From the Garden: April 2011

Saturday, April 30, 2011

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.

Friday, April 29, 2011

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.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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.

Monday, April 25, 2011

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.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

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.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Monon

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

Yukon Belle Pyracantha

AKA Firethorn

Firethorn

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/p/pyrcoc/pyrcoc1.html

Pyracantha coccinea

I want one that is thorny and cold hardy.

Skyline Orange Pansy

http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=9675

We went to Luxembourg Gardens this afternoon.

We bought a flat (24 plants) of Skyline Orange Pansy.

I planted 12 of them today.

Fizzy Lemonberry Pansy

http://ballhort.com/Gardeners/plant_info.aspx?phid=046705599021233

A week or so ago we bought six plants and I planted them today.

Penstemon ovatus

http://www.prairienursery.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=242

Nice blue flowers.

Soapwort

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

Can be invasive.

Heritage Flower Farm

http://www.heritageflowerfarm.com/

We went to Heritage Flower Farm this morning and bought several treasures:

ornamental rhubarb

thorny flowering quince

marsh marigold

stinking hellebore

penstemon

And we got a free soapwort.

Night Coaster

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=1151

Jet black Hellebore.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Hardy Bamboo

http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/phyllostachys-nuda-nuda-bamboo.aspx

Hardy and a spreader, this is the one for me.

Amending Clay Soil

http://www.pallensmith.com/articles/amending-garden-soil

Some interesting advice.

I would skip the use of the tiller.

Soilicious

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?cookiecheck=yes&P_ID=518&PT_ID=99&strPageHistory=cat

Lots of goodies in this mix like seaweed, greensand, coir, peat, etc.

Osage Orange

http://www.musserforests.com/prod.asp?p=OSO

We have one, but I would love to have more.

I like the idea of heavy thorns.

Larch

http://www.musserforests.com/prod.asp?p=EAL

Deciduous conifer.

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

Vancouver Jade

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/pisbg/arctostaphylos-vancouver-jade.php

Arctostaphylos 'Vancouver Jade'

AKA Bearberry, Kinnickinnic

Interesting to note that while Kinnickinnic is a common name in the Milwaukee area, no one grows any.

Nannyberry

http://www.musserforests.com/prod.asp?p=NAV

Viburnum lentago

AKA Sheepberry

We have one but I would like to have more.

Caroline

http://gurneys.com/product.asp?pn=80897&sid=0514722&eid=042211GU&utm_source=em&utm_medium=spec&lm=gurn&B2

Would make good bird fruit.

Installing Honey Bees

http://www.beesbuzzing.com/beginner-beekeeping/installing-your-first-package-of-bees/

Must be nice for those people who do not live in backward medieval villages.

Covey

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1122

Weepy Redbud 'Covey"

Would love to have one but they aint' cheap.

Emerald

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=732

Thuja 'Emerald'

Tolerates heavy clay and part shade.

Nero

http://secure32.appliedi.net/oikostreecrops/store/product.asp?cookiecheck=yes&P_ID=303&PT_ID=78&strPageHistory=cat

Aronia melanocarpa 'Nero'

On my wish list.

Miracle Fruit

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/48661/

Would make an interesting houseplant.

Wood Ducks in the Garden

Three (3) pairs of Wood Ducks in the garden this morning.

Odd that we never had any for decades, and now we have three pairs at once.

Brilliantissima

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=b420

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'

I would prefer the black-fruited chokeberry, but this would also be good.

Gray Dogwood

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/c/corrac/corrac1.html

Cornus racemosa

Several interesting cultivars.

Flight of Butterflies

http://bignews.biz/?id=1000370&keys=IRIS-BUTTERFLIES-HELP-FIND

Couldn't they just buy back the "missing" stock on E-Bay?

Presumably, whoever took it plans to sell it.

The Dirt Diva

http://www.dirtdiva.com/welcome.html

We love dirt!

Sustainablility

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

I scored 10/10 on the quiz at the end.

Color and Texture

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

Have to work on it.

Maple Leaf Viburnum

http://www.hope.edu/academic/biology/naturepreserve/Shrubs/Vibace.htm

A versatile understory shrub.

What is wrong with synthetic fertilizers?

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garden/view_question/id/2176/

Short and to-the-point.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Northwind

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48348/

Panicum 'Northwind'

Still on my wish list.

Developed by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm.

Lupine

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/search/lst.srch.asp?prodid=3211

A gorgeous Lupine.

Zoblueriver

http://www.heronswood.com/shop/21227?cid=2011_04_21_CoolBluesforyourGarden&

An exciting new Clematis.

Pesticides Lower IQ

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/73206/title/Pesticides_tied_to_lower_IQ_in_children

Grim.

Comparing Mulch Prices

Hardwood mulch delivered is $26/yard + $30 delivery charge

27 cubic feet per cubic yard

So, for example, 5 yards delivered is:

5 x 26 = 130 + 30 = 160

160/135 is only about $1.20 per cubic foot.

Mulch

I hauled six loads today.

3 trips x 5 trugs/trip x 11 gallons/trug = 165 gallons

3 trips x 6 trugs/trip x 11 gallons/trug = 198 gallons

165 + 198 = 363 gallons = about 56 cubic feet

Or about $112 at bagged mulch prices

Wood Ducks in the garden pool

I am still having problems taking photos through the windows, but the wood ducks are so flighty, if I step outside, they immediately fly off.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Cardinal Climber

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/3309/

We need to grow more annual vines.

Mulch

I hauled four loads of free mulch from the village today.

5 trugs x 11 gallons per trug = 55 gallons per trip

55 x 4 trips = 220 gallons

220 gallons is about 34 cubic feet

It would cost about $68 to get an equivalent amount of bagged mulch.

Live Peeps, or Lack Thereof

http://www.rodale.com/baby-chicks?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-04202011-_-Top5-_-NA

An oppressive government does not allow them in the village of Hales Corners.

Carrion Flower

http://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/smilax-lasioneura-common-carrion-flower/?cat=251

It would be nice to have that carrion smell in the garden.

Reminder to self: Plant seeds in the fall.

Prickly Gooseberry

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/pr_gooseberry.htm

Even the fruit has thorns.

Ruth Stout

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2004-02-01/Ruth-Stouts-System.aspx

Mulch and more mulch.

Clover

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/5-steps-better-backyard

Fixes nitrogen in the soil.

Understanding Earthworms

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/understanding-earthworms

Worms are our friends.

Pink Cloud

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/KOPCP.html?mv_pc=dgar

Beauty Bush.

But we do not have full sun.

Indian Cherry

http://www.grownative.org/plants/info.asp?id=78

Rhamnus caroliniana

Fruit for birds.

Berries for Birds

http://www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/garden-design/berries-for-birds?et_mid=356728&rid=2093016

We have too few from this list.

Cultivation of Ramps

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-133.html

Would be an interesting experiment.

3/4" rain in the garden

According to weather.com, we got 0.75" rain in the last 24 hours.

Ajowan

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19469/red-white-in-the-herb-garden

Not much information available on growing Carum copticum.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Indian Currant Coralberry

http://www.kellynurseries.com/detail.asp?pid=5573

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Shade tolerant, provides bird fruit.

Tall Bellflower

http://www.everwilde.com/store/Campanula-americana-WildFlower-Seed.html

Shade tolerant.

Rock Harlequin

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COSE5

Corydalis sempervirens

Can become weedy.

Indian Grass

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

Sorghastrum nutans

Can spread aggressively.

Urban Chickens

http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/156678

Anchorage is poised to legalize chickens, but Hales Corners is not.

Amur Grape

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48536/

Vitis amurensis

Hardy vine for part shade.

Pasha

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48535/

Actinidia kolomikta 'Pasha'

Hardy male Kiwi vine.

Moonlight

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/46730/

Chinese Hydrangea Vine

Extremely shade tolerant.

Canada Wild Rye

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

Elymus canadensis

Can be aggressive.

cordless mower

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-CM1936-Cordless-Removable/dp/B002YK4UZU

http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=lawnmower&pcat=homegarden&EXTKEY=NG0S01105

The removable battery is an interesting feature.

Herb Robert

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

Considered an invasive weed in some locations.

Wild Geranium

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=C850

Geranium maculatum

Would be a welcome addition to the woodland garden.

White Wood Aster

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=H170

Eurybia divaricata

AKA Aster divaricatus or forked aster

Thrives in shade.

Arrow-Leaved Aster

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

Some confusion about identification and classification of native asters.

Wormwood

http://hermionesgarden.blogspot.com/2011/02/artemisia-absinthium-wormwood.html

Good for lucid dreaming and expelling parasites.

Herbs Repel Mosquitoes

http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/fresh-clips-herbs-to-repel-insects.aspx

Catnip

Marigold

Rosemary

Lemongrass

Wormwood

Mint

Michigan Lily

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

Lilium michiganense

Common Woodland Sedge

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

Carex blanda

Sedges have edges.

Wood Duck in the Garden

Still blurry but the best photo so far.

Big-leaved Aster

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

Aster macrophyllus

Blue Wood Aster

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

Aster cordifolius

Red Racer

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?pageId=1152

Red flowers and tremendous vigor.

Creepy Mahonia

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=L140

Borderline hardy here.

Mahonias

http://osmocote.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vosmo10/i52/p1?et_mid=347791&rid=2093016

We have one, and I would like to have more.

Nivalis

http://www.goldenhillplants.com/chaenomeles-speciosa-nivalis-3229-0.html

A thorny flowering quince.

Flowering Quince

http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/mg/gm_tips/FloweringQuince.html

I want one of the thornier varieties.

Cameo

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/60916-product.html

Flowering Quince.

Would love to have one.

Monday, April 18, 2011

MGV hours

I put in 3.5 hours at Gus' Green Thumb Garden this afternoon (volunteer hours include travel time).

I spent most of the time digging the garden beds.

Sharon, Susan, and Ruth were also working.

Virginia Bluebells

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

I would sure like it if our Virginia Bluebells would self-seed.

Worm Factory

http://www.gardeners.com/Worm-Factory-Composter/Composting_WormBins,39-424,default,cp.html?SC=ALTRT666

Expensive.

Moss

http://www.finegardening.com/design/articles/moss-makes-lush-carpet.aspx

He did a good job creating his moss garden.

Worm Composting

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/worm-composting.aspx

It is catching on.

Snow in the Garden

According to weather.com, we got 1.2" overnight.

Garden Ornaments

http://www.finegardening.com/item/19132/dreamy-garden-ornaments-you-can-buy

Glass deck prisms.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Honeyberry

http://www.millernurseries.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=750

Edible Honeysuckle.

I want to try them.

Be a Beneficial Gardener

http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/mg/gm_tips/Beneficial.html

I need to grow more parsley, carrots, dill, cilantro, etc.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/attracting-beneficial-insects.aspx

Habitat and a lack of pesticides are keys.

Ground Beetles versus Slugs

http://yourorganicgardeningblog.com/garden-pest-control-fight-slugs-with-ground-beetles/

Providing habitat is the key.

Slugs

http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/slugs

Ground beetles and toads would be the best solution to the slug problem in our garden.

Ground Beetles

http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/kyf304.html

Know Your Friends.

Karasuba

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/48886/

Mukdenia rossii 'Karasuba'

We have never grown Mukdenia before, but we bought one at Shady Acres on Saturday, so we are going to try it.

Gardening in the Detroit area

http://www.examiner.com/gardening-in-detroit/five-great-independent-garden-centers-the-detroit-area

Sounds like some interesting garden centers in the Detroit area.

Iron Butterfly

http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/468/index.htm

Vernonia

Ironweed

River Mist

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=2579

Variegated Northern Sea Oats.

Native Grasses

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/gardening/ct-sun-garden-0523-native-grass-20100520,0,2575309.htmlstory

I love native grasses like prairie dropseed and little bluestem.

Prairie Dropseed

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

Another of my favorite grasses.

State Grasses

http://www.for-wild.org/download/ngma03.html

A list of state grasses.

Little Bluestem

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

One of my favorite grasses.

Gray-headed Coneflower

http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/gray-headed-coneflower

Ratibida pinnata

We have one, and would like to have more.

Wisconsin Natives

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

An impressive list of Wisconsin native perennials.

Temple Bells

http://www.deerxlandscape.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=33106&p_catid=34

A true perennial foxglove, unlike the more numerous biennial foxgloves.

Mountain Mint

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

An oddly named native.

Herrenhausen

http://www.digthedirt.com/plants/13969-oregano-origanum-laevigatum

A milder oregano, unlike the fiery oregano in our garden.

Caesar's Brother

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/PlantFinder/Plant.asp?code=D560

Siberian Iris.

Plant of Merit.

Inula magnifica

https://www.heronswood.com/perennials_perennials-i-to-l_inula/inula-magnifica

"Almost surreal."

Northern Sea Oats

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=25

Maybe ours will re-seed.

Amethyst in Snow

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=C648

The species mountain bluet does well in our garden.

Side Oats Grama

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

Often used in prairie restorations.

Squaw Weed

http://www.grownative.org/plants/info.asp?id=56

Hardy wildflower for the shade garden.

Golden Ragwort

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

Senecio aureus

Native wildflower.

Why Native?

http://www.naturallynative.net/whynative.html

Yes, lawns are evil.

Ron Williams

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=C424

Very different than the species buckthorns.

Golden Jubilee

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/0107/

Agastache 'Golden Jubilee'

There is some disagreement about whether this is hardy to Zone 5 or Zone 6.

Snow in the garden

According to weather.com, we got 0.2 inch snow yesterday.

It was snowing enough to reduce visibility when we were in Wauwatosa.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Winter Aconite in the Garden

We need many more.

Crocuses in the Garden

Nice to have some blooming crocuses.

Hellebores in the garden

I bought 3 potted Hellebores from Luxembourg Gardens.

Nancy gave the burgundy one to a friend of hers.

No more white van in the garden

My beloved 1997 Chrysler has moved on, and I am heartbroken.

It did go to a good home (Nancy's friend Selma).

Ducks in the Garden

Too blurry, not sure what happened.

Was hoping for a sharp picture of the wood duck.

Eric the Red

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1580/eric-the-red-siberian-iris.php

Would love to try some.

Hetz Midget

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2162/hetz-midget-arborvitae.php

Interesting dwarf conifer.

Epimediums

http://www.songsparrow.com/2011/plantlist.cfm?type=SHADE,&subtype=EPI,&startrow=1&pagetype=plantlist

An excellent selection of Epimediums.

GNG

http://gardensnotgarbage.blogspot.com/

This afternoon, we attended the vermicomposting workshop at Go Green Architecture in Wauwatosa.

The presenter was Master Composter Heather Zydek.

Very informative.

Shady Acres

http://www.shadyacresnursery.com/

This morning we attended opening day at Shady Acres.

We purchased several treasures including trillium, euphorbia, mayapple, anemone, and columbine.

Dog-friendly Wildlife Garden

http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Gardening/Archives/2009/Create-a-Dog-Friendly-Wildlife-Garden.aspx

Avoid cocoa bean mulch.

A Toad Abode

http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Gardening/Archives/2006/Backyard-Houses-for-Toads.aspx

I must build a hibernaculum.

Spiral Supports

http://www.gardeners.com/Jardin-Spiral-Stem-Support/JardinPlantSupports_Cat,39-527,default,cp.html

Attractive and sturdy.

1/2" Rain in the garden

According to weather.com, we got about a half inch of rain.

I do not have my rain gauge out yet.

Bottlebrush Buckeye

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

Too little used.

I want one.

Honeyberry

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/4822-product.html

On my wish list.

Calendulas

http://www.reneesgarden.com/seeds/packpg/flowers/calendula.htm

I would love to reach a tipping point where they self-seed.

Diatomaceous Earth

http://www.arbico-organics.com/product/DE-Diatomaceous-Earth-50lb

This could be an effective slug deterrent.

Invasive Stink Bugs

http://www.heronswoodvoice.com/2011/04/acid-for-blood-guest-blog-by-nick-rhodehamel/

Very bad forecast.

White Strawberries

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/search/lst.srch.asp?prodid=1450

Very exotic.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Hummelo

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/PlantFinder/Plant.asp?code=B326

WNA Plant of the Year 2011

Red Baron

http://www.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=8.220.300

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'

Japanese Blood Grass

Nice color.

Robin Hill Juneberry

http://oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?P_ID=475&PT_ID=78&strPageHistory=cat

Would love to have one.

Garden Outhouse

http://www.mikesbackyardnursery.com/2011/01/potting-shed-disguised-as-an-outhouse/

Very clever and useful potting shed.

Soil Temperature Maps

http://www.greencastonline.com/SoilTempMaps.aspx

A handy resource.

Jeepers Creepers

http://www.jeeperscreepers.info/index.html

We love all kinds of creepers.

Wake Robin

http://www.heronswood.com/shop/20318?cid=2011_04_14_WildWonderfulPlants&

We love trilliums.

Purple Fountain Grass

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1935/purple-fountain-grass.php

Showy but expensive annual.

Glory of the Snow

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

On my wish list.

And some of the neighbors have some beautiful clumps in bloom.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Black Mondo Grass

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/43481/

Maybe with a little more global warming it will be hardy here.

Herbs of the Year

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

Looking forward to 2013 Elderberry.

Monches Farm

http://www.monchesfarm.com/

The 2011 catalog is available online and it is a very impressive selection.

Blackberry Lily

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

Poisonous seeds and a vigorous spreader.

Sounds like a winner to me.

Are Garlic Chives Invasive?

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/278/

But not in my garden.

Chocolate Vine

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=A149

I am going to test the shade tolerance.

Doll's Eyes

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

I planted one several years ago that did not survive.

Time to try again.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Mexican Flame Vine

http://www.parkseed.com/gardening/PD/87670/

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

Beneficial Insects

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/4714/attract-beneficial-insects-to-your-garden

We need more good bugs.

Bloch's Farm

http://blochsfarm.com.farming.officelive.com/default.aspx

Less than two hours from home.

I definitely want to visit them.

Baraboo

http://www.baraboo.com/

I have some excellent samples of Baraboo rocks in the garden.

And would like many more.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Stairway to Heaven

http://www.waysidegardens.com/gardening/PD/49610/

A creepy Jacob's Ladder that would make an interesting groundcover.

Harlequin Bug

http://www.uark.edu/ua/arthmuse/harlquin.html

I will have to keep an eye out for them.

Snow Day Blizzard

http://www.springmeadownursery.com/plants_details.php?id=26020

Nice flowers but we do not have full sun.

Worm Composting

http://gardensnotgarbage.blogspot.com/

Worms are our friends.

Belle Blanche

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/71601-product.html

Datura metel 'Belle Blanche'

This is one of my favorites, but we never get that honeysuckle scent they describe in the link above.

Jupiter's Beard

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/25690-product.html

Centranthus ruber

I wished ours would self-seed with abandon.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Weeping Ginkgo

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=2025

Would love to have one.

Greer Gardens

http://www.greergardens.com/conifers_Ginkgo-Picea.htm

A huge selection of ginkgo trees.

'Long March' has "heavy crops of tasty nuts."

Female Ginkgo Trees

http://ginkgopages.blogspot.com/2006/04/female-ginkgo-tree-seller.html

The nuts are considered a delicacy.

Ginkgo

http://michiganbulb.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_81597_A_Ginkgo+Tree_E_

Maybe if I plant enough seedlings, then I will eventually get a female tree that produces gourmet seeds in stinking fruit.

Thimbleberry

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=4064

Rubus odoratus

Also available from Heritage Flower Farm.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Black Diamond

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2886/winter-jewels-black-diamond-lenten-rose.php

We bought a Black Diamond at Monches on Saturday.

2,000 Posts!

Hurray!

I finally reached 2,000!!!

Winter Thrillers

http://www.greatgardenplants.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=1153

We love hellebores.

Nana Beach Plum

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?numRecordPosition=&P_ID=313&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=82

I like the compact size.

Burenglish Oak

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?numPageStartPosition=1&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&strSearchCriteria=&PT_ID=149&P_ID=397

Fast growing hybrid oak.

Alternatives to Ash

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/faq/ash_alternatives.html

Lots of choices.

George Washington Tulip Poplar

http://www.historictrees.org/072008site/produ_ht/georgwashtulippopl.htm

We have a tulip poplar but it is not a direct descendant of George's tree.

American Forest

http://www.americanforests.org/

Like the Lorax.

Green Yards

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/10/us/10grass.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23

I am in favor of the rock and cactus xeriscaping.

Redwoods

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/10/us/10trees.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23

Maybe we should all grow more trees, not just redwoods.

But this is a very exciting project.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Nana

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2/dwarf-balsam-fir.php

Abies balsamea 'Nana'

UConn

http://www.richsfoxwillowpines.com/catalog/?category=2&product=1266

Dwarf Eastern White Pine.

We went to Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery a couple years ago and it was a terrific nursery.

Aragonite

http://www.burpee.com/gardening-supplies/fertilizers/organic-tomato-fertilizer-w-aragonite-prod000358.html

Who knew that aragonite was so important?

Grow Bags

http://www.gardeners.com/Instructions-Grow-Bags/7277,default,pg.html

I want to try some.

Glauca Compacta

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=1147

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Glauca Compacta'

On my wish list.

Nootka

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modzz/00000339.html

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis

Rarely seen in landscapes.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Alchemy Works

http://www.alchemy-works.com/index.html

Seeds for the Witch's Garden.

Grandmotherly Gardens

http://www.mailermailer.com/x?function=view&c=90759931q-69ac6b92%2a813687s-26a19e72

I love Cosmos.

Shade Gardens

http://blog.americanmeadows.com/2011/04/06/15-easy-perennial-plants-for-shady-gardens/

Of the 15 listed, we have tried them all.

We have no lungwort at the moment, but it seems like I plant it every year.

Cardinal flower and columbine are short-lived here.

The moisture requirements for astilbe are extreme. A dry astilbe is a dead astilbe.

Daffodils

http://wimastergardener.org/?q=Non-yellowDaffodils

I love daffodils in all colors.

Maypop

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?numRecordPosition=&P_ID=892&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=153

The most northern of the passion fruits.

On my wish list.

Julius

Wild Mint 'Julius'

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/store/product.asp?cookiecheck=yes&P_ID=566&PT_ID=133&strPageHistory=cat

Native selection from Michigan.

Would love to have some.

Pruning Japanese Maples

http://www.mikesbackyardnursery.com/2011/04/pruning-japanese-maples/

If mine live, I might have to do this some day.

Sarastro

Hardy Bellflower 'Sarastro'

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=965

I love bellflowers.

Hardy Bellflowers

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

An evaluation of 89 bellflowers by the Chicago Botanic Garden.

'Sarastro' was the best.

Cute Little Devil

http://www.baileynurseries.com/new-varieties-2011/#show:1979

Except I do not have full sun.

Maybe I should try one any way.

The Fruit Blog

http://thefruitblog.blogspot.com/

Tons of information about fruit.

Jostaberry

http://thefruitblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/fruit-genetics-friday-5-jostaberry.html

The lack of thorns make me less likely to try it.

It was interesting to learn about the use of the alkaloid Colchicine in plant breeding.

Bowles Golden

Carex elata 'Bowles Golden'

http://www.deerxlandscape.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=87598&p_catid=135

Interesting that a nursery in Clare, Michigan lists it as hardy to Zone 6 since Clare is colder than that.

Codiaeum

http://www.gflora.com/index.php?cmd=genus_body&genus_id=106

Hard to grow, especially given the temperature and humidity requirements.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Northwind Perennial Farm

http://northwindperennialfarm.com/

April 15th is opening day.

Wicked Bugs

https://register.chicagobotanic.org/tickets/show.asp

I have heard Amy Stewart speak on "Wicked Plants" and she is excellent.

I am hoping to hear her speak on "Wicked Bugs" at Boerner.

Oops, that link does not take you directly to the information on her talk. You can navigate to it from that link.

http://www.amystewart.com/

The presenter was Mark Dwyer, Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville.

He showed many photos of plants that were both ornamental and edible.

He gave credit to Rosalind Creasy for her pioneering work in edible landscaping.

Entertaining, educational, and well worth attending.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Cary Mound

http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2003NC/finalprogram/abstract_49721.htm

I visited the Cary Mound when we were in Marshfield recently.

It was difficult to see the rocks due to the snow cover.

I did collect a few choice specimens of granite to use as garden accents.

Still on my wish list.

Zone 2 and shade tolerant.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Toilet Planters

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2011/04/01/20110401tennessee-toilet-planter-ON.html?source=nletter-entertainment

A victory for flower pots everywhere.

Wood Ducks in the garden pool

There was a pair of wood ducks on the garden pool this morning.

They left before I could get a picture.

This is the first time that we have seen ducks other than mallards on the garden pool.

Indian Bill Cemetery

http://www.hmdb.org/Marker.asp?Marker=6103

I visited the Indian Bill Cemetery on March 31, 2011.

I was tempted to borrow a few rocks, but did not do so for fear of transporting disgruntled spirits back to Hales Corners.

Plymouth Compost Bins

Thanks to Kara for this photo of the new compost bins in Plymouth.

Andrew and I assembled them on March 27, 2011.