Annie's Gardening Corner

#Plant Strong

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Does part of your Memorial Day weekend include a visit to a nearby garden center? If so, I'll take a guess. You might be over 40 and part of a dying breed. Do you experience the plant world firsthand? On a scale of 1 through 10, are you #Plant Strong?

Here’s an interesting tidbit from Ellen Wells, the editor at Large, Green Profit regarding Gen Y’s favorite stores with her thoughts summarizing some insightful research from the Urban Land Institute.

“Hold on to your seats for some shocking news: Despite their reputation, Gen Y consumers actually enjoy shopping in brick-and-mortar stores. That’s from research conducted by the Urban Land Institute. And some of their favorite stores are JCPenney, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s and Kmart.

A few more results of the 1,200 Gen Yers surveyed:

37% love to shop, 48% enjoy it, 12% find it a chore and 4% hate it
70% of women and 50% of men find shopping to be entertainment, expect novel options to keep it fresh, and say it’s an important way for them to spend time with friends and family
91% had made an online purchase within the previous six months
45% spend an hour a day looking at shopping websites

The Urban Land Institute recommends that retail centers constantly reinvent themselves to “keep it fresh” and present “novel options”—such as creating pop-up shops, changing décor, adding a variety of specialty foods, and increase the options for in-store pick up of online orders. Also important are pedestrian-friendly options, as many Gen Yers prefer to walk or bike to where they are going. The report also suggests that Gen Yers like “third places” where they can linger and meet friends, go online and network, places like Starbucks or juice bars at gyms, lobbies of office buildings. It even mentions gardens with seating!”

Just this past year, two of my favorite specialty nurseries, Seawright Gardens and Blanchette Gardens, both in Carlisle, MA and open to the general public threw in the trowel. Both decided it was time to retire. Their garden destinations were perfect for those who had an obsession for Daylilies, Hostas, Astilbes and so much more. While these retirements may have nothing to do with this constant ‘reinventing’ and ‘keeping it fresh’, who shall be next in line to fill these big plant shoes? Who can keep those rooted connections to the plant lover’s world? As you can see from the above research, while it is doable, it takes constant inspiration to connect those less tuned in to this tangible exterior world. The plant journey is ultimately leading someone to experience it in person.

So to wrap up this Thursday thought process that weaves its way into today’s images, it’s a quote from C. JoyBell C. accompanied by this potted Amaryllis sprouting different blossoms in the same pot. “We fool ourselves and cheat ourselves when we say that all of us are the same. We should not want to be the same as others and we should not want others to be the same as us. Rather, we ought to glory and shine in all of our differences, flaunting them fabulously for all to see! It is never a conformity that we need! We need not to conform! What we need is to burst out into all these beautiful colors!”

Thursday's message - Reinvent, keep it fresh and just like Boston and Oklahoma, garden and nursery centers, be # plant strong. For everyone else, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. And if you can, make a visit to your local nursery and experience firsthand the great 'green' world of plants.

All images by Ann Bilowz ©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Style on Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:33:00 +0000

Rachel Zoe states that “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” So on this wordless Wednesday, it’s an array of purple images from the garden today. It’s the beauty of the sun starting to peek through this morning's clouds and dapple itself on everything purple from last night’s rain.

Remember your garden says as much about your style and who you are without the words. Purple – it’s one of my favorite colors since I was a kid. I love wearing it as much as I love purple popping up everywhere in the garden.

What’s your style? An image can say it all!

All images by Ann Bilowz ©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Set in Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:36:00 +0000

The phrase ‘set in stone’ typically denotes a sense of permanency. As humans, we truly strive for something to last, to be durable and to keep us protected. When designing our homes and the exterior landscape elements, we search for materials with durability. We use good design sense and build it with solid craftsmanship in the hope that these structures can last throughout the years. It is often why we use stone in the landscape. Our trust in its solidness, even when encountering unpredictable elements, gives us a sense of longevity.

Take for example the above image I snapped yesterday. This stone gate depicts a simple craftsmanship and beauty of that era, which leads me to today's quote and thought.

Many of us watched the news humbly yesterday. What flashed across our screens weren’t images of permanency. Rather what we witnessed was a ravaging tornado ripping across the state of Oklahoma, leaving little standing in its destructive path.

It reminds us that our search for permanency in an impermanent world is often tested regardless of materials or best design practices. And as our prayers and thoughts extend to that side of our nation, Leo Buscaglia, the man who spoke about love and hugged everyone he met, wrote about our continual desire to seek something permanent. “We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom.” Let us hope that love can stand stronger than buildings as Oklahoma, its people, its community, stand strong and prevail.

Stone gate image by Ann Bilowz ©

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Summer Prep

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:36:00 +0000

What signifies ‘SUMMER’ and everything synonymous with it even before that season actually arrives? You guessed it – Memorial Day weekend and yes, it’s just about here. So on this pre-holiday Monday, it’s a quick reminder. Try if you can to spend a part of the weekend in peace, rejuvenating rather than just filling up every holiday minute. As Holly Mosier reminds us “Our culture encourages us to plan every moment and fill our schedules with one activity and obligation after the next, with no time to just be. But the human body and mind require downtime to rejuvenate. I have found my greatest moments of joy and peace just sitting in silence, and then I take that joy and peace with me out into the world.”

But what about this oxymoron we call the ‘garden’? It’s that place of rejuvenation while at the same time it begs for us to tackle a mound of chores. If you’re really plugged in, there’s always something on the garden list to weed, treat or plant.

So what’s on your summer prep garden list? Is planting over this long holiday weekend part of your plans? Well, a gentle reminder of timing it all correctly. This may help you balance the rejuvenate part of the weekend.

All woody plant material (trees and shrubs) ideally should be in the ground before the mid-to latter part of June. This of course, depends on weather, which is always the tricky part of any planting but you have a little time to still get your woody plant material in the ground. Your grace period is during the month of June. Perennials can be done throughout the season but ideally before the scorching summer heat. Dividing and transplanting any woody plant material or perennials should also be done during the cooler overcast, damp days. With this damp, muggy up and down weather, though be careful of any diseases and pests that can set in. Speaking of diseases and those that love to plant annuals, we should all be aware of the Impatiens downy mildew (IDM) Some alternate shade plants recommended by UMass Extension - New Guinea impatiens, SunPatiens®, coleus, begonias (lots of types), torenia, lobelia, hypoestes and iresine. First spotted in Massachusetts in 2011, IDM has been a growing national problem and like any disease, can raise havoc in the landscape and gardens. Pay attention to alerts and always follow preventive measures, regardless if you are a hobbyist gardener or a nursery selling the material.

And what else is synonymous with Memorial Day? It’s that neighborhood garden chatter; all that buzz about our love for fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. It’s time to bring warm weather veggies home from our local nursery to find new soil. Call it that move-in period when our veggies take up residency in their ‘summer cottage’. Memorial Day weekend has always been the kick-off of these warm weather favorites.

For those who love the garden, Memorial Day weekend is that turning point between two seasons. But don’t feel rushed and try not to worry. There’s plenty of time to do both.

What will you do more of? Rejuvenate or plant? Whichever you do, please don't forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. Take a moment to remember our fallen heroes.

All Images by Ann Bilowz ©
Top Image of Peonies ready to bloom by Ann Bilowz ©
Middle Image of Amsonia tabernaemontana by Ann Bilowz ©
Bottom Image of Oregano and Fennel growing together by Ann Bilowz ©

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Weekend Garden Link

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:14:00 +0000

On this beautiful Friday, let’s bridge the vegetable garden topic by pointing out a smidgen of useful weekend reading. It’s not a garden book but an informative link from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Click below to see a well-thought out Planting Program for Cauliflower, Broccoli, Head lettuce, Spinach and Leeks.

+http://www.johnnyseeds.com/t-planting_programs.aspx?source=E_SuccessionPlantingPrograms_052013_ViewAllbtn&utm_source=MayPromo2013&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=SuccessionPlantingPrograms_052013&lm=jony

Why do I like Johnny’s so much? They are quite friendly and a reliable seed source. Plus it's gardening weather and everyone is anxious about getting the veggie gardens underway. But before I shove off to enjoy this stellar day, I couldn’t’ resist adding this Amaryllis image to today’s post.

I simply love the way the punchy red blossoms captured last evening’s sunlight. Plus one bulb has produced flowers over and over again (for at least five or six years). Kept in a dark protected area in the winter and allowed to go dormant, just look at what one bulb can produce. Every couple of years, we take the little side bulbs and spread them out into other pots. The Annie Point is - you don’t need loads of garden space to experience something beautiful in bloom.

So what are your garden plans for this weekend? Hopefully it includes one thing related to nature like a walk in the woods or better yet, gardening and beautifying your outdoor living space. It’s springtime so best enjoy it. And as Voltaire pointed out, “Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” And when in doubt, you can always plant!

All Images by Ann Bilowz ©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

To Master the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:09:00 +0000

Phyllis McGinley politely reminds us that “The trouble with gardening is that it does not remain an avocation. It becomes an obsession.” So depending which side of the scale you tip, whether you dabble or obsess, to hone and perfect that part of the outdoor space we coin ‘our garden’ is all part of the growing experience.

Often it’s just dabbling in a community vegetable garden or a small perennial border that leads us to digging for more. Check out the Master Gardener program if you want to become an official Master Gardener. Here’s the link to learn more. + http://www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/master-gardeners Find your closest resource in North America and Canada. Plus you can discover useful links for Societies, National Clubs, and Organizations, garden locations and seed exchanges. Take a look and explore the site. Even if you aren’t interested in pursuing a continuing educational ‘Master Gardener’ program, there’s information for each gardener at every skill level. If you truly love gardens, you quickly realize there is so much to master. So a title should never scare you away from testing the waters.

What’s perfect about this time of the year? Well, there are so many places to learn about gardens. Plant sales, educational courses, events, including garden tours are happening now and will continue throughout the growing season. It’s a perfect way to spend a day outside your own garden space or the one you hope to create. Just grab your camera and notebook. Part of mastering the garden is to always explore.

So who shall hop on board to master the garden? You can depart the train whenever you fancy, but if you’re obsessed, mastering the garden becomes more than a whirlwind sightseeing tour. A master gardener realizes the learning never stops; it’s a constant. As McGinley stated, “It does not remain an avocation. It becomes an obsession.” Franz Kafka reinforces this thought. “Don't bend; don't water it down; don't try to make it logical; don't edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” The obsession of a master gardener is to master the garden but in disguise, it’s a lifelong apprenticeship.

Image of ‘Basket of Gold’ by Ann Bilowz ©

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Planting Something Today

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:50:00 +0000

On this sunny Wednesday morning, let’s snap an image or two to inspire everyone to plant something today. How is this different than any other morning? Well, it is official - May 15th is designated as ‘Plant Something’ Day.

As Wendell Berry reminds us, “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” Setting something in the ground that offers this stunning cascade of blossoms, well, to me it’s worth it. What are your thoughts?

So before we depart to plant something (a pot of herbs or punchy annuals in a window box), let’s allow Wendell Berry to share one more thought. "A tree forms itself in answer to its place and the light. Explain it how you will, the only thing explainable will be your explanation.”

So make it officially your own ‘Plant Something’ Day! Even just to plant some future seeds.

All Images by Ann Bilowz©
Top Image – Image by Ann Bilowz © Trowel in the ground - ‘Plant Something’ Day
Second image - Image by Ann Bilowz © Rhododendron vaseyi Pinkshell azalea
Third image - Image by Ann Bilowz © Close-up of a Malus 'Donald Wyman' Flowering Crabapple
Fourth image - Image by Ann Bilowz © Sweet Bay Magnolia in the morning sun

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Tuesday’s Simple Design Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:51:00 +0000

An important factor when creating your outdoor areas is determining what eventually is destined to take place in that space. Think of your landscape as your own piece of artwork. It fits your style and your taste. As we all know, art can be personal and bad all in one fell swoop. Keep in mind some design rules still should be followed. Here’s one from the archives to assist you with laying out basic pathways. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/05/paths-of-least-resistance.html Take a peek – it gives some basic measurements and design tips about where we walk and why.

So if today’s post is meant to be simple, best to wrap up this Tuesday design thought now. A quote from Viggo Mortensen gives us another perspective on how to define art. “You don't have to make something that people call art. Living is an artistic activity.” Simply put, never overlook what works best for you to move, play and live in your designed outdoor space. In my book, your landscape should always have life and movement. Otherwise, it is simply just art work and not outdoor living.

Image by Ann Bilowz©

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A Smoothie Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:46:00 +0000

It’s been a long time since a recipe and while there is so much ornamental starting to bloom, here’s a must for the kitchen herb garden. It is versatile, yet easy to grow, a die-hard, never take care of it herb that everyone knows as an ‘Annie’ favorite. One word of caution is to keep it contained.

Yes, the spearmint is coming up; ready to be used in just about every cooking arrangement one is willing to try. So here’s a combo that one might not imagine though a compromise for fresh nectarines 'twas a given. It’s a quick and easy smoothie recipe to keep in the books for a wholesome summertime drink. If you’re willing to substitute canned peaches until the nectarines come to town, you can give yourself a boost of energy with fresh spearmint now.

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
1 ½ cups vanilla yogurt
4 nectarines (Springtime substitute - canned peaches less the juice)
10 Mint leaves chopped up fine (I probably used more like 20 because I love the flavor of mint)
2 teaspoons vanilla

Place in a blender and whip up your smoothie. It's minty, refreshing and definitely filling.

To wrap up this recipe thought today, not having spearmint in my garden I would feel deprived. L.M. Montgomery, the author of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ said the same about trees. “I couldn't live where there were no trees--something vital in me would starve.”

So here are two boosts of energy coming at you on this Monday morning – an easy smoothie and the welcoming sun. After so many starts of drizzle and rain, it’s nice to once again see the shadow of the tree in the morning light.

P.S. Need a plant tip rather than a recipe this AM? Check out our FB page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz and look at the comments under the Saturday image 'For the love of Hostas'. If you need some vole advice, it's there with a wholesale and retail Hosta supplier. That's why following us in more than one place can be helpful, especially if you're looking for additional tidbits.

All Images by Ann Bilowz©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Friday’s Jiffy Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:25:00 +0000

Like a peanut butter and fluff sandwich, it’s a jiffy quick Friday tip for your veggie garden plus a great activity for this upcoming weekend. For anyone wondering what the above image is, well, these jiffy pellets can get your veggie garden kick started in a 'fluffernutter' snap. It may look like a wafer cookie but these jiffy pellets are compressed, dried pelletized peat moss just waiting to start your select seeds. Insert the pellet into a seed tray, add water and it becomes like instant soil to start your seeds in.

Here are four reasons to consider this Friday jiffy tip.

1) Planting seeds by this method improves germination. For this reason alone, it's worth it. But wait, here's three more.
2) You can plant a myriad of different seed varieties, ones you would never find in an already started grow pack at the local box store or retail nursery center.
3) You can sequence your plantings throughout the growing season. With veggies such as beans, lettuce and select herbs (i.e., cilantro) you want to plant a little every ten days; not all at once.
4) And last but not least, it’s a fun weekend task, especially with your kids or grandkids. You can never start them off too young to love all there is to love about gardening. Planting seeds is a great place to start.

Although this Friday tip is meant to be quick, Steve Goodier reminds us, “It is a mistake to think that moving fast is the same as actually going somewhere.” So let your veggie garden enjoy a slow start and get off on the right foot.

P.S. If you need a fix of colorful imagery and what’s in bloom, you can take a peek at yesterday’s post. In case you missed it, there’s plenty of color and ideas for the ornamental end of your exterior side. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2013/05/thursdays-blossoms.html

All Images by Ann Bilowz©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Thursday’s Blossoms

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:44:00 +0000

John Lubbock starts off this Thursday with his poignant quote. “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” On this overcast morning, why not look and see what’s of seasonal interest and in bloom.

This ‘Purple Gem’ Rhododendron makes a splash of color and what I like most about it – it’s a dwarf. So it works in nicely with any planting combination.

Another favorite in blossom right now is the Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' Bleeding Heart. What’s not to love about these dainty white heart-shaped flowers growing in a shade garden? The backdrop, of course, is an Epimedium.

And why overlook something as simple as Violets and Dandelions battling it out? There’s something to be said about inspiration to create another yellow and purple flowering plant composition.

And why is texture important to your garden? Here’s another reason to love this Epimedium/Fern combination.

But the best part about May is when the apple blossoms come to town. This Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ flowering crabapple is showcasing its beautiful blossoms right now.

So if you’re in search of what to plant in your garden, remember John Lubbock’s words. “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”

All Images by Ann Bilowz©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Voluntary Simplicity

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

John Kabat-Zinn’s philosophy ties in nicely with Wednesday's wordless image. “Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more.”

Image by Ann Bilowz©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Staples for the Veggie Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:23:00 +0000

Cooking up a roast or a soup, what two items might you likely use? Onions and potatoes that is, so hopefully the seed potatoes and onion sets are in the ground by now. As I mentioned in previous posts, it’s time to get the tomato and cucumber lovers out of their comfort zone. Too many folks overlook potatoes, an easy to grow crop for your summertime garden. Why would you want to test the potato waters? Check out this archived July post for a myriad of reasons to grow potatoes. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/07/potato-banter.html

But one of the best reasons, besides the flavor (because you’ll never want a store bought potato again) is how one crop of potatoes can build your soil. Do you have a garden area that has been fallow or needs improvement? Plant a row of potatoes and when you start digging in the earth to find those treasured nuggets, you’ll be amazed at the richness and texture of the soil. The next year you’ll have beautiful growing conditions for planting your leafy greens, onions, garlic… remember, even if your garden is small, you want to rotate your crops whenever possible. But not to confuse you. All the images in today's post are onions! Doesn't it look easy? It really is.

And it’s not too late to get the onions and potatoes in the ground. The trick is finding a friend who might have some extras seed potatoes and onion sets hanging around.

But who's thinking roasts or soups on another glorious spring day? That's the beauty of growing onions and potatoes. Even if storing your harvest for the wintertime seems snow piles away, when you grab a fresh onion or potato in the colder months, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Hopefully on this beautiful spring Tuesday, there's inspiration to create what Jarod Kintz calls ‘noise soup.’ “Noise soup, I just made it. Taste it with your ears.” Hopefully there are some fresh ears out there listening. It's time to rethink tomatoes and cucumbers. Extend your veggie collection. Try onions and potatoes.

Top image of onions in cold storage last fall by Ann Bilowz©
Bottom image of onion sets just planted under black plastic by Ann Bilowz©

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Stretching Out in May

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:18:00 +0000

There is nothing quite spectacular as the way an early morning frost dances on the leaves.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. reminds me, “Every now and then a man's mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.”

Just some early morning images of spring stretching out this morning. Yes, I did get carried away.

There’s nothing more energizing than an early walkabout your garden to just appreciate what is stretching out with you.

All images by Ann Bilowz©

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

A Month for Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:42:00 +0000

Before too many days and blooming Daffodils slip away in this wonderful month of May, a little Friday tidbit to share - May is ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ Month. David Mizejewski, Naturalist and Personality for the National Wildlife Federation said, "May is a wonderful time to get gardening and a great time to attract some of nature's most beautiful creatures to your yard. Taking simple steps in your garden to encourage wildlife is not only personally rewarding it also provides myriad benefits to animals and ecosystems." The hummingbird is the National Wildlife Federation’s feature species for the month and one of my favorites I love to spot in the garden.

So let’s talk plants that can attract Hummingbirds. There is one in particular (and from personal experience) that works for us every summer. Around this purple mass, we always see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flitting about in our gardens. One note to make - I typically don't entice our birds with feeders, just plants. Having a perfect habitat (meadow and woodland edge is helpful) but it's the flowers and the small habitats you can create very easily that naturally bring these creatures up close and personal. So what is this wonderful perennial? It’s definitely a favorite–commonly known as Catmint (Genus is Nepeta). There are several varieties but this is our prize - Nepeta sibirica 'Souvenir 'd Andre Chaudron'. For our habitat garden, it’s one of the ‘Hall of Famers’.

Hardy to zone 3-8, which means it can handle some pretty cold temps, this versatile plant is also drought tolerant, something to look for especially in habitat plantings. Want more great characteristics? It has a long bloom plus long-lasting, which means it can take a stand in your perennial borders for years to come. Our plants have grown five feet although the catalogs may say 2-3'. It depends on your site conditions but give it plenty of room to grow and spread. It is robust enough to smother out even the toughest of weeds. Keep transplanting it in different areas to create your own purple wave effect.

So as we engage in our gardens during this month of May, find your perfect plant that attracts wildlife (the right kind of wildlife that is) in your garden habitat. This reminder from Wildlife Habitat Canada rings true. “Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It is that simple.”

Quoted excerpts by David Mizejewski from http://www.amerinursery.com/blog-4874.aspx

Top Image of Daffodil s in bloom in the May Garden -Image by Ann Bilowz©
Bottom Image by Greg Bilowz© Nepeta sibirica 'Souvenir 'd Andre Chaudron' (in the backdrop) in our summer garden habitat for the birds

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Pink Diamond

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:40:00 +0000

Certain that everyone is out enjoying yet another beautiful May morning, today’s post is simple. It’s a favorite from our garden. This Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Pink Diamond’ has been showing off its pinkness for over a week. I’ve included two past archives on the Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Pink Diamond’ in case there’s some interest in a stunning Rhododendron. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/05/simply-colorful.html
http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2010/05/extend-pizzazz.html

But before I go, I take pause and reflect on these simple words from Thomas Campbell. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Today’s image is chosen in remembrance of 1st Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones who was killed in Iraq six years ago, May 2nd, 2007. Let your name and your smile continue on as the Westminster Post Office, in the town you called 'home', is renamed in your honor today. You were truly your Mom and Dad’s shining diamond.

Image of a Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Pink Diamond’ this AM by Ann Bilowz©

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Wednesday's Rose Tidbits

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:43:00 +0000

Many, many Rose questions lately so let’s get to the point. No pun intended. We’re talking Roses of course. Speaking of thorns, would you plant your money on a Rose if it was thornless or not? So I asked Fred from Roseland Nursery, +http://www.roselandroses.com/ (a Rose lover’s delight shopping stop) his thoughts on this Rose matter. “People who buy Roses typically don’t choose them because they do or don’t have thorns.” I tend to agree with him. What makes a Rose special can vary and be personal of course. From a growing standpoint, you should always look for disease resistant Roses and its hardiness to your zone. But other factors might be its habits (climbing or spreading), fragrant or not, blossom type and if its color is light or bold. The list can go on. But that covers a few.

Should thornless be critical, let it be searched and be found. One of the thornless Roses that Roseland has on their list, Zephirine Drouhin sounds like the perfect Rose for a trial in our test garden. Fred stated the two reasons people buy this particular Rose – it’s old and it grows well with less sunshine. Good to know and one worth trying. Zephirine Drouhin’s characteristics straight from Roseland’s website: Long blooming, thornless, and very profuse. Climber. Grows 15 to 20 feet, performs well in shade. Rich dark green foliage. Mildew resistant. Zones 5 – 9. Perfect in my book although I must find a spot for another climber Rose. There were two other thornless listed on the Roseland site. Brother Cadfael and James Galway, so take a look if Pink is your color in that thornless category.

I also asked Fred about using banana peels when planting your Rose. Fred chuckled and said, “I never heard of putting banana peels. I guess it could probably work. But a good balanced fertilizer is what you really need. And if you compost your banana peels, well, won’t the banana peel nutrients eventually end up in your soil mix for all of your plants?”

One more Fred tidbit - the lighter color and more fragrant the Rose, it’s more likely to be devoured by Japanese Beetles. As Fred said, it’s probably why I like my ‘Hot Cocoa’ Rose so much. (Image above.)

So when in doubt, always best to ask the pros. That would be the Rosarians found in any of your regional Rose Societies. Should you be native to Massachusetts, on Saturday, May 11th Roseland Nursery will host three members of the New England Rose Society to answer questions and help you make the best rose selections for your garden. Sounds like a great Rose trip and a chance to chat with some local Rose experts.

To end on a light note, I couldn’t pass up this Eleanor Roosevelt quote. “I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.”

Image of a Floribunda Rose (Rosa) 'Hot Cocoa' in bloom last summer by Ann Bilowz©

A past archive if you are interested in ‘Hot Cocoa’ http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2012/06/hot-cocoa-anyone.html

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Wrong Time, Right Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:27:00 +0000

On this last day of April, Rose questions have been coming in fast and furious. But first, a couple of tips a tad more imperative during this turning point of spring. Don’t worry. Tomorrow the ‘Corner’ will go from wordless Wednesday to a Rose post you won’t want to miss.

So back to today’s topic - the wrong time, the right thing. Are your fruit trees already in bloom? Noticed some pests that you want to remove? Do not apply any insecticidal treatments while a fruit tree is in bloom. Any application for insects applied during bloom time can potentially kill or eradicate any pollinators. We all know the importance of pollination.

During the wake-up and growth season of spring, it’s important to use common sense. But it (common sense) often gets forgotten when we notice a problem. If your fruit trees are on a regular spray program, all insecticidal treatments should be applied just before bloom and/or immediately after petal drop. For example, a very problematic pest, plum curculio, (which hits more than just a Plum) can cause great havoc to a crop by piercing the tissue of the newly formed fruit, causing deformity. That’s not good.

So think roses for tomorrow because what’s a garden without a few roses or better yet, a rose garden. But let’s wrap up today’s post with some sound advice from Joshua Harris. “The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.” How true that statement is, even as it applies to our own gardens.

P.S. One last tip in the spring clean-up category unrelated to fruit trees. For your deciduous plant material, before it flushes out, make sure you prune out the dead or damaged wood.

Image of a Peach tree in bloom by Ann Bilowz©

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The Epic of Epimediums

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:47:00 +0000

As we near the end of April on this beautiful Monday, it’s time to catch our breath from spring clean-up and ask that typical garden question, “What plants can I add to my perennial gardens?” Startling enough, there are still too many garden folks who don’t use or even know about Epimediums.

So would you like to venture into trying beyond the typical perennials? Do you wonder the best way to find out about a plant? My recommendation is to always test it, get to know it and like all good things, fall in love with it. For me, Epimediums don’t fall under the ‘infatuation’ category. It’s not that perennial where I plant one and lose interest the following year. Just look at its fine attributes –easy to grow, long-lived, can handle some rather cold temperatures, act as a weed smothering groundcover and drought-tolerant once established, deer-resistant and did I say these unusual perennials like the shade? I can’t forget the delicate flowers and the lovely intricate leaves.

But what’s the most exciting is that if you are a local, you can visit the Queen of the Epimediums – Karen Perkins at Garden Vision’s Open Nursery weekends coming up this Friday-Sunday and the following weekend as well. Here’s the link for those who are interested http://www.epimediums.com/garden-vision-holds-open-nursery-weekends/ in seeing these plants up close and in display. But if you can’t make it due to location, she also visits some other Northeast regional locations http://www.epimediums.com/visit-garden-vision-at-these-plant-sales/ where you can purchase her wide and unusual collection of Epimediums. You won’t find them anywhere else. As I said, she is the Queen of Epimediums. For everyone else, you can purchase your collection via mail order. She is not taking online orders so it’s mail or fax (the old fashion way) but what’s not to love about old-fashion these days?

So if you’re past the spring clean-up mode asking what you can add or change in your perennial gardens, my recommendation is to find those plants that are long-lived and can handle some adverse conditions. As Joseph Addison pointed out, “Admiration is a very short-lived passion that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object.” So don’t just admire a plant. Look for its long-term possibilities if you want success in your perennial garden.

Image of an Epimedium in bloom by Ann Bilowz©

You can also check out our Facebook albums that show some additional images of Epimediums in our gardens. If you don’t follow us on FB, hope you’ll join us there for these extra tidbits that often get shared. https://www.facebook.com/abilowz/photos_albums

If you like this blog, hope you check in daily. Like our fan page https://www.facebook.com/abilowz follow on twitter https://twitter.com/annbilowz or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com You can now follow with visuals on Pinterest, too! http://pinterest.com/bilowzassoc/

Snap and Sheen

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:26:00 +0000

Snap with a natural sheen - two tools in the garden box today. It seems everyone’s attention span has been somewhere in garden limbo this week. Here’s an easy remedy – let’s point out what is naturally coming into its own in the garden with some snappy imports brought in to assist.

This Snapdragon (with purple Pansies in the background) will add some quick wakeup color to a colorless bed but not too soon. If you recall the April 11th post, you want to protect any plant materials that were forced in greenhouses, protected from the weather or came from warmer climates. You must transition them into your flower beds. It’s just too darn soon to get these annuals planted in the ground quite yet. But you can still bring your choices in now and stockpile them in a protected place. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2013/04/forcing-bloom.html

Now for the natural sheen of that colorful green - Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen' is one of the most sun-tolerant of the Pachysandras. Its green leaves are glossy and makes all your surrounding plants pop. It is deer-resistant and if given the right conditions, it can act as a weed smothering groundcover. Here it is in the spring garden showing off more than its glossy green leaves with its petite white flower.

As Pablo Picasso once said, “Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? No, just as one can never learn how to paint.” Time to start thinking color combinations; it’s that snap and sheen part of spring!

Images by Ann Bilowz©

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To Be or Not to Be a Garden Geek

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:57:00 +0000

Ella Fitzgerald, who would be 96 today once crooned, “Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.” It’s a perfect segue as to why some folks might give up on a vegetable garden. Have you thrown in the shovel or turned over the wheel barrel, calling it quits on growing a small vegetable garden? Overwhelmed with the technical details or just struggling with the love or inspiration to dig into the soil?

Well, what uncanny timing as this great how to, 'not just for Gardening Geeks’ landed in my mailbox for a book review. Although its title ‘Gardening for Geeks’ could make one think it’s only loaded with technical and in depth techniques, this easy to handle paperback has everything you need in 224 pages (including glossy photos for those who like visuals). You can be certain of repetitive topics that you find dabbled throughout Annie’s daily blog postings, including tasty recipes, soil testing, when and what to seed and other geek-proof technical garden information. Want that same straight-forward vegetable talk in an easy to handle book, all in one place? That's as simple as it gets even for us garden geeks.

For those of us on the East Coast, some of Wilhelmi’s information may need adjustment due to wetter and colder growing conditions but there are tidbits in here that are both innovative and interesting. At $15.95, (not a bad price for a book that costs a lot less than a quick run through the supermarket produce section) this quick read offers food for thought; even to an experienced vegetable gardener. For those wishing to start out or move beyond amateur status, it’s a must-have to add to your garden library. I especially recommend it for those with lots of basic vegetable garden questions. Your search is over; this is a good place to start. And it is specifically geared toward the small garden plot as Wilhelmi’s own vegetable garden is less than 200 square feet.

Here’s the quick skinny for the book information. ‘Gardening for Geeks’, April 2013, Adams Media Paperback.
+http://gardenerd.com/gardening-for-geeks/index.html
Plus a button for bonus material for Chapters 4 & 6, Planning Your Garden Season and Planting Nitty-Gritty.

That’s this Thursday’s tidbit as we launch into the New England planting season. It’s time to become the vegetable Geek king or queen of your neighborhood. There’s nothing better than growing your own produce. And for those who just can’t find the love, time or inspiration, remember to always support your local farmers.

Image by Ann Bilowz – Gardening for Geeks Book Cover©

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What’s in Your Bowl this Morning?

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:10:00 +0000

Yes, it may be an oatmeal kind of day but it is also wordless Wednesday, which means it’s an Annie image reflecting all that’s beautiful about the spring. I just love this Daffodil and Forsythia combination for bringing some sunshine indoors. There’s nothing more cheery than yellow lighting up your home. Plus Daffs and Forsythia - it’s an easy to grow spring plant combination in your garden.

As Anne Morrow Lindbergh reminds us, “Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer.” Get your clippers. It’s time to fill your bowl with your favorite spring flower combination for this wordless Wednesday. Mine seems a little light on the Forsythia branches so off with my clippers I go.

Image of Daffodils and Forsythia branches in a vase by Ann Bilowz ©

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The Amazing Changes We See

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:27:00 +0000

The best part about a slow but certain spring is noticing the smallest of changes occurring over the course of a short period, even in the 24 hours of a day. Have you noticed what is waking up in your garden? Even if it is slow to start, there is so much activity and growth taking place. Just notice how the grass turns its rich, deep green and the trees’ branches puffed up with buds that brighten this dreary April morning.

This slow but sure change is the wonderful part about spring. And if you aren’t paying attention, you’ll miss out on the simplest of these changes. The words of Richard Paul Evans convince me of these graces of spring. “Grace surrounds us, whirls about us like the wind, falls on us like rain. Grace sustains us on our journeys, no matter how perilous they may be and, make no mistake, they are all perilous. We need not hope for grace, we merely need to open our eyes to its abundance. Grace is all around us, not just in the hopeful future but in the miracle of now.”

Spring is happening. It is all around us. Look at the miracle of these amazing changes we see.

P.S. April garden tips abound, there are plenty of searchables in the archives. But here are a couple of recent ones. In case you missed last Thursday’s tips, we should be getting past pruning and clean-up and into planning and planting soon. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2013/04/three-tips-for-thursday.html And for all the green grass lovers out there, here is one from earlier this April. The Lilacs are ready to bloom soon. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2013/04/loving-green.html

An Apricot Tree in Blossom -Image by Ann Bilowz ©

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Celebrate – It’s Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:44:00 +0000

It is officially the celebration of our Earth today so I draw upon Nahoko Uehashi’s words to give us hope. “But look around at this world, how perfectly it's made. Flowers can't move, yet the insects come to them and spread their pollen. Trees can't move either, but birds and animals eat their fruit and carry their seeds far and wide.” On this Earth Day, let us celebrate that each one of us has a special purpose on this planet.

Image by Ann Bilowz © Last summer’s garden - A bee enjoying an Echinacea purpurea (Eastern purple coneflower)

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Wordless on this April Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Ann Bilowz) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:52:00 +0000

Too difficult to write today so it shall be a wordless Friday. Our image of an H. paniculata ‘Unique’ accompanied by the words of Steve Maraboli. “Every great tragedy forms a fertile soil in which a great recovery can take root and blossom...but only if you plant the seeds.”

As I write this, may our law enforcement bring back a sense of peace to our city of Boston and our state. Stay safe.

Image by Greg Bilowz H. paniculata ‘Unique’ ©

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