Winter, Spring ….Winter ?

 

It’s February 24th in Cincinnati and the projected temperature for the day is a high of 74. The projected high tomorrow is 44 with a possible dip below freezing at night. In my garden, daffodils are blooming along with the snowdrops and hellebore.

Daffodils (aka Narcisissus) are known as the marker of Spring, named for the mythological character Nacissisus, who was so enamoured of his reflection in the water that he couldn’t look away from it. Hence the downward tilt of the flower head. Apparently they are as confused as we are by the recent Winter weather patterns.

Narcissus are extensively used in gardens because they naturalize quickly and contain toxic crystals that deter deer and other pests as well as providing thousands of varieties which offer a multitude of colors shapes and sizes.The plants will be fine in cold weather and typically can handle the rapid changes that often occur , especially in our part of the country, as long as they are not in bloom. When the temperature threatens to  drop below freezing, I suggest you venture into the garden and cut yourself a nice bouquet  utilizing all the blooming daffodils before there is a chance for them to freeze. Keep in mind that you will need to soak the daffodils in water for at least 6 hours to detoxify them before it is safe to mix them in a vase with other flower’s blooms.

https://pixabay.com/en/daffodils-blossom-bloom-flower-634463/

http://www.shenandoahvalleyflowers.com/gardening/shenandoahs-easter-daffodils

https://mnprairieroots.com/tag/daffodils/

Mr. Bowling Ball

Yes, I am talking about gardening.  In fact, this little shrub with its amusing moniker offers the solution to a number of gardening issues. Planting Mr.Bowling Ball will ensure  a viable result while bringing a smile to your face.

Mr. Bowling Ball, thuja Occidentalis ‘Bobazam’ is a 2′-3′ round American arborvitae with dense, lacy, aromatic, evergreen foliage. It will grow in sun to part shade and its diminutive size allows you to plant in spaces that many other evergreen shrubs would outgrow.

Although fairly new to the market, I have used this little shrub in multiple garden situations over the past two years with great success. It lives up to the promise of being very low maintenance and has kept its globular shape and attractive foliage in  various garden situations. Aside from being adaptable to different light exposures, it can also be used as a low hedge , border or specimen planting providing “bones” for your perennial garden.

Last but not least, in spring it boasts a lighter, fresher green that darkens as the seasons progress until it takes on a deep green with touches of bronze through the winter.

Pineapple Lily ‘Sparkling Burgundy’

It has been some time since I last took time to write about what interests me
most ... gardening. In the interim, life got in the way in the form of family
illness and a full time business designing, installing and caring for clients' 
gardens. 
The fact that it is a grey day in Winter has brought me back to where I began. 
Years ago when my children were small, at the end of the day, I would use garden
planning as the remedy for the winter blues. 
Today, I was thinking about a client's enclosed patio and decided to share
the plant I had suggested she try in one of her containers this spring/summer.
This particular client always brings a smile to my face with her funloving, quirky
disposition. The plant I suggested evokes the same response.
I am referring to the Pineapple Lily (eucomis comosa), which I originally
discovered at the entrance to a beautiful old garden in Cincinnati.    
After some investigating, I learned that the Pineapple Lily was a native of South
Africa and was typically hardy through zone 7. That was somewhat discouraging 
until further research revealed 'Sparkling Burgundy',a variety that is hardier 
and boasts gorgeous color in both flowers and leaves. The species is a long lived 
plant that is happiest in sun and can live in a wide range of soils and is amazing
in containers! It reaches 18"-24" in height and blooms from midsummer to early 
fall. An added bonus is its pest resistence and attraction to butterflies and 
other pollinators.
If you are looking for something striking, unusual, needs little care and 
can be used directly in the garden or as the centerpiece for your containers,
look no further.

‘Light O Day’ Lacecap Hydrangea for My Garden Room

A couple of years ago I was shopping for a client when I came across a  variegated Hydrangea that really called to me. I followed my own advice and didn’t give in to its seductive looks (impulse buying is a no no). I made the purchases I had come to the nursery for and went on my merry way. Weeks later, I found my self once again at the nursery face to face with those tempting and unusual beauties. This time the hydrangea was in bloom and immediately I knew I had lost the battle of self control. In the midst of a hot summer afternoon, this Hydrangea was not only standing erect, but was covered in the most exotic blue flowers, reminiscent of the doily like caps on the English maids of old. I was hooked.

I inquired as to the identity of this alluring beauty and learned  that it was called  ‘Light O Day’. Sold!!! I bought two on the spot, and my partner bought one as well. (Sometimes you have to break the rules.) Of course, reality hit when I brought them home to my oh so shady garden. Many Hydrangea are not only happy in the shade , they require it. These little gems were willing to survive in shade, but they really wanted to bask in the sunshine I couldn’t provide.

Recently, my husband and I sold our home  and we are beginning a new life adventure in an urban setting in Newport , Kentucky. Happily for this “garden girl”, we own the lot next to our new urban dwelling as well and I now have the opportunity to create a sunny garden space. Those ‘Light O Day’ hydrangeas will be a great jumping off point for my new Garden Room!

Lemon Twist is for a Martini, Lavender Twist is the Redbud…

A few days ago I wrote about  one of my favorite trees , the Redbud. I mentioned a couple of different kinds available , one was the Forest Pansy and the other I identified as the Lemon Twist ( which we all know is actually used in a Martini).What I should have said was the Lavender Twist. Fortunately , one of my readers pointed that out to me  and she reminded me of another fun variety called Hearts of Gold.  Hearts of Gold is a newer cultivar and is smaller than most Redbuds attaining a height of 15′ at maturity. Its burgeoning heart shaped leaves are tipped with red that turns to yellow as they unfurl. The inner shaded leaves are purported to green up giving the tree a two toned effect.

I apologize for the confusion I may have caused those of you who may be interested in planting a Lavender Twist weeping Redbud, but now you all have another Redbud option to consider.

Consider The Redbud

This Spring the Redbuds have been absolutely glorious! Cercis Canadensis dot the woodlands along the highways, their bright pink flowers unmistakable among the fresh greens of newly leafed out bushes and trees, sharing center stage with the pristine white Dogwood trees. I recently received an email from a friend requesting their identity to ensure she can include one in the landscape of her newly built home.   They are relatively small ornamental trees, reaching 20-30 feet in height at maturity. Redbuds are members of the Pea family and flower directly on the woody stems.  To the delight of my grandchildren, the flowers are edible and can be added to your favorite salad or fried and eaten as a snack. I recently learned the hard way that sharing that information with children may lead to an afternoon walk explaining , AD NAUSEUM ,  that they can’t eat every plant that crosses their path! Their are some great varieties of the species like  Lemon Twist, a weeping version,

and Forest Pansy, boasting striking purple leaves.

I am moving soon, after 25 years in my present home , and I am looking forward to creating a whole new “garden room” in the empty lot next to the 1885 building which houses my husband’s law firm on the first floor and where we are planning to make our new home on the second and third floors. Adventure awaits and I think a Forest Pansy may be part of  it!

Seven Sons Flower

Late last summer I visited Rowe Arboretum in Indian Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio. My Master Gardener group was touring the grounds with the very knowledgeable groundskeeper. We had been walking for about an hour and I started to wander away from the group (as I tend to do). In my defense, I was being pulled away by a glorious scent that assaulted my senses with such intensity that I had to find its source. To my delight, I found the bush that was exuding the incredible perfume had cascading branches adorned with pristine white flowers somewhat reminiscent of a lovely bridal veil. I shared my find with the group, who were equally enthralled, and was informed by the groundskeeper that it was called Seven Sons Flower.

The groundskeeper explained that the amazingly fragrant flowers were just the tip of the iceberg. Apparently Seven Sons Flower has seasonal interest and once the flowers are gone they are replaced with fruits surrounded by red and purple calyces which are purported to be  even more beautiful than the flowers and last into late fall. The leaves then turn a gorgeous purple. The plant also boasts exfoliating bark which is white on young plants and turns a rich brown with maturity. I had forgotten my find until recently when I was researching plants for a new design. I was so excited to be reminded of this rare and beautiful plant . I can’t wait to incorporate it in my new garden.

White Lion

Seven years ago, my daughter planned her wedding for October. Fall is my favorite time of year so I was thrilled with her choice.  Along with the myriad of details concerning dress, food, flowers, music etc., we also had to consider a favor for the guests who came to share in our celebration.   We decided that Spring flowering bulbs would be a great choice as they would be an everlasting tribute to our daughter and son-in-law’s life together. As anticipated, I look out into my garden and I am once again reminded of the promise of love they shared then, as well as the beautiful grandchildren they have given us since.

The bulb I chose was a White Lion Daffodil which produces a large double white flower (reminiscent of a bride’s gown) in mid Spring.

White Lion Daffodil

The flower is not only lovely, it is quite fragrant and blends beautifully with the sunny yellow daffodils, deep blue, white and pink hyacinth and various Spring flowering perennials that bloom in tandem with them in my garden. After several years in my yard, they have multiplied generously and provide an abundance of blooms for my landscape and for vases in our home.

White Lion with Brunnera

I loved sharing the perennial pleasure these bulbs have brought to our friends and family. Seldom does a Spring go by, since our daughter’s wedding, that someone doesn’t mention how lovely the daffodils are in their garden and frequently that leads to sharing some funny or poignant  memory of the wedding.   The White Lion proved to be a great choice on every level.

Spring Forward

There is something so intoxicating about a crisp Spring morning! To witness the sparkle of ivy leaves creeping up the side of an ancient oak  after the previous night’s storms is amazing. While much in nature sleeps through the Winter months, we tend to experience a sort of amnesia. Then the osmosis begins, snowdrops appear, the cacophony of  birds rises from the silence, the cold brown earth breaks here and there with hints of green. I no longer want to cuddle under a blanket with a good book. I yearn to be out with my hands in the dirt where time in my garden becomes a treasure hunt for which I am richly rewarded. The bright gold and pale cream daffodils opening in swaths rising from last falls blanket of leaves beckon to the gardener in me with the promise of  a bejeweled summer palette. I am on my way out the door….

.http://images.whiteflowerfarm.com/flower-bulbs-daffodils.jpg,

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