I can’t do anything on a tiny scale. Last year, I grew a few dahlias from seed from old dried flowers in my cutting bed. EVERY seedling was stunning and a ‘keeper’ . So, this year I am growing hundreds of seedlings from fabulous named parents. I really want to see each one of these in flower, but don’t have room for them all . so, I am selling them for $3.99 each ! They will be big, tall beauties. I only saved seeds from ones I know and love, such as ‘Wynn’s Sensation’, ‘Kenora Macob’, ‘Bracken Sarah’ etc. Most will be peachy or orange shades, but some might be very dark (near black) purple, and who knows what genetic wonders will show up. Few things are as exciting to a plantsman (or woman) as seeing seedlings flower for the first time. These will all bloom this summer, are very easy to grow and produce tubers worth saving from year to year.
April 24, 2013
DAHLIAS – I can’t do anything in moderation !
April 22, 2013
I’m Sexy and I Know it !
What plant is more beautiful that this ?? Not many that I can think of. This is a ‘Cardoon’ – Cynara cardunculus , growing in my new garden in Langley, B.C. I planted 3 together last year. They were in 4″ pots !!!!! What a display of foliage – all winter long . Incredible, sculptural, and completely trouble-free, this showpiece is near my front door and I marvel at it everyday. Foliage like this has inspired ironwork,stone carved capitals and ornamental design of all kinds. It is also my very favourite colour – celadon.
Cardoons like rich soil and lots of sun. To prevent rot (in winter), grow them on a bit of a raised hump of rich soil and enjoy the show ! Mature plants will produce a tall spike of purple thistle-like flowers that resemble artichokes ( their close relatives) but are inedible.
We have various sizes available right now, including some very large plants in 2 gallon pots @ $39.95 each
Clematis time is NOW !
This is my favourite Clematis . It is C. alpina ‘Bluebird’ and it is in bloom right now. The colour is a soft faded denim blue, with a creamy white centre. The C. alpina tribe are the first to bloom and possess more charm than the large-flowered types. I am growing one up a tree, and never prune it. It has taken four years to reach 10′. The delicate flowers will be followed by fuzzy seed heads, which are a nice bonus for fall.
We have dozens of other Clematis in stock right now. They are all $16.99 – $19.99
April 8, 2013
The Reward of Fall Planting
Wow !! I planted this pot last October and left it outside all winter. I had never grown this tulip ‘Fur Elise’ before, but now I will never be without it ! What a beauty ! It is a tulip greigii hybrid, with patterned leaves and small, narrow flowers in a gorgeous pale flesh colour. It helps to have had a perfect pot for it…. this Italian terra cotta basket-weave pot is ideal. It is wide and low and holds about two dozen bulbs. It is always best to have the end vision in your head before you plant a pot . If you missed out on the fall bulb planting season, you can still ‘fake it’ with pre-grown pots of tulips, which are widely available. Try not to mix them – stick with only one colour and cram them in. They are inexpensive and will give six weeks of show . Trim the top with green moss and enjoy Spring !