Growing A Greener World

http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/episodes/

Can I get MGV education credit for watching public TV episodes?

Lacebark Pine

http://www.hortmag.com/plants/plants-we-love/lacebark-pine

Would love to have one.

Summer Jewel Pink

http://www.all-americaselections.org/Winners_Print.asp?ID=164

Salvia 'Summer Jewel Pink'

2012 AAS winner.

Blue Tomato

http://newworldcrops.com/wp/tomatoes/the-story-behind-the-blue-tomato/attachment/indigo-rose/

The blue tomato from Oregon State University.

Very weird.

Dreadlocks

http://parkseed.com/product.aspx?p=02500-PK-P1

Amaranthus caudatus 'Dreadlocks'

We love amaranths, so this might be a good one to try.

Balloon Vine

http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week256.shtml

Cardiospermum halicacabum

Would be an interesting experiment to grow it as an annual.

Permies

http://www.permies.com/

Goofballs that are nuts about permaculture.

Soils 101

http://www.heronswoodvoice.com/2011/11/soils-101-guest-blog-by-nick-rhodehamel/

A good concise summary, well worth reading.

Nicolas

http://www.waysidegardens.com/product.aspx?p=49255

Striking autumn colors, Zone 5, and thrives in shade.

I want one.

I want more than one.

Golden Shrimp Plant

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=GoldenShrimpPlant

We saw some at State Fair Park a couple of years ago and they were impressive.

Pruning Grape Vines

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201112-how-to

If my vines get more serious about growing then I will get more serious about pruning them.

Aromatnaya

http://parkseed.com/russian-quince-aromatnaya/p/47638/

Would love to have one, even if it is a Russian.

Greenhouse Dragon

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21619/reader-photos-pegs-visit-to-the-phipps-conservatory

Very creative.

SUPERthrive(tm)

http://www.superthrive.com/indexa.html

Just think how much better my garden would be if I had been using this miraculous product all along.

Brady's Rocks

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7672416@N05/6345891629/

Brady's Rocks, Waukesha County, WI

Part of the Niagara Escarpment.

On my wish list of local places to visit.

Cinderella Collection

http://parkseed.com/lisianthus-cinderella-collection/p/90459/

I love Lisianthus, but our friend Sue at Luxembourg Gardens stopped growing them because of root rot problems.

I am tempted to try anyway.

Wing Haven Gardens

http://www.winghavengardens.com/

Added to my list of destination gardens.

Wildfire

http://www.waysidegardens.com/nyssa-sylvatica-wildfire/p/49390/

Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'

Would be worth growing for the fall color.

Leaf Management

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Leaf-Management-Update-Newsletter-2010_vq3706.htm

Some interesting advice on leaves.

Gardening in Montana

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21544/reader-photos-kielians-garden-in-montana

Gorgeous garden in Montana.

Granite Peak

http://www.skigranitepeak.com/mountain/index.cfm?sub=history

The tallest mountain in Wisconsin.

Anywhere else, it would be a modest hill.

Might be a good place to collect a few accent pieces for the garden.

Double-Digging

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/double-digging-why-do-it

They fail to mention that some of us just love to dig.

It is fun and you never know what buried treasure you might find.

Cold-Weather Compost

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/cold-weather-compost

I need to better manage my microbes.

Forest Pansy

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1123

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Would love to have another redbud.

Mercury Rising

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1284

Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising'

Beautiful and hardy to Zone 5.

Poke Weed

http://www.sandmountainherbs.com/pokeweed.html

I like the idea of soaking the seed in concentrated sulfuric acid to simulate passing through a bird's gut.

Magnolia Vine

http://www.waysidegardens.com/magnolia-vine-eastern-prince/p/48013/

Would love to try one.

Dawn Redwood

http://www.waysidegardens.com/metasequoia-glyptostroboides/p/47422/

I want one.

I want more than one.

Heirloom Tomatoes

http://www.hortmag.com/plants/fruits-veggies/top-heirloom-tomatoes

The 'Chocolate Stripes' sounds interesting with its earthy taste.

Hardscaping

http://www.finegardening.com/item/21461/reader-photos-bonnies-garden-in-pennsylvania

A gardener discovers a love for hardscaping.

Robert Tomesh, RIP

http://www.gundersonfh.com/?menuitem=697&siteid=90&action=1&value=12&obituaries_action=2&obituaryid=107911

Very sad news.

I got a lot of enjoyment out of the MGV Brown Bags that he ran, and I learned a lot from them.

He was a terrific asset, and he will be sorely missed.

Cranes Over the Garden

Many sandhill cranes passing over the garden today.

I counted 92 in one flight.

Dirt

http://www.herbcompanion.com/Gardening/THE-POT-SPOT-Container-Gardening-Essentials.aspx

Good advice on potting mixes.

Ginseng

http://www.sandmountainherbs.com/ginseng_american.html

It would be an interesting experiment to grow ginseng from seed.

Growing Chestnuts

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201111-grow-chestnuts

Would love to have a tree but do not have the space for a large one.

Could definitely grow one of the shrubby ones.

Beautyberry

http://www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com/beauty-berry-fall-color-at-its-finest/

On my wish list.

Mohican Wind Harps

http://www.mohicanwindharps.com/

Since our wind chime died after decades of abuse by the weather, maybe we should try a wind harp.

How to Divide Ornamental Grass

http://www.mikesbackyardnursery.com/2011/10/how-to-divide-ornamental-grass/

Good short video.

Parasitic Nematodes

http://www.buglogical.com/beneficial-nematodes/heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-nematodes/

$30 for ten million.

Parasitic Nematodes

http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/kyf611.html

Desiccation, sunlight, and heat limit effectiveness.

Japanese Beetles

http://www.mikesbackyardnursery.com/2010/07/how-to-get-rid-of-japanese-beetles-and-grubs-in-your-lawn/

Advice on grub control, including parasitic nematodes.

Unusual Fruits

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/growing_outside_the_fruit_box/

We planted a clove currant and a 'Hinnomaki Red' gooseberry.

Choosing An Arborist

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/your_tree_healthy_or_not/

Includes some advice on arborist certifications.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/cornelian_cherry_dogwood/

Cornus mas

We planted one and have high hopes for it.

Rocks in the Garden

I collected a few rocks on our recent trip to Marshfield, Wisconsin.

I got 36, and the largest was right at the limit of what I can lift.

Some were from near Athens (the village north of Marshfield, not the city in Greece).

Fox in the Garden

This afternoon, while neighbor Gil and I were talking on the back porch, a fox ran by us.

Always exciting to see a fox in the garden.

Plants for a Healthy Office

http://www.rodale.com/6-best-plants-healthy-office-0

Features some interesting choices like peppermint and lemon balm.

NR 40

This afternoon I attended the Fall MGV Level II Specialty Training class at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was "Invasive Species and the NR 40 Rule."

The presenter was Bernadette Williams, Invasive Species Specialist, Division of Forestry, WDNR.

Very interesting and informative.

Ms. Williams went through every plant on the NR 40 list, plus many others that may be later added to the list.

Ms. Williams spent the last hour on invasive earthworms, which was fascinating.

Counts as 3 MGV education hours.

Sutherland Gold

http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp?pn=72441&sid=0425787&eid=100911SH

Elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'

An interesting variation on the classic elderberry.

Harry Lauder

http://freeplants.com/harry-lauders.htm

Some interesting ideas about growing Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.

Low Maintenance Gardening

On Thursday October 6 evening, I attended the Adult Education Class at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was "Low Maintenance Gardening - Foolproof Plants for the Weekend Gardener."

The presenter was Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm.

Roy is a proponent of "Know Maintenance Gardening."

He made a strong case for planting the right plants in the right locations. He had many specific recommendation of Alliums, Salvias, Nepetas, and hardy clumping grasses.

He said that a garden requires bulbs (I agree 100%).

He cautioned against too much organic matter for those herbaceous perennials that enjoy lean soils.

Very informative and well-worth attending.

It was scheduled for 90 minutes but went a full 2 hours, and would have continued if the administration has not shooed us out.

Counts as 2 MGV education hours.

Fox 6 Gardens

On Thursday October 6 afternoon, I went to the Fox 6 Gardens (formerly Gus's Green Thumb Garden).

Sharon and Karen spent most of their time harvesting produce.

I killed 4 Japanese beetles.

I planted Clematis 'Nelly Moser' in a hole that I dug a full 24" deep in rocky clay. When I backfilled the hole, I mixed in some of the compost from Bin #2.

I also chopped some of the coarser compost in Bin #1.

Counts as 3 MGV volunteer hours (includes travel time).

Wetlands and Shorelines

On Wednesday October 5, I attended the Fall MGV Level II Specialty Training class.

The topic was "Wetlands and Shorelines."

The presenter was Gail Overholt, UW-Extension Regional Natural Resources Educator in Milwaukee County.

We learned that it was best to leave wetlands and shorelines in as natural a condition as possible to prevent erosion and runoff.

Counts as 3 MGV education hours.

Plant Communities in Wisconsin

On Wednesday September 28, I attended the Fall MGV Level II Specialty Training class.

The topic was "Plant Communities in Wisconsin."

The presenter was Barb Larson, UW-Extension Kenosha.

Very interesting and informative. We learned about the plant communities in various types of forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Counts as 3 hours MGV education.

She recommended the book, "The Vegetation of Wisconsin: An Ordination of Plant Communities" (1959, 1971) by John T. Curtis.

It was on the shelf at the Hales Corners Library, so I checked it out and am in the process of reading it. Tons of interesting information.

Trellis Netting

http://parkseed.com/parks-trellis-netting-5-x-30/p/6521/

Worth trying.

Naturalizing Lilies

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/984200-product.html

Next year.

Old Westbury Gardens

http://www.oldwestburygardens.org/index.htm

On my list of gardens to visit.

Dig Drop Done

http://www.digdropdone.com/

I should plant more bulbs.

Choosing Landscape Evergreens

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1430.html

I would like to try the Canada hemlock and Canada yew.

Vintage Wisconsin Gardens

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress/books/book.asp?book_id=379

I heard the author speak at an MGV program a couple of years ago.

Garden Gate

http://www.cornerhardware.com/howto/ht011.html

The above link has plans for a simple frame that could be covered with something interesting.

Frogs, RIP

I cannot find any frogs in the garden pool.

During my extended absence, I think the water level got too low and the raccoons got them.

Fox in the Garden

We saw a fox in the garden yesterday at 7am.

It sure would be nice if it would do something about the rabbits and voles that are causing damage in the garden.

It Killed Lincoln's Mother

http://iowagarden.blogspot.com/2006/08/wildflower-that-killed-lincolns-mother.html

I have none in the garden, but it is on my wish list.

Regenerative Gardens

Thanks to Nancy for sending me this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/25/garden/prairie-grass-landscapes-in-austin-tex.html

Side-oats grama and little bluestem are two of my favorite plants.

Mariken

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48591/

Extremely dwarf Ginkgo tree.

Alternatives to Ox-Eye Daisy and Dame's Rocket

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Weed/non.htm

Some good suggestions like black-eyed susan, blanket flower, and woodland phlox.

Land Banks

Thanks to Nancy for this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/garden/finding-the-potential-in-vacant-lots-in-the-garden.html

Vacant lots are ecological assets.

Weeds

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/books/review/weeds-by-richard-mabey-book-review.html

Sounds like an interesting book.

Permaculture

Thanks to Nancy for this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/garden/permaculture-emerges-from-the-underground.html

Very interesting, but it is unlikely that the medieval village government would allow it.

0.25" Rain

It rained last night.

According to weather.com, we got 1/4 inch.

Tufted Hair Grass

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=C450

We planted one by the garden pool.

Ornamental Grasses for Shade

http://www.chicagolandgardening.com/CGMPages/experts/experts_JA11.htm

I like sedges.

Imprelis

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/15/science/earth/15herbicide.html

If Imprelis (aminocyclopyrachlor) is judged safer than other poisons, and it kills trees, then what does that say about DuPont's other products?

Romanesco

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=Romanesco

Weird vegetable.

Innisfree Garden

http://www.innisfreegarden.org/

Millbrook, NY

Still on my wish list of gardens to visit.

Frog in the garden pool

There was a frog in the garden pool today.

I am amazed bordering on stupification that it survived the past week with no rain.

3/4" Rain

Our rain gauge is broken but according to neighbor Gil we got 3/4" this morning.

According to weather.com, we got 0.95 inches.

Friends Don't Let Friends Plant Annuals!

Thanks to Elizabeth for sending me this photo.

Salsa Garden

http://www.rodale.com/salsa-garden

I need to get into the successive cilantro plantings.

Plantwise

http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/blogs/plantwise/

Kate Bryant's garden blog.

Foxglove

http://www.monchesfarm.com/FEATUREdigitalis.htm

This explains why I have had so much trouble trying to grow the biennnial foxgloves.

Bishopwort

http://hermionesgarden.blogspot.com/2011/04/stachys-officinalis-betony.html

We have dappled shade.

I might have to try it.

St. John's Wort

http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbStJohnsWortMag.htm

I am going to place some sprigs in a jar on the windowsill.

Just in case.

Herbal Magic

http://www.examiner.com/wicca-witchcraft-in-nashville/magickal-herbs-the-kitchen-and-garden

More reasons to grow herbs.

For example, the scent of the flowers of St. John's Wort drives away evil spirits.

St. John's Day

Today was St. John's Day, so I dutifully burned some St. John's Wort to ensure good luck during the coming year.

Datura Container

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19966/less-can-be-more-in-containers

Beautiful container with the Sacred Datura.

Deer in the Garden

There were two deer in the backyard about 730pm this evening.

Slugs

http://www.adn.com/2011/06/22/1931426/slug-it-out-with-slugs-but-do.html

Terrible problem.

Kintzley's Ghost

http://www.rarefindnursery.com/index.cfm/action/productdetail/product_id/4691.htm

Lonicera reticulata 'Kintzley's Ghost'

On my wish list.

Was also featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Entree section 6-19-11.

Flowers that Beat the Heat

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/14-flowers-take-heat

Lists some of my favorites like cleome and cosmos.

Phlox buckleyi

http://www.heritageflowerfarm.com/buyPerennialPlantsDetail.asp?cat=4&ID=4&pID=951

We bought one from Heritage Flower Farm.

This is the information that was included:

Phlox buckleyi

Sword leaf Phlox

Z. 4-8

Sprays of mauve, pink or purple in May-June

Size: 8- 18” x 12”

Care: sun to part shade in any soil

Native: Virginia & West Virginia

Described and named by Edgar Theodore Wherry (1885-1982), unflagging naturalist in the finest tradition of wide interests in the natural world. After getting his Ph.D in 1909 in geology-mineralogy he became Asst. Curator of Minerals for the Smithsonian. In 8 years he transferred to the USDA Bureau of Chemistry, becoming its principal chemist. He left in 1930 to accept an appointment as botany professor at U. Penn., where he taught botany and ecology for 25 years.

Pole Beans

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/7148/pole-beans/

The author does not plant until mid-July to avoid pest problems.

Cherry Tomatoes

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/3623/growing-trouble-free-cherry-tomatoes/

Perfect container plants.

Valerian for Pets

http://csuvets.colostate.edu/pain/Articlespdf/Valerian%20Root.pdf

We just grow valerian as an ornamental.

Valerian

http://www.barbarapleasant.com/valerian.html

We love valerian.

3/8" Rain

3/8" rain overnight.

Planning for Autumn Blooms

http://www.monchesfarm.com/FALLPLANTSINSPRING.htm

Some good suggestions for Fall color.

Companion Shrubs for Japanese Maples

http://www.ehow.com/info_8574511_japanese-maple-companion-shrubs.html

shamrock inkberry

sheep laurel

smooth hydrangea

mapleleaf viburnum

Nana fetterbush

Arthur Burkwood daphne

Spreg alpine currant

black jetbead

1 5/8"

We got 1 5/8' rain yesterday in a 20-minute downpour.

Castor Bean Plant

http://www.library.illinois.edu/vex/toxic/castor/castor.htm

All parts of the plant are toxic but the seeds are the most poisonous.

Backyard Hives

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_18284172

A thriving cottage industry in Colorado and many other places, but not in ignorant medieval villages like Hales Corners.

1/4" Rain

We got another 1/4" rain overnight.

Amethyst Falls

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/american_wisteria/

Annoying that they repeatedly misspell 'Amethyst Falls' as 'Amythest Falls.'

No editor?

Lunar Glow

http://www.songsparrow.com/2011/plantdetails.cfm?ID=3022&type=SHADE,&pagetype=plantdetails&plant_name=Bergenia%20'Lunar%20Glow'%20PP20,247

Bergenia 'Lunar Glow'

AKA Pig Squeak

Kaolin Clay

http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/cache/ARL02953.htm

Used in IPM.

1/8" Rain

We got 1/8" rain early this morning.

Scented Geraniums

http://www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/qa/scented-geraniums

Technically, they are pelargoniums and I never met one that I did not like.

Axminster Gold

http://www.heronswood.com/shop/03128?cid=2011_06_09_AddExoticFoliageToYourGarden&

A very nice variegated comfrey.

Lone Deer in the Garden

There was a lone deer eating birdseed off the picnic table about 830pm.

Deer in the Garden

The same three deer ran through the woodland garden today just before 3pm.

Monrovia's Tiny Tots

http://www.steingg.com/junemonroviapick11.asp

Some good choices.

I am particularly interested in the Triumph Aster.

Hummingbird Nest

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19875/reader-photos-time-to-leave-the-nest-kiddies

Great photos.

Basil

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/basil-growing-guide

We grow several pots of basil every year.

Lavender

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201106-edible

Difficult to overwinter in heavy clay soils.

Showy Milkweed

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/search/lst.srch.asp?prodid=125

Asclepias speciosa

Would love to have some to go with our other Asclepias species.

Organic Lawn Care

http://www.rodale.com/organic-lawn-care-tips

Useful advice.

I am particularly fond of the idea of replacing the lawn with something more interesting.

Wisconsin Garden Centers

http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/featured-mwl/memorable-midwest-garden-centers/?catref=cat3750002&page=9

Monches is one of my favorites.

I would probably like the others.

Garden Center Road Trip

http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/featured-mwl/garden-center-road-trip-in-wisconsin/

Several excellent garden centers that I have never visited.

Roundup

http://www.rodale.com/roundup-dangers

I do not use Roundup in the garden, but my neighbors do.

Corpse Flower

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2011/06/09/20110609rare-corpse-flower-rancid-odor.html

I sure wish I could grow something similar in the garden.

Lack of Snakes in the Garden

We saw a big red coach whip snake leaving Penrose.

I sure wish we could have snakes in our garden.

Crafty Birdhouses

http://www.organicgardening.com/living/basket-birdhouse

Worth trying and sounds easy enough.

Fox in the Garden

A fox ran through the woodland garden about 7am this morning.

It was carrying something in its mouth, too big for a chipmunk, maybe a squirrel.

Bigfoot

http://www.monchesfarm.com/FEATUREgeraniummacrorrhizum.htm

Geranium macrorrhizum AKA Bigfoot Geranium

Has been on my wish list for several years.

We were just at Monches and I did not see them.

Hummingbirds

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19757/reader-photos-more-baby-hummingbirds

We have hummingbirds in the garden every year, but I have never found a nest.

Hinnomaki Red

http://www.cherrygal.com/cherrygalheirloomgooseberryhinnomakiredlivenew-p-12624.html

We bought one at Monches Farm.

I planted it by the variegated elderberry.

Carol Mackie

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=DaphneCarolMackie

Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'

Would love to have one.

Black Ace

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=L560

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace'

Turtlehead

Worth a try in wet shade.

Available at Monches.

Dickson's Gold

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=V370

Spreading low-growing bellflower.

Was not included in the Chicago Botanic Garden trials.

Available at Monches.

Neosulfureum

http://www.joycreek.com/Epimedium-versicolor-Neosulfureum-322-030.htm

One of the best Epimediums in the Chicago Botanic Garden trials.

Epimediums

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no20_barrenworts.pdf

Great plants for the shade garden.

Little King

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=J520

Dwarf river birch tolerates part shade and heavy clay.

Worth trying.

Sarastro

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/731/sarastro-bellflower.php

The only bellflower to receive 5 stars in the Chicago Botanic Garden evaluation.

Bellflowers

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no31_bellflower.pdf

Comprehensive testing of bellflowers by the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Depressing number of winter losses in moisture retentive soils.

Chameleon

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=976

Houttuynia cordata

I need to transplant some around the yard.

Blue Star Creeper

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=631

Isotoma fluviatilis

Would like to try it as a ground cover.

Glory of the Snow

http://www.santarosagardens.com/Chionodoxa-forbesii-p/chi-for.htm

Have to make an effort to plant MANY this fall.

Gaura

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=C840

Gaura lindheimeri

Beware heavy, poorly-drained soils.

Bloody Dock

http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/rumex-sanguineus-bloody-dock.aspx

Rumex sanguineus

Bloody Dock AKA Red Veined Sorrel

Zone 6 but may self-seed.

We bought one at the Boerner Herb Faire from Cook With Herbs.

Marquis

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/49170

Seedless white grape introduced by Cornell.

Good cold hardiness.

Echium russicum

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/search/lst.srch.asp?prodid=381

Excellent winter hardiness, but we do not have full sun or well-drained soil.

Purple Rooster

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=2619

Monarda didyma 'Purple Rooster'

We have lots of bee balm in the garden, but none of this color.

Trace of rain

Only a trace of rain last night.

Flowering Tobacco and Tomatoes

http://www.garden.org/searchqa/index.php?q=show&id=1090&ps=57&keyword=tomato&adv=0

The key is keeping everything virus-free.

Only the Lonely

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.asp?prodid=730

Nicotiana sylvestris 'Only the Lonely'

Great for a moon garden.

Gooseberries

http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/mfruit/gooseberries.html

Lists cultivars Poorman, Hinnomaki Red, Invicta, Pixwell, etc.

Apartment Gardening with Herbs

http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/from-our-bookshelf-apartment-gardening-with-herbs.aspx

We grow a lot of Agastache outside in the garden, but I have not tried to grow it inside in pots.

Biodynamic Gardening

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/create-biodynamic-back-yard

Interesting ideas, but I am not ready to try it yet.

Top Flowering Herbs

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/flowering-herb-garden

We grow several of the listed herbs, like Agastache, Bee Balm, Joe Pye, Feverfew, Purple Coneflower, and Yarrow.

The WI DNR discourages growing Queen of the Meadow.

Quicksilver

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/974/quicksilver-chinese-wild-ginger.php

Asarum splendens 'Quicksilver'

Would love to have some but that Zone 6 hardiness is going to be a problem until we get more global warming.

Some other sources claim Zone 5.

Jerry Nelson's Garden

http://mzientek.blogspot.com/2011/05/jerry-nelsons-garden.html

Marcia Zientek went on the MGV tour of Jerry Nelson's garden in inhospitable weather.

False Spirea

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=F630

Sorbaria sorbifolia

Might be an interesting experiment.

Solar Fountain

http://www.gardeners.com/Solar-Pineapple-Fountain/NewProducts_Dept,39-640,default,cp.html

Would be fun to have one.

3/4 " Rain

We got 3/4" rain this morning.

University Display Gardens

http://universitydisplaygardens.com/

West Madison Agricultural Research Station

Burnout

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/burnout-weed-killer.html

Organic herbicide.

Plant Pairs

http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/design/10-top-summer-plant-pairs/

Excellent companions.

It would be hard for me to pick a favorite pair.

Alliums for Shade

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1082/is_n5_v39/ai_17618773/

I want them all.

Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects

http://www.farmerfred.com/plants_that_attract_benefi.html

We grow some of the listed plants.

Like dandelions, for example.

40 Gardening Tips

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/gardening-tips-zm0z11zsto.aspx

Lots of good ideas.

Fish Meal Organic Fertilizer

http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/fish-meal.html

Strong odor.

Organic Fertilizers

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/organic-fertilizers

Many choices.

Plants for Pollinators

http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/attract-pollinators-to-your-garden.aspx

We grow many (but not all) of the plants listed.

Blackhaw

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=G240

Viburnum prunifolium

Would like to try one.

Clove Currant

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=m110

Ribes odoratum

My kind of plant.

On my wish list.

Tamarind

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/tamarind.html

Tamarindus indica

Can reach a height of 100'.

I might have to transplant ours to a bigger pot.

Cook With Herbs

http://www.cookwithherbs.com/index.html

They were selling herb plants at the Boerner Herb Faire on Saturday.

We bought:

(1) Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)

(1) Red-Leaf Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)

(1) Red Veined Sorrel (Rumex sanguineus)

(2) Vietnamese Coriander (Polygonum odoratum)

Hoppe Tree Service

http://www.hoppetreeservice.com/

Hoppe Tree Service was selling tree seedlings at the Wauwatosa Farmers Market on Saturday.

We bought an Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana, AKA American Hophornbeam) and I planted it in the woodland garden.

We bought a red oak (Quercus rubra) and I planted it on the west side of the maple garden.

Rain Garden Plants

http://www.rainkc.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.main/index.htm

A great many choices.

The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Thumb-Guide-Raingardens/dp/B0015ZN510

Self-published and no ISBN.

Blue Ash

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/treeselector/detail_plant.cfm?PlantID=212

Fraxinus quadrangulata

Not recommended due to Emerald Ash Borer.

3/4" Rain

We got 3/4" rain last night (1" according to weather.com).

Reasons to Raise Chickens

http://www.organicgardening.com/living/5-reasons-raise-chickens

Someone should tell government officials in backward medieval villages.

Sweetbay Magnolia

http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs/tmi/plantlist/ma_niana.html

Magnolia virginiana

The native Magnolia.

Would be interesting to try one.

Sea Magic

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/9261

Seaweed with 17 amino acids.

Reading Fairy

http://www.plowhearth.com/Reading-Fairy_p11607.html

On my wish list.

Madame Galen

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/60910-product.html

Campsis x tagliabuana 'Madame Galen'

Would love to have one.

True Green Elm Tree

http://gurneys.com/product.asp?pn=08775&sid=0515535&eid=051911GU

Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.

Dwarf Madness

http://blog.anniesannuals.com/2011/05/20/dwarf-madness/

Interesting rant.

U.S. Drought Monitor

http://drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html

Map of drought conditions.

White Lady

http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp?pn=66752&sid=0425176&eid=052011SH

Helleborus 'White Lady'

Would be a welcome addition to our Hellebore collection.

Tree Roots

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19727/a-trees-root-system-revealed

This is no revelation to anyone who has tried to garden around tree roots.

Rex Begonia Vine

http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/cissus-discolor-rex-begonia-vine.aspx

Cissus discolor

Great foliage, likes shade, but not hardy.

Here is would be an annual or a houseplant.

1/8" Rain

1/8" rain yesterday.

Best Bang for Your Buck

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/il/newsletter-stories/best_bang_for_your_buck/

I like plants that self-seed or spread by suckers.

All Kinds of Basil

http://statebystategardening.com/il/newsletter-stories/all_kinds_of_basil/

We grow several pots of basil every year.

Foster and Smith Aquatics

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/

Lots of cool stuff for ponds.

The solar-powered pumps are interesting.

Dwarf Vegetables

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/10658/have-a-small-space-garden-try-dwarf-vegetable-varieties/

Good for containers.

Tree Stump

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19666/from-eyesore-to-eye-catching

Creative use of a tree stump.

Porcelain Berry

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=7

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata 'Elegans'

Terrible reputation as an invasive.

Shooting Star Nursery

http://shootingstarnursery.com/catalog/index.php

They offer a good selection of trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, etc.

1/2" Rain in the garden

We got 1/2" rain over the weekend as follows:

1/8" Friday night

1/8" Saturday

1/4" Saturday night

Far short of the 1.25" that was predicted.

Invicta Gooseberry

http://www.jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=30184&c=229&p=Invicta+Gooseberry

I want a thorny gooseberry.

Invicta is described as "spiny."

Other possible thorny varieties would be Downing or Glenndale.

Pink-flowered Dianthus

http://www.plant-pictures.net/3263-dianthus-picture.aspx

We bought a Dianthus with silvery foliage and pink flowers at Shady Acres.

It looks very similar to the 'Cobham Beauty' pictured in the link above.

I planted it next to the Prairie Smoke just south of the Chinese Chestnut.

Earliest of All

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=4624

Trollius cultorum 'Earliest of All'

Globe Flower

We bought one at Monches Farm.

I planted it near the Trollius on the east side of the driveway.

The moisture requirements described at the link above are interesting, because last year I planted one next to the garden pool, and it did not survive.

Valerian

http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=VALOFF

Valeriana officinalis

We bought one at Monches Farm.

I planted it by the valerian near the old eastern crabapple tree.

This gives us a total of four with the one in the maple forest and the one in the daylilies on the west side of the house.

Jupiter's Beard

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene2d02.html

Centranthus ruber

We bought one today at Luxembourg Gardens.

Would love to reach a point someday where it actually does self-seed.

Blackberry Punch

http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=9547

Calibrachoa 'Blackberry Punch'

We bought a hanging basket today at Luxembourg Gardens.

It contained several plants.

Dandelions

http://www.herbcompanion.com/in-the-herb-garden/three-reasons-to-love-dandelions.aspx

Good bee plants.

Big Herbs

http://www.herbcompanion.com/in-the-herb-garden/growing-big-herbs-angelica-borage-and-tansy.aspx

We grow angelica, borage, and tansy.

Three of my favorites.

Silverlace Vine

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/47366

We have two, and the younger one is doing much better than the older one.

Sophia

http://www.monchesfarm.com/FEATUREthermopsis.htm

Thermopsis chinensis 'Sophia'

False Lupine

We bought one today at Monches.

Dwarf Blackberry Lily

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/43500/

Belamcanda chinensis

Would love to try some.

The Blues

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/173/the-blues-little-bluestem.php

I love Little Bluestem.

Best Ornamental Grasses

http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/design/ornamental-grass/

Features some beautiful grasses.

Wild Cucumber

http://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/echinocystis-lobata-wild-cucumber/

Echinocystis lobata

I have seven seedlings so far this spring from the previous year's seeds.

Midnight Ruffles

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1150

Helleborus 'Midnight Ruffles'

Gorgeous blossoms.

Sweet Kate

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=a737

Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate"

Spiderwort

We bought one today at Shady Acres.

Ornamental Bush Pea

http://www.monchesfarm.com/FEATURElathyrusvernus.htm

Lathyrus vernus

Stunning flowers, tolerates significant shade.

Amethyst Falls

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1119

Cultivar of American Wisteria.

Fairy Gardens

http://bicreativeinspirations.com/becreative/natureinspired-fairy-garden/

Clever.

Red-headed Woodpecker in the garden

There was a red-headed woodpecker in the woodland garden today.

We get red-bellied woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers regularly, but it is very unusual to see a red-headed woodpecker.

Celandine Poppy

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=CelandinePoppy

Stylophorum diphyllum

We bought one at Northwind Perennial Farm.

I planted it near the ford with the bleeding hearts.

Swedish Ivy

http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/swedish-ivy.html

I bought one at the Boerner Botanical Gardens gift shop.

It was on consignment from Shady Lane Greenhouses.

Red Twig Dogwood

http://www.ecoterralandscape.com/cgi-bin/ViewTopic.pl?Topic=00-020509cp

Some interesting choices for companion plants like Clethra alnifolia (summersweet).

Beware Phytophotodermatitis

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/hogweed.htm

We have angelica and cow parsnip.

Best to use caution.

Always.

Cow Parsnip

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?cookiecheck=yes&P_ID=513&PT_ID=90&strPageHistory=cat

The Scotty People also gave us a Cow Parsnip.

I planted it west of the apple trees, north of the arborvitae.

Barbarea spp.

http://www.all-creatures.org/picb/wfshl-wintercress-early.html

The Scotty People (cherished neighbors) gave us a plant that they called "Wintercress."

I am pretty sure that it is one of the Barbarea species but I am not sure which one.

I planted it west of the apple trees, north of the arborvitae.

1/8" Rain

1/8" rain yesterday.

Bring Back the Monarchs

http://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/

We planted some other milkweeds, but finding a local source for common milkweed is proving difficult.

Might have to grow it from seed.

Blue-joint Grass

http://www.borealforest.org/grasses/grass1.htm

Calamagrostis canadensis

A native alternative to Common Reed (Phragmites).

Indian Grass

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/ind_grass.htm

Sorghastrum nutans

We bought one at the Native Plant Sale at Wehr Nature Center.

I planted it by the garden pool.

Skunk Cabbage

http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/symplocarpusfoet.html

Symplocarpus foetidus

We bought two at the Native Plant Sale at Wehr Nature Center.

I planted one on the edge of the garden pool and one in the northeast corner where water often collects after a rain.

Flowering Quince

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaenomeles_japonica

We bought one from Heritage Flower Farm.

I planted it on the northeast side between the variegated elderberry and the dutchman's pipe vine.

Nice thorns.

Ornamental Millet

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=OrnamentalMillet

Would love to grow some.

'Jade Princess' looks particularly interesting.

Ironweed

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/sm_ironweedx.htm

Vernonia fasciculata

We bought one at the Native Plant Sale at Wehr Nature Center.

I planted it west of Dr. O'Grady's dogwoods.

Urban Tree of the Year 2011

http://www.gardendesignonline.com/gardendesignonline/2011/04/urban-tree-of-the-year-2011.html

Goldenrain Tree.

Koelreuteria paniculata

We do not have one (yet).

Planting Spear

http://www.gardenershub.com/product/planting-spear-w1384/weeders/

I would like to try one.

Variegated Purple Fountain Grass

http://www.santarosagardens.com/Pennisetum-Fireworks-p/pen-fire.htm

Pennisetum 'Fireworks'

Gorgeous ornamental grass, but would have to be grown as an annual here.

Perilla

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/5795

"Re-seeds freely" but not yet in our garden.

Swamp Currant

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=3912

Ribes lacustre

Likes shade and has thorns.

Save the Bees Mix

http://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/view/7020/Save-the-Bees-Mix-Seed/srch:bees

Support your local bees.

Trace of rain

We got a trace of rain last night.

Urban Gardening

http://www.rodale.com/small-space-vegetable-gardening?page=0%2C1&cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-05052011-_-Top5-_-NA

Tips on how to get more out of limited space, which is important to many of us.

Birds in the Garden

There is a gray catbird in the garden this evening. I have been seeing it the last couple of days.

There was a rose-breasted grosbeak in the garden yesterday.

Purpurea

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/search/lst.srch.asp?prodid=1618

Angelica stricta 'Purpurea'

I would sure like to reach a tipping point where our angelicas self-seed.

Pest Fighting Flowers

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/10805/pest-fighting-flowers

We need to grow more Borage.

Homemade Trellises

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/4464/learn-lashing-and-make-your-own-garden-trellises

Some good advice on knots.

But I personally prefer a hatchet knot.

The Garden Professors

https://sharepoint.cahnrs.wsu.edu/blogs/urbanhort/default.aspx

This looks like a very informational and entertaining blog.

Organic Matter

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/organic-matter

Never enough composted organic matter to go around.

Crop Rotation

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/crop-rotation

Good idea for several reasons.

Elfin Treasure Door

http://www.plowhearth.com/Elfin-Treasure-Door_p11312_S2010_D3010_C3072.html

Very clever.

Filiformis

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2156/weeping-threadleaf-arborvitae.php

A striking specimen.

Variegated Virginia Creeper

http://www.gardenvines.com/shop/other-species-9/parthenocissus-quinquefolia-variegata-344.html

I love our Virginia Creeper and we have quite a bit of it.

Would be nice to have this less vigorous variegated version as a contrast.

Midnight Oasis

http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/down-to-earth-planting-a-moonlight-garden.aspx

I love white flowers because they glow at dusk.

Perennials for Hummingbirds

http://www.santarosagardens.com/Perennials-to-Attract-Hummingbirds-s/224.htm

We try to grow a mix of flowers for hummingbirds.

Lucerne

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=1497

Sisyrinchium augustifolium 'Lucerne'

Blue Eyed Grass

We have one small clump and need many more.

Mt. Atlas Daisy

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=620

Anacyclus depressus

Requires well-drained soil.

Pagoda

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/230323-product.html

Erythronium 'Pagoda'

Avoiding the dry summers and wet winters is very tough here.

Big Effects from Small Bulbs

http://gardennews.biz/?id=5569

Best in large numbers.

Solar Angel

http://www.plowhearth.com/Garden-Angel-with-Solar-Lantern_p12580_S2008_D3063_C2009.html

Would love to have one.

Bluestem Farm

http://www.bluestemfarm.com/

Maybe we can visit them at the Dane County Farmers Market some time.

Southern Wisconsin Butterflies

http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabawba/

Maybe they can help me identify butterflies in the garden.

Slug Wars!

http://www.monchesfarm.com/SLUGWARS.htm

I am a little worried about collateral damage inflicted by an ammonia solution.

Karasuba

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=C964

Mukdenia 'Karasuba'

We bought one at Shady Acres.

I planted it in the woodland garden near where the deer destroyed the Rhododendron.

Boerner Craft Fair

On Sunday, we attended the Craft Fair at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

We bought several plants from Shady Lane Greenhouses:

2 scented geraniums (pelargoniums)

2 black petunias

1 sweet basil

1 cilantro

1 parsley

And we bought a demonic shovel bug from Jeff's Garden Accents.

Northern Lights

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/164/northern-lights-tufted-hair-grass.php

Tufted Hair Grass 'Northern Lights'

We bought one at Shady Acres and I planted it by the garden pool.

Prairie Cordgrass

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/pr_cordgrass.htm

We bought one at Shady Acres and I planted it by the garden pool.

It is going to be interesting to see if it will be as successful as the Golden Reed.

Ascot Rainbow

http://www.deerxlandscape.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=87945&p_catid=37

Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow'

Listed as Zone 6 so it might have a tough time here in Zone 5.

We bought one at Shady Acres.

I planted it by the fireplace chimney so it will get the benefit of the heat radiating off the brick wall.

Virginia Bluebells

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/bluebells.htm

We bought one at Shady Acres and I planted it in the northwestern shade border.

Osaka Mix

http://www.sunnygardens.com/garden_plants/brassica/brassica_0494.php

Flowering Cabbage

We bought a four-pack at Luxembourg Gardens.

As per the Flowering Kale, I planted two in the ground and two in pots.

Flowering Kale

http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/fact_sheets/specific_crops/cabbkale.html

We bought a four-pack of 'Red Peacock' Flowering Kale at Luxembourg Gardens.

I planted them today, 2 in the ground and 2 in pots.

Spinach Growing Guide

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/spinach-growing-guide

Spinach can be ornamental in the garden.

Edible landscaping.

Viburnums

http://www.finegardening.com/plants/articles/viburnums-are-versatile-shrubs.aspx

They are versatile and there are a lot of choices.

Six Herbs for Containers

http://www.finegardening.com/plants/six-superb-herbs-for-containers.aspx

Excellent ideas.

Burgundy Hellebore in the Garden

The second of the two original Hellebores in the garden.

Pansies and Daffodils in the Garden

Fizzy Lemonberry Pansies

More Squill in the Garden

In a good location, Squill will increase in number year after year.

Squill in the Garden

Squill are great minor bulbs.

Daffodils in the Garden

Getting some nice clumps of daffodils in the garden.

Violets in the Garden

Hard to see in this picture, but this is the best area of Violet flowers in the garden.

This is the state flower in Wisconsin.

Marsh Marigold in the Garden

This clump was planted last year.

It has buds but no flowers yet.

Marsh Marigold in the Garden

This clump was planted a few days ago.

We bought this from Heritage Flower Farm

Hyacinths in the Garden

Cannot appreciate the heavenly fragrance from the picture.

Cream Hellebore in the Garden

One of the first Hellebores we planted.

Squill and Daffodils in the Garden

I like the combination.

Ornamental Rhubarb in the Garden

We bought this one from Heritage Flower Farm.

The Backyard

The garden is trying to wake up.

Bloodroot in the Garden

Too few blooms impoverish the view.

Maybe someday there will be a nice clump.

Mayapple in the Garden

This Mayapple was planted in 2010.

Costmary

http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/tanbalsamita.htm

At one time I had more than anybody, but it is all gone.

Medicinal Plants

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/med-aro/

In search of scientific information.

Organic Garden Info

http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/

Dirt, compost, fertilizers, etc.

American Fern Society

http://amerfernsoc.org/

Established in 1893.

White Feather

http://www.dutchbulbs.com/store/hostas/62241

Hosta 'White Feather'

Very white leaves.

Little Honey

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/41839/

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey'

Very ornamental.

Chickity Doo Doo

http://chickitydoodoo.com/

100% chicken manure.

I want to try it.

Professor A. Kippenberg

http://springhillnursery.com/professor-a.-kippenberg-dwarf-aster/p/82058/

Aster dumosus

Compact stature, Zone 4, and deer-resistant.

Sip of Spring

Yesterday, we attended a workshop at Shady Acres Perennial Nursery in New Berlin.

The presenter was Jim Garbe.

The topic was "Sip of Spring."

Jim talked about some of the great new cultivars of perennials like Achillea, Astilbe, Echinacea, Geranium, Hemerocallis, Heuchera, Heucherella, Mukdenia, Salvia, and Vernonia.

He also talked about maintenance, fertilizer, pest control, watering, containers, rain gardens, native plants, and sustainability.

Great program.

Growing Low-Maintenance Perennials

On Thursday, I attended the Horticulture magazine online workshop (webinar).

The presenter was Kerry Mendez from Perennially Yours (pyours.com).

The topic was "Growing Low-Maintenance Perennials."

The sponsor was Osmocote.

We learned about a great many perennials, including some of my own favorites like Pig Squeak, Siberian Iris, Epimedium, Hellebore, Solomon's Seal, Echinacea, Yarrow, Agastache, Sneezeweed, Butterfly Weed, Swamp Milkweed, Rudbeckia, Culver's Root, Clematis, Miscanthus, and Sedum.

There was Q&A at the end, with questions about intersectional peonies, plants for wet shade, coral bells, Amsonia, plants that should not be fertilized, Solomon's Seal, Sweet Autumn Clematis, and Hellebores.

Informational and well-worth attending.

1/8" Rain

We got 1/8" rain last night according to the rain gauge.

Dropmore Scarlet

http://www.marthastewart.com/plant/lonicera-x-brownii-dropmore-scarlet

We have one that was planted last summer.

The deer ate it back to the ground, but it is waking up now, getting ready to put on a lot of new growth.

Bottlebrush Buckeye

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48577/

Awesome flowers.

Oriental Lilies

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/920555-product.html

I love the fragrance of Oriental Lilies, but they tend to be short-lived in our garden.

Chives

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=chives

We have a clump of chives.

Root Zone Organic Teabag

http://secure32.appliedi.net/oikostreecrops/store/product.asp?cookiecheck=yes&P_ID=462&PT_ID=99&strPageHistory=cat

Includes mycorrhizal fungi.

Red Twig Dogwood

http://www.paghat.com/redtwig.html

We have several thanks to the generosity of Dr. O'Grady.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs/tmi/plantlist/co_mas.html

Cornus mas

Fruit for wildlife.

Prairie Cordgrass

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/pr_cordgrass.htm

Spartina pectinata

I am interested in trying this to see if it is as shade-tolerant as Golden Reed.

Dawn Redwood

http://www.arborday.org/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?id=16

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Would love to have one.

Dwarf Giant Sequoia

http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp?pn=81833

Miniature tree.

Backyard Chickens

http://www.rodale.com/raising-backyard-chickens-1?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-04292011-_-Top5-_-NA

I will never experience these things until I move out of this backward medieval village.

Common Reed in Ohio

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/2007/Default.aspx#commonreed

On Ohio's Top Ten Invasive Plant list.

Same four native alternatives that I listed in a previous post.

Native vs. Non-native Phragmites

http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/phragbrochure.pdf

Very confusing.

Common Reed in Wisconsin

http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/herbarium/invasive_species/phraus01.htm

Maybe the Golden Reed is less invasive?

Alternatives to Phragmites

http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/uploads/Viewpoints/Fact%20Sheet%20Phragmites%20Common%20Reed%20Grass.pdf

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Prairie Cord Grass (Spartina pectinata)

Canada Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis)

My concern is that these alternatives are not going to as shade tolerant.

Golden Reed

http://www.aquariumplants.com/REED_GOLDEN_Phragmites_australis_aurea_Hardy_Ma_p/mar033.htm

Ours is just waking up next to the garden pool.

Lady's Mantle at Monches

http://www.monchesfarm.com/FEATUREalchemilla.htm

Very nice.

Dwarf Pampas Grass

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=668

Cortaderia pumila

Very showy.

Wicked Bugs

I attended the lecture of author Amy Stewart at Boerner Botanical Gardens on Tuesday (4-26-2011).

She was presenting her new book Wicked Bugs.

The author is a terrific speaker, passionate about her subject, and humorous.

The illustrator Briony Morrow-Cribbs talked about the copper engraving techniques she used to produce the art for the book.

I bought a copy of the book. The author and illustrator signed it.

An event well worth attending.

Gus' Green Thumb Garden

I worked at Gus' Green Thumb Garden last night (4:45-7 PM).

It was cold, rainy, and miserable.

I mostly worked on the compost but also pulled weeds and picked up a lot of wind-blown trash.

I got 3.5 hours MGV hours (volunteer hours include travel time, and going through the Zoo interchange during rush hour is no picnic).

Green Ruffles

http://www.burpee.com/herbs/basil/basil-green-ruffles-prod000454.html

An ornamental basil.

Deer in the Garden

The deer were in the garden around noon today.

Soil Tests and Fertilzers

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garden/view_question/id/3924/

Interesting essay on complicated issues.

3/8" Rain

We got 3/8" rain yesterday.

Brise d'Anjou

http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/polemonium-caeruleum-brise-danjou-jacobs-ladder.aspx

This is not your great-grandmother's Jacob's Ladder.

Also note the confusing Greek Valerian common name, which is often shortened to Valerian.

Rosa Dublin Bay

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/66650-product.html

Would love to try one but we do not have full sun.

Fragrant Corkscrew Vine

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/44842/

Vigna caracalla

Would like to try a couple, one in the ground and one in a hanging basket.

Slugs

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/3577/tales-of-silver-trails-managing-slugs-and-snails

Trap by day, hand pick at night.

Deer Resistance

http://njaes.rutgers.edu/deerresistance/

The deer spend a lot of time eating our wintercreeper, which is consistent with its "D" rating.

Worm Power

http://www.harrisseeds.com/storefront/c-121-hg-worm-power-organic-garden-fertilizer.aspx?_cr=email|HGnews|monthly|11Apr

Worms are our friends.

Coir Grow Bag

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/organic-coco-grow-bag.html

Would make an interesting experiment.

Oxygenating Watering Can

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/oxygenating-watering-can.html

Need to investigate this further.

Lawn Care Tips

Thanks to Andrew for sending me this link.

http://www.richsoil.com/lawn-care.jsp

I particularly like the post hole digger idea. Improve your lawn one hole at a time.

Mallards on the Garden Pool

Five male mallards on the garden pool this morning.

1.25" Rain

According to the rain gauge, we got 1.25" rain overnight.

Silver Plants

http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/sensational-silver-plants.aspx

There is an art to color combinations.

Garlic Mustard

http://www.ipm.msu.edu/garlicmustard.htm

If we ate more of it, there would be less of a problem.

Plants That Repel Insects

http://www.edubook.com/plants-that-repel-insects/6377/

We grow most of the plants on this list.

Kentucky Coffee Tree

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=2052

Maybe a more cost-effective solution.

Licorice

http://companionplants.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=652&osCsid=km06mhttsmbhkq00rrtikms2n3

Glycyrrhiza or Glycorrhiza?

Regardless of the spelling, I want to grow some.

Anne Raspberry

http://gurneys.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_80896

Zone 4 and gold-colored fruit.

How to Grow Blackberries in Wisconsin

http://www.gardenguides.com/102111-grow-blackberries-wisconsin.html

They make it sound easy.

On the Nature of Vines

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2009-04-23/news/0904210057_1_vines-ivy-brick-wall

Vines need more respect.

Texas Parking Lot

http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=7044

Beautiful Coleus.

Rock Soapwort

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modzz/00001324.html

Saponaria ocymoides

I planted the soapwort that we got as a free gift at Heritage.

Kentucky Coffee Tree

http://www.minorsgardencenter.com/content/search/static/library.php?plantID=362

Gymnocladus dioica

No signs of life yet on our Kentucky Coffee Tree, but it is still early.

Marsh Marigold

http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/calthapalu.html

Caltha palustris

I planted the one we got from Heritage so now we have three.

Boulder Blue

http://www.santarosagardens.com/Festuca-glauca-Boulder-Blue-p/fes-bou.htm

We could use another blue fescue.

Alternatives to Lawns

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/low-maintenance-lawn-alternatives.aspx

Massed groundcovers.

Lawnless Front Yard

http://www.finegardening.com/design/articles/designing-a-lawnless-front-yard.aspx

Lawns are evil.

Lawn Reform Coalition

http://www.lawnreform.org/

Opposing the evil of lawns.

Siberian Peashrub

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/c/cararb/cararb1.html

Caragana arborescens

I am particularly interested in the 'Nana' cultivar.

Corpse Flower

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_SWITZERLAND_CORPSE_FLOWER?SITE=WIMIL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Wish I could be there.

And wish we could grow similar flowers outside here in Wisconsin.

Scarlet O'Hara

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/1017/

Gorgeous Morning Glory.

Lemon Grass

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/0632/

Cymbopogon citratus

We have one in a pot in the kitchen, but I would like to have many more.

Hot Papaya

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=2564

Echinacea 'Hot Papaya'

I am interested in the spicy fragrance.

Selecting Trees

http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Gardening/Archives/2011/Plant-Carbon-Eating-Trees.aspx

Complicated subject.

Stepping Stones

http://www.plowhearth.com/River-Rock-Stepping-Stones_p11267_S2008_D3064_C1121.html

Clever.

Shadblow

http://www.bestplants.org/plantdetail.pl?ScientificName=Amelanchier%20canadensis

Amelanchier canadensis

Serviceberry

Have had poor luck with the deer eating the ones I planted, but must plant more.

Monon

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2024/yukon-belle-pyracantha.php

Yukon Belle Pyracantha

AKA Firethorn