Toyo-Nishiki

Flowering quince available from Heronswood (link here).

Deer in the garden

A doe and two fawns were in the back yard during the middle of the day today.

They were browsing the brush piles.

Golden Ruby

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48274?cid=wem001444

Berberis thunbergii 'Golden Ruby'

Sounds like an interesting plant, but no mention of nasty thorns.

I only want barberries with nasty thorns.

Viola's Honey

http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/60058322.html

Article about the honey of our friend Viola and her husand.

This link was sent to me by the Milwaukee County Winter Farmers Market because Viola is making her debuy there tomorrow.

Deer in the garden

The doe and two fawns were in the garden again this afternoon.

They were eating bird seed off the picnic table.

Gardening Books

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/books/review/Gardening-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&emc=eta1

Lot of good gardening books out there.

Who has time to read them all?

Deer in the garden

I inadvertently scared a doe and two fawns out of the backyard yesterday just before dark.

I had been in the backyard just a few minutes before, went to the front yard, and returned to the backyard.

Going to have to be more vigilant.

Transplanting trees & shrubs

http://www.freeplants.com/how_to_ball_and_burlap_dig_plant.htm

With photos.

Milwaukee County Winter Farmers Market

http://www.mcwfm.org/index.html

As recommended by our friend Nancy at the New Berlin Farmers' Market.

We have attended the first two dates, and will probably go again tomorrow.

Tons of good things from the garden.

The image is from their email to me.

Hawk

There was a sharp-shinned hawk in the front yard this morning.

I haven't seen one in a long time.

I see a Cooper's hawk almost every day.

More deer in the garden

One of the neighbors (Ken) told me that there was an 8-point whitetail in the yard on Saturday morning (we were at the farmers market).

Yesterday, a doe ran through the backyard in the afternoon.

Emerald Ash Borer

On Friday (11-6-2009), I attended the Emerald Ash Borer workshop at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Kristin Krokowski (UW-Extension) was the facilitator.

The speakers were Dr. R. Chris Williamson (UW-Madison) and Dr.Robert Dahl (Department of Agriculture).

There were about 45 people in the audience.

A lot of interesting information was provided. There were samples of the insects and damaged pieces of ash trees for us to examine.

Dr. Williamson is a very enthusiastic and charismatic speaker. I agreed with his comment that ash trees are very crappy trees. There was an audible gasp from the numerous little old ladies in the audience when he said it.

Well worth attending.

Mirabel Osler

"The very soul of a garden is shrivelled by zealous regimentation."

- Mirabel Osler, A Gentle Plea for Chaos, page 13.

One of the all-time great quotes about gardening.

Heated Hose

Available from Charley's Greenhouse (link here)

For when you absolutely have to water when it is freezing?

Honeybees, or lack thereof

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/white-house-abuzz-with-first-honey/?emc=eta1

They can have honeybees at the White House, but we can't have them in Hales Corners?

I am becoming more and more disillusioned with the low-watts in local government.

Die Buckthorn Scum!

In celebration of my birthday, it was Die Buckthorn Scum! day in the garden.

I did not get them all (I never do), but I sure cut a swath down through them.

There is something very satisfying about pulling out a large buckthorn scum by the roots.

Unfortunately, the largest size "Die Buckthorn Scum!" t-shirt continues to be an XL at

http://www.for-wild.org/store/

What? Only little people hate buckthorn?

Deer in the garden

A doe and two fawns ran through the garden yesterday just before dark (around 4:45 pm).

Recent plantings

(100) Daffodils (mixed)

(40) Scilla siberica

(3) Allium 'Mt. Everest'

This brings the fall bulb total to 1073.

Gladiolus

I lifted 86 gladiolus from the garden.

I had planted 101, and 86/101 was a better return than I expected.

There were only about a dozen blooms though.

No more buying bulbs from big-box stores.

Zahara

Zinnia Zahara Starlight Rose

http://www.panamseed.com/plant_info.aspx?phid=065705333022973

I had some poor luck with zinnias last year.

Maybe I should try this one.

Top Seeds

http://www.grit.com/Garden/Top-Seeds-for-New-Gardeners.aspx

I want to grow some morning glories next year, so maybe that 'Heavenly Blue' is the one for me.

Recent plantings

(20) Tulip 'Queen of the Night'
(20) Tulip 'Red Oxford' (Darwin Hybrid)
(20) Tulip 'Gavota' (Triumph)
(20) Tulip 'Heart's Delight' (kaufmanniana)

That brings the fall bulb total to 930.

Heart's Delight

Tulip kaufmanniana 'Heart's Delight'

http://www.tulipworld.com/kaufmanniana-tulips/hearts-delight-kaufmanniana-tulip.html

Gavota

Triumph Tulip 'Gavota'

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/107279/

Red Oxford

Darwin Hybrid Tulip: Red Oxford

Available from American Meadows (link here)

Queen of the Night

http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/blacktulips.html

My favorite tulips.

Camassia

Camassia cusickii

Available from Brent and Becky's Bulbs (link here)

I planted hundreds of bulbs but no Camassia.

What is the deal with that?

Ebknizam

Mondo Grass Ebony Knight

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebknizam'

Available from Park Seed (link here).

Finally, a black grass hardy to Zone 5.

On my wish list.

Cowpots

Like peat pots, but made from cow manure.

Available from Thompson & Morgan (link here).

Worth trying.

St. George

Runner Bean 'St. George'

Available from Thompson & Morgan (link here)

I would very much like to grow some runner beans again.

We have not grown them for years.

Hellebores from Heronswood

'Snow Bunting' is just one of many magnificent hellebores available from Heronswood (link here).

Although we have several in the garden, we could certainly use more.

Old Barnyard Mix

Alcea rosea 'Old Barnyard Mix'

Available from Wayside Gardens (link here)

I would love to get these going in my garden. I have tried for years and they just refuse to self-seed.

My good friend Steve has to pull them out as weeds because he gets so many volunteers.

Nicolas

Hakonechloa macra 'Nicolas'

Available from Wayside Gardens (link here)

Unfortunately, hardy to Zone 6.

Maybe once global warming gets going, I can grow it here in Zone 5.

Stinker from the Underworld

Jaborosa sativa

Available from Annie's Annuals (link here)

The smell would probably preclude its use as a houseplant.

Seeds available from J.L. Hudson (link here)

Recent plantings

(10) Triumph Tulip 'Gavota'
(20) Leucojum aestivum
(7) Daffodil 'White Medal'
(40) Scillia siberica
(3) Allium 'Mt. Everest'
(4) Hyacinth 'Jan Bos'
(10) Tulip 'Queen of the Night'
(4) Lily of the Valley
(10) Kaufmanniana Tulip 'Hearts Delight'
(2) Incarvilleas delavayi
(10) Tulip 'Oxford' (Darwin Hybrid)
(10) Allium 'Hair'

This brings the fall-planted bulb total to 850.

Spooky Herbs

2007 article from The Herb Companion (link here).

Asafetida is a scary herb, particularly for those of us who have read Mark Twain's "The Invalid's Story."

I would start leaving offerings of apples under the elderberry, but the Lovecraftian warning comes to mind: "Call up not..."

Bioturbation

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/48630/title/As_the_worms_churn

Never underestimate the effects of burrowing animals, especially on garden soils.

Recent plantings

(1) Physostegia virginiana 'Variegata' (Obedient Plant)
(228) Daffodil 'The Works'
(100) Iris reticulata 'Pauline'
(1) Liatris spicata 'Kobold' (Gay Feather)
(10) Leucojum aestivum
(20) Scilla siberica
(20) Crocus vernus (Yellow)
(99) Tulip greigii 'Red Riding Hood'
(111) Tulip tarda
(1) Aster 'Prof. Kippenberg'
(1) Aster novae-angiliae 'Purple Dome'
(1) Aster dumosus 'Wood's Purple'
(100) Muscari 'Peppermint' (Grape Hyacinth)
(3) Allium 'Mt. Everest'
(15) Allium 'Hair'
(10) Allium 'Purple Sensation'
(10) Allium christophii

This brings the total fall bulb planting to 726, which exceeds last fall's total of 698.

I am amazed bordering on stupification by this. I thought last year's total would never be passed.

Green Velvet

Buxus 'Green Velvet'

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/47295/

This might make a good understory shrub in the woodland garden.

Dirt Doctor's Library

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garden/faq/

Waldsteinia fragarioides

Barren Strawberry

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

A good groundcover.

I should try some.

First hard frost

Last night was the first hard frost of the season.

10 days earlier than I predicted.

Rainfall: 1/4"

1/4" rainfall today.

Rainfall: 1/8 "

Yesterday, there was 1/8" rain.

Fox in the garden

A fox ran through the garden again this morning.

Looked like the same fox.

Maybe we are on the regular route.

1,725 pound pumpkin

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/weird-news/story/1270870.html

Too big for my garden.

Fox in the garden

A red fox ran through the garden this morning.

Big animal in prime condition.

How does it avoid the coyotes?

Overwintering scented geraniums

Good article on overwintering scented geraniums from The Herb Companion (link here).

Technically, they are pelargoniums, but everyone calls them geraniums.

Rainfall: 3/8"

3/8" rainfall this morning.

Forest Glen Preserve

http://www.vccd.org/

Yesterday, I visited the Forest Glen Preserve near Westville, IL.

I climbed a 72-foot tall observation tower (twice). It was nestled among mature oak trees so it was difficult to see much below the tower due to the heavy cover.

I hiked down to the canoe access on the Vermilion River.

I saw a whitetail doe eating acorns at the tent camp area.

I saw an interesting tall grass prairie restoration project.

The arboretum featured an oak collection, Tons of acorns on the ground. See the previous Kirk quote.

The Hairy Babe

http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R3/hbw.htm

Yesterday, I visited the Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area near Georgetown, IL.

I did not see any wildlife but there were some interesting chunks of limestone lying about.

According to Captain James T. Kirk, "... sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many."

And this was one of those times.

Rainfall: 1"

1" rainfall total over Thursday/Friday.

Illinois Arboretum

Yesterday, I visited the arboretum at The University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL.

http://arboretum.illinois.edu/

Fabulous gardens.

Compost demonstration.

Well worth the visit.

Rainfall: 1"

1" rain yesterday.

Compost

I attended the monthly brown bag at UW-Extension (Milwaukee County) yesterday.

The topic was "Composting: How to Make and Use" presented by Dr. Robert Tomesh (UW-Madison Dept. of Horticulture).

It was a good refresher course for what I had learned in Master Gardener class.

Well worth attending.

Rainfall: 1/4"

1/4" rain last night.

Elderberries

Very enthusiastic article from The Herb Companion praising the virtues of elderberries (link here).

Makes me want to grow more elderberries.

Rainfall: 3/4"

3/4" rainfall yesterday.

Bees thrive in Paris

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_13383444?source=rss

If Paris can cope with beehives, why can't the crumbly little suburb of Hales Corners?

A beehive would look good in my garden.

Rainfall: 3/8"

3/8" rain overnight.

The rain barrels are full for the first time in weeks.

Recent plantings

(1) species unknown, grass-like plant, iris-like leaves (free gift at Monches Farm from the water garden lady)
(1) 'Golden Reed" grass
(1) Glyceria
(1) Rhododendron 'PJM Aglo' (from Steve at the New Berlin Farmers Market)
(1) Azalea 'Pearl Bradford'
(1) Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass)
(1) Tricyrtis hirta 'Moonlight' (Toad Lily)
(3) Garden Mum 'Camina'
(1) Alcea rosea (Single Hollyhock)
(15) misc. bulbs replanted
(1) Sedum spurium 'Tricolor'

Spring Flowering Bulbs

Yesterday, we attended the "Spring Flowering Bulbs" workshop at Shady Acres Perennial Nursery.

The instructor was Rich Walsh of DeVroomen Holland Bulb Company.

Rich has a passion for bulbs that made the workshop fun and educational.

Well worth attending.

Honey Bees

Last evening, we attended the class "Overwintering Bees" at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

It was part of their Adult Education series.

The instructors were Harris Byers and Linda Reynolds.

Informative, entertaining, and well worth attending.

We particularly liked the enthusiasm Harris Byers showed for the subject.

DJH 398

Gorgeous variegated kiwi vine available from Heronswood (link here).

Recent plantings

(1) Lathyrus latifolium (Everlasting Pea)
(3) Lamb's Ear (transplanted from where the Lathyrus was planted)
(10) Daffodils (transplanted from where the Lamb's Ear was planted)
(1) Aloysia triphylla (Lemon Verbena, potted)
(1) Ivy (repotted)
(1) Dogwood (transplanted out of the evergreen hedge)
(1) Dryopteris erythrosora 'Autumn Brilliance'
(1) Aruncus aethusifolius (Dward Goat's Beard)
(1) Heuchera 'Palace Purple'
(1) Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior' (Foxglove)
(2) Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Rose'
(1) "Rose of Sharon" (New Berlin Farmers Market)
(1) Thuja occidentalis 'Teddy'
(1) Tsuga canadensis 'Greenwood Lakes'
(1) Pinus parviflora 'Yatsubura Pygmy'
(1) Chameacyparis obtusa 'Moonshine'
(1) Pinus mugo 'Slowmound'
(1) Cotoneaster 'Hessei'
(1) Yucca (Adam's Needle)
(1) Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit'
(1) Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge)
(1) Iris pallida 'Argentea-variegata' (Silver Variegated Dalmatian Iris)
(1) Euonymus fortunei 'Aurea-marginata' (Winter Creeper)
(1) Agastache 'Golden Jubilee'
(1) Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
(1) Aristolochia durior (Dutchman's Pipe)
(4) Lamb's Ear (transplanted from around Baptisia)

Sweet Almond Verbena

Aloysia virgata

Available from Logee's (link here)

I have never seen it offered locally.

Weeping Larch

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=2451&typeID=17

A striking specimen.

Tricolor Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Tricolor' (Tricolor Beech)

also known as 'Roseo-marginata'

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=1861

We saw several at Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery and they were gorgeous.

Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery

Today, we visited Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery in Woodstock, IL (link here).

Fabulous selection of trees, including many ginkgoes, dwarf evergreens, weeping varieties, and other treasures.

Well worth the visit.

Plume Poppy

http://www.hortmag.com/article/plumepoppy

I took another long look at them on my last visit to Monches Farm.

Impressive.

Recent plantings

(1) [transplanted] jack-in-the-pulpit [dislodged when uprooting invasive shrub honeysuckles]
(1) Tulbaghia (Society Garlic)
(1) Garlic Chives
(2) Rudbeckia hirta 'Tiger Eye Gold' (Annual Black-Eyed Susan)
(1) Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-Son Flower, Northern Crepe Myrtle)
(1) Sambucus nigra 'Madonna' (variegated elderberry)
(1) Dryopteris spinulosa (Wood Fern)
(1) Pulmonaria officinalis 'Sissinghurst White' (Lungwort)
(1) Tiarella 'Crow Feather' (Foamflower)
(1) Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)
(1) Echinacea 'Big Sky Sunrise' (Sunrise Coneflower)
(1) Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan' (Coneflower)
(1) Lilium speciosum rubrum
(1) Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine)

Mai Tai

Alternanthera ficoidea 'Mai Tai' (Joseph's Coat)

http://www.ashlandgreenhouses.com/detail.php?id=1946&cat=deluxe

Very colorful leaves.

American Spikenard

Aralia racemosa

http://www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/PLANTFINDER/Plant.asp?Code=V270

Roots were used to flavor root beer.

They have some plants at Monches Farm, I should buy one.

Black Varnish

Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum 'Black Varnish'

http://www.american-farms.com/text_plant_pages/pseuderanthemum.htm

According to Monches Farm, it "thrives in shade."

Compost happens

Nice thumbnail sketch of compost from Rodale.com (link here).

Rainfall: 0.375"

Rainfall: 0.375" overnight.

Meehan's Mint

Meehania cordata

http://www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/PLANTFINDER/Plant.asp?Code=A786

Zone 4, shade tolerant, looks like a winner.

Sunshine Farm & Gardens

http://www.sunfarm.com/

For the discerning gardener.

Purple Heart

Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Heart'

http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/indoor-tenderplants/Tradescantia/Tradescantia%20pallida.htm

I have one in a pot and will try to keep it alive as a houseplant over the winter.

Bananas vs. aphids

Organic aphid control from Horticulture magazine (link here).

Cool Splash

Diervilla sessilifolia 'Cool Splash'

http://www.finkegardens.com/index.php?p=91

I saw one out at Monches Farm.

I should have bought it.

Everlasting Pea

Lathyrus latifolius

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/everlasting_pea.htm

Pamela J. Harper

http://www.books-by-isbn.com/authors/pamela/j/harper/

Rainfall: 0.25"

Rainfall 0.25" overnight.

This in spite of repeated forecasts for 90% chance of heavy rainfall.

Goldenrod soldier beetle

http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/features/insects/soldierbeetle/soldierbtl.htm

Interesting little creature.

Wafer Ash

Ptelea trifoliata

Wafer Ash or Hop Tree

Small flowers with "the powerful scent of honeysuckle, ..probably the most fragrant of any hardy tree" (Hillier)

- Forest Farm (link here)

AKA Stinking Ash

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1710/

This might work as an understory tree in the garden.

Zone 4 and shade tolerant.

There seems to be some disagreement on the scent of the flowers.

"Carrion flies pollinate the flowers. "

- Missouri Botanical Garden (link here)

Seneca Hills Perennials

http://www.senecahillperennials.com/

Fall shipping starts September 8.

Where did the summer go?

Vermiculite

http://www.rainyside.com/articles/Vermiculite.html

Warns of the danger of asbestos in vermiculite dust.

Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/Plants/a/acegri/acegri1.html

Exotic maple.

Viburnums

"A garden without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art."

- Michael Dirr, leading American horticulturist

http://www.stadlergardencenters.com/journals/journal.php?article=40

I have three:

Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood)
Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberrybush or Highbush Cranberry)
Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry or Sheepberry)

But I could always use one more.

Red Horsechestnut

Aesculus x carnea

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/Plants/a/aescar/aescar1.html

Would be a welcome addition to the garden.

Ridge Road Nursery

http://ridgeroadplants.com/

Ridge Road Nursery
Bellevue, Iowa

Fantastic selection of trees & shrubs.

I wish they were closer.

Road trip? 3 hours.

Musclewood

Carpinus caroliniana

AKA Musclewood, Ironwood, American Hornbeam

http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/herbarium/trees/carcar01.htm

This would make a great understory tree.

Black Dragon

Wisteria floribunda 'Black Dragon'

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/47185?cid=pem001729

This would be fun to grow. Massive enough to crush trees, buildings, etc.

City Garden

Rudbeckia fulgida 'City Garden'

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/46296?cid=pem001729

I like compact plants.

Faerie House

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

We saw them at the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts.

I did not buy one of their fairy houses and now regret it.

We will see them again at the Mount Mary Art Fair in a couple of weeks.

Busy day

Very busy today, did not get much gardening done.

New Berlin Farmers Market

Bought two beautiful foxgloves (in bloom).

Greendale Farmers Market

Wales Art Fair

Oconomowoc Art Fair

Bought a metal/rock (running figure) piece of garden art.

Soil Foodweb, Inc.

http://www.soilfoodweb.com/

Dr. Elaine Ingham, Oregon State University

Mycorrhizae

http://www.mycorrhiza.com/

I need more mycorrhizal fungi in my life.

Organic Soil Amendments

http://www.rdrop.com/~paul/organics.html

Interesting list that includes Milorganite.

Weed Identification

http://weedid.aces.uiuc.edu/

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bluebird Nursery

Bluebird Nursery
Clarkson NE

http://www.bluebirdnursery.com/

Source for the Echinacea 'Big Sky Sunrise' that I bought at Shady Acres.

Lilium speciosum rubrum

Lilium speciosum rubrum
Fragrant, deep pink in late summer
Size: 3-4’ x 12” Care: Sun to part shade in moist, acidic soil Native: part of China & southern Japan
Englebert Kaempfer, first physician to the Dutch East India Co. on Deschema Island (1690’s) described Lilium speciosum in his writings, published in 1712. Introduced to Europe by Siebold and to England in 1832. The English periodical Botanical Register described it: “surely if there is anything, not human, which is magnificent in beauty, it is this plant.” America by the 1850’s.

- information provided by Betty Adelman, Heritage Flower Farm (link here)

Sacred Datura

http://www.hortmag.com/article/daturascent/

I love my Datura.

Macleaya cordata

Plume Poppy

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modzz/00000921.html

I saw a huge clump at Monches Farm covered with hundreds of bumble bees. It was the most bumble bees I have ever seen in one bunch.

On my wish list.

It was perennial of the month in September 2007 (link here).

Trout Lily

Erythronium 'Pagoda'

Available from Michigan Bulb Co. (link here)

I would love to have some.

It would be a war trying to keep the chipmunks from eating them.

Tulbaghia violacea

Society Garlic

http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/tulb_vio.cfm

I planted one, purple flowers, variegated foliage.

Nice plant, but not hardy here, so grown as an annual.

Hornworms and Moths

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05517.html

Interesting article on tomato hornworms and sphinx moths.

Florez Nursery blog

http://floreznursery.blogspot.com/

This looks like a prolific blog with tons of color photos.

Cydonia

Quince

http://www.raintreenursery.com/how_to/QUIN.html

I should plant one.

Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchid

Cypripedium pubescens

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

The picture is from Doug Green's newsletter. His website is here.

It is very disappointing that I have no Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchids in my woodland garden. There are plenty of Jack-in-the-Pulpit. I will have to further investigate the critical differences between the requirements of the two.

I would like to buy some Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchids, but prices are not for the faint of heart.

For example, see http://www.hillsidenursery.biz/orchids.htm.

Butterflies

There have been some beautiful butterflies in the garden lately, including Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus).

My favorite butterfly website continues to be http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly.

Heptacodium miconioides

Heptacodium miconioides

Seven-son flower

Northern crepe myrtle

Listed as a 'Plant of Merit' by the Kemper Center for Home Gardening at the Missouri Botanical Garden (link here)

I bought one today from Monches Farm (link here).

I planted it where Gil & I dug out the rusty steel fence line posts from the good old days when it was a pasture.

Fragrant Delight

Agastache 'Fragrant Delight'

Available from Thompson & Morgan (link here)

I would like to try these but Zone 8 means I would have to grow them as an annual.

Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Informative article from The Herb Companion (link here)

Anise Hyssop is one of my favorite herbs.

Petite Wonder

Monarda didyma 'Petite Wonder'

Available from Wayside Gardens (link here)

I like the compact form and the mildew resistance.

Princess Tree

Paulownia tomentosa

http://davesgarden.com/products/market/view/3201/

Saffron Crocus

Crocus sativus

Available from American Meadows (link here)

I have never grown fall-blooming crocuses before, maybe this is the year to try them.

Lunar Glow

Bergenia 'Lunar Glow'

Available from Heronswood (link here)

A yellow-leaved Piqsqueak.

Excellent.

Crested

Graptopetalum 'Crested'

Available from Annie's Annuals (link here)

Zone 8 means I would have to overwinter it in a pot in the kitchen.

Blue Billow

Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Billow'

Available from White Flower Farm (link here)

I like the preference for shade, but the marginal hardiness is a discouraging factor.

Mme. Galen

Campsis x tagliabuana 'Mme. Galen'

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/46629?cid=wem001302

Unfortunately, I do not have any full sun locations.

Ruby Spice

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/46719?cid=pem001720

Zone 3. Impressive.

Was Ruby Spice one of the Spice Girls?

Rainfall: 1.5"

Rainfall: 1.5" overnight.

Four weeks of drought and then almost 4" in a couple of days.

Tough way to run a garden.

Brown-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia triloba

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

It has the reputation of being somewhat shade tolerant, which is important in our garden.

Elkhorn Antique Flea Market

Today we attended the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market at the Walworth County Fairgrounds.

http://www.nlpromotionsllc.com/

We bought a beat-up old metal milk can to use as a garden ornament.

The greatest collection of likable old junk I have ever seen in one place.

Whitefly

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garden/view_question/id/199/

Tomatoes and other topics

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/opinion/09barber.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th

Interesting essay on tomatoes, agriculture, planty pathogens, the county extension/land grant university program, and other topics.

Shady Acres Perennial Nursery

Today, we attended the "Behind the Scenes" tour at Shady Acres (link here).

Very informative and a lot of fun.

We saw part of the production facilities and learned how they propagate their plants.

We also saw the new stormwater retention pond stocked with bluegills, bass, and catfish.

Well worth the time.

Rainfall: 2.25"

Rainfall total 2.25" since yesterday afternoon.

Borage

Borago officinalis

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/0337/

We have a couple of nice plants in the garden this year. It is supposed to be a self-seeder, so we are hoping for lots of volunteers next year.

Purple Pygmy

Agastache cana 'Purple Pygmy'

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/0221/

We have a couple of the taller, rangier Agastache varieties in the garden, so this would make a nice addition to the collection.

Herbstonne

Rudbeckia 'Herbstonnne'

http://www.hortmag.com/article/rubeckiaherbstonne

Zone 5

I should try it.

Hinkley's Maples

In the August/September 2009 issue of Horticulture magazine, Dan Hinkley picks his five favorite maples:

Acer saccharum 'Newton Sentry' (sugar maple)
Acer carpinifolium (hornbeam maple)
Acer pseudosieboldianum (from Korea)
Acer truncatum (shantung or purpleblow maple)
Acer tegmentosum (Manchu striped maple)

Midwestern Bio-Ag Field Day 2009

http://www.midwesternbioag.com/news/fieldday/fieldday08.html

Chosen by Rodale.com as one of seven summer festivals that should not be missed.

Sounds like a party, but I probably will not go.

It is west of Madison, so it is a long drive.

Recent plantings

(1) Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' (Japanese Maple)
(1) Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
(2) Angelica archangelica
(1) Great Green Chervil
(potted) volunteer maple dislodged by planting Japanese Maple
(repotted) cactus [species unknown]
(2) Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Variegated'
(1) Symphytum [one of the blue-flowered comfreys from Monches Farm]
(1) Symphytum [one of the red-flowered comfreys from Monches Farm]
(1) Plectranthus amboinicus (Cuban Oregano)
(transplanted pot to ground) Calendula
(transplanted pot to ground) Stevia
(1) Digitalis 'Waldigone' (Goldcress Foxglove)
(1) Solenostemon 'Big Red Judy'
(1) Solenostemon (coleus, variety unknown)
(6) Solenostemon (coleus, variety unknown)
(1) Tricolor Sage
(transplanted pot to ground, 2) Borage

Perilla frutescens

http://site.mawebcenters.com/accentsforhomeandgarden_1/catalog_i7476290.html?catId=292152

http://www.pantrygardenherbs.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/196/show//index.htm

Caramel

http://www.freeplants.com/heuchera.htm

Heuchera 'Caramel'

Mike Groarty describes it as the coolest plant you can put in your landscape.

Yes, We Have No Chickens

In some cities, the chicken craze has met with resistance, as neighbors demand that local officials enforce no-poultry laws.

- NY Times (link here)

I am surprised that they did not quote some small-minded loser from Hales Corners to support this point.

I might have to move to a more garden and chicken friendly community.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

There was an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in the garden today.

Fairy Fest

http://www.jsonline.com/news/ozwash/52317932.html

Sunday was the 9th Annual Fairy Fest at Monches Farm.

We were busy with other activities and missed it.

Maybe next year.

Late blight

(Thanks to Elizabeth for calling my attention to this story.)

http://cenblog.org/2009/07/31/chemicals-to-save-the-garden/

Phytophthora infestans.

Select Seeds

Heirloom Treasures for Modern Gardens (link here)

D. Landreth Seed Company

The Oldest Seed House in America (1784).

http://www.landrethseeds.com/

Kentucky Coffee Tree

Gymnocladus dioicus

Available from Cold Stream Farm (link here).

Near Ludington, Michigan.

Plants of the Wild

http://www.plantsofthewild.com/default.aspx

A potential source of kinnickinnick.

Stargazer Perennials

http://www.stargazerperennials.com/

Located in Zone 5 Oregon.

Impressive selection.

Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research

University of Idaho

http://seedlings.uidaho.com/default.asp?PageID=1

Lots of information on how to grow tree seedlings.

However, not all of the information is available without jumping through a series of hoops.

Berberis temolaica

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=767

There seems to be some confusion about the winter hardiness.

Forest Farm lists it as 6 and Dan Hinkley lists it as (4)5.

Five Classic Weed Killers

From www.rodale.com (link here).

Clever ideas.

Virginia Snakeroot

Aristolochia serpentaria

http://www.georgiavines.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_10&products_id=379

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARSE3

Interesting that it is in Illinois and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but not in Wisconsin.

How does it know where the political boundaries are?

Rainfall: 1/4"

Only 1/4" in the rain gauge after a 10-day absence.

Maybe a lot of it evaporated but the neighbors say we did not get much rain.

And the wilted plants confirmed that lack of rain.

Toad sighting

When I was a kid, seeing a toad was no big deal.

Today, a toad sighting is a rare event.

There was a healthy looking specimen in the briar patch when I was picking berries.

Daylily Season at Monches Farm

Over 300 varieties at Monches Farm (link here).

Makes me think I should replace my outhouse lilies with modern hybrids.

Five Summer All-Stars

Five perennials recommended by Jeff Cox on the Organic Gardening web site (link here).

I grow blanket flower, but it is not the 'Goblin' cultivar.

I am trying to grow Red Valerian again. So far, it grows great during the summer, but does not survive the winter. That poorly drained heavy clay is a killer.

I have had good luck with Threadleaf Coreopsis.

I have the native fleabanes, which are not as showy as the 'Pink Jewel.'

I have had trouble with Lavender not surviving the winter. Again, the heavy clay.

Demetra Saloutos

Demetra Saloutos, Metalsmith
245 West Main St.
Stoughton WI 53589

I have never been to her shop in Stoughton, but I have bought garden art (metal sculptures) from her at several different art fairs.

Wild Cucumber

Echinocystis lobata

http://www.uwgb.edu/BIODIVERSITY/herbarium/Vascular_plants/echlob01.htm

I lost another vine today. Broken off near the ground.

It was a windy day, but the vine was well supported.

Probably squirrels running and jumping on stuff, which they love to do.

I treasure the squirrels more than I do the vines, but it would be nice to have both.

Maybe next year I will grow morning glory vines.

Rainfall: 1/2"

1/2" overnight.

Ghost Chili

Bhut Jolokia

http://www.bananaplants.net/bhjoseandpl.html

I saw some Bhut Jolokia plants growing at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

I might try growing these sometime.

Of course, I will have to handle them with gloves.

Clarkia

http://lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=1329

Not familiar with Clarkia. Might have to try it next year.

Thompson & Morgan blog

http://tmseeds.blogspot.com/

Entertaining.

Rosemary

http://www.island.wsu.edu/CROPS/ROSEMARY.htm

Good article on Rosemary.

Creepers & Climbers

Good article on creepers & climbers from The Herb Companion (link here).

Includes some of my favorites like sweet woodruff and hops.

Recent plantings

(1) Pelargonium (variety unknown, red flower, variegated foliage)
(1) Heliopsis helianthoides 'Loraine Sunshine'
(1) Aristolochia durior (Dutchman's Pipe) [hoping for the stench of rotten meat]
(1) Persicaria affinis 'Border Jewel' (Himalayan Fleece Flower)
(1) Coreopsis 'Tequila Sunrise'
(1) Filipendula ulmaria 'Variegata' (Meadowsweet)
(1) Ampelopsis brevipedunculata 'Elegans' (Porcelain Berry)
(1) Angelica gigas (Garden Angelica)
(1) Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) [praying for a female]
(1) Sweet Potato Vine w/ companion plant [New Berlin Farmers Market]
(8) Crocosmia crocosmiflora (Monbretia, Falling Stars)
(1) Pelargonium tomentosum (Peppermint Geranium)
(2) Harmony Light Coral New Guinea Impatiens
(moved) Oxeye Daisy [from near Chinese Chestnut to near Nikko Blue]

Cotoneaster taoensis

"Cotoneaster taoensis used to be frequently found in cultivation in botanic gardens and private collections as C. 'Hessei', sometimes labeled Rock 13535. This is a good, garden-worthy dwarf shrub. Recently reintroduced into cultivation.

- Jeanette Fryer &b Bertil Hylmo (2009) Cotoneasters: A Comprehensive Guide to Shrubs for Flowers, Fruit, And Foliage

I saw a great many specimens labeled Cotoneaster 'Hessei' at the Chicago Botanic Garden. They obviously have a great fondness for this particular cultivar.

On the Origins of Superstition

Maybe this should be on The Secret Blog instead of the From the Garden blog. Heh.

There was a vole (yes, a vole, not a mole) living under one of my Astilbe plants. Every time I watered the Astilbe, I flushed it out but I was never quick enough to kill it. (Unlike my brother, with his lightning fast reflexes. I saw him kill a mouse at Eleven Mile reservoir a couple of years ago and I am still amazed bordering on stupification.)

Anyway, one day last week, I said aloud in the garden, "Why can't I get some help with this vole problem?"

The very next day, someone had excavated around the Astilbe and killed the vole and left it lying in plain sight. It was a sizeable excavation. If a fox had done this, why would the fox not have eaten the vole?

Of course, this recalls the Lovecraftian prohibition regarding, "Call up not that which you cannot put down again lest it call up in turn against you."

Art On and Off the Square

Today we drove to Madison for the Art Fair on the Square and the Art Fair Off the Square.

We bought a metal trellis/sculpture for the garden from Demetra of Stoughton (she has no web page).

We have bought metal sculptures from her before.

Madison Garden Expo

Feb 12 2010

http://www.wpt.org/gardenexpo/index.cfm?body=exhibit_list&side=exhibit_list_side

Looks like an impressive list of exhibitors.

Rainfall

1/4" overnight.

Chicago Botanic Garden

I spent most of today at the Chicago Botanic Garden (link here).

Saw some fabulous landscapes, many interesting plants, and some wildlife (toads, turtles, birds, chipmunks, butterflies).

I did not even come close to seeing it all.

Well worth many return visits.

Praying Mantids

Tenodera aridifolia sinensis

http://www.arbico-organics.com/1121101.html

I place ten (10) egg cases around the yard today.

As per the instructions, I placed them high off the ground to prevent them from becoming easy prey for ants.

It will be interesting to see what results obtain.

Demonic Clipper Bug

(Thanks to Elizabeth for taking this photo.)

Garden art (local artist) in the Woodland Garden.

Flower Fly

(Thanks to Elizabeth for calling my attention to this photograph.)

http://blogs.america.gov/science/2009/07/01/pollinator-photography/

Quarter-inch shoulder bolt

One of the bolts that hold the muffler onto the lawn mower dropped out a couple of days ago and I could not find it.

Today, I stepped on it (it was lying flat, so it was a subtle feel), which alerted me to its presence. I did not see it before I stepped on it.

Lucky find.

Rainfall

Less than 1/8' overnight.

Flowering Herbs

List of flowering herbs from Organic Gardening (link here).

Includes some of my favorites like bee balm, Agastache, feverfew, Joe Pye, purple coneflower, etc.

Rusty metal

When the Diggers Hotline people came out and marked the yard earlier this year, they marked one spot that I could not figure out.

Yesterday, my curiosity got the best of me and I dug that spot with a shovel to discover two large pieces of rusty metal.

One was a two-inch diameter metal pipe about two feet long.

The other was part of a heavy-gauge metal fence post.

My guess is that they were part of an old pasture fence line from before the subdivision was built.

The result is a deep hole back-filled with an excellent soil mix.

Maybe I can plant a tulip tree there.

Rainfall

Less than 1/8" overnight.

Lasagna gardening

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1999-04-01/Lasagna-Gardening.aspx

Very interesting.

No, this is not growing pasta and cheese in the garden.

This is a non-traditional, no-till method of layering organic materials.

Spinosad

Spinosad is produced by the fermentation of a soil-dwelling bacterium, Saccharopolysora spinosa. It is quick acting, attacking the nervous system of insects. It is most effective against caterpillars, flies (mostly leafminers), and thrips and is also reasonably effective against leaf beetles and grasshoppers and similar insects that consume a lot of foliage. Examples include Garden’s Alive Bulls-EyeTM, Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew, and Green Light Lawn and Garden Spray.

- Jeffrey Hahn, entomologist with University of Minnesota Extension (link here)

Aristolochia fragrance

The flowers of most Aristolochia emit a powerful stench, which smells like rotting meat.

- http://www.hondurasescape.com/orchid.htm

Unfortunately, there is a huge range of fragrance associated with Aristolochia.

I was hoping for the powerful stench of rotting meat, but will probably get the fragrance of lemons or magnolias.

Eastern Comma

Handsome butterfly in the garden today, very similar to this specimen.

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/82-eastern-comma

Yellow Bleeding Heart

Corydalis lutea

Available from Monches Farm (link here)

St. John's Day

Today is St. John's Day.

I burned a generous amount of St. John's Wort (I have plenty to spare) to ensure good luck for the coming year.

Garden pool update

There is still a lot of water in the garden pool, full to overflowing. I am surprised that the fatheads prefer the shallower overflow parts of the pool.

I saw a frog (not a toad) in the pool. The first time I ever saw a frog in the pool.

There was a raccoon splashing about the edges of the pool. Maybe it was hunting frogs and fatheads.

Go On A Plant Safari

(Thanks to Elizabeth for calling my attention to this entry.)

Spending time with people with knowledge of botany can really deepen your appreciation of your locale. Chances are, there are plenty of wild things growing near you. Going on a plant safari starts with finding a natural area–wild space if you have access to it, a backyard or park if one is nearby, or a botanical reserve if you’re feeling ambitious.

- http://www.newdream.org/lgbym/?p=777

Based on my own experience, this kind of plant safari can be a lot of fun and educational.

Recent plantings

(1) Allium cernuum (Nodding Pink Onion)
(1) Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort)
(1) Carex grayi (Morning Star Sedge)
(1) Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (White Snakeroot)
(1) Epimedium youngianum 'Roseum'
(1) Digitalis purpurea 'Shirley' (Foxglove)
(1) Iceland Poppy 'Wonderland Mix'
(1) Hosta 'Love Pat'
(1) Fallopia japonica 'Variegata'
(1) Sedum spurium 'Fulda Glow'

Chocolate

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate'

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=V230

Another addition to my chocolate garden.

Morning Star Sedge

http://www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/PLANTFINDER/Plant.asp?code=J660

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

Carex grayi

The seed heads look like medieval morning stars ( a type of mace-like weapon).

Compost worms

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

Features a compost worm farm online database.

Drip irrigation

http://www.dripworksusa.com/

They offer an impressive array of products.

Akita-yatsubusa

Acer palmatum 'Akita-yatsubusa'

Available from Wayside Gardens (link here)

Would love to have one.

Red Bishop's Hat

Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum'

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=C640

Recent plantings

(4) Verbena 'Obsession Pink'
(1) Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum' (Bishop's Cap)
(8) Begonia 'Sweetheart Red'
(4) Zinnia 'Thumbelina Mix'
(4) Coleus 'Wizard Mix'
(1) Baptisia australis (False Indigo)
(1) Oenothera tetragona (Sundrops)

Coyotes in the garden

Well, maybe not right in the garden, but they woke me up last night with their howling, so they were close.

Very spooky.

Stinking Ginkgo Fruit

It is the time of year [October] that female ginkgo trees drop their fleshy fruit, which when crushed by passing cars or pedestrians release a stench that has been likened to rotten butter, vomit, or dog excrement. It is what gives the ginkgo tree a bad name.

- Karen Daubmann, New York Botanical Garden (link here)

If I had planted one when we first moved to Hales Corners, the entire neighborhood would reek every fall.

Recent plantings

(1) Ocimum 'Licorice Basil'
(1) Ocimum 'Lemon Basil'
(1) Sedum pachyclados 'White Diamond'
(1) Sedum acre (Stonecrop)
(1) Sedum cauticolum 'Lidakense'
(2) Mazus reptans
(1) Papaver bracteum (Scarlet Poppy)
(4) Salvia 'Vista Red'
(1) Coleus (variety unknown, purchased at New Berlin Farmers Market)

Scarlet Poppy

Papaver bracteum

Available from Heritage Flower Farm (link here)

Heritage Flower Farm

Today, we drove out to Heritage Flower Farm (link here).

It is listed as a destination in:

In Search of Great Plants: The Insider's Guide to the Best Plants in the Midwest (2004) by Betty Earl.

Interesting display gardens and a good selection of heirloom plants.

We purchased a few treasures such as a ginkgo, poppy, Baptisia, and sundrops.

Well worth the drive.

Rainfall

Another 2.5" overnight.

The sump pump is working overtime.

Black Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Nigra'

Available from Spring Hill Nursery (link here)

Stunning.

Fine Line

Rhamnus 'Fine Line'

http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=7749

This is the buckthorn for me.

The Case Against Tillers

They’re not cute or cuddly, these little critters. You can’t hug ‘em, and even if you could you wouldn’t want to. Most of them look like something out of a horror movie. But God bless them, what they do makes it possible for me to grow my food, and lots more. Those tillers have to go.

Peter Garnham, Horticulture magazine (link here)

Entertaining if one does not take it too seriously.

Leaf mulch vs. dandelions

http://horttech.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/2/297

This study shows that leaf mulch reduces dandelions in turf grass.

Ornamental Onions

http://www.garden.org/regional/report/arch/inmygarden/3152

Good article on ornamental onions.

I need to make more of an effort to augment my allium collection.

Black Beauty

Rudbeckia occidentalis 'Black Beauty'

Currently unavailable from Heronswood (link here)

Northern Sunset Perennials

http://www.northernsunset.com/index.htm

This is the source for many of the native perennials I bought at the Wehr Native Plant Sale.

And the source for the Scarborough Faire herbs that I bought at local nurseries.

Stepables

http://www.stepables.com/

This is the source for some of the groundcovers that I buy at local nurseries.

Rainfall

2.5" overnight.

The garden pool is filled to overflowing.

Recent plantings

(9) Ranunculus
(4) Marigold 'Boy O' Boy Mix'
(4) Celosia 'Castle Orange'
(8) Cosmos 'Sonata Mix'
(1) Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)
(1) Leptinella x 'Platt's Black' (Black Brass Buttons)
(1) Ipomoea batatas 'Ace of Spades' (Sweet Potato Vine)
(1) species unknown (prostrate habit, finely divided foliage, pastel daisy-like flowers)
(8) Impatiens 'Sun Devil White'

Recent plantings

(1) Tomato 'Early Girl'
(1) Tomato 'Better Boy'
(1) Tomato "Yellow Plum'
(1) Petroselinum crispum (Curled Parsley)
(1) Borago officinalis (Borage)
(moved) Lamb's Ear [from under Elderberry 'Black Lace']
(41) Gladiolus (Mixed)
(1) Ocimum 'Purple Ruffles' (Basil)
(1) Origanum majorana (Marjoram)
(1) Polygonum aubertii (Silver Lace Vine)
(1) Rosa 'Hansa' (Rugosa Rose)
(1) 'The Best Mint' [from Boerner Herb Faire]
(1) Clematis tangutica 'Radar Love'
(1) Valeriana officinalis 'Arterner Zuchtung'
(4) Aquilegia 'McKana Giants' (Columbine)
(1) 'Chater's Double Mix' Hollyhock
(4) Cleome 'Queen Pink'

Nana

Potentilla neumanniana 'Nana'

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?Code=T290

Would make an interesting groundcover.

Rainfall

1/8" in the last 24 hours.

Red-spotted Purple

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/96-red-spotted-purple

Gorgeous butterfly in the garden today.

Looked very similar to this specimen.

Wild sarsaparilla

Aralia nudicaulis

http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/herbs/aralianud.html

Disappointing that it is not generally available from commercial sources.

Sooty

Dianthus barbatus nigrescens 'Sooty'

Available from Thompson & Morgan (link here)

Rabbit Shadow Farm

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

Source for the Valerian that I bought at Ebert's Greenhouse Village.

Odd that it traveled all the way from Colorado.

Seneca Hills Perennials

http://www.senecahillperennials.com/

A potential source of unusual varieties.

For example, they sometimes offer Comfrey 'Axminster Gold' (supplies do not satisfy demand).

Comfrey

http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/comfrey.html

Lists several newer cultivars (e.g., 'Goldsmith' and 'Rubrum').

We only have the old-fashioned comfrey in our garden.

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick

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

Some interesting ideas about pruning to get the best shape.

Recent plantings

(seeds) Beet (Detroit Dark Red, Medium Top)
(4) Caladium 'Fannie Munson'
(seeds) Nasturtium 'Semi-Tall Double Gleam Mix'
(1) Santolina rosmarinifolia (Green Santolina)
(repotted) Rhubarb [to plant at the mansion in Michigan]
(repotted) Prickly Pear
(moved) Dwarf Goatsbeard [crowded by the St. John's Wort]
(moved) St. John's Wort [pieces dislodged by move listed above]
(seeds) Nasturtium 'Empress of India'
(1) Pelargonium (Scented Geranium, Mosquito Plant, Citronella)
(1) Zucchini 'Aristocrat'
(1) Cucumber (Pickling)
(60) Gladiolus (Mixed)
(1) Bergenia cordifolia (Saxifraga, Pigsqueak)
(1) Datura 'Ballerina Yellow'

Ebert's Greenhouse Village

Yesterday, we drove out to Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia (link here).

Fabulous display gardens and an excellent selection of plants.

I was able to obtain a few treasures such as Angelica, Valerian, Dutchman's Pipe, and Porcelain Berry.

Well worth the trip.

Ivory Bells

Ivory Bells Fritillaria

Available from Dutch Gardens (link here)

$25 for one bulb!

Trifoliate Bittercress

Cardamine trifolia

Available from Heronswood (link here)

Added to my wish list.