Growing with Plants

Glamelia's or Camellia's? Nostalgia at the Oscar's

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 +0000

A REAL CAMELIA - THE INSPIRATION FOR THE FAUX GLAMELIA

This Sunday's Academy Awards will feature Glamelia's on the tables at the Governor's Ball, or at least according to ABCNEWS. Glamelia's, in case you do not know, are constructed rather than grown - popular in the 1940's when real Camellia's were too costly during the war, they were built by a laborious method where a Gladiola ( gladiolus) flower was used as the center ( wired and taped), and a hundred or so separate gladiolus petals, each separately wired and taped, would be arranged around the center bud and blossom, to create a symmetrical, rose-form camellia-like arrangement that looked like one, massive flower. Also popular in the 1950's and 1960's with many American florists, they quickly fell out of fashioned, and were considered tacky and cheap alternatives to camellias, until recently, when the craft movement and the need for something different and still pretty re-popularized the trend.

What I can't help thinking about though, is the fact that Los Angeles is smack dab in the middle of Camellia country, and, this very weekend marks the peak of the season for Camellia's in the Los Angeles area where Camellia shows have been happening all month. Of course, a fake Camellia somehow seems appropriate also, since after all, this is Hollywood, but the glamelia's being created by hip LA florist Mark Held of Mark's Garden are constructed from red roses, ( he created a white glamelia and pine needle bridal bouquet for for Kathering Heigl's wedding in Deep Valley, Utah). Glamelia's are suddenly back, and they seem like the perfect match this season for the Academy Awards, since many of this films nominated deal with nostalgia ( silent films, 19th century when glamelia's were first invented, and of course, the south in the 1960's where both glamelia's and camellias reigned amongst the hair spray.

GLAMELIA'S ARE QUITE HIP TODAY WITH WEDDING DESIGNERS, CONSTRUCTED FROM ROSE PETALS MORE OFTEN THAN THE ORIGINAL GLADIOLUS PETALS, SOME ARE EVEN BUILT FROM LEAVES.

A New Fragrant Yellow Clivia is Born

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:15:00 +0000

We have a few hundred clivia seedlings, but this one is awesome. ,A deep golden yellow, this clivia has bloomed for the past five years for us and it is always the best. It's so nice that we have decided to name this clone Clivia miniata 'Muggy Bunny' in honor of our sweet dog Margaret who we lost this past summer (and who we still miss so much). It will never be sold, so we can name it whatever we want, and if we share a clone ( division) the name can be passed on. Normal one would need to register a name, but this is just for us.

One of our own yellow Clivia crosses is a cross between Vico Yellow and Vico Gold, crossed again with a Nakamura 'thick-petal' yellow. The best thing of all? This beauty is fragrant too. Out of the hundred or so seedlings that we have bloomed so far, this one is simply the nicest, and most favorite ( like Margaret was). One always stands out from the pack ( like Margaret) and one always is the most special ( like Margaret). Plus, Clivia 'Muggy Bunny' has wide open blossom with 4" wide florets with a massive umbel more than 10 inches wide. If that is not incredible enough, that fragrance -t this clivia smells like an Easter lily ( not quite like Margaret).

Artist Carolyn Gavin

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:52:00 +0000

Artist Carolyn Gavin, who has a blog, and who is the principle designer for ecojot in Toronto posted some very cheery and plant related patterns that I thought I might share. Seeing plants interpreted by artists sometimes does not work, since botanically they are often incorrect, which freaks many of us out. Still, photo-realistic patterns are not that interesting either, since they lack personality. Since I assume that many of you who read my blog appreciate design as much as I do, I though I might share Carolyn's latest work here for a Thursday, pick-me-up.

Growing with Blogs - now in the top 12

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:12:00 +0000

Succulents enjoying the warmth and bright late February sunshine in my greenhouse. Direct sun enhances the color and form of succulents and cacti, keeping the plants 'in character' and growing densely.

2012 year is only 2 months old, yet so much has happened with this blog- king of a growth spurt. Maybe being featured in Martha Stewart Living helped with an 'Opera Effect', but the numbers started a couple of months before that. It's always surprises me how fast things can grow and connect on-line sometimes, but then again, that's how the Internet works.

I hate to waste a post with self-bragging, but I guess that gardening does have its competitive aspect too, right? It really doesn't change how I do anything around here, but it does provide some good old-fashioned back slapping and attaboyness. Growing with Plants is now officially arrived - listed as a top 12 gardening blog on many statistic sites ( even the big ones like Google and INVESP), as well as this mornings post on E-Junkie, which is beautifully written. Still, all of the really doesn't mean much, since impressions and numbers on the Internet all depends on the hour, the moment and the category you look at. For whatever reason, I do keep track of such things from time-to-time - I think it's simply because blogging is actually a very lonely practice - done in private, and often with little interaction from real people beyond a "like" or a "pin" ( it's why we bloggers love a little interaction from time to time, lest we end up being more like computer programers tapping away alone in dark rooms, when we'd rather be out in the sunshine and fresh air - maybe that's why so many garden writers never really spend much time in the garden. I won't let that happen.

A Squeeky Clean Spring Refresh

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:46:00 +0000

GALANTHUS ( SNOWDROPS) ARE BLOOMING EARLIER THIS YEAR DUE TO THE EXTREMELY MILD AND SNOWLESS WINTER - OUR WARMEST WINTER EVER SINCE RECORDS WERE KEPT.

I don't know if it's because it's becoming to feel like spring out there, or because it feels like spring outside.....but I feel like I need to play with the design of this blog once again - a subtle tweak, to freshen it up, make it whiter - more New York Timesy, classic, clean and more ownable. So please share your thoughts about it, as I tweak various type elements and try to simplify my color palette -- which happens to match this fab Snowdrop which was proudly waving its winged petals while in bloom in the sunshine this morning in the alpine bed that runs along the greenhouse.

OXALIS OBTUSA, SHARES A BEVY OF BLOOMS WHICH OPEN ONLY WHEN THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT. THIS SELF PLANTED ESCAPEE-BULB FOUND ITSELF IN A LARGE, DEEP POT WHERE IT SHARES A HOME WITH A BRUNSVIGIA TEN TIMES ITS SIZE.

Sometimes plants tell you how they like to grow. As many of you know, I grow many species of the bulbous South African Oxalis - the winter blooming species. Experts say to grow them in fast-draining mixes, in small pots, but this errant bulb ended up in a huge 30" container which houses a massive Brunsvigia, it must have happened while repotting the dormant southern hemisphere bulbs every July. The difference is that this misplaced bulb is doing far better than its kin in smaller pots. This plant has a root run nearly 24 inches deep, and I am convinced that these tiny South African bulbs prefer large tubs of sandy soil, where they can run roots deep, often where the bulbs end up, pressed against the bottom of a pot no matter how deep it is. A repot this summer while all is dormant will reveal the truth.

The Writes of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:43:00 +0000

HAMAMELLIS x INTERMEDIA 'ARNOLD'S PROMISE', JUST BEGINNING TO UNFURL IN THE BRIGHT, FEBRUARY SUNSHINE IN MY GARDEN. NOW ALMOST A TREE, THIS 15 YEAR OLD SHRUB WAS ALMOST BROUGHT DOWN BY OUR OCTOBER BLIZZARD.

At one time, long before there were blogs, there were newspapers, and in those newspapers, at least in the great ones, there was often a weekly gardening column. Behind most every fine gardening column, was a garden writer, and many of these garden writers, were indeed fine gardeners. Names like Thalassa Cruso, who wrote for the Boston Globe as well as McCall's Magazine, and perhaps even greater, if not the greatest garden writers of all Vita Sackville-West and her weekly notes in the London Sunday Observer blazed a path few take today. Like so many things today, the idea of a weekly column seems more quaint than practical, if only for the fact that it arrives on ones doorstep in a newspaper. The Sunday Times or Washington Post? Absolutely. I look forward to it. My daily local newspaper? Not so much.

However, there is a news-like quality to garden writing, and for garden news, for that matter. So where does one go to find the daily or weekly gardening task lists? I suppose the answer is blogs. Briefer, and not as eloquent as week columns in newspapers, at least, they capture a moment, personal share of the tasks are a constant, events happen daily, and often there is enough news for both the morning paper and the evening gazette, at least in my garden. But sometimes the news becomes less than newsworthy; and more about ritual. Garden writing reminds me of the Weather Channel, or better yet, it's the offspring of both the Weather Channel and the Cooking Channel. When things are bad, (really, really bad, like 9/11 bad), the safest place to turn the channel on the television is to either the Weather Channel or the Cooking Channel. Both provide a comforting tone, a mix of seasonal pace,( autumn apple pies or brisk Canadian cold fronts), a ritualistic repetition (the cycles of the moon, crank up the grill for summer fun), a touch of nostalgia ( the blizzard of 77, or Monkey Bread) and no news.

It's no surprise that gardening itself relates so closely to both the weather and food, after all, one can't live without the other. Weather is as immediate as anything can get, as is gardening, and garden column writers, if any good, must write in-the-moment, (for if one sees a flock of robins bathing in the koi pond as I did this morning, it is indeed newsworthy -- and not the sort of robins who spend the winter, I am convinced that these were genuine Florida robins - they were far too delighted). Garden column writers announce the first snowdrop, the first crocus, the proper time to plant asparagus root, as well as share their favorite recipe for something with Zuchinni in it. Today, garden blogs are filling that gap - from Groundhogs to Hellebores, to Heirloom Tomatoes to the first frog in the pond - our favorite gardening blog provides us with a brief moment of mindless gardening (which sometimes is even better than actually doing it yourself), just the 'idea' of planting a 50 foot row of coral peonies is enough - and yes, occasionally, an "Oh, OK, I can do that" or, "mine is blooming too!"Like 'cooks' watching the Cooking Channel, not all gardeners garden.

This weekend in late February, across North America, garden writers are tapping away at their laptops articulating the sublime benefits of the overlooked Hamamellis, or Witch Hazels, which are in bloom weeks earlier this year than in the past five years. Many are re-crafting profound statements about the 'unseasonably warm' winter, its record-breakingness, (or not). Month-by-month the titles are similar. February - First Eranthis, early crocus, Snowdrops and the errant robin. March: Providing sollice to those without their clivia in bloom, celebrating slate colored and double Hellebores, a few reports from the local spring flower show, and stern advice on how to restrain the need to start ones tomato plants too early. Annually these subjects inevitably repeat, but with subtle changes. "Why last year, these Hellebores bloomed a full six weeks later than this year!, and we? Well, we concur, we disagree, we relate, we rejoice, and the result is that we the audience find comfort in the rhythms and cycles that Mother Nature gifts us with so mysteriously and obviously at the same time.

I am no garden writer, I will say that. I can share my knowledge and passion as best I can with words and pictures. I can't even say that "I'll do my best.", for I can write far better than time allows me, but I am time poor and far too lazy to worry about it. Yes, blogs are a fast medium, most are quickly typed out in-the-moment, on mobile phones and laptops before work or while in bed, with photos downloaded and added while one is often still in the greenhouse or sipping coffee before work. "Must share that perfect camellia", or that special moment with the mouse trap and the peanut butter ( I'll save you from that! - but I see sweet peas in our future!!) -- But as newspapers wane and blogs start to take a place somewhere in our lives, at least we know that the gardeners voice ( be it far less articulate than Ms. Sackville-West's); continue to comfort us with that Weather Channel-ness of white noise, that at one time says nothing at all, while at the very same time, provides a reassuring beat to our daily lives.

Sunny, Sunny, Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

LACHENALIA, THE CAPE HYACINTH ( left), SOME MORE CAMELLIAS AND CYMBIDIUMS IN PEAK BLOOM ON THIS SUPER-SUNNY SUNDAY

Each year, there comes a time in my greenhouse when the plants that bloom in winter, peaks. It may happen in March, or in April and in some years even as late as May, but this year, it happens be in February. Such abundance is a little obscene, a mish-mash of color and species since even though these are generally winter-blooming species, they come from various corners of the world, so they don't always work well together.

On this very sunny morning, as I recover from a bout of the stomach flu, which has kept me completely off this laptop for three whole days, I find the brilliance of this sunshine so very welcoming. A quick stroll around the garden shows plants blooming both outside, and under glass, so I will begin with the greenhouse, since it is spectacular today.

VIEW FROM OUTSIDE THE GREENHOUSE, WHERE IT IS COLD OUTSIDE, BUT SUNNY AND WARM INSIDE. NOTICE THE Gladiolus splendens ON THE RIGHT JUST COMING INTO BLOOM.

YELLOW CLIVIA ( FRAGRANT ONE!), AND A MESS O' FORCED BULBS PROVIDE A RIOT OF COLOR

VELTHIEMIA BRACTEATA var. ROSE-ALBA, A MORE UNUSUAL SELECTION OF VELTHIEMIA WITH CREAM AND PINK BLOSSOMS

Happy Valentines Day

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:36:00 +0000

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY ! - CHOCOLATES ARE NICE, BUT CAMELLIAS ARE PRETTIER!

Avery special thank to everyone who came to my talk last night in New York for McNARGS, and a special thanks to Abbie Zabar for her thorough, thoughtful and gracious introduction. Abbie, I have no idea how you assembled all of that research about it, and then so eloquently spoke about my background, experience and contributions, I so appreciate the time and care you took with every detail for this great event. It was a lovely evening in Manhattan. Today, I arrived home to a home full of that nasty stomach flu, and without any further detail, it's feeling a little like Dowton Abbey about here today - this weekends' episode about the Spanish Flu. (sans the nurses and staff, naturally).

Live Tonight in New York City -Come visit!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:17:00 +0000

As a guest of the Manhattan chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society, I will be presenting talk and slide show on some recent trips to the Alps of Italy, Switzerland, France and Austria. Common destinations for many alpine plant enthusiasts for over 150 years, my take it a little different - using technology, digital cameral, new recording devices and mobile tech, we are discovering a new way to share images via Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, plant enthusiast forums and more.

A Weekend in the Winter Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:17:00 +0000

HARDENBERGIA VIOLACEA, AND AUSTRALIAN VINE ONCE COMMON IN OLD GREENHOUSES IN NEW ENGLAND, IT WAS BROUGHT BACK ON WHALING SHIPS IN THE LATE 18TH C., AND OFTEN WAS FOUND IN TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY GLASS HOUSES. ITS COLOR IS INTENSE, AND DIFFICULT TO CAPTURE WITH A CAMERA.

This has been an incredibly mild winter here in New England, and out lack of snow may end with the promise of a few inches today, but it is bitter cold - 8 deg. F. today, so clearly, it is still winter. But as St. Valentines day closes in - the date when I sense the shift in sun intensity, both outdoors and in the greenhouse, it is in the later space where suddenly, it begins to feel very April-ish. Thanks to the many tender shrubs, vines and bulbs from warmer parts of the world, that we now keep in terra cotta pots and large tubs. It may be snowing, but thanks to Australia, New Zealand, China and South America, there are plants that love these shorter daylight days, and these provide bloom and greenery throughout winter in the greenhouse.

When I built my greenhouse ten years ago, I asked to keep the floor open to the natural soil, mainly so I can plant woody shrub and trees right into the ground, making a sort of winter garden. The result is a winter garden, complete with the downside of muddy boots and sneakers, the soil floor makes the greenhouse very special, adding to the experience with the scents that gardeners crave, that of dirt and freshly pulled weeds. The soil floor also allows for lush clambering vines that twine and twist up the support system to bloom near the glass, and fragrant sub-tropical shrubs for the four corners of the world bloom as the snow flakes twirl beyond the thin glass. So, as I prepare to leave to New York City to speak and give a slide presentation at the HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Monday evening as a guest of the Manhattan Chapter of NARGS ( come attend if you wish, check it out, here) I thought that I might share a few plants that are in bloom today.

CYCLAMEN COUM BLOOMS IN A POT. HARDY IN PROTECTED SPOTS OUTDOORS EVEN IN OUR ZONE 5 GARDEN, THIS WINTER BLOOMER PREFERS TO STAY UNDER GLASS.

NEW VARIETIES OF CAMELLIAS OFFER EVEN MORE COLOR THAN VICTORIAN FORMS. ON OVERCAST DAYS IN FEBRUARY, NOTHING IS BETTER THAN BRINGING A BOWL OF CAMELLIAS INTO THE HOUSE TO BRIGHTEN THE DAY. WE PICKED A PLATE FULL, AND WENT ACROSS THE STREET TO VISIT ELENOR, OUR 86 YEAR OLD NEIGHBOR, IT WAS HER BIRTHDAY.

A ROSE FORM CAMELLIA JAPONICA OPENS JUST AS THE SNOW BEGINS TO FALL OUTSIDE. ONLY A COUPLE OF INCHES EXPECTED, AS THE NOR'EASTER MOVES FAR OFF OF THE COAST OF NANTUCKET, WE ARE SPARED A DEEPER SNOWFALL.

CAMELLIAS TRANSFORM THE FEBRUARY GREENHOUSE INTO A COLOR-RICH GARDEN, NO WONDER THEY WERE SO POPULAR AS GLASS HOUSE SUBJECTS 200 YEARS AGO.

A POTTED SARCOCCOCA HOOKERIANA VAR. DIGYNA 'PURPLE STEM', A FRAGRANT SHRUB OFTEN GROWN OUTDOORS IN WARMER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, MUST BE POTTED AND KEPT PROTECTED. THIS WAS A CLASSIC 18TH CENTURY CONSERVATORY SHRUB.

DETAIL OF A SARCOCOCCA HOOKERIANA - THIS SHRUB FROM CHINA ( FOUNDED BY HOOKER) HAS THE SWEETEST SCENT, ALMOST JASMINE-LIKE. JOE KEPT ASKING ME 'WHERE IS THE SCENT COMING FROM?". IT IS STILL A SMALL SPECIMEN, BUT IN A FEW YEARS, IT WILL SPREAD TO 24 INCHES IN A LARGER POT.

YES, EVEN A FEW RARE CAMELLIAS HAVE FRAGRANCE - CAMELLIA, 'HIGH FRAGRANCE' CAN FILL A ROOM WITH ITS SWEET, BABY POWDER SCENT.

For the love of Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Here is an arrangement for all of my fabulous followers who so kindly invited me to Pinterest. Thanks so much! So for you, I made this - A selection of heart-shaped leaves and petals from my greenhouse on an cold, overcast and snowy, winter day outside of Boston.

Cyclamen graecum leaf, on reverse side
Clivia x Interspecific - cross between C. miniata and C. caulescens ( three color versions shown), all from Mr. Nakamura in Japan.
Hardenbergia violacea - old fashioned greenhouse vine, a winter-bloomer for cold greenhouses from Australia with brilliant blue-violet pea-like flowers in wintertime.
A petal from a variegated Camellia.
Muscari macrocarpum 'Golden Fragrance' - a fragrant, chartreuse Muscari, or grape hyacinth.
Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Ghost' - a cyclamen with an all silver leaf.
Westringia rosemarifolia - it looks like Rosemary, but it's not. Easy-to-train as topiary or as a clipped dome-shaped greenhouse shrub.
Stenomesson piercii - a rare Equadorian bulb, with greenish-yellow bell shaped blossoms.
Camellia - a rose form
Cyclamen hederifolium - the ivy-leaved Cyclamen.
Cyclamen graecum (with a camellia sasanqua petal on it) two, heart shaped objects, the cyclamen leaf has a burgundy back-side, so I displayed it upside down.
Camellia japnica 'Lipstick' - an anemone-flowered form.
Rhododendron - Vireya 'Valentines day', a tropical rhododendron from Borneo
Nerine undulata - a pink, graceful species of Nerine, a tiny bulb in the Amaryllis family, which is easier to grow than other species, and a winter-bloomer.

My 'Growable' Coral and Poppy Flower List

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:32:00 +0000

Some of the best coral easy-to-grow flowers that I can recommend are ( top left, clockwise) Dahlia 'Beach Bum', Dahlia 'Coral Gypsy', Zinnia Benary's Giant Salmon Rose, Sweet Pea 'Valerie Harrod', Zinnia 'Dreamland Coral' and Diascia 'Coral Belle'.

The wedding and design blogs are obsessed with coral and poppy colors, Pinterest ( will someone please invite me?!) has hundreds of pins just based on coral and poppy, but what are the best. most growable flowers that fit in this palette? My designer friends ask me more about what coral colored flowers they can grow than most anything else, so I thought that I might as well share my thoughts, concerns, as well as some suggestions about what plants are truly growable, and which ones to forget.

New Diascia varieties come in the perfect shade of coral. Not great cut flowers, they are great for early spring plantings in the ground, or in containers.

Plant and seed catalogs can be very misleading, and unless you have grown most every plant, more often than not, new gardeners are disappointed in the results they get when the order plants based off nothing more than a photo in a catalog, or a post on a wedding blog. The truth is, choosing flowering plants simply based on color choice is very challenging, so I will share what I know, as well as some expertise on color, from my perspective as both a graphic designer, and, as a gardener who has some experience.

Slightly more challenging to grow - (Clockwise) Peony 'Coral Charm', Peony, 'Coral Magic', Sweet Pea 'Mollie Rilestone', Echinacea ' Coral Reef', Larkspur ' Sublime Salmon', Papaver Oriental Poppy 'Salmon'.

Recent color trends are showing a lot of coral and poppy, both in fashion and in the cut-flower trade. I just want to be a voice of reality here - these are not common colors in the floral world, at least as growable annuals and perennials, and, especially as home-grown cut flowers.

Here are the facts to note: Professional cut-flower growers are fast, as are plant breeders, and some very nice coral cut flowers have been introduced for greenhouse culture, but few of us can grow coral Gerbera or salmon and peach roses. Also, you must think about timing. I tried to group my suggestions buy season, since many people might order randomly from a wide variety of catalogs, not realizing that peony will bloom only for a single week in early June, and a salmon rose may only bloom for a single week in early July. Then, of course, there are Dahlias and Zinnias which bloom at the end of summer, and sweet peas in June and July, so imagining arrangements with roses, peonies, dahlias and sweet peas all together is completely unrealistic, so try to plan your cut flowers by flowering season.

Dahlias, in late summer from my garden in years past. I love combining coral tones with magenta, it allows me to have many options, rather than growing an odd and impractical blend that one often sees with dahlias, of yellow, white, primrose, red, rust and orange. Choosing a more attractive palette makes all the difference.Try pairing these with burgundy colored foliage.

If you are growing Salmon and Coral colored flowers, you will need this precise shade of periwinkle, which I can only find in one variety of an imported Spencer variety of Sweet Pea, called 'Bristol'. Want to grow them? Check out Tony's site called Tony The Gardener for a step-by-step method that not only produced lots of cut flowers, it also looks great in the garden - order your seeds now- this color is sublime!

Coral and poppy colors flowers do look best when paired with darker tones of pink, deep magenta tones and periwinkle, so you may want to plan on planting some complimentary colors like this, as well as lime colored foliage.

Here are my best recommendations for salmon, poppy and coral colored flowers. You will notice that poppies are not included ( except the one photo of an oriental poppy, which too, I would not suggest as an option since all poppies make horrible cut flowers, lasting only a day when cut in water. Save them for the garden.

The newer Diascia varieties are some of the greatest coral colored plants, and they can be cut for small vases, but generally, they are only good as bedding plants in the early spring. Diascia are fine choices for cool-season gardens in California, or in the greenhouse - in the north, look for them in March and plant out early like pansies, and then toss them when the weather becomes hot. Two good ones are available mail order from Joy Creek Nurseries, named Coral Belle and Coral Rose. Park Seed company offers a zinnia called Dreamland, and one selection is coral, although the photo does not do it justice, believe me, it's pretty close to coral - on the darkish reddish toned side of coral but it enhances arrangements. True coral is such a difficult color to achieve. Zinnia Benary's Giant is available at many seed sources, try Sunrise seeds or Harris Seeds. This is one of the finest bright coral colored flowers for mid to late summer bouquets. Try Benary's Giant Salmon Rose as a nice color to accompany the brighter coral colors.

Zinnias and Dahlias

Of all of the flowers that are easy to grow, which come in coral, Dahlias and Zinnias offer the most value, for not only are they easy to grow, and provide you with lots of flowers, they produce flowers for a long period of time, whereas flowers like Peonies only bloom for a week or two. Swan Island Dahlias offers a tremendous variety of Dahlias ( it's where I order mine from), and you can easily assemble a collection based on a few tones of color.

Dahlias come in many coral colors, many of which look best when combined with a blend of pink and magenta tones, and violet color varieties. These, which I grew three years ago, so how effective a simple restrained color palette can be.

EASIEST TO GROW CORAL FLOWERS

All of these are terrific for mid to late summer bloom ( except the peony varieties)

Dahlias - Coral Gypsy, Tempest, Beach Bum
Zinnia - Benary's Giant Coral
Zinnia - Benary's Giant Salmon Rose
Zinnia - Dreamland Coral
Echinacea 'Coral Reef' PPAF available at good nurseries
Peony - Coral Charm from Klem's Song Sparrow Nursery
Peony - Coral Magic also from Klem's Song Sparrow Nursery

MORE CHALLENGING TO GROW CORAL FLOWERS

All of these are June and early July flowering plants.

Sweet Peas - Valerie Harrod - Order from England, at Owls Acre Sweet Peas
Diascia ( not for cut flower, only for beds) Coral Belle, and Coral Rose. Buy as started plants in spring.
Clarkia elegans - 'Apple Blossom' from Thompson & Morgan - Sow where it will grow, thin, do not transplant. Cool Growing.
Larkspur - Sublime Salmon available as a single color from Johnny's Selected Seeds Sow where it is to grow and do not transplant.
Sweet Pea Mollie Rilestone from Thompson & Morgan
Poppies, try Papaver somniverum as an annual ( sow where it is to grow) or plant long-lived Oriental Poppies in coral colors.

Almost impossible to grow unless you live in northern California or Oregon - ( or England) is Clarkia elegans, one of the most delightful coral colored flowers. Cool growing, never wanting to go over 55 deg. F, sow where it will grow, and do not transplant it since it must form a tap root. These look like tissue paper flowers.

A Clivia cross marks mid-season

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:15:00 +0000

CLIVIA MINIATA X CAULESCENS

Known as Clivia Interspecific Group, these crosses between two species of the common houseplant clivia, are often crosses between an autumn blooming species such as C. caulescens, and a spring blooming species, like C. miniata. The autumn blooming species have pendant, slender blossoms with greenish tips to the petals, and the spring blooming C. miniata, which we are all familar with, have larger, wide blossoms. These crosses have a little of both, and are variable. Look for them at plant collector sales, or cross your own ( it's not that hard, and the berries are easy to clean and plant, since the seed is large, looking very much like a macadamia nut).

Clivia are long-lasting, sturdy house plants, and they bloom indoors if you can provide them with a cool, bright room where the daylight will trigger bud formation ( meaning - no lamps near by, nor street lights - these are plants that need to experience the natural progression of day length in the spring, or the shorter day length in autumn). Allowing them to go dry all winter, is incorrect, and will not stimulate these South African plants to bloom. What triggers them is temperature shifts from day to night, and day length. It's the only way that they will know that it is spring, or autumn ( or mid-winter, as in this case!).

Camellia Bowl XLVII

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:38:00 +0000

In this month, when it seems we are forced to endure the dreary (thy grumpy Ground Hog, a dead President or two, dirty snow, the impending doom of mud season, and yeah, bowl games), we are reminded that we must remember the hottie ( St. Valentines Day, chocolate, hot cherry pie). But really, there is another reason why we secretly adore Saint Valentines Day, and it has nothing to do with jewelry. We more visual people love it because it is so perfectly pretty - just check out the seasonal candy isle at your local Walmart. Businesses know that February needs a PR team - plus some designers picking out the perfect tint of periwinkle, magenta, coral and pink - combined with cerise and red - all trying to make this ugliest month (since November), somehow more survivable. But I am reminded that before there were sweet tarts and chocolate covered cherries, and Jared, there was --- camellias.

Camellias are for old ladies. At least, that's what I used to believe. In the olden times ( like, fifty years ago) camellias were only seen as corsages for church, corsages for Gramma at a wedding, and for, I don't know - sweet tea parties in the south? . But these Chinese trees were once the most cherished if not rarest plants ever grown in containers and in gardens. At one time, they were only grown in the Imperial Palaces of Japan and China, where they were one of the first plants ever cultivated in pots by man, some dating back to the 10th century. Today, they are still not as common as one may think outside of California and the deep south in the US, or in southern Italy and France in Europe.

Here in the north, the camellia is a rare site, for they make horrible house plants, and they are not hardy for outdoor culture. To have any success with camellias, one must have a cold, sunny room with moist air - something that was more common a hundred years ago, but with modern heating systems, an indoor location rarely found in homes today.

CAMELLIA 'LIPSTICK' HAS AN UNUSUAL FORM, CALLED ANEMONE FLOWERED TYPE.

Camellias are best grown in a cool, if not cold greenhouse, with buoyant air flow, a day and night shift in temperatures, and with bright winter light. An understory tree in its native eastern Asia ( the mountainous areas of Korea, China and Japan), this smallish tree did have its heyday in North America in the 18th and 19th century, for it was perfectly appointed for the estate conservatory which had wood or coal heat during the day, and chilly nights, or, it was often found in grand, Victorian parlours and homes which had unheated rooms. Camellias thrive in cold, if not near freezing temperatures, able to take frosts down near 15 - 20 degrees F for some time, so they are common landscape plants in areas where winters are more mild ( Oregon, Georgia, southern Europe, England and Japan), but elsewhere, they cannot live.

Camellia societies shows are terrific places to discover the perfect forms to grow. This show, at the Descanso Gardens in California, is held annually near Pasadena. Tables are laid about with small containers, each with a different selection often grouped in threes, fives, or singly. I made my wish list at two of these shows held in February a few few years ago, and then took my list to the nearby Camellia nursery - Nuccio's, where I had a crate packed and sent home on the plane with me. Trying to find camellia's in New England is practically impossible today, while a hundred a fifty years ago, most every greenhouse and florist from New York to Boston, had many trees growing for winter blooms to supply weddings, funerals and corsage work. Camellias are indeed, living heirlooms today, for one can hardly find a blossom anywhere - even in the poshest of New York City florists.

A selection of February camellias, picked today in my greenhouse showing the various forms available.

Pitcairnoideae or Deuterocohnia? I still likey.

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Botanist's continue to study and reevaluate certain genus, and one of the latest changes happened while no one was looking - don't despair, every ones fav bromeliad Abromeitella is now reclassified as Deuterocohinia - gasp.

I wouldn't let this keep you up at night, it will take years for even serious collectors to rename their plants, to make new plant labels, to learn how to even pronounce Deuterocohinia, and most importantly, for the plant catalogs and nurseries from which one finds these more unusual yet fabulous house plants, to change their plant descriptions. Often by then, the name changes again anyway. For now, most people are still calling this plant Abromeitella.

This tiny, symetrical bromeliad is highly cherished in collections of many cacti and succulent growers, who appreciate symmetry and the over-all form of their plants. Once classified into the sub-Family Pitcairnioideae (pit-cairn-ee-oy’dee-ee) , this is one long-lived relative of the pineapple family, and it gets better with age, forming a nice, tight mound, or bun shape that looks very much like a rock or a mound of moss.

If you are looking for an easy-to-grow house plant that has excellent geometry and form, then I highly recommend searching out a young plant of Abromeitella. There are four species that have this tight growth pattern, all are wonderful and rarely seen ( which also means that they are not common, and not very easy to find). Like any plant, I suggest one begin with a Google search, or, find a friend with a plant who will share a 'pup' with you. These are easy to propagate from cuttings.

My three plants are still young, only three and four years old from young plants and cuttings, but I have a friend ( Art Scarpa) who has some very large and impressive specimens which win ribbons often at the larger plant shows ( like Philadelphia Flower Show and the New England Spring Flower Show), we call them his 'green sheep'.

Gardening in and out of your zone.

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:26:00 +0000

CAMELLIA'S LIKE THIS ARE STILL A LONG WAY OFF IN OUR ZONE 6a GARDEN, BUT MAYBE A FEW OF THE HARDIER FORMS WILL NOW SURVIVE. FOR NOW, I MUST GROW MOST CAMELLIAS IN THE GLASS GREENHOUSE, WHERE THEIR ANNUAL SHOW IS JUST BEGINNING TO START. THIS STRIPED FORM LOST ITS LABEL, BUT WHO CARES WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE THIS?

While on the theme of cataclysm, hoards of invading beetles, and the whole 2012 thing, I might as well end the month with climate change fears. Last week, the USDA updated its hardiness zone map for the US, and there were some significant surprises - yes, the government has spoken, and yes, it's warmer - just a little, almost everywhere. It does confirm that we are experiencing milder winters in most areas, especially in New England where I live, this January marks the 9th month in a row where our temperatures have averaged above normal, this month, by as much as 6 degrees.

It doesn't mean that we will be replanting our gardens with palm trees, but I have noticed that this is one winter where I have had something in bloom every month. Our snowdrops are in bloom right now, and the witch hazels are just opening, a good 3 months earlier than last year, but then again, last year our winter was the worst in recorded history, so who really knows what is happening?

The new Plant Hardiness Map however is very impressive, and you really should go visit the USDA site and give it a run - you can view zones at detail, even just your county. I was surprised to see that even though I am now listed in zone 6, that our property is in a pocket of zone 5b ( we were zone 5 before the revised map). This explains why many zone 6 plants are surviving in our garden. You can find the new map here. For the first time, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map, for which a broadband Internet connection is recommended. Users may simply type in a ZIP Code, and find the hardiness zone for that area. No printed posters will be available this year, but high resolution images of the map can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes.

ON THE NEW USDA PLANT HARDINESS MAP, YOU CAN CLICK ON YOUR STATE, AND VIEW YOUR COUNTY, AND SEE ITS MICRO ZONES. I LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF MASSACHUSETTS, IN WORCESTER, IN THE USDA ZONE 6a. I SEE ARTICHOKES IN MY FUTURE.

If you are an experienced gardener, you know all about micro climates, those little secret sweet-spots in your garden where certain micro conditions exists where plants in a zone or two higher, can survive. I have a few such spots, the raised bed next to the greenhouse foundation, which drains well, yet remains covered with snow in most winters, carries a population of zone 7 Zauchneria and Nerine bowdenii. A sandy dry bed in front of the studio that becomes damp in spring, but then drys out all summer long, keeps a collection of Juno Irises and South African bulbs that are clearly zone 8. A few pockets where I replaced soil with gravel and coarse sand in the sunniest bed in the front yard, has successfully kept zone 7 plants of Agapanthus 'Storm Cloud' and Eremurus alive and blooming for 7 years now.

MY FIRST SNOWDROP, AND IT'S TWO MONTHS EARLIER THAN IN NORMAL WINTERS. NOT THAT UNUSUAL THOUGH, GALANTHUS WILL EMERGE ANYTIME BETWEEN DECEMBER AND MARCH IN OUR CLIMATE. IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER.

Look for seasonally dry, or winter dry areas, beds that are near foundations in full winter sun that never freeze, or areas where winter snows are often deep, and try some plants that are a few zones higher than you have tried before, and see what happens.

Facing Environmental Disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:11:00 +0000

I've been waiting for two years to write about this - and to avoid any bad juju, I just avoided writing about it. But now, I need to face the inevitable - we in Worcester Massachusetts are facing a biological disaster, and my garden in smack dab in the middle of it. We may loose every deciduous tree in the government finds one hole from a not so tiny beetle from China. The Asian Long Horn Beetle - recently escaped from wood shipping containers from China, is threatening the existence of hard-wood trees in parts of North America, and Europe.

I live in a small part of Worcester County in Massachusetts where the Asian Long Horn Beetle has been found. Two years ago, we joked a little that the beetle, if it came from anywhere, came in one of our rare plant shipments ( it's didn't), but the joke quickly became serious when the government swept in and quarantined half of our county, and then proceeded cut down every deciduous tree in a 5 mile radius in an attempt to stop the infestation of this destructive beetle that now threatens most every deciduous tree in North America. With many host species such as maple, ash, birch, oak and most every tree except evergreens, we have been keeping our eyes open for the tell tale holes found in infested trees.

As of today, nearly 20,000 trees have been cut down in our county. No wood or wood products can leave our county since the government quarantine has been enlarged to now include our property.

Government Inspectors search carefully for Asian Long Horned Beetles in our mixed shrub border amidst Japanese ground bamboo ( Sasa vietchii). I think that they enjoyed some of the species that we had, asking for the names of all of our Japanese maples, Davidia and Stewartia species.

Then, this morning, I awoke to scene reminiscent of those found in one of those bad SciFi channel disaster films - 5AM, a knock on the door, and a team of agents in uniforms, clipboards, cameras and various scientific devices began sweeping through our garden. As I picked up the morning paper, I thought " Maybe a UFO crash landed in the back yard", as a helicopter roared overhead.

Men and women in uniform, entered the garden from all entrances.They opened gates, looked in the greenhouse, and out in the woods out back, spot lights, and a crowd of officers in safety vests looking up into the trees. Actually, most of these very official looking officers are students, employed by the government's beetle buster program. And all were very polite, and curious about many of our rare trees. The good news? We 'passed' this phase, although I was instructed to call the government program for next steps.

We passed this phase!

Two years ago, the only infested area was a small area near Chicago, a section in New Jersey, and our city in Massachusetts. As you can see, the threatened area has been expanding. To learn more about the Asian Long Horned Beetle, please visit the US Government's Beetle Buster site.

Seeds from a Collecting Trek in Tibet

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:04:00 +0000

A Blue Himalayan Poppy ( Meconopsis) blooms aside an alpine lake high in the Himalaya. These and more arrived from an expedition share in Tibet that I received from Chris Chadwell's latest trip.

When seeds first arrive, I like to organize them by type - bulbs and woodland plants need to be separated from shrubs and trees. Alpines, Primula species and tender tropicals all need to be researched to learn the proper method for germination, such as stratification or chemical treatment to stimulate growth. Collection numbers must be noted, since this is serious business - often the only other groups growing some of these rare seeds are a botanical garden or two in Europe who surely have a staff working on tracking the accession numbers and collection numbers.

A large packet of seeds arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, part of a share purchased from an expedition to Little Tibet, and an additional package both from noted plantsman and seed collector Chris Chadwell, who stayed with us twice this past summer. Chris runs the Sino-Himalayan Plant Association and he is a very prodigious seed collector having traveled throughout the Himalaya. He is one of the last of a handful of explorers today to still travel to far away places collecting and discovering new species and genus. One can purchase shares for a few hundred dollars in any one of his seed collecting trips to the Himalaya ( he has been more than 27 times), and you will get in the mail, a selection of seeds, many quite rare, and very precious. Chris gave us a few extra seeds in our share as a gift for staying at our home this summer with his son, and I am most grateful to have many of these species which are new to me. Now the hard part comes - sowing and cultural research for each species. I thought that I might share the process a bit.

I start my process by creating labels - two for each pot of seed. One will have an accession number on it, a long number which I keep in an Excel spreadsheet so that I can track the progress and keep an accurate record of sowing dates, successes and failures. The naming convention I use is long, and includes the date, year, collection number, and much more information that anyone else would find boring. I print the number, and mount it on one vinyl label which I place in the bottom of the pot, incase mice steal it or I lose it. The other label includes the name of the plant and the collection number. I track the cultural information in another document, that I can access quickly. The tags are waterproof, and I prefer white type on black, opting to use the Brother P-Touch system and 1/2 inch black waterproof tape.

Each pot of seed is properly sown, which requires some up-front work. First I research the species, and sometimes the genus. Knowing the specifics about culture is important, since these are not seeds that you can just simply sow, many are woodland plants, ephemerals, or they are seeds of hardy trees and shrubs, each genus and each species will need a different treatment. Some species must be allowed to be exposed to light, others, must germinate in the dark. Some need a splash or boiling water, or need to be soaked, others may need an acid treatment or will need to be frozen for a time to simulare winter. Temperatures for many require a shift from day to night, and others, particularly tree species require first a warm, moist period for a couple of weeks, and then a freezing period outdoors for a few months, only to be brought indoors again. I try to group pots of seeds that require similar treatment.

This latest collection has everything from bulb seed for Arisaema and Lilies, to many Iris species as well as seed that is almost microscopic. There are some packets of tree seeds like Maples and Olive,, and then there are some woodland species like impatiens. There are even some very choice alpine plant seeds for rare primula, saxifrage and nepeta ( the cat mints). Many of the genus that Chris has collected have medicinal value, a new focus for him since he has been getting alot of interest from medicinal plant reasearchers, ethnobotanists and pharma - all who are looking for the next big discovery. In researching many of these species, I have been surprised at the medicinal value that many of these plants have.

Empty seed packets are kept in an old clay pot, and then brought indoors where in the evening, I can enter the names and numbers into my master spread sheet that will track progress. Keeping accurate records is essential, since these are important collections, and one must function as carefully as a leading botanical garden does. Some of these species are quite rare, and one would not want to lose a tracking number or a collection number, for what if a certain species is new to science, or a new form? One has a tremendous responsibility with such seed, yet it is all still very fun. I was particularly thrilled to have gotten a packet of a rare lily, Lilium polyphyllum, the rarest of rare.

Some seed needs special treatment, such as these seeds from the giant lily, Cardiocrinum giganteum. These may take 7 years before they become large enough to bloom, and some may take over a year to germinate.

Seeds are all sown carefully in pots, and then covered with either sand, or gravel, or simply soil. Some seeds need daylight, others, must have complete darkness. Some require smoke, needing a forest or field fire to germinate, so they are treated with smoke paper so that the right chemical will be released. Nature makes germinating seeds of some plants very difficult with specific needs.

Once potted, gravel chips are spread on top, since most of the flats will be placed out doors so that winter temperatures can stratify the seeds that need it. The labels are pushed down deep into the pots ( so that birds, or little terriers cannot see them an pull them out). And the rest is up to mother nature herself.

With any luck, the first seedlings will emerge in a few weeks with many of the perennials, and then the fun really begins. I urge many of you to consider buying a share in a seed collecting expedition or to join a plant society and to purchase some seeds from one of the many seed exchanges that most plant society's have. This is often the only way to obtain many of these rare species, since most plants today are either hybrids or mass produced. There are still many species new to horticulture, or many more that are the pure species, which are often much more interesting than their fancy relatives. In collections such as this latest one from Chris Chadwell, many of the species are available no where else since very few explorers have been collecting some of the western Chinese, Tibetan and Nepalese species.

More January Rare Bulbs

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

ASPHODELUS ACAULIS, A RARE ALPINE LILY-LIKE PLANT FROM TURKEY WITH LONG, DORMANT STORAGE ROOTS LIKE CARROTS, BLOOMS IN A LONG-TOM SET INTO A RAISED SAND PLUNGE BED IN MY GREENHOUSE.

In the front of my greenhouse, on the sunniest side near the front door, sit two raised beds which are filled with sand. Placed into these sand beds are clay pots, many with rare bulbs in these. This is the preferred method in which to grow many winter or summer growing bulbs, since the appreciate the cooler soil that a damp clay pot which is plunged into damp sand provides, and since the terra cotta pots are porous, they wick moisture from the sand providing optimal conditions for many bulbs. The air temperature on sunny days can rise to nearly 75 degrees in January, but the soil will remain more consistent, often near 45 degrees F. At night, the air cools to near 39-40 degrees, and the soil remains warmer. Many plants require this temperature shift as it mimics nature more closely than the constant temps which a plant might get in a modern heated home might get.

BLOOMING EVERY WINTER, I HAVE LEARNED THAT FREQUENT REPOTTING ACTUALLY HELPS THIS SPECIES BLOOM NICER. THE YEAR FOLLOWING DIVISION TO A SINGLE CROWN, WHILE DORMANT IN JULY, HELPS THIS RARE TURKISH ALPINE BLOOM. IN THE WINTER SUNSHINE TODAY, I NOTICED THAT IT ALSO HAS A SWEET FRAGRANCE, WHICH I NEVER NOTICED BEFORE.

THE POT IS NEARLY 12 INCHES DEEP, AND THE THICK ROOTS ARE SET IN A SOIL MIX WHICH IS MOSTLY SHARP SAND. THIS PAST SUMMER I DIVIDED A LARGE PLANT AND SHARED 5 ROOTS WITH READERS OF THIS BLOG - SHARING IS A GOOD THING, SINCE IF ONE LOSES A PLANT, ONE CAN OFTEN GET A DIVISION FROM A SHARED SOURCE.

TECOPHILAEA CYANOCROCUS ssp. VIOLACEAE

Last post, I shared an image of the rare Chilean blue crocus, or Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. leichtlinii which has sky blue flowers, here a week later, a less blue and more violet variety is blooming, the equally rare and choice Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. 'Violacea', a bulb best grown in the protected zone 7 rockery or in a cold alpine house, where one can appreciate its stunning deep violet blossoms.

The legendary Tecophilaea, or blue Chilean Crocus ( remember, they are not true crocus), continue to provide the greatest interest in the greenhouse this week, and I am very glad that I have both a somewhat free weekend as well as a sunny one too. I can enjoy them a bit during the daylight hours as I repot some orchids, train some topiary and sow some seeds. During the week I never get to see anything, as I am still arriving home from work in the dark, and leaving for work in the dark. These are plants that look best in sunlight.

HERE YOU CAN SEE THE COLOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO FORMS OF TECOPHILAEA CYANOCROCUS, ON THE LEFT, T. CYANOCROCUS VAR. 'LEICHTLINII' WITH SKY BLUE FLOWERS, AND ON THE RIGHT, T. CYANOCROCUS VAR. 'VIOLACEA'. BOTH ARE SUMPTUOUSLY RARE COLORS IN THE FLORAL WORLD.

Our two rescue puppies that we are fostering after Joe helped shut down a backyard puppy mill in December, are doing well now - all wormed, and ready to go get 'fixed' at Tufts this coming week. Hopefully we will be able to find good homes for the 12 rescues, as well as for these two boys since they are starting to raise Hell in the garden. Below, are some shots of 'Scooby' and 'Scraggy' as the discover some sprouting crocus in front of the greenhouse, which they promptly dug up and ate.

If you are interested in adopting any of the recent rescues, please check out the Irish Terrier Rescue Network and apply. They are all sweet, and healthy, and need good, loving homes.

Please find me a nice, loving home. I promise that I won't eat your crocus.

The Rarest of Rare - Hello 'Blue Chilean Crocus'

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:51:00 +0000

Tecophilaea cyanocrocus ssp leictlinii, a true-blue flower that comes from a tiny corm. Nearly extinct ( or extinct in the wild) this is a plant that today, only exists in private collections. It is the Panda Bear of the plant world.

This rarely seen bulb (corm) is one of the real treasures of the plant world. Tecophilaea provides a refreshing burst of true blue to a winter bulb collection ( and will award you with gasps from your friends, or even from the real hortiphiles, as I found out today as we hosted our annual Winter Bash for the American Primula Society. People simply love the color blue, and the plantsmen love it's rareness.

Tecophileae cyanocrocus is considered by many experts as being extinct in the wild due to farming, commercial water use and climatic change, but remains in many collections around the world. We do know that it it is not extinct, it is certainly rarely found in the wilds of Chile anymore. Today, it is one of the most desirable bulb plants in the world, if only for its amazing azure color, but surely for its rarity. They can be grown from seed if one has a cool greenhouse, but by far, the easiest way to get success will be to order corms in late summer. Not hardy in cold northern areas, some have survived winters in southern England, and Ireland, or in the US where the summers are dry ( Northern California perhaps?). Beyond that, these are only worth growing under the protection of a cold glass or alpine house.

CORMS MUST BE ORDERED IN JULY OR AUGUST, AND PLANTED IN SEPTEMBER BEFORE THE BEGIN ANY GROWTH. USE A QUICK DRAINING SOIL ( I USE GRAVEL AS THE LAYER BELOW THE CORMS) SINCE THESE BULBS DEMAND EXCELLENT DRAINAGE. FERTILIZE AFTER BLOOMING WITH A 0.5.5 analysis FERTILIZER TO ENCOURAGE CORM GROWTH FOR NEXT YEAR. ALLOW POTS TO GO DORMANT AND DRY FOR THE SUMMER.

There have been reports lately of a native population being found, but this has not been confirmed - regardless, this is indeed a rare plant. Unique in not only the bulb world for its blue tint, it is also unique in the plant kingdom. Not truly a crocus at all, it's common name comes from the shape of its' blossoms, which some might say, are crocus-like, although both are classified as being members of the larger plant family, Iridaceae, the iris family. Corms are sometimes available from specialty sources such as Telos Rare Bulbs, and Paul Christian Rare Plants, but be prepared to pay for rarity - two years ago corms sold for $60-75 each, last year, $25. each. This year, some were available for $18.00 each.

Growing and Forcing Belgian Endive

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:51:00 +0000

BELGIAN ENDIVE, TOTEM F1 AVAILABLE FROM JOHNNY'S SELECTED SEEDS, IS AN EASY-To-GROW FRESH VEGGIE TO GROW FOR MID-WINTER SALADS, AND IT NEVER HAS SEEN A PLANE.

Growing Belgian Endive at home, is easier than you might think, yet looking back at these photos, I realized how long it takes (9-10 months), before one can harvest a crop. Even though it seems like like long time to wait for a harvest, the labor involved is minimal. If you are looking for another way to augment your winter storage vegetables like roots, potatoes and cabbage, and you are craving something really fresh-picked, why no grow a crop of Belgian Endive - truly a low carbon crop for fresh winter salads. One sows seed in March or April, a little thinning a weeding in May and June, no fertilizer or water needed in the summer, and then ones digs the roots up in October. A day to dry off in the sun, and then the roots are potted up in a long-tom clay pot, and placed in the root cellar until December, when one relocated them to a warmer, yet dark place to spout. Following, are some photos of the entire process.

BELGIAN ENDIVE SEED MUST BE PLANTED AS SOON AS THE GROUND CAN BE WORKED - HERE IN NEW ENGLAND, THIS CAN BE MID-MARCH.

In the 1700's and 1800's if one wanted fresh vegetables in the winter months, one had to plan months ahead, potting up plants to force in root cellars and hot beds, a common practice on private estates and on family farms. In Europe, methods of growing and then forcing chicories and endives for winter harvests started in the 1600's, yet today, the process has been somewhat modified and modernized, the results are basically exactly the same. Belgian endive that is forced in barns that are blacked-out so the no light at all can turn the chicons green, still provide harvests of endive for modern supermarkets. But if you are looking for a sustainable crop that will provide you with fresh vegetables in the winter

SEED SHOULD BE SOWN THINLY, SO THERE IS MINIMAL HAND-THINNING, WHICH CAN DISTURB THE ANGLE OF THE TAP ROOT. ONE WANTS TO HARVEST LONG, THICK ROOTS IN THE AUTUMN.

YOUNG ENDIVE LOOKS VERY MUCH LIKE THE COMMON DANDELION, WHICH IS, OF COURSE, ALSO AN ENDIVE.

IN MID SUMMER, KEEPING WEEDS AT BAY, WILL BE THE ONLY CHORE. BELGIAN ENDIVE PREFERS LEAN SANDY SOIL THAT DRAINS WELL, WITH VERY LITTLE FERTILIZER. LOW NITROGEN MEANS STRONGER ROOTS, AND LITTLE WATER WILL FORCE ROOTS TO LOOK DEEPER FOR MOISTURE.

JUST BEFORE A HARD FROST, WHICH FOR US, OFTEN MEANS LATE OCTOBER, THE ROOTS ARE CAREFULLY DUG UP.

THE VARIETY I GREW, TOTEM F1 FROM JOHNNY'S SELECTED SEEDS, IS A CHOICE VARIETY FOR NORTHERN GROWERS. ROOTS ARE ALLOWED TO DRY FOR A DAY, AND THE LONG TIPS ARE CUT OFF, AS WELL AS THE FOLIAGE. ROOTS ARE POTTED UP SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER IN A LONG TOM, OR A DEEP CLAY POT. HERE IS WHERE THINGS CAN GO WRONG.

THE POTTED ROOTS ARE WRAPPED IN A CLOTH TO BLOCK OUT THE LIGHT - I USED BLACK VELVET BLACK OUT CLOTH, AND THE ENTIRE POT IS SET IN A COOL, DARK PLACE UNTIL READY TO FORCE. DON'T WAIT TOO LONG, THE LAST HARVEST SHOULD BE AROUND FEB.1ST.

I START POTS AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME BY MOVING THEM TO A PITCH BACK, YET WARM LOCATION, LIKE A CLOSET OR A CELLAR WAY, WHERE TEMPS ARE AROUND 68 DEG. F.

IT ONLY TAKES A FEW WEEKS FOR THE CHICONS TO SPROUT. IF YOU USE A BLACK PLASTIC GARBAGE BAG TO BLOCK OUT THE LIGHT, CHECK DAILY FOR MOLD OR DECAY. SHOOTS CAN BE CUT OFF JUST ABOVE THE ROOT TOP, AND A SECOND CROP WITH FEWER LEAVES CAN BE HARVESTED IN A FEW WEEKS.

Today we hosted the New England chapter of the American Primula Society for a mid-winter bash. We presented this first pot of Belgian Endive to Jacques Mommens, ( who is from Belgium), and he was very moved by his gift. As an active member of The National Rock Garden Society and the American Primrose Society, Jacques is a dear friend of many alpine plant enthusiasts across the country, and we are always thrilled when he braves his long journey from New York to come to one of our events.

Winter Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Solenostemon thyrisoides, a winter-blooming old fashioned conservatory plant, rarely seen today in any collections blooms on a sunny January day in the greenhouse.

Every gardener should have at least one plant in their garden that stops even the most snooty of plantista's in their tracks, forcing them to ask you "Oh my gosh, what is that?!" Here is one plant that may indeed to that, although it is a winter-blooming tender plant intended for growing in the greenhouse. The best part is, it isn't really all that rare - it's a coleus. A green-leaved, almost succulent form grown for centuries by plantsmen for it's blue flowers in January and February which brought that special color to conservatory displays and garden rooms to brighten even the snowiest of winter days.

First introduced to Europe in 1875 by Veitch, this pretty yet rather free-growing ( i.e. branchy and not very attractive) plant does have two qualities that keeps it in private collections - it blooms smack in the middle of winter, and those flowers? They just happen to exist in the most incredible shade of a deep true blue - the sort of blue one only sees in morning glories and cobalt glass.

It's greatest downfall may very well be it's scent; and it doesn't come from its lovely blossoms, for they have no scent, but this plants scent (actually, a 'smell') comes from it's leaves - a sticky mixture of chum, sardines and cod liver oil, with just a spritz of turpentine. I kind of like it, actually, only because it reminds me past experiences with this plant, and how it used to bloom in old wood and glass greenhouses in wintertime. It's just part of that entire experience.

Don't be too confused with the Latin name, for it seems to change annually. It belongs to a clan of plants that just keep getting moved around from one plant family to another ( all within Lamaceae - the mist family- you know, all the plants that have square stems). I know it as a coleus, yet it was classified as Plectranthus as recently as five years ago, and now, pushed over into a genus named Solenostemon ( don't worry, I still call them all coleus too).

You may need to Google all three genus names to fine this species online, if you want to buy one. Logee's greenhouses sells them, yet I don't see it on their mail order list, you would need to call them ( I know they have it for sale, I saw some yesterday). They list it as Coleus thyrsoides, and Glass House Works sells them listed as Plectranthus thyrsoides, and also as Solenostemon thyrsoides. Regardless of what you call it, this continues to be a fine flowering plant for winter windowsills, and especially in cold greenhouses where it really shines.

Plants can be grown from cuttings ( the Logee's plants have bee growing from the same cuttings for over 100 years), but I have recently read that the finest plants are grown from seed, since the plant is formally classified as an annual. I found seed for sale from the South African seed firm of Silver Hill Seeds, which ships worldwide, yet there may very well be a few other sources. It's not necessarily common, but one can find most anything with seven Google searches, right?

The Winter Windowsill - Rare Bulbs

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:12:00 +0000

THE CAPE HYACINTH

Lachenalia aloides var. quadricolor

CULTURE- Easy as Papewhite narcissus. Purchase bulbs in autumn from specialist bulb catalogs, and some Dutch bulb catalogs. Plant in a professional quality potting mix ( like ProMix by Fafard), or a fast-draining soil mix ( 1/3 gravel, 1/3 perlite, 1/3 compost or loam), water well once, and set on cool, bright windowsill or on a bench in a cool greenhouse which does not freeze. Bulbs emerge in a few weeks, and will produce two to three leaves per bulb. Floral scapes appear shortly after. Provide the brightest light possible ( a sunny, bright window that becomes cooler at night, or the sunniest spot in your greenhouse.

Lachenalia aloides var. Nelsonii

Related to the common hyacinth, the plant grows in much the same way, but without the fragrance. Lachenalia were once popular in the late 1800's, but fell out of fashion when indoor heating eliminated those rooms often found in large turn of the century homes, and farm houses which were not heated. Many flower enthusiasts are rediscovering these easy-to-grow South African bulbs for winter windowsill collections. Look for them next Autumn when you order your Paperwhites, and try something very different.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Romulea komsbergensis

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CROCUS

We can thank Romulus for this rather odd name for plant which is neither a crocus, nor truly anything 'Romulus-like', for according to plantsman and authors Peter Goldblat and Robert Manning authors of many find monographs of plants found in both South Africa ( and particularly those found within the genus Iridaceae, the Iris family) - the name Romulus simply came from the fact that one species within these genus grows in and around Rome, and we have Linnaeus to thank for that, way back in 1760. Linnaeus, is the Swedish botanist who essentially invented and introduced botanical latin, which we all still use today.

Romuea are not common at all, or at least in bulb collections beyond only the geekiest of bulb collectors ( ahem). I will admit that they are quite boring when not in bloom. If new to Romulea, you think that you made a mistake, and that grass started growing in all of your containers, but wait - for that winter day, when the sun is low and weak, for romuleus to arrive (if only briefly, and only when the sun is at it's highest point and bright around noon - the large floral buds reveal even larger, crocus-like striped cups with a complex color structure, sometimes so complex that a camera cannot capture the jewel tones very well. Sadly, the simple Romulea is destined for obscurity, for nobody really grows them in any number, and perhaps they shouldn't, for there are far better bulb plants, so don't be meslead by the close up photo. I would suggest the we leave them mother natures garden, and visit them on the winter rain soaked velds and vernal seeps of the Cape area of South Africa, where left to own role amongst the grasses and other bulbs, it flourishes in large sweets. Only appreciated by a lonely Baboon, who may take a second glance at their beauty, in only so briefly before tearing out the sweet corm from which it grows, as a snack.

Stenomesson pearcei

A rare bulb from Peru and Equador, I am please to say that this bulb has proven sturdy enough for me have it in bloom three times this year. The experts will tell you to never plant mature bulbs, for they will never bloom, and, to never repot them for they will sulk for at least three years. My bulbs not only sat out on the bench for three months, after I forgot to plant them, I repotted them twice this year. But then again, I wonder exactly how many Stenomesson pearcei

experts there really are out there?

Ornithogalum fimbriatum

Alpine form of Star of Bethlehem

My Favorite Seed Sources

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:08:00 +0000

Is it just me? Or are there more seed catalogs arriving in the mail than ever before?

Clearly our new digital work has not affected the catalog printing industry. As most of us know, there is still that special 'something' about paper, when it comes to some things. I would bet my yellow variegated clivia that most people read the paper catalogs , circling favorite choices, crafting a final list, and then places an order on-line.

Every blog on the planet is featuring their favorite catalogs, so I will approach this subject differently. I thought that I might share with you some of my more unconventional sources for seed. Some of these you may already be familiar with, others maybe not so much. Either way, I encourage you to support these small business, or plant societies - for the truth is that there are very few sources where one can get truly unique seeds. Most heirloom and major seed companies purchase their seeds overseas, in China or all from the same source. Look for those who grow their own, breed their own, or collect responsibly from the wild. Be wary of most seed banks offering "heirloom seed" in large lots that you can bury in the cellar - most are scams, or at the very best, simply selling old seed of out dated varieties that will never germinate once the Mayan calendar runs out.

Here are some of my current, favorite sources - where many of us plant enthusiasts like to purchase the seeds that interest us. If you are looking for something different, unique or something really ...

challenging, do try some of these sources. for those hard-to-find and even the rarest of species to grow in your gardens and collections. Yes, I will admit that some of these sources sell only challenging seeds, but if one follows directions, and uses Google properly to search for the proper planting sowing directions, success is not as impossible as you may have previously encountered. Go for it!

Broadly speaking, I have arranged my favorite seed sources into a few large categories -

Commercial Seed Sources

These are the big, glossy or newsprint mega catalogs, most are fine sources, and you can choose from a tall stack of choices based on your own personal criteria list - organic, heirloom, hybrid, GMO, non GMO, whatever - go have fun! The upside is that most of these large companies carry fresher seed, but the downside is that most carry the same varieties, and have a limited selection, focusing on the easiest annuals and vegetables to grow. My favorite commercial sources? That's easy. Thompson & Morgan, because of their variety, and Johnny's Selected Seeds because they grow most of their own seed and varieties right here in New England, and they breed many of their own varieties rather than focusing older varieties ( i.e. beyond tomatoes, "heirloom" varieties are not always the best choice for many reasons and especially if you are growing organically - most older varieties are more susceptible to virus' and diseases, and less flavorful - so do your research).

Professional Sources

This is where the commercial growers purchase seed, and although not an option for most of you, I only mention these for one reason - in case you were wondering where you could buy seed for fabulous over-performing plants which often cost as high as $8 or $9.00 at the nursery ( think - Proven Winners brand). The cost is high for these plants for a simple reason, they are the best performing varieties of annuals ( yes, they are registered and trademarked) but don't let that freak you out. It's necessary. Really, it's the only way that companies like Proven Winners can afford to research, develop and distribute their intellectual property and at the same time, make a profit so that they can find, develop and market more. They are a business and need to make a profit.

This is why you cannot find those awesome varieties, some which you may have paid $4.99 a pot for at your local nursery, as seed that you can grow at home. Even your local nursery can't buy that special seed, they are required to purchase their plants as pre-started plugs from even a larger wholesaler who is licensed to grow these plants into plug stage, or as tissue cultured baby plants. Many travel a very long distance by the time they are planted into a pot at your nursery. Currently, many come from Africa where warmer temperatures allow an unheated environment, and at the same time providing tribal cultures with new opportunities. So really, in many ways, we are supporting a very good thing.

Plant Enthusiast Sources

Now for the good stuff - Here I include specialist nurseries, those mom and pop growers focusing on their own, unique breeding programs, independent plant collectors who travel to Tibet, or Nepal to collect seed of which one would buy a sponsor collection from, or those sources where, not unlike crowd sourcing, pull together many collectors of seed, such as those offered as a membership benefit in various plant societies (seed exchanges) which offer both wild collected seed, as well as seed grown in members' gardens. A membership in a plant society that offers the benefit of an annual seed list is one of the finest sources for the most unusual seed. So if you are a collector, or more serious with your plant choices, that would be my first recommendation.

Businesses with interesting seed: ( all ship worldwide).

Jelitto Seeds

( check out their pre-chilled perennial seeds - by far the best way to grow the most challenging of perennials from seed - $18 per packet may seem high, but imagine 200 delphiniums that grow 6 feet tall at that price, and you will quickly see the value.

J.L. Hudson Seeds

Plant World Seeds

I have not ordered from them yet, but I have friends who just did, so I will let you know - interesting material.

Silverhill Seeds ( South African plants and bulbs)
Almost forgot this one! the best, and perhaps the only source for responsibly collected wild seed of South African bulbs and plants. Most of my collection has been raised from seed purchased from Silverhill.

Barnhaven Primroses
For fine strains of garden primroses especially the polyanthus types, which are difficult to find today in nurseries ( most have no stems) these are the classic, and finest strains with excellent germination.

Chris Chadwell Seeds

My good friend Mr. Chadwell is one of the last of the great explorers collecting today. His specialty? The Himalaya ) Tibet and Nepal. This is where many of the world's most important collections get their material ( i.e. botanic gardens). If you see a number at a Botanic Garden that starts with CC and a four code number, it's a Chadwell collection. But yes, you can own those very same plants - just purchase a share in one of Chris Chadwell's expeditions, and you too could get box in the mail of all sorts of amazing seeds ( I just got one this weekend, and I am so excited!).

Plant Societies with Seed Exchanges

North American Rock Garden Society

The American Primrose Society

American Rhododendron Society

American Horticultural Society

American Conifer Society

Pacific Bulb Society

Alpine Garden Society

Clematis International

Just Google any plant type ( Peony, Irish Narcissus, etc, and check and see if they have a seed exchange, and although many seeds are challenging, I guarantee that each society will be more than happy to help you with guidelines on how to grow your seeds. Some are much easier than you may believe ( EXAMPLE - sow a pot in the autumn, leave outdoors in the snow, and by spring, you will have seedlings - that's how many primrose seeds grow).

Uncommon Home Grown Citrus

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:26:00 +0000

MANY CITRUS MAKE EXCELLENT WINDOWSILL PLANTS, IN MY GREENHOUSE, I KEEP ABOUT TEN TYPES, HERE ARE A FEW.

As a teenager, I was a bit of a nerd ( which I've been thinking about lately - see end of post). Not really into competitive sports, nor other typical teenagy stuff like comic books, music or pop stars; I was the sort of kid who instead of asking for a motorbike, begged my parents for money to buy a lime tree from the Park's Seed catalog ( circa 1972?). The idea that one could grow citrus indoors fascinated me for all it delivers - fragrant flowers, yummy fruit and a cool houseplant. Like many things, this was not always true. A popular book at the time had step-by-step methods for growing your own citrus from seed, ( something that I see even today suggested on other blogs), but although a great way to get children interested in plants, the truth is, most, if not all citrus from seed will not bloom and bear fruit for many years. So unless you child plants to take her citrus to college, and then to her first home, the reality of real fruit from a seed-raised plant is unrealistic.

LEFT to RIGHT | MEYER LEMON, CHANGSHOU KUMQUAT, AUSTRALIAN FINGER LIME, LIMEQUAT, AND THE TINY FORTUNELLA HINDSII.

But don't despair, there are many places online where you can purchase grafted citrus plants - grafting is the preferred method for propagation, since it allows that root stock variety to be one which will aggressively grow roots, or perhaps be a bit more hardy than the scion ( the top part of the graft), and the best part is that fruit can be had while the tree is still at a small size - even window sill size. Most of my plants are from Logee's greenhouses, which is located not far from where I live, but a simple Google search will connect you with many sources.

There are a few things to note about growing citrus is pots. First, they often have shallow roots, and fresh soil often needs to be added each year at the top of the pot. Second, you may read that citrus like to be potbound, this this is not true - many citrus dislike root disturbance, but prefer a larger container. Third, although great indoor plants, they do best when one can bring pots outdoors for the spring, summer and autumn, to be brought in again at the first heavy frost. Citrus also should not be trained, so forget about getting a beautiful orange topiary. It can be done with careful selection of a straight stem graft, and careful pruning, but good topiary forms are rare. A "standard" sort of topiary can be achieved, at a larger scale, but window sill sized pots trained, are unrealistic.

These images show some of the various varieties and species which do well in our cool to cold greenhouse. I adore Kumquats, so we grow 5 varieties including the very time Hong Kong Kumquat, Fortunella hindsii, with fruits no larger than a pea. They look like doll house oranges, and although edible, they are mostly skin and seed.

The Australian Finger Lime is very special and it makes a terrific potted plant even when not in bloom or in fruit. Be careful of its thorns - many citrus have them!

My Meyer Lemon trees annually provide us with an entire winter full of fresh Meyer lemons for tea and cooking. I don't think that I could have enough of this sweet lemon which tasted more like a cross between a tangerine and a lemon.

The bizarre Buddha's Hand is a treasured citron-type of citrus in the orient, as well as in some middle eastern countries. Mostly pith and skin, it can be candied for fruitcakes and seasonal treats. Preserved for generations in a timeless method which involved the fruit to be cooked in a liquid mixture of water, sugar and corn syrup, the fruit section become transparent like glass much like candied cherries or orange peel.

Currently spending the weekend in New York City.... Looking at plants? Not really.....

Attending Bronycon! ( Google it).

Hey...we all have a day job too, you know!