amaryllis we can not yet get here in the states. This hybrid was released in 1992 and is commercially available in the US. I am pleased to have it as part of my growing collection. It does have a slight detectable fragrance as described by Veronica M. Read in Hippeastrum: The Gardener's Amaryllis. I highly recommend this book as required reading for anyone interested in Hippeastrum. I should be enjoying flowers through Christmas and well into the new year with this plant.

Annuals they may not be

2008-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

The carex pictured here is a personal favorite. It is Carex comans 'bronco'. It is listed as zone 7 but I was hopeful it would survive and thrive here in sw lower Michigan. And that is has. I started with one 4" nursery container 2 yrs ago and this is what I have today. The tree pictured behind the Carex is a Magnolia x soulangeana and the Rhododendron a catawbiense. Also pictured is Vinca minor under the Magnolia tree.

The brownish exfoliating trunk is that of a white flowered Buddleia. This feature served as the inspiration for the underplanting of the carex bringing down the color of the trunk to the ground. In it's previous location the carex was poo poo'ed by visitors but has heralded nothing but compliments in it's new surroundings.

Savanna Inspiration

2008-11-14T13:20:00.001-08:00

This area was inspired by the African Savanna. This poor Giraffe sculpture was found in a garage and instantly inspired me to give it a proper garden. The Chasmanthium latifolium were growing all around the yard. They provided the perfect height for an underplanting that would not obscure the important parts of the sculpture. This produced the illusion this Giraffe was emerging form the Bush in true Giraffe fashion. As the backdrop I utilized Miscanthus sinensis 'gracillimus' another inspirational Savanna-esque plant. This Giraffe is apparently a very cold hardy form having survived in the garden unprotected through 2 Michigan winters!

Entry Garden

2008-11-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Helleborus 'Ivory Prince' , Heuchera ' Key Lime Pie' , Fargesia nitida 'Eisenach' , and Rhododendron 'catawbiense' greet me when I brave the outdoors during the long Michigan winters. I have read that Fargesia nitida 'Eisenach' bloomed a few yrs back which mine has not as of yet. I am fairly certain that is is true to type because it was purchased from a reputable dealer, Kurt Bluemel so I will have to see how many more seasons it persists.

more Camellia 'Survivor'

2008-11-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

The flowers have survived overnight freezes into the upper 20's so at this rate I may have a few more weeks of flowers to enjoy thanks to the moderation of Lake Michigan. Highs have been averaging from the 30's up into the 70's over the last few weeks with some sleet and snow already so these blossoms have proven their durability outdoors.

Around the Garden November 14, 2008

2008-11-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Camellia 'Survivor', 'Narumi-gata' x C. oleifera

Survivor resulted from a cross made by Dr. Cliff Parks of Camellia forest Nursery in North Carolina. It was unscathed after a mid-winter freeze January of 1985 with temperatures of -9 degrees Fahrenheit. It has been growing happily for me over 3 years here in SW Michigan. They were purchased in Tennessee by my brother and brought to trial here in zone 6. I overwintered them indoors because the first 2 seasons they bloomed too late for the garden. I really thought they were not showy enough to warrant the space under glass this year so they were placed into the garden. Low and behold the wonderful flowering I am enjoying at this time. It must have taken 2 seasons for them to acclimate to our growing season so truly in gardening patience is a virtue.

Hidden Lake Gardens: Benedict Collection

2008-03-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Another view of the Benedict Hosta Collection in Tipton Michigan at Hidden Lake Gardens.

Benedict Hosta Collection

2008-03-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Within this garden you will find 800 varieties of Hosta. The Benedict Collection is a designated American Hosta Society Display Garden. It was the second collection in the nation to receive this distinction.

Hidden Lake Gardens: Harper Collection

2008-03-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hidden Lake Gardens: Conservatory

2008-03-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Another view of the conservatory and Harper collection of Rare and Dwarf Evergreens.

Hidden Lake Gardens Conifer plantings

2008-03-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Another section of the Harper Collection and a sneak peek at the conservatory.

Hidden Lake Gardens: Harper Collection Evergreens

2008-03-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Another section of the Conifer collection.