Workshops for the Gardener

Immerse yourself in a day full of gardening topics.  It will be an exciting day full of gardening information and fun.

Master Gardener Workshops for the Gardener

September 15, 2012

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 696 Johnson Road, Nazareth, PA 18064

All day seminar includes sessions topics:  Macro-Photography, Backyard Habitat, Composting, Vermiposting , Food Preservation, Seed Starting, Small Space Gardening, Fruit Trees, Hypertufa, Year Round Gardening, Invasive Plants, Pruning.

Keynote address "Pollinators" by Dr Anita Collins, USDA-ARS, retired. Dr. Collins has done research on honey bees for more than 40 years and is currently collaborating on a survey of native bees east of the Mississippi with the U.S. Geological Survey

Garden Fair: vendors with Birdhouses, gardening books, perennial plants, jewelry and more. 

Hurry. Registration ends August 31. Click here then click on “Workshops for the Gardener Brochure” for registration information and form.

More information or questions call:  Call Northampton County Extension Office (610) 746-1970.  Lehigh County Extension Office (610) 391-9840

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - September 2011

Sweet Autumn Clematis with Rudbeckia ‘Autumn Sun’


Few perennials are blooming in my garden this September 15. Mums, asters and anemone have not opened.  The annuals are carrying the day. 

As I looked around the garden for perennials in bloom, I had a thought -Carol’s Bloom Day Blog at May Dreams Garden is the perfect place to find other plants that are blooming now in other gardens and add them to my garden.

I can imagine planning a whole garden by following Bloom Day month by month. Of course, I would have to look for other bloggers in zone 6.  

Wouldn’t it be fun to create a virtual garden this winter from Bloom Day posts?

Here’s what’s blooming in my garden now.

Chrysanthemum ‘Clara Curtis’

Sedum Autumn Joy

Garden Phlox (pink pass-a-long and white ‘David’)

Hardy Hibiscus

Check host Carol’s Bloom Day posts and start your own virtual garden. 

The Perennial Care Manual

“The Perennial Care Manual – A Plant by Plant Guide. What To Do and When To Do It”, by Nancy J. Ondra. You can get a taste for her writing at her classy and informative blog “Hayefield”. 

This large book (8 ½” X 11” with 355 pages), replete with Bob Cardillo’s gorgeous photos, is divided into two parts - “Perennial Care Basics” and “Plant by Plant Perennial Guide”. It is one of the most readable books I’ve ever read.

The “Perennial Care Basics” section contains a lot of information to absorb. From starting a new garden to revamping the old garden, there are so many tips and tricks simply make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

For instance, I want to mulch the roses after ground freezes but, after the ground freezes, the mulch is also frozen. Nan’s advice: Cover the mulch with a tarp to keep it from freezing. I did that this year. I made my mulch pile on the patio next to the roses and covered it with a tarp. The mulch stayed warm and I mulched the roses in December. Why didn’t I think of that?”

Not in a lifetime could I get so much information in one book. Each one of the 125 perennials in the “Plant by Plant” section includes growing tips, seasonal care and troubleshooting. Inserts for most of the plants contain tips and facts not found in your average plant description.

An insert for Crocosmia:  “Definitely Deadhead – Where crocosmias thrive they may actually grow too enthusiastically to the point of being aggressive…invasive in some regions…”  I haven't had that problem yet but I will definitely keep an eye on them. Deadheading is a simple task. A few snips and the job is done.

I guess you can tell I’m a big fan of this book. I’ll be happily dreaming through it all winter and beyond!



A reminder for local gardeners:


SPRING GARDEN SERIES
Get out of the house for an evening and start thinking SPRING! The first session starts 6 PM January 17 at Bethlehem Township Community Center. Call 610-391-9840 to reserve a spot or print the brochure in the link above and send it in.
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Hot, Dry Summer

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It has been a hot, dry summer here in eastern Pennsylvania. Several years ago, in an effort to conserve water, I decided to water only new plants, vegetables, plants in pots and a few annuals. I’ve been lucky the last few years. Summer temperatures have been mostly mild and rain has been adequate.

This year we have had several heat waves (temperature above 90 degrees for at least three days). Rainfall was at least 28% below normal in August.

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It was hard to keep my resolve as I watched the astilbe dry up and fade away. The Sedums are fine as expected. Many plants survive (almost thrive) in the August heat without supplemental watering.

Annuals in the sun:

(Above) Snow on the Mountain (Euphorbia marginata) with a few cosmos sprinkled in.

Dusty Miller doesn’t seem to mind the heat or dry.

Snapdragons hide in the herb garden.

Cosmos and Cleome sometime look a little droopy in the hot afternoon sun but nod prettily every morning.

Perennials in the sun:

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).

Yellow Coneflower Rudbeckia ‘Autumn Sun’ and ‘Sweet Autumn’ Clematis
Mums are in bud.

Perennials in shade or part shade in the afternoon

Lily Turf (Liriope muscari) – one tough plant.

Lavender 'Grosso’ planted in 2004 seems to thrive on neglect
Japanese Blood Grass (Imperator cylindrical) in a sea of Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) and Mexican Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa Siskiyou) ground covers.


There are many more survivors. The plants that don’t make it will have to be replaced with a tougher plant. My garden is no place for sissies.

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Fall Colors

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It was too early this week to see fall tree color at Delaware Water Gap in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I imagine it will take another two weeks to show the brilliant yellow, orange and red of a Pennsylvania autumn.

But there are lots of fall colors in my garden.

Mums in pots and in the ground.



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The combination of ‘Super Elfin Bright Orange’ impatiens and coleus ‘Rustic Orange’ is difficult to photograph and get a true color. But here’s the general idea.



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Marigolds

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And cosmos.



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Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii) 4 to 5 feet tall.

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In a few weeks the mountains will turn gold and scarlet. The crisp fall air is energizing – a wonderful time for gardening.

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Hardy Geranium

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Hardy Geranium ‘Splish Splash’

Some plants are so reliable that they almost vanish from your garden thinking – taken for granted. ‘Splish Splash’ is that kind of plant.

Planted in part shade and well drained soil, it blooms every June in my garden. I cut the spent flowers before they go to seed. It will re-seed but it’s not invasive. Three or four new plants have volunteered during the last seven years.

It blooms lightly all season. The ferny leaves look attractive even when it’s not in bloom.

The flower color is not as sharp as the pictures in catalogs. It was sold by a local nursery as White/Blue. Mine are mostly white with a hint of pale lilac.

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'Splish Splash' is another plant to consider if you have a part shade spot. After it’s established, it will mostly take care of itself. (At least it does in my garden.)

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Rain Days Update

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We continue to work in the garden between rain showers and storms.

The lilacs and other early spring blooming shrubs have been trimmed. Beaten by the rain, the peonies didn’t get a chance to put on their usual show. I sadly cut all the spent blooms yesterday.

But the rain has created a lush garden – a lot of flowers are happily blooming. The snapdragons from last year are in full bloom.

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The Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronaries) fills the air with its orange blossom scent. (An interesting post on Mock Orange by Michele Owens at Garden Rant.)

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The red and white Astilbe blooms in the shade garden. The lilac and pink Astilbes are forming buds. They all love the damp conditions.

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Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) has more blooms than usual at the corner of the garden.

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The little shrub rose (Town & Country ‘Nashville’) holds up well against the rain. The constant damp weather creates an ideal condition to spread black spot but this little rose is rarely bothered by it.

A testament to rainy days, mushrooms grow in the mulch and lawn.

The weeds continue to appear throughout the garden. But the soft, damp soil is perfect for pulling them out. I’ve been wandering through the garden every clear day pulling weeds as I go. I keep telling myself it’s good exercise.

I hope the spring rain continues through the summer.

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Lupine

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Lupinus

I bought six “Lupine Russell Hybrid Red Shades” from Bluestone Perennials in 2005. At the time, I read that they are a short-lived plant. I had tried them a few years back. They bloomed once and then disappeared.

But, I fell in love with the spectacular bloom and decided they may like the hot, sunny place along the garage wall.

So I ordered and planted the Lupine, mixing peat moss into the planting hole. I’ve added peat moss to the soil several times. They also have a good layer of mulch. The Cannas planted between the Lupine may give them enough shade to withstand the summer heat.

I’ll deadhead as the flowers fade, turn on the soaker hose when the soil gets dry. If I remember, I’ll add a little peat moss to the soil.

They are said to be deer resistant. You folks that have deer problems may want to try them in your sun garden.

This year they started blooming around May 10 and are still going strong – 3 feet tall and more spectacular than ever.

I’m hoping they have a long and happy life in my garden.

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Sweet Woodruff

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Galium odoratum

This pretty ground cover with tiny white flowers blooms in my scented garden every spring. Although I’ve read reports of it becoming invasive, it is remarkably well behaved in the shaded area of the garden. It may be an ideal ground cover under trees and shrubs.

Some say it prefers a slightly alkaline soil - some say slightly acidic. I think any rich, moist soil will do. I’ve noticed that it turns brown in the hot summer sun in other locations.

According to UK’s Herb Society, “Sweet woodruff can be found being used medicinally and as a means of sweetening the air in records dating back as far as the 14th century.”

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The scent is said to be like new mown hay and vanilla. Dried leaves were often used in potpourri.

I may dry some this year to witness the scent for myself.

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(Read more about Sweet Woodruff at UK’s Herb Society’s Herb of the Month.)

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Dutchman's Breeches

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Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)


The dark green, feathery foliage is a delicate counterpoint to the small white flower. This pretty little plant has a fascinating story.

Dutchman’s Breeches were named because the flower looks like an upside down pair of baggy pants.

The seeds are spread by ants. From what I understand the seeds are taken back to the ant’s nest. The outside of the seed is eaten or fed to the ant’s larvae. The seed is then discarded to grow another plant.

This plant is said to have medicinal properties. Native Americans were purported to use it to treat skin and blood conditions as well as syphilis.

Lore says that it was used as a love charm. A man chewed the roots and breathed on his intended paramour. The fragrance of his breath caused her to follow his lead, even against her will.

I love a good plant story.

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Dividing Perennials

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I divide perennials and pot volunteers in spring. It’s a spring ritual that is a little time consuming but very gratifying.

The following list of potted plants contains - plants that have spread too far:

- 4 ‘Sheffield Pink’ mum
- 3 'Clara Curtis' mum
- 1 Lily of the valley
- 10 black-eyed Susan
- 6 purple cone flower
- 1 tiger lily
- 3 rhubarb
- 4 periwinkle

plants that have produced too many seedlings:

- 5 Lenten Rose
- 5 Johnny Jump-ups

and a plant in the wrong place (too much sun):

- 2 large hosta

The plants that have spread too far were dug out from the edges of the main plant and potted. The seedlings were dug up and potted. The large hosta was completely dug out and chopped in quarters with a hatchet. Two pieces were planted in the shade in my garden. Two were potted.

I put the plants in pots with extra soil. I water them well – I mean really soak them until water runs out of the pot. I want to make sure the soil gets around the roots. I started dividing at the beginning of April. By now they all look good and are ready to be planted.

Except for the two hostas that I planted in my shade garden, all the plants are promised to other gardeners. I love being able to share plants with friends.

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(More information on “Dividing Perennials” from Clemson University Extension.)

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Lenten Rose

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Lenten Rose Helleborus orientalis ‘Royal Heritage’

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In 2002, I planted two Helleborus orientalis ‘Royal Heritage’. I tried to pick a spot in the garden so I wouldn’t have to move them. I was more careful than usual selecting a place in the garden because I read that they are slow to recover when moved.

I chose a mostly shaded spot next to a garden path. The evergreen leaves show up well near the path during the brown winter months. The area is well drained and the soil is probably average. A little gardening luck and they have been happy there.

There is a difference in color between the two ‘Royal Heritage’ plants. One is a light pinkey/lilac the other is a darker purple. I’ve read that this color variation is not unusual. So if you plan to buy one it may be good idea to buy a plant in bloom.

The plants are not hard to care for. I haven’t watered or fed them since the first year.

I cut off last year’s leaves on February 23. I could see buds forming. The plants were full of buds by the beginning of March and in full bloom by the end of March. Flowers will last at least into May. This year I’ve potted some re-seeded plants for friends.

I’m delighted that I really got the right plant in the right place this time.

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(More information from Cornell University.)

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