13,520 Garden Web Discussions | Perennials

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chelone

Just home from work and it's snowing steadily. The roads have hit that annoying state before the plows have any work to do, but they are surprisingly "greasy". We finished up 4 fixed frame awnings this morning and I smugly drove past the whole foods market secure in the knowledge that Shop 'n' Squat would have bulghar wheat in the "Birkenstock aisle" WRONG-O! I backtracked to the whole foods market for the bulghar... what I won't do for my winter-weary Idyllettes. ;) (made a mental note to spend more of our food dollars at the locally owned and operated whole foods market, too!).

Sue, we're in big trouble with this whole baby boom thing. I can almost feel pink and blue walls closing in on me... shudder. Kathy, this time I want to see some booties on the kid's feet. 'bug totally welched on the deal. I've been disconsolent ever since....

Marian, my grandmother used to use that phrase jokingly, but not exactly as it's usually heard. She always said it was a Scottish proverb (her family was from Nova Scotia) and that's all I really remember. So... I googled it this morning and turned up the little tidbits I shared earlier. I was particularly interested to find a similar sentiment echoed in different cultures, though not really surprised when I gave it some reflection. I chuckled at the image of Nolon lurking in the shadows waiting for breakfast... sounds like ME waiting for the helpmeet to rustle up some dinner-like chow! lol. Something else I thought about periodically at work today: early morning here in the temperate weather is invariably dew-y. I've never contemplated the possibility of early morning not being sort of humid and moist because I've never lived in an arid climate. So your casual mention of Idaho really made me think today. Ain't the internet great?

Denise, what a terrific exhibit the antique streetlights are. I am perpetually amazed at the inventiveness and "vision" of people. Two more Corgis?! combined with Ein you may just have the beginnings of a canine terrorist cell. ;) A Crabby Club, at the very least.

Saucy, my boss did her "winter thing" and flipped out about my preferred 6 AM start time. I was told I couldn't start at that time because it "stressed her out". So, I've sucked it up and gone in later (taking a reduction in hours) but have begun inching back closer to MY schedule. I have filled the "void" with more home work and time in the Salon, but it's time to get back on schedule, damnit. 300 is about the Spartan defence against the Persians at a crucial point of land, I believe. It's actually an amazing story of courage in the face of staggering odds... precisedly what one would expect from the warrior culture of Sparta. Didn't hear much favorable about the movie, but the real life history is very compelling. I took several classes in Greek history "way back when" and its history maintains a soft spot in my heart. I loved Classical Mythology, too. Tell us about the "little dogs" and how you plan to rustle 'em into shape. Did you catch the blip on the news about Georgia questioning the border with Tennessee... all about water rights. I thought of you instantly!

Martie, there was a great hour on NHNPR yesterday about anti-depressants and how they are now coming to believe that they're being overused for the general public. Drug therapy seems to be "quick fix" for the pain and doubt that plague major "events" in our lives. I was most impressed with the guest; his practical approach and his stalwart defence of the use of them for the mentally ill. Funny how I hear things over the course of the day and think of so many of you...

OK, the stove is now up to efficient operating temperature, the chill of a thermostat set at 60 is now being banished and I have to tend to a sink full of dishes before I may undertake the creation of Tabouli for tomorrow's fest. No onions, Sue... but there will be scallions (those are OK, right?).

OH, and Sue... thanks for the dates on the cottage, I'll pencil them in!

    Bookmark     February 22, 2008 at 3:41PM
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vickee_1437

Hello guys, I am new to this forum. I have heard a lot about wedding receptions, but I do not know which one to choose. Las Vegas Wedding Photography I have heard about this Las Vegas wedding receptions. People say it is amazing. You get an unforgettable experience. Is it true? Please help!!

    Bookmark     April 19, 2013 at 5:51AM
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Campanula UK Z8

2 is possibly a jonquilla, 'Bellsong' maybe.
The multi-headed ones are likely to be Jonquillas or Tazettas (often fragrant) - no.3 looks a lot like 'Minnow'
The first one, with the really flat trumpet, looks like one of the split corona types such as Orangerie (might be division 11 or 12).

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 5:49PM
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katob Z6ish, NE Pa

It's hard to do definite IDs on daffs unless you have an expert to ask.... but if they're newer common types I would guess 1) mondragon 2) precocious 3)not sure. I have falconet which is similar.... 4) maybe geranium? usually minnow is smaller and less stout than your daff. But again, it's hard unless you really know daffs.

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 9:31PM
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gardenweed_z6a

I have 'Cinnamon Snow,' 'Regal Ruffles' plus a couple of others planted in a partly shaded area at the edge of my breezeway. 'Regal Ruffles' is the most mature and is currently putting on quite a show with more than two dozen blooms and as many buds yet to open. In my recent experience with them, these appear to be low-maintenance plants that give the early season garden some color and structural interest. Up to this point they also are apparently not bothered by predators or pests. What's not to love?

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 6:49AM
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Campanula UK Z8

I only have various seedlings which I have collected from other people's gardens although Mr.Campanula drove 70 miles (laughable distance to Americans but we practically pack a suitcase here) to buy me a pure, clear yellow single (should get some interesting seedlings now).

I have never heard of plants such as Crimson Ruffles - we rarely get named plants over here apart from the 'Lady' series - although we can buy various breeder selections such as 'Ashwood' or Harvington Hybrids or Bradfield Stars - from the particular nursery which grows each strain. They tend to be Oriental hellebores, Hellebore X Hybridus. Many nurseries and seed catalogues will sell seed selections too, including Mrs Betty Ranicar....but seed is always a bit of a gamble.
I am personally loving the delicately nodding H.thibetanus and the smaller deep red flowers of H.atrorubens but have failed to hang on to H.lividus. The Christmas rose, H.niger is a bit dodgy too, although I do mean to try H.nigercors - it has taken me a while to come round to green flowers but having finally achieved a smidgeon of taste and sophistication (ahem)........

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 5:39PM
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funnthsun z7A - Southern VA

Well, I went out last night with a flashlight and guess what I found? Pill bugs on my plants and having a late night snack! I have never had trouble out of them, but apparently, Helenium is irrisistable!

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 3:25PM
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morz8(Washington Coast Z8b)

Right, so any bait you use would have to be something along the lines of Sluggo Plus that targets more than slugs and snails. Or agricultural grade DE.

I had issues with them one year when I had inadvertently created pill/sow bug habitat by letting a little 1" sedum spread around as ground cover, I removed that and the problem was solved.

You'll hear it said that they are only damaging in greenhouses, not so, they do like the tender growth of young plants as well as decayed plant material.

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 4:09PM
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Ispahan Zone6a Chicago

Oh pretty! Hot pink/magenta flowers are some of my favorites!

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 10:16PM
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echinaceamaniac(7)

I still have not seen any blooms on any of the "Fire Spinner" plants. They multiplied like mad. If that sucker blooms it will be amazing. I moved one and was shocked at the root system on it. I've been told that the first year "Fire Spinner" establishes deep roots and it should bloom the next. I will definitely post photos if it blooms.

I've been told by the hybridizer that Delosperma 'Eye Candy' has now been renamed to Delosperma 'Ruby.'

    Bookmark     April 18, 2013 at 2:14PM
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susanzone5(z5NY)

Peonies
The bare root division should be planted in a hole sufficiently deep that the highest crown bud is about 5 cm (two inches) below the surface.

Planting too deeply will frequently prevent the plant from flowering. A too shallow planting puts the buds at risk of mechanical or winter damage.

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 7:24PM
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texasgrl2324

So I think what happened is that the 1 inch if soil that was covering the eyes has blown away. We've had some really windy days. When i touch the little eyes it feels like it's the whole root (if that makes sense) so should I recover those (pic above) or just leave it ? There is no danger of frost here.

Zone8

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 9:34PM
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flora_uk(SW UK 8/9)

Plus, before there were cornfields and your garden there was something there. Prairie? Forest? whatever. There may well be seeds in the ground from before the area was settled just waiting to be turned up. My house was built in 1820 on fields. I get plants in the garden which must have been here before the town spread. e.g. wild garlic and celandines.

Another source is bought in plants which bring seeds in their potting medium.

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 2:24PM
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BlueBirdPeony(5b NE Ohio)

This might be my favorite thread ever. It's so eye-opening. In NE Ohio we were probably prarie originally. My house is from 1878 and the surrounding fields would be at least that old, I imagine. I love to think about seeds traveling through time and space.

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 8:29PM
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Campanula UK Z8

yep, been forking it out of mine too. What do you grow, Flora? edibles, flowers, weird stuff?

Do you ever feel a bit stretched - allotment, woods, garden?
I feel certain I am going to be hard-pressed.

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 1:58PM
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flora_uk(SW UK 8/9)

My 'garden' is genuinely minute, the wood looks after itself and the allotment is pretty much under control after 20 odd years. I only grow stuff that wants to grow, don't do any bedding out and let things self seed a lot. Such as the aforementioned Lambs Lettuce. But, yes, I sometimes get home from work and think I ought to be on the allotment - but stay in and have a glass of wine instead.

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 2:18PM
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ryseryse_2004

Not sure if it grows faster, but it certainly grows fast! I cut branches off mine last spring and stuck them in the ground and by fall one of the 'sticks' even bloomed! Also, it stays where it is put instead of suckering like forsythia.

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 3:51PM
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funnthsun z7A - Southern VA

Look into chaste trees (vitex). Lazy S Farms has several different varieties. You can keep them as a bush by cutting them back to the ground every year or you can prune them as trees. They bloom for months and remind me of a butterfly bush with the type of blooms. Love, love. Easy and very versatile.

You are on the edge of the zone for chaste trees, but I have read several people that were successful with them in zone 5.

    Bookmark     April 17, 2013 at 9:19AM
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abgardeneer(Z3, Calgary)

It's "myrtle spurge" or donkey-tail spurge, which is Euphorbia myrsinites, as was said - not Euphorbia polychroma which has a completely different habit, leaf shape, etc..

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 9:17PM
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BlueBirdPeony(5b NE Ohio)

OK, I understand. I didn't look closely enough at the myrtle's Latin name. I'm going to see where else it crops up this year, if anywhere. Thanks, again!

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 10:31PM
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traveler000mkl

I have a huge nursery close by where they do have most of the plants suggested in this thread! We went over the weekend and bought some for the front garden but going back next weekend for these two shade gardens!

Through more observations, I noted that bed #1 gets a little bit of sun in AM. Maybe an hour. But not sure if this will continue to be the case when all the tall trees leaf out.

I noted that the bed #2 starts getting sun around 1:30-2pm till about 4:30-5pm. There are no trees around that bed, so that should be pretty accurate. Winter Gem Boxwood that I planted there is doing great, so it must get enough sun to get by? Maybe I get more of those since I already know that it is doing well?

    Bookmark     April 15, 2013 at 1:17PM
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mistascott(7A VA)

Polemonium is one more (Jacob's Ladder). In bloom now and loves shade.

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 9:35PM
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Freki, what is a no-maintenance perennial bed? I don't have any of those.

LOL!! I was about to say the same. No such thing as a no-maintenance perennial. - low maybe: no-maintenance, no way! The only no-maintenance plants of any type I am aware of are those made of plastic :-)

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 3:22PM
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BlueBirdPeony(5b NE Ohio)

Thanks, everyone! I actually love the idea of a butterfly and hummingbird garden!! Why didn't I think if that? We're in the country surrounded by a 600 acre cornfield. Our birds tend to be what I would call "farm" birds: blue birds, swallows, finches, etc. Oddly, we don't get any cardinals, robins or blue jays.

If we plant it will they come? Even thought we are more farmy and have no surrounding gardens? Thoughts?

Favorite hummingbird or butterfly plants other than those Martha suggested?

Thanks!!

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 7:54PM
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

I've ordered special perennials from Bluestone for years. It's the vigorous crowns and root systems that matter....I've always been very satisfied.

    Bookmark     April 14, 2013 at 12:57PM
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ryseryse_2004

Their half-price sale has started!

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 3:54PM
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wieslaw59

"I think a lot of folks would disagree with that:-) "

They may disagree as much as they want. It will not help them. They can be lucky in 1 or 2 winters, but that's probably all . At least with no protection.

    Bookmark     April 15, 2013 at 5:57PM
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Why the heck are you so adamant about everything?? Do you garden worldwide that you are such an authority on what will grow where?

If this bulb is not hardy in zone 7, why do all manner of bulb specialty nurseries advertise it as such, hmmmmm??

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 3:32PM
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Campanula UK Z8

Ho yes indeed - so very, very familiar.
Gardening on a public allotment (there are 300,000 such plots in the UK), this sort of behaviour is dreadfully common....which is why our site has forgone any association membership, leadership (presidential or otherwise) but just pays rent to the local council which has zero interest in allotment spats and disagreements . Afraid there have been a couple of Ms Ward's (we all know the type - those who crave power are the ones who should not be allowed to have it!) but they have been rudely ousted by a general air of anarchy. We do our own thing here (although other sites in the city have far different methods of interacting). Gardening raises high passions in the UK - we have had murders over hedges, giant vegetables, compost defilement, clematis wars, pumpkin stealing....but mostly, interlopers who start throwing their weight around. I expect Ms Ward will have a brief tenure since gardeners are nothing if not patient, cunning and tenacious.

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 6:53AM
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auron22(6b OH)

This is really scary....I was considering joining a local garden club, but now i'm not so sure :( Although, I doubt anything this severe happens, since they just manage about 10 acres and no one in particular owns any of it.

    Bookmark     April 16, 2013 at 8:06AM
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