Gardening – Page 3 – NANCY WITH THE LAUGHING FACE

September 2, 2019January 22, 2020

Sweet September

“Ah, Sweet September, where summer softly lingers and autumn patiently awaits its turn . . .”

‘Little Lime’ hydrangea turning pink (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

September is one of my favorite gardening months! As temperatures begin to cool and rainfall becomes more consistent, it’s the perfect time for planting. Whether you’re working with an existing garden or starting a new one, the following tips will help.

This ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum will soon be joined by the blooms of purple asters (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

CLEAN UP

By late summer, after weeks of intense heat and only sporadic rain, our spring and summer perennials can look a little worn out. Taking some time now to clean up these plants can give your garden a rejuvenated look for fall. I like to move through each garden area and deadhead spent blooms, cut back brown stems and remove tattered leaves. Daylilies are the perfect example of plants that immediately look better after such attention. While you’re at it, pull out any persistent weeds or diseased foliage and dispose of them away from the garden. Don’t compost the debris for you’ll only be spreading disease and weed seeds!

Early September blooms (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

EVALUATE

Now that your garden has been cleaned up, take a good look at what’s remaining. Are there some plants you would like to have more of? Would a certain plant perform better in another area, with more or less sunlight? Are there spaces where you can tuck in a few spring or summer bulbs? Is there something blooming in your neighborhood that catches your eye? Maybe you’d like to add some new fall perennials or shrubs to extend your gardening season. Whatever you want to accomplish in the garden, September is the perfect month to get it all done!

‘Coral Cove’ rose (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

PLAN

I know this is easier said than done, but a little planning in the fall goes a long way come spring. Dream a little, seek inspiration and ask yourself these questions: How much time do you want to spend gardening? What garden style appeals to you? Do you like the look of romantic cottage gardens or lean more towards native plantings and low-maintenance xeriscaping? Do you love the blooms of early spring bulbs? If so, order now for optimum planting time later this month and into October. When looking for new plants, be sure to check on-line for those that thrive in your hardiness zone, soil type and light conditions. The decisions you make now will help create a garden you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Penstemon ‘Dark Towers’ adds autumn color with its burgundy seed pods (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

PLANT

Any planting is best done on a mild cloudy day and before expected rainfall. This is good for the gardener as well as the plants! Now is the time to divide large clumps of perennials and relocate or share the extras. This is a great way to enlarge your garden using what you already have and love! Maybe you want to splurge on that new hydrangea or add asters, sedums and Montauk daisies for more fall color. Many garden centers and websites have late season sales going on right now so take advantage. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with an even more magnificent garden next year!

CELEBRATE

For instant gardening gratification, how about having some fun redoing your planters? Reuse plants that are still performing well and replace those that are looking ragged. Check with your local garden center for plants that are cold hardy and don’t be afraid to mix annuals with perennials or even small evergreens. Add pumpkins, cornstalks, seed pods and gourds around your freshened pots for even more seasonal drama. It’s time to enjoy and celebrate Sweet September!

Potted hosta lancifolia blooms in September (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

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August 29, 2019January 20, 2020

A Tale of Three Salvias

Every spring I plant several different annuals amongst my perennials and vegetables, and one that I return to faithfully, year after year, is the humble salvia. In today’s blog, I’ll talk about three different salvias that I planted and enjoyed this summer.

Salvia, ‘Rockin Deep Purple,’ is a magnet for hummingbirds (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Ornamental sage or salvia is also known by the not-so-glamorous name of Mealycup Sage because of the powdery, meal-like coating on the flowers. Native to Texas and Mexico where they can grow into sizable shrubs, they are commonly used in the north as tough and reliable annual bedding plants.

Salvia, ‘Rockin Playin The Blues,’ complements late summer colors (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Salvias are invaluable in the garden for their showy long flower spikes in shades of red, white, pink and blue which bloom non-stop until frost. They aren’t bothered by insect pests, tolerate a wide range of soils, grow in sun to part shade, and are heat and drought tolerant. Deer and rabbits also avoid them which is always a plus in my neck of the woods.

Since my late summer gardens are filled with the open, disc-like flowers of zinnias, marigolds, coneflowers and rudbeckia, the long spiky blue and purple flowers of my featured salvias provide a much-needed contrast in color and form. In addition, the bees and butterflies love them and hummingbirds can’t stay away!

Butterflies are drawn to salvias and zinnias (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Hummingbirds are also frequent visitors to the garden (Photo by Walter Allen)

I’ve always had a weakness for blue flowers and several years ago I fell in love with salvia, ‘Victoria Blue.’ About 18 inches tall, and perfectly sized for growing in pots as a focal point, ‘Victoria Blue’ also makes a stellar companion for hot-colored annuals in the garden.

‘Victoria Blue’ sets off the warm colors of marigolds and zinnias (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

In addition to my old friend, Victoria, I treated myself to two new salvias this year which I have never grown before – one blue and the other a deep purple. They are both Proven Winners varieties, a name I have come to trust for plants that don’t disappoint.

Salvia, ‘Rockin Playin The Blues’ is the perfect-sized companion for rudbeckia, ‘Goldsturm’ (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Salvia, ‘Rockin Playin The Blues,’ is very similar in appearance and habit to ‘Victoria Blue’ but grows much larger in size, from 24 to 48 inches tall. I thought this plant would be perfect next to my tall black-eyed Susans and I wasn’t mistaken.

The third salvia I planted this year is called ‘Rockin Deep Purple,’ an even taller variety that grows up to 40 inches with flower stalks of such a deep purple that they appear almost black when in bud. Stunning with tall white ‘David’ phlox and rosy pink spider flowers, ‘Rockin Deep Purple’ is a striking presence in my late summer garden!

Salvia, ‘Rockin Deep Purple’ (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

With salvias, late summer into fall color combinations are almost endless. Try pairing with purple fountain grass, coreopsis, dahlias, autumn sedums and more!

Did you know that salvias can also be dried for fall arrangements? ‘Victoria Blue’ works especially well for drying, similar to lavender. Simply cut the flower stalks to the desired length when at their peak. Mid-morning on a sunny day is the best time to do this, after any dew has dried from the plants. Gather a small bunch of stems, tie with string and hang the bundles upside down and away from direct sunlight but where air can circulate around them. A wire coat hanger is great for this and can hold 3 to 4 bundles evenly spaced. Give them a couple of weeks to dry thoroughly and then use with other dried flowers in bouquets or wreaths!

August 20, 2019January 23, 2020

Cyber Gardening

I’ve always been one to research topics of interest and find myself constantly seeking inspiration and guidance from what I fondly call “the oracle,” known to most of you as Google. Since I’m passionate about plants and flowers, and there’s a world of information available on-line, I do a lot of cyber gardening to learn more about my favorite pastime.

When I was growing up, my parents had an encyclopedia set called, “The Book of Knowledge.” There were many of these large heavy volumes which sat on a bookcase shelf in our living room and were relied upon heavily by my family for all kinds of information. They were the search engines of our day! Although already out-of-date when I came on the scene, my siblings being much older than me, I still consulted these beloved books for homework assignments and more until I was old enough to visit the town library and do more current research on my own.

Who would have believed in the 1960s that in just a couple of decades many of us would have personal computers in our homes and along with that the ability to look up anything, any time, on the World Wide Web! Today, most of us carry a personal computer with us at all times in the form of a smartphone, a pocket-sized device that allows us to accomplish more tasks than I can even list. As we close in on the year 2020, we are never without instant access to any and all information and it’s this unlimited access to learning that has so enriched my life!

As a gardener and garden blogger, there are always questions to be answered and lessons to be learned. Over the past year, through internet research, I’ve learned how to propagate African violets from a single leaf and start new begonias from cuttings. After watching a few “how-to” videos, I repotted all my phalaenopsis orchids with confidence and watched with pride as they began to thrive! I’ve learned about the importance of garden design and plant placement and have used foliage and flower colors in new and creative ways. I’ve achieved quite an education, right here in the comfort of my home!

Photo courtesy of Rotary Botanical Gardens

For me, the internet has become my private schoolroom, and learning through cyber gardening has expanded my personal knowledge base while also providing a constant source of inspiration. As I look forward to more learning on-line, I am grateful for all the available technology that has helped me to grow right along with my plants!

August 3, 2019January 23, 2020

Exploring Anemones

If you’re looking for a plant that will take you easily from summer into fall, you may want to consider exploring anemones.

Bees love anemones (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Many years ago, at the local garden club plant sale, I purchased my first anemone. It was anemone “Robustissima” and, as the name implies, this once small and innocent-looking plant soon became a huge presence in my late summer garden. Indeed, left to its own devices, “Robustissima” can easily take over a garden bed, so I’ve learned to hack it back every spring in order to keep it in bounds. In spite of its vigorous nature and large size, growing over time to a height and width of 40 inches, the pink to mauve blooms have a most delicate appearance and blend especially well with my other late summer bloomers such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.

anemone 1 — Anemones play well with other late summer bloomers (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Planted in a spot underneath our family room window, my original “Robustissima” receives even moisture, morning sun and afternoon shade, perfect conditions for anemones. Serendipitously, as the plant sends up its tall flower stalks, the flowers can easily be seen from inside the house, a thrill I enjoy all through August and September. The long bloom period even lasts well into fall along with sedums and asters.

Tall anemone “Robustissima” can be seen from the window (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

There are many different types of anemones with a bloom range from early spring to fall. Also known as windflowers, because the long-stalked flowers sway in the breeze, they add care-free charm to any garden. My earliest blooming anemone, the Grecian windflower or anemone blanda, lights up the garden in spring. Anemone sylvestris or snowdrop windflower blooms here in May and tends to freely spread itself around; however, it’s far too lovely to ever be called a nuisance and volunteers are always welcome!

Windflowers and Lady's Mantle — In early spring, cheerful Grecian Windflowers brighten the garden edge (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Late summer and early fall bring their own spectacular anemone varieties in colors that range from pure white to purple. You may even recognize some by name. Reaching 36 inches tall, robust “Richard Ahrens” has soft pink flowers which begin blooming in July and continue through September. “Honorine Jobert” is a silky white-flowered heirloom dating back to the 1850s which also grows quite tall and blooms from mid-summer to fall. “September Charm” blooms into October and is a slightly shorter pretty-in-pink variety dating back to the early 1930s , while another late-bloomer, “Bressingham Glow,” has deeper rose-pink blooms.

AnemoneHJ-flowers2 wimastergardener.org — The lovely lady, “Honorine Jobert” (Photo courtesy wimastergardener.com)

Some facts about late-blooming anemones:

Anemones grow best in hardiness zones 4 to 8
They prefer afternoon shade but will tolerate full sun given adequate moisture
They are well suited to woodland and old-fashioned cottage gardens
Their colors complement other late-summer to fall bloomers
Most are vigorous and care-free
They make great companions for fall shrubs or other large plants such as hydrangeas, cimicifuga, goldenrod and ornamental grasses
Anemones attract pollinators
Deer and rabbit resistant, disease and pest resistant, salt tolerant

Anemone “Robustissima” in early August (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

For an in-depth look at fall-blooming anemones including specific plant variety characteristics, overall performance and bloom periods, click on the link below:

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no25_anemones.pdf

July 13, 2019January 23, 2020

Divine Daylilies

There is no other flower that says “July” like the daylily. The botanical name Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words (hēmera) “day” and (kalos) “beautiful,” and daylilies are so named because each individual flower lasts for only one day, opening in the morning and closing at night. Daylily plants actually bloom over several weeks since each stem or flower scape holds several buds which open in succession. Although there are many varieties of daylilies with bloom times ranging from spring to fall, July is the month of daylily abundance!

The common “Tawny Daylily” has a quiet beauty (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Almost every garden has at least one daylily, the most common being the “tawny daylily” which blooms here in early July, just in time for Independence Day. Also known as “ditch daylily,” “orange daylily,” “tiger daylily,” and “Eve’s thread,” hemerocallis fulva was supposedly brought to this country by sailors who procured them in the Orient during the 1800’s. Because of its long history and tough constitution, it’s the most widely grown of all daylilies in this country. Here in New England, the stately orange flowers can be found blooming everywhere this month!

“Lady Elizabeth” (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Gardeners often call the daylily the “perfect perennial” and there are many reasons for its popularity. Daylilies boast an array of colors including many varied shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, white and even purple. Some varieties are bi-colored, prettily ruffled, or sport an iridescent shimmer. Depending on the type, they have a look that can range from demure to brazen! Taller varieties, some with flower stems that can grow to six feet, are perfect for the back of the border while shorter ones form a softly mounding garden edge. They are extremely versatile in garden design, complementing cottage style as well as formal borders. Absolutely stunning when planted en masse with one color, their vigorous growth also makes them an excellent groundcover to crowd out weeds.

“Hyperion” lights up partially shaded gardens (Photo courtesy White Flower Farm)

Daylilies are known for their ease of culture. In fact, the name “ditch daylily” comes from the habit of people actually throwing unfortunate daylilies along the side of the road or in ditches where they would take root and thrive in spite of the total lack of care. Wherever planted, they last for many years, slowly spreading into large clumps via tuberous fleshy roots and rhizomes which spread horizontally underground. Daylilies are also remarkably hardy, can tolerate full sun to partial shade, and thrive in U.S hardiness zones from 3 to 9. Although these plants will survive just fine on their own and are truly care-free, I like to add some compost around them in late fall or early spring to promote vigor and abundant flower buds come summer.

Hemerocallis “Indian Giver” (Photo courtesy White Flower Farm)

I have many different daylily varieties but three of my favorites happen to be yellow. The vintage lemon daylily, also known as “Flava,” is a medium-sized May bloomer with fine strappy foliage and star-like bright blooms. It’s the very first daylily to bloom in my gardens every year! “Happy Returns” is another medium-sized daylily with golden yellow blooms from late June into July; after resting, it puts on another show in late summer to early fall. My tallest daylily, “Hyperion,” dates back to the 1920’s and is a robust grower with fragrant canary yellow flowers that light up my partly shaded garden in July.

“Pink Lavender Appeal” (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Some of my other July into August bloomers include “Pink Lavender Appeal” and “Catherine Woodbury” whose pastel pinky-purple flowers look lovely next to the soft blues of Ladybells or Peachleaf bellflower. Hemerocallis “Pizza Crust” is iridescent golden-pink with a brownish crust-colored ruffle which blends well with Rudbeckia “Goldsturm” and hardy geranium “Rozanne.” “Lady Elizabeth” is a pure white shimmering beauty which also reblooms later in the season and is stunning next to echinacea “Magnus.” “Indian Giver” is a rare rich purple that shines when planted next to pink companions.

Daylily “Pizza Crust” (Photo courtesy Hallson Gardens)

If you’re new to gardening, I hope you’ll give care-free daylilies a try. If you’d like to add more of these gorgeous summer flowers to your garden, the varieties I’ve mentioned above will not disappoint, so go ahead and take a chance on growing divine daylilies!

June 29, 2019January 21, 2020

Planning Ahead with Flower Bulbs

I can’t imagine a garden without the early spring blooms of bulbs such as crocus, snowdrops, hyacinth, daffodils, tulips and more! In late spring, the alliums and ornithogalum shine next to my early perennials. All during the spring months, as I watch each different bulb type emerge and bloom in succession, I visualize ways in which to add more beautiful bulbs to my gardens.

Alliums Stratos and Christophii with Ornithogalum in my June garden (photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

LET IT BE

It’s late June and all that remains of my beautiful spring bulb display is yellowing, tattered foliage. As difficult as it is to leave this withered mess untouched, bulbs need the energy stored in their foliage to produce blooms for next spring. Never cut, tie or braid bulb foliage but allow the plants to complete their growth cycle as undisturbed as possible. Be patient for in a few short weeks the unsightly dying foliage will have completely disappeared. Many bulbs self-sow so you’ll also want to leave those seed pods to work their magic in your garden next year. If your bulbs are interplanted with perennials, these large plants generally do a great job at hiding the mess leftover from your spring bulb party as they quickly reach their mature summertime size. Any remaining vacant spots can be filled in with some cheerful annuals.

Daffodils and Grecian Windflowers in May (photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

PLAN AHEAD

While you can still see where your bulbs grow, it’s a good time to think about what you want your garden to look like next spring. Would you like to plant more of a certain bulb variety or try something new? Do you have a color scheme in mind? Take a walk around the garden with a notebook and write down where you’d like to add more bulbs and what types. It’s also great to take pictures so you’ll have a visual aid when fall planting season comes along. If you could use more height and drama in your spring display, try some tall alliums. If you’d like to cover a lot of ground, early bulbs like snow glories (chionodoxa) or scilla will quickly spread themselves around for an abundance of early blooms. And don’t forget summer bulbs, like Oriental lilies, which make a stunning late-season addition to any garden!

Chionodoxa brighten the garden in April (photo courtesy of Preen.com)

MARK THE SPOT

Here’s an easy tip for helping with new bulb placement near existing plantings when you want to add more of a good thing. This year, for instance, I’ll be adding more allium christophii in a garden where some have already been planted. When the foliage is almost gone on my current plants, I’ll “mark” the spot with a rock. In the fall when my new bulbs arrive, it will be easy for me to find where the alliums are already planted and, by doing this, I can avoid disturbing the older bulbs while adding the new bulbs around them. By the way, the giant seed heads of allium christophii can remain in the garden for weeks after blooming, thus extending their season even longer.

Allium Christophii (photo courtesy of Ashridge Trees)

PLANT OUT OF SEASON

Although fall is prime time for bulb planting, there are circumstances when we may have to plant bulbs out of season. When we’re left with large clumps of daffodils or hyacinth which have stopped blooming because they’ve become overcrowded, it’s time to dig them up and separate the bulbs into smaller plantings. Also, after several seasons, some bulbs may spread too far beneath surrounding perennials where they can’t get enough sunlight; these stragglers should be moved for optimum blooms next spring.

Whatever the reason, there will come a time when you need to dig up and move bulbs. However, if you wait until fall to perform this task, it will be hard to find your bulbs which by then will be well hidden beneath the earth and covered by other plants. In this case, to avoid digging blind come October, wait until the foliage has almost completely died back in early summer and then carefully dig around the clump of bulbs. Lift them up, separate them into smaller groups and relocate the bulbs to other areas where they can spread out to bloom again. Put a little bulb food in the new hole and water after planting to help them settle in. The remaining foliage will disappear almost overnight so mark the spot or take a photo if you need to remember where you’ve already planted.

Allium Nigrum with Foxglove (photo courtesy of Swan Cottage Flowers)

SHOP EARLY

It’s hard to think of fall planting when summer has only just begun, but in the gardening world we have to plan ahead and that means shopping early for our spring bulbs. There are so many wonderful bulb websites and catalogs to browse through, it’s easy to create the perfect spring bulb garden for next year. Order now for fall planting so you’ll be sure to get the varieties you want before they’re sold out. It’s always a pleasant surprise to get a box of bulbs in the mail come fall!

Snowdrops provide early food for honey bees (photo courtesy of Garden with Diana)

For more on planning a spring bulb garden, click on this informative link:

https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/How-To-Plan-A-Spring-Bulb-Garden

Plants & Bulbs - Shop Now - BloomingBulb

June 16, 2019January 23, 2020

The Downside of Feeding Birds in Rural Settings

I’ve always been a bird lover and for many years, my husband and I religiously fed the birds in our wooded yard. All winter long, tube bird feeders and suet cages would adorn our garden. Large bags of black oil sunflower seeds and wild bird mix filled the garage shelves, disappearing almost overnight as the feeders were constantly replenished with fresh seed. Summer months called for the hummingbird feeder with its bright red flower-shaped feeding portals. Some mornings there were several of these tiny birds fighting each other for the sweet nectar within and it was always a joy to see their antics. We thoroughly enjoyed our time watching all the different birds that visited our feeders but this seemingly innocuous pastime had a hidden downside that would soon become apparent.

Feeding the birds in winter (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

It’s a known fact that bird feeders bring in animals as well as birds. We’ve all heard stories about bears tearing apart bird feeders and plenty of videos have circulated social media showing the same. Squirrels are also notorious raiders, even widening the feeding holes for easier access to the seed. Because we live in a heavily forested area of Northeastern Massachusetts, we’ve always had wild visitors, but there was a noticeable increase in wildlife once we started regularly feeding the birds. There were more gray and red squirrels, chipmunks, mice, raccoons, foxes and fisher cats visiting our yard, no doubt brought in by the feeding frenzy of the birds and the abundance of spilled seed on the ground. Even the hummingbird feeder brought in endless ants and wasps attracted by the sugar.

Black-capped Chickadee in May (Photo by Walter Allen)

Turkeys, too, came through in troops of 20 or more, walking in single file while intently foraging in the grass, while raucous black starlings would swoop in from the sky, covering the lawn in large numbers. Even young Cooper’s hawks would perch on our garden fence, looking for easy prey. But of all the wildlife frequenting our yard at that time, the one that caused the most concern and trouble turned out to be the deer, for in a very short period of time we were infested with deer ticks!

By innocently feeding the birds, we had unwittingly created the perfect environment for these vile creatures. According to the Tick Encounter Resource Center of the University of Rhode Island, “Blacklegged (deer) ticks do not get infected with Lyme disease, babesiosis, or granulocytic anaplasmosis by feeding on deer. Instead, white-footed mice, other small rodents, and some birds carry the infections and pass them to ticks that blood feed on them. Deer are important, however. They are the main reproductive host for the adult stage of Blacklegged ticks. Rule of thumb: no deer, likely no deer ticks. See deer, watch out, ticks may be present! Remember, deer typically are active at night, so even if you don’t see them on your property, they may still be visiting. Look for signs, like browse on favorite plants, pellet piles or even hoof prints.”

A pair of wrens in early spring (Photo by Walter Allen)

After I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2004, we were forced to take a long hard look at what was going on in our back yard. We decided that taking down the bird feeders would be our first line of defense against the ticks. In addition, my husband treated our lawn and rock walls with food-grade diatomaceous earth after a friend suggested it might help. https://nancymarieallen.com/killing-ticks-with-diatomaceous-earth/ Although we realized that using DE could affect other insects as well, we believed the severity of our tick infestation warranted its use and we didn’t want to resort to chemicals. In case you’re wondering, bees and other pollinators continue to flock to our gardens in spite of its application.

Honey bee on garlic chive blossom (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

Today, we enjoy seeing as many birds in our yard as we did when putting out feeders. By adding birdhouses and plants that birds love to feed on, we have constant feathered activity in our yard and gardens. Birdbaths also encourage our winged friends since birds love water, and the small trees and shrubs nearby provide shelter. Last year, a volunteer catmint plant was covered with goldfinch for weeks and blue jays are regular visitors to our compost pile. Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, juncos, wrens and more abound in the garden while woodpeckers enjoy seeking out insects hidden in the bark of our many large trees. Hummingbirds dart in and out of our perennial gardens all summer long, savoring the many nectar-rich blooms!

We keep the deer at bay by planting deer-resistant shrubs and aromatic perennials. Deer sprays help as well as Irish Spring soap since deer dislike strong fragrances! https://nancymarieallen.com/garden-design-with-deer-in-mind/ Although we still find the occasional deer tick and have to remain vigilant in checking ourselves after working in the yard, the infestation we once had is gone and the natural balance in our little world has thankfully been restored.

June 7, 2019January 23, 2020

Late Spring Power Perennials

As June settles in and summer approaches, there are several stellar perennials that shine in our late spring gardens! To qualify as “power” perennials, these plants are hardy, reliable and easy to care for.

Herbaceous Peony ‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

In my opinion, herbaceous Peonies are the backbone of the June border. These tough and long-lived perennials bloom individually for only a couple of weeks each year but by staggering early, mid and late varieties you can create weeks of bounteous peony blooms in your garden. And the blooms are just spectacular! The flowers can be single, double, white, pink, red, purple, coral, yellow and everything in between. Then, there’s the intoxicating fragrance which rivals that of lilacs and roses.

White Peony buds are touched with red (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Peonies make fabulous cut flowers, too, and a vase full of blooms will scent an entire room! To help the blooms last, cut the flowers when they are still in the round “ball” stage, just before they open. Typically on the tall side at 3 to 4 feet, peonies look best when grown through a support which will keep the heavy blooms off the ground.

Ants are constant (but harmless) Peony companions (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Peonies are so lovely that it’s easy to create a whole flower garden theme around them. Romantic and old-fashioned, they look stunning with Allium, Hardy Geranium, Iris, Foxglove and Lady’s Mantle. Even after the flowers fade, the foliage remains healthy and green well into fall, enhancing your garden with its beauty all season long. Peonies can live 50 or more years and grow best in hardiness zone 3 to 8 as they require a good winter chill to bring on their blooms.

Lady’s Mantle (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Alchemilla Mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is another spring perennial that keeps its good looks all season long. The rounded, gray-green leaves catch water droplets which make the plants magically sparkle in the early morning light, but it’s the tiny chartreuse blooms on 14 to 18″ flower sprays that make this perennial a stand-out in the June garden.

Lady’s Mantle shines next to late spring bulbs (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

These sunny sprays complement other late spring bloomers and make an outstanding filler when used in bouquets. Left on the plants, the flower sprays will dry, creating late-season interest; they can also be used as decorative accents in dried fall arrangements. Lady’s Mantle grows into large clumps that can be easily divided and shared in early spring. They grow best in hardiness zones 3 to 8.

Iris look stunning planted en masse (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

My third power perennial for late spring is the stately Iris. There are so many varieties available that selection can be a little overwhelming. The bearded types make a big statement with large, ruffled blooms, while Siberian Iris with their smaller flowers and slender strappy foliage are lovely vertical garden accents. Many Iris are multi-hued and fragrant; some even rebloom in the fall! My suggestion is to pick a blooming time and type you prefer and then settle on some dazzling colors, for Iris come in a virtual rainbow of blooms from white to almost black! In fact, “Iris” was the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow who also served as a messenger to the Gods. Iris do best in hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Iris chart courtesy of TheFlowerExpert.com

Bearded Iris (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

These classic late spring perennials should be a part of everyone’s June garden!

May 27, 2019January 24, 2020

Relishing the Last Weekend in May

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is in full swing with perfect weather here in the Northeast and I wanted to share some photos taken in the yard and neighborhood over the last couple of days. With the warmth and abundant sunshine, there are signs of life everywhere!

An Eastern Milk Snake soaks up the early morning sun

A large shelf mushroom makes a home in an oak tree

A neighbor’s Miniature Iris catch the first rays

A rhododendron and azalea are decked out in their colorful May blooms

The shade garden includes hosta, brunnera, bleeding heart, ferns, lamium and ajuga

A large azalea brightens the end of our driveway

Every day this weekend has been spent outdoors! On Saturday I added some “Golden” oregano and “Berggarten” sage to the herb garden. Planted in its pot to keep it in bounds, some variegated pineapple mint joined them and should make an interesting addition to summer beverages. Yesterday, I planted six tomatoes (including my favorite “Sun Gold”) and moved the Genovese basil outside to harden off for a few days before going into the vegetable garden as tomato companions. Today, I will continue working amongst my new plants and old favorites. Whatever you’re doing this weekend, I wish you all a Happy Memorial Day!

This golden beauty is the first bearded iris to open

All photos by Walter and Nancy Marie Allen

May 19, 2019January 24, 2020

Pieris – A Shrub for All Seasons

Pieris goes by many names including Andromeda, Japanese Pieris, and Lily-of-the-Valley bush. Whatever you prefer to call it, Pieris is a hardy shrub that’s worth getting to know better.

Pieris japonica is the perfect woodland shrub (photo courtesy thegardenlady.org)

One of the earliest blooming shrubs, well before the familiar yellow forsythia, Pieris blooms with white or pink flowers in late winter to early spring. In fact, it actually sets its flower buds in late summer for the following spring so that they remain on the bush through the fall and winter. Dark seed pods can also persist into the winter months creating an interesting look of old and new flowers hanging out together at the same time.

Pieris japonica showing berry-like seed pod clusters and new bronze growth (photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Evergreen Pieris remains attractive all winter with its glossy dark green leaves, but it’s the fresh bronzey-red growth of spring combined with the delicate, lightly scented flower clusters that really make this shrub a standout. The large, white-flowered varieties look particularly lovely brightening areas at the edge of woodlands.

Pieris “Mountain Fire” (photo courtesy Planting Tree)

When we moved to our home 25 years ago, I discovered a long-neglected old shrub of Pieris japonica growing in the woods just beyond our lawn. By clearing out the area around it and letting in more light, the shrub was revitalized and came back to life. In a couple of years I was able to take a nearby young volunteer and move it to another area. Thus began my love affair with Pieris!

Pieris are well suited to woodland gardens (photo courtesy Oakland Nurseries)

Since that time I’ve discovered that small, volunteer Pieris are amazingly easy to transplant to other areas or share with friends. Large shrubs slowly spread and the “babies” are easily spaded up and relocated. This spring I moved three small shrubs next to a larger one to create a deer-resistant hedge of sorts and a backdrop behind an established shade garden. It will take several years for these new shrubs to fill out but the overall woodland garden effect is worth waiting for and is particularly suited to our woodsy, partially shaded landscape.

Pieris “Katsura” (photo courtesy McLarens Nurseries)

There are many new varieties now available such as “Mountain Fire” with vibrant red spring foliage and bright white blooms or “Katsura” with pink to red flowers. There are even those with stunning variegated foliage! Although the old-fashioned Pieris japonica in my yard grows to about 6 feet tall with an equal spread, there are modern dwarf varieties that will fit easily into smaller garden spaces.

Variegated Pieris “Ralto” (photo courtesy Ashwood Nurseries)

Pieris grow well in Hardiness Zones 5 to 8 and enjoy moist acidic soil enriched with leaf mold or compost. They can tolerate full sun but prefer some afternoon shade and a location that’s somewhat protected from the wind. Once established, these beautiful shrubs are relatively drought-tolerant and, best of all, very deer resistant!