Bamboo

On Tuesday November 4, 2014, I attended the regular meeting of the Milwaukee Bonsai Society.

The topic was "Bamboo" and the speaker was Leo Schordje.

He discussed both using bamboo as bonsai and growing hardy bamboo in the garden.

He gave specific examples of cultivars such as Moso, Hale, Mejiro, and Shimdake.

The speaker was very enthusiastic about the subject and it was a lot of fun to hear his talk.

Counts as one hour MGV continuing education credit.

The Gus

I attended the following regular work dates at the Fox TV6 Home Demonstration Garden (formerly the Gus Green Thumb Garden).

Thursday July 31
Thursday August 7
Thursday August 28

On each day,  I performed the usual mundane tasks: weeding, watering, planting, harvesting.

Each date counts as 3.5 hours MGV volunteer time (includes drive time).

Morning Glory

20 blossoms on the morning glory on the chain link fence today.

12 blossoms on the morning glory on the locust tree today.

Frogs in the garden

Three (3) frogs in the garden pool today.

Lemke Stone

http://lemkestone.com/

Looks like a good place to pick up a few stones for the garden.

Table Mountain

http://www.santarosagardens.com/Helianthus-salicifolius-Table-Mountain-p/hel-tab.htm

Very nice perennial sunflower.

Tim Crowther

http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/blogs/graham_rice/archive/2010/07/18/geum-totally-tangerine-new-from-hardy-s-cottage-garden-plants.aspx

Interesting story on how you can breed a great plant while looking for something else.

Tangerine

http://www.waysidegardens.com/totally-tangerine-geum-avens-plant/p/35995/

Zone 4 and very floriferous.

I want to try it.

Loddon Royalist

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b310

We had some Anchusa (but not this cultivar), and it has died out.

Might be time to try again.

This one is Zone 3, which is very hardy for our Zone 5.

Ping Pong

http://www.johnsonsnursery.com/cm/pdfs/website_introductions-PingPong.pdf

I would be interested in trying one but I cannot provide the full sun.

Red Twig Dogwood

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=v470

This "Alleman's" selection is interesting for its compact stature and its brilliant red twigs.

Nannyberry

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m750

Viburnum lentago

We have one on the east side of the garage that was planted over 20 years ago.

Might be a good idea to get some more and spread them around the yard.

Rattlesnake Master

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

We have trouble growing it in shade on wet heavy clay soils.

Maybe we just need a remarkable individual.

Fireworks

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m400

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'

Since Nancy is pulling out all my Solidago canadensis, maybe I could grow this Goldenrod instead.

Japanese Aster

http://www.perennialresource.com/plants/general-perennial/567_kalimeris-yomena-shogun--variegata.aspx

Kalimeris 'Variegata'

I planted one on the east side of the driveway, next to the Ninebark.

Riviera Sky Blue

http://www.harrisseeds.com/storefront/p-2533-lobelia-riviera-sky-blue-mpltd.aspx

Grew this Lobelia in a hanging basket last year, it did well.

Did not get any Lobelia this year.

And planted a Million Bells in that same hanging basket.

Ogon

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=w960

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Tolerates heavy shade and wet soil, so we have a few spots where we can try it.

Flore-Pleno

http://www.perennials.com/plants/eupatorium-cannabinum-flore-pleno.html

I wish I had known enough to ask the horticulturist why he recommends the foreign Eupatorium over the native Joe Pye.

One reason I can think of is that the native Joe Pye can be quite aggressive in the right (or wrong) setting.

Honeybees in the garden

We have been getting a lot of honeybees in the garden, mostly on the Bee Balm.

According to the following link:

http://osu.libanswers.com/a.php?qid=212338

honeybees will readily travel 2 miles for nectar.

The hives at Wehr and Boerner are each about 2 miles away.

Therefore, even though there may be a closer hive, it is entirely possible that the honeybees are from Wehr and Boerner.

MGV Plant Health Update

On Wednesday, July 16, 2014, I attended the MGV Plant Health Update at the UW-Extension offices on Watertown Plank Road.

The meeting was chaired by Milwaukee County Horticulture Agent Sharon Morrisey.

We learned that we are still behind last year and the 30-year average in growing degree days.

We learned that woodpeckers are thriving in areas of emerald ash borer infestation.

We learned that chipmunks and birds steal gooseberries and grapes.

We learned that the native wild cucumber is being removed as a weed in some areas because it is smothering ornamental trees.

We learned that the japanese beetles emerged late this year, and that there are fewer of them than in previous years.

We saw examples of powdery mildew on ninebark and hard brown buds on peony (NOT botrytis blight as I had previously thought).

We learned about the following website:

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/ag/plantdoc/

This website is a treasure trove of information on issues dealing with plant identification, disease, and pests.

The meeting was very educational.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Rain Water

On Wednesday, July 16, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was Conserving Rain Water and Its Uses Around the Home.

The guide was Milwaukee County Horticulturist Alex Hoefts (and his wife Heidi).

We saw the demonstration area near the Education area that features a rain barrel, a green roof, and a model patio with permeable pavers.

We then toured the pools and rain gardens along the road east of the shrub mall.

Boerner has an extensive and expensive water reclamation project, and the guide explained all its features, including underground tanks and pumps.

We saw many fine examples of plants for use in rain gardens, including grasses like Northern Sea Oats and Roy Diblik's Northwind.

The guide is a big fan of Acorus (Sweet Flag).

We also saw Iron Weed, Knautia, Heliopsis, Joe Pye, and many others.

Fun and educational, well worth attending.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Paw Paw

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

We bought one from Heritage Flower Farm and planted it near the telephone pole.

A Gardener's Guide to Swearing

http://www.finegardening.com/gardeners-guide-swearing

I will never think of the word "juglone" the same way again.

Red Racer

http://www.waysidegardens.com/red-racer-winter-thrillertrade-lenten-rose/p/36074/

I love Hellebores.  They are tough, and the deer do not browse them.

Globemaster

http://www.vanengelen.com/allium-globemaster.html

I love Alliums.

Ladybells

http://www.hgtvgardens.com/flowers-and-plants/ladybells-adenophora-confusa

Has a disturbing resemblance to the weedy creepy bellflower Campanula rapunculoides.

Turtlehead

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b990

We had some back by the ford but the deer ate them.

Last I checked, there was one lonely stem.

Innocence

http://parkseed.com/innocence-evening-primrose-seeds/p/03126-PK-P1/

Oenothera pallida 'Innocence'

Want to try it.

Ebert's Greenhouse Village

http://www.ebertsgreenhouse.com/

One of my favorite places but we have not been there yet this year.

The location is not convenient for us.

Fireflies, or lack thereof

http://www.stadlergardencenters.com/blog/bye-bye-fireflies

We have a few in the garden but not as many as in the old days.

Ligularia

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/sites/default/files/pdf/plantinfo/ligulariafinegardening2013.pdf

We have Othello and Desdemona.

I grew The Rocket a long time ago, but it has long since died out.  Have to try it again.

There is an impressive specimen of Britt Marie Crawford at Boerner.

Shell Pink

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no23_lamiums.pdf

Lamium maculatum 'Shell Pink'

Garden Grit

http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/concrete-cement-masonry/concrete-mix/paver-leveling-sand/p-1934747-c-5784.htm

Bought this paver leveling sand at Menard's, some of the best garden grit I have found so far.

Not too fine, not too coarse, very gritty, just what I was looking for.

Comet Marguerite Daisy

http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/argyranthemum-frutescens-comet-series/

I planted one on the west side of the driveway next to the Black-Eyed Susans.

Rober's Lemon Rose

http://blog.scentedleaf.com/2012/01/pelargonium-robers-lemon-rose.html

Planted one in a mini-whiskey barrel.

Circling Roots

http://experts.umn.edu/pubDetail.asp?id=33846342973&o_id=106&t=pm

"no mechanical root disruption method was significantly better than root balls left undisturbed."

Counter-intuitive results?

Recession-Proof Hollyhocks

https://suite.io/arlene-marturano/5kwz27t

Features a concise reference list of books I want to read.

Gardening for Witches

http://www.gardeningforwitches.com/

An alternate view of gardening.

Chiffon

http://www.tandmwholesale.com/AgastacheAcapulcoDeluxeChiffon

Planted one in a pot and one in the ground on the east side of the driveway.

Robustissima

http://www.paridon.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=47&typeID=21

Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima'

Most hardy and vigorous anemone?

Fall Blooming Anemones

http://www.finegardening.com/fall-blooming-anemones

Not tolerant of wet clay in winter.

Snowdrop Windflower

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h330

Anemone sylvestris

On my wish list.

Hosta clausa

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282407&isprofile=0&

Could be interesting as a faux ground cover.

Land of the Giants

http://landofthegiantshostafarm.com/html/aboutus.html

It gives me a reason to go to Milton, Wisconsin.

Spilt Milk

http://provenancegarden.com/hosta-spilt-milk.html

On my wish list.

Dwarf Hollyhock

http://www.finegardening.com/dwarf-purple-hollyhock-alcea-rosea-annua-spring-celebrities-purple

The photo at the link above looks very similar to the one I bought at the Muskego farmers market.

Catnip vs. Mosquitoes

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm

We have to stop pulling catnip as weeds.

Honeybees, Or Lack Thereof

http://www.startribune.com/local/264929101.html?site=full&c=n&stfeature

The above link documents the plight of bees and keepers.

On a more positive note, we have had a lot of honeybees working our Bee Balm the last few days.

Chocolate Vine

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a149

Akebia quinata

Bought one at Monches Farm and planted it south of the east gate on the chain link fence.

Empress Wu

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f249

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

On my wish list.

Hosta 'Ivory Queen'

http://www.waysidegardens.com/ivory-queen-hosta/p/34992/

Hosta 'Ivory Queen'

Bought one at Monches Farm and planted it near Hosta 'Halcyon' in The Lamium Garden.

Niveum

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h780

We bought one at Monches Farm and planted it in The Lamium Garden.

Akebono

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/201865/#b

We bought one at Monches Farm ( the only local source of Epimediums we can find).

Planted it in the northwestern shade garden (this garden needs a name, maybe The Lamium Garden because that is where the big concentration of that plant is).

Rose Campion

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

We bought two of the white-flowered variety at Monches Farm.

Planted one on the east side of the driveway and one by the front step.

Mars Midget

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b897

Knautia macedonica 'Mars Midget'

We bought one at Shady Acres and planted it on the east side of the driveway.

Gentsch White

http://www.richsfoxwillowpines.com/catalog/?product=1577

Tsuga canadensis 'Gentsch White'

Dwarf Canadian Hemlock

We saw a nice specimen at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Brew City Gardens

http://www.jsonline.com/business/brew-city-garden-business-creates-a-new-kind-of-compost-b99308736z1-266691861.html

We attended a vermicomposting seminar hosted by Heather Zydek a couple of years ago.

It was very interesting.

The Gus

On Thursday, July 10, 2014, I attended the regular workday at the former Gus Green Thumb Garden.

We harvested raspberries, peas, and lettuce.

We removed the pea vines to make room for a future planting of beans.

I weeded and picked stones.

I planted a row of kale seeds.

Heart-breaking that we lost a dwarf apple tree.  It was broken off at the base in a wind storm (a supporting wire broke).

Counts as 4 hours MGV volunteer time (includes drive time).

Ruby Sorrel

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/834/bloody-sorrel-red-dock/

Susan planted one in the herb garden at The Gus and she called it Ruby Sorrel.

We have grown it in our garden of several years, and call it by the more common name Bloody Dock.

Ruby Sorrel sounds much more refined than Bloody Dock, but I am so in the habit of calling it Bloody Dock that I am not sure I can make the change.

Lady in Red

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b241

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'

We have a nice clump east of the Monrovia Japanese Maple.

The one we tried to overwinter outside in a large container did not survive.

Ecke & Oglevee

http://www.ecke.com/oglevee/

We buy their scented geraniums locally.

Scarborough Faire Herbs

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

Locally grown in Germantown, WI.

We plant several of their herbs every year.

Red Rubin Basil

http://www.burpeehomegardens.com/VegetableHerbGardening/PlantDetails.aspx?plantid=5021

We grow several varieties of Basil every year, mostly in containers.

Red Rubin is one that we grow.

Dancing Wind

http://www.songsparrow.com/catalog/plantdetails.cfm?ID=4397&type=SUN,&pagetype=plantdetails&plant_name=Andropogon%20%27Dancing%20Wind%27

Andropogon 'Dancing Wind'

A big bluestem with spectacular fall color.

Botanophilia LLC

http://botanophilia.com/store/

Another fun website to browse, features selections not commonly seen at my local vendors.

Moonlight

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=q340

Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Moonlight'

Would be a welcome addition to our vine collection.

Monrovia

http://www.monrovia.com/

Millions of plants, fun to browse.

Magnolia Vine

http://bayflora.com/magnoliavine.html

Schisandra chinensis

There is one on the arbor adjacent to the rose garden at Boerner.

I wonder if it is a male, because I have never seen fruit on it, or maybe I have never been there at the right time.  Have to investigate further.

Climbing Japanese Hydrangea

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f520

Schizophragma hydrangeoides

We saw an impressive specimen at Boerner.

Butterbur

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a645

Petasites japonicus

There is a spectacular clump at Boerner.

Made for the Shade

On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was Made in the Shade.

The guide was Nick Ternes of Botanophilia LLC.

He brought two plants as door prizes, a hosta and a jacob's ladder, but unfortunately we won neither.

We saw many fine examples of plants for shade, including hostas, astilbes, epimediums, ligularias, and many others.

Naturally, there was a fair amount of overlap with the previous hosta walk.

Educational and well-worth attending.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Heaven Scent

http://botanophilia.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_5&products_id=99&zenid=q019m09b2f8lv20igfbkjaica7

Polemonium 'Heaven Scent'

Jacob's Ladder

Zone 4 hardiness and fragrance, would be a welcome addition.

Umbrella Plant

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=v510

Darmera peltata

Would be a welcome addition to the wetter and shadier parts of the garden.

Tiniest toad in the garden

Saw a toad near the garden pool, so small it would fit on a dime.

Gives me hope for the future of the garden.

Deer in the garden

A doe and two spotted fawns in the garden again yesterday.

The fawns were browsing the Celandine poppies near the ford, not sure if they will bloom this year due to all the snipping.

Vines

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/vines

Features some of my favorites like virginia creeper, clematis, and the native bittersweet.

Potting Bench

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/15416/a-perfectly-portable-potting-bench

Clever use of an old ironing board.

Solar Saw

http://permies.com/t/28750/labs/solar-electric-chainsaw#295070

Probably adequate for normal garden pruning tasks.

Sneezeweed

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c930

Helenium autumnale (AKA Helen's Flower)

I love sneezeweed.

Wisconsin Native Plant Nurseries

http://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/wm/wm0219.pdf

Comprehensive list of native plant nurseries.

Understory Trees

http://www.gardengatenursery.com/garden-tips/woodland-gardening/133-woodland-gardening-part-ii-trees-shrubs

We have serviceberry, dogwoods, viburnums, and elderberry.

Marginal Wood Fern

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k170

Dryopteris marginalis

I am not familiar with this fern, will have to look for it.

Witherod Viburnum

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d496

Viburnum cassinoides

I like the tolerance for boggy sites.

Wisconsin Native Trees and Shrubs

http://mamgc.org/uploads/9_-_native___non-invasive_trees___shrubs.pdf

Superb list from the Milwaukee Art Museum Garden Club.

Native Woodland Garden

http://www.johnsonsnursery.com/wisconsin_native_plants.cfm?id=116

Some interesting choices like witherod viburnum and leatherwood fern.

McClure and Zimmerman

http://www.mzbulb.com/

Ordered a variety of minor bulbs today for fall shipment.

6 Camassia
48 Eranthis
12 Erythronium
48 Frittilaria
24 Gladiolus (hardy)

Best Bulbs for Soggy Spots

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/wi/articles/best_bulbs_for_soggy_spots/

Some interesting choices like several varieties of camassia.

Chicken Grit

http://www.tccmaterials.com/grits.cfm

Good as a soil amendment.

Native Bulbs

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/native-bulbs

An interesting list of native bulbs and their vendors.

The Watchman

http://www.lakenurseries.com.au/product/3017-the-black-hollyhock-the-watchman

I love hollyhocks and I love black flowers.

Hollyhocks

Bought three hollyhocks at the Muskego farmers market and another one at Heritage Flower Farm, scattered them around the garden, really hoping that we someday reach a tipping point where they self-seed like the Angelica does.

Sweet Lifeberry Shrub

http://www.waysidegardens.com/goji-berry-lycium-barbarum-shrub/p/36036/

Bought one at Heritage Flower Farm and planted it on the south side of the lilac on the east side of the driveway.

Gooseneck Loosestrife

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e100

Lysimachia clethroides

Originally a gift from our neighbor Betty.

I transplanted two small clumps to new locations in the garden today.

Gold Bar

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c676

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar'

I like the compact form and the striking variegation.

Miss Lingard

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

I love Phlox and I love white flowers so this one looks like a winner.

Polygonum orientale

http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.asp?prodid=852

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate

We are starting to get a few volunteers after planting it for several years.

Knotweed

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=s270

We first saw this on Zannah Crowe's recent Boerner Garden Walk.

Today, we bought one at Heritage Flower Farm and I planted it in the patch of bee balm between Andrew's spruce and the tulip tree.

Japanese Blood Grass

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d520

Bought one at Heritage Flower Farm today and planted it out by Parkview Lane.

The Gus

On Thursday, July 3, 2014, I attended the regular work day at the Fox TV6 Home Demonstration Garden (the former Gus Green Thumb Garden).

I weeded and harvested snow peas.

Using a drilling hammer (AKA 3 pound sledge), I pounded in the metal fence posts that are supporting the asparagus plants.

I emptied the potting soil from the salad bowl into the potato garden.

I transplanted a hosta.

I dug a hole so that Susan could plant a pair of hardy kiwi vines.

Counts as 3.5 hours MGV volunteer time (includes drive time).

Red Umbrellas

http://www.ebertsgreenhouse.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/1156/typeID/2/index.htm

I planted two Filipendula 'Red Umbrellas' today.

With Zone 3 hardiness, maybe I should try one in a container.

Who was Joan Elliot?

http://www.paghat.com/campanula4.html

I planted two Campanula 'Joan Elliot' today.

Fireworks in the Garden

On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was Fireworks in the Garden.

The guide was Zannah Crowe, horticulturist at Monches Farm.

She brought 10 plants as door prizes, and I was lucky to win a Gomphrena 'Strawberry Fields.'

We saw many fine examples of plants bringing fireworks to the gardens.

We saw an outstanding bed of Angelonia, an underutilized warm season annual.

The Clematis 'Betty Corning' was in full bloom and an absolute stunner.

Hosta 'Halcyon' is a very attractive blue that is resistant to slug damage.

Wild Senna is a rarely seen gem in the garden.

Astrantia (AKA Masterwort) is another example of an underutlized plant.

Zannah Crowe has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants, and is a very articulate speaker.  We very much enjoyed her garden walk.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Plant Health Update

On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, I attended the MGV Plant Health Update at the UW-Extension offices on Watertown Plank Road.

The meeting was chaired by Milwaukee County Horticulture Agent Sharon Morrisey.

We learned that Stella D'Oro daylilies, Monarda, Echinacea, Opunta (Prickly Pear), Asclepias species, and Joseph's Coat climbing roses are starting to bloom in the area.

We learned that changing pH is more effective than adding iron for dealing with chlorosis in river birches.

We learned that the Earthkind roses at Boerner might be victims of the rose rosette virus.

We had a hands-on workshop where we examined examples of apple scab on crabapple, damage by 4-lined plant bug, damage by herbicide drift, spruce adelgid galls, nutritional (Fe, Mn) deficiency in diervilla, aphids (two tailpipes!) on cup plant, damage by leaf hoppers and plant bugs on honey locust, damage by rose slug sawflies, powdery mildew, maple galls, hawthorn scale, invasive crown vetch, and invasive bird's foot trefoil.

Educational and well-worth attending.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Camassia

http://www.waysidegardens.com/Camassia-quamash---Pack-of-20/p/08063-PK-20/

We have no camas bulbs in the garden, a substantial omission.

Martagon Lilies

http://seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2021361793_pacificpgardener21.html

"Rot in heavy soil" is a deal-killer.

Chionodoxa

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/bulbs/chionodoxa/

Now is the time to think about planting bulbs in the fall.

Mint Crisp

http://www.waysidegardens.com/mint-crisp-honeysuckle/p/30716/

Zone 4, variegated foliage, fragrant, I want one.

First Japanese Beetle 2014

On Monday, June 30, 2014, I killed the first Japanese beetle of the year.

Evangelizing Comfrey

http://newpioneermag.com/2013/10/comfrey-growing/

I am in favor of it, even if it is only grown as an ornamental.

Corpse Flower

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/our-garden/notable-plant-collections/titan-arum.aspx

Wish I was there to sample the intense, foul odor.

Echibeckia Summertina

http://www.gpnmag.com/spring-trials-sneak-peek-%E2%80%94-part-2

A very interesting cross between two of my favorite genera.

The Gus

On Thursday, June 26, 2014, I attended the MGV workday at the former Gus Green Thumb Garden (now called something like Fox TV6 Home Demonstration Garden).

I weeded (including bindweed in bloom) and picked up windblown trash.

The big project was planting a Monrovia 'Improved Green Globe' artichoke at the site of the winter killed Radler rose.  It is going to be an interesting experiment since the artichoke is rated as hardy to Zone 6 (we are Zone 5).

Counts as 4.0 hours MGV volunteer time (included drive time).

Herbs

On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanic Gardens.

The topic was Herb Garden Walk (what smells so good?).

The guide was Milwaukee County Horticulturist Peggy Gibbs-Zautke, who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about herbs.

As per the title, we toured the herb garden, and the emphasis was on herbs with fragrance.

We saw (and smelled) many fine examples, including some of my favorites such as Valerian, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Pineapple Sage, various mints, and scented geraniums (pelargoniums).

It was fun and educational, well worth attending.

Counts as 1.0 hour MGV continuing education credit.

Mardi Gras

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c869

I love all the sneezeweeds, and I am interested in seeing the tie-died flowers of this one in person.

St. John's Day 2014

June 24th was St. John's Day.

As usual, I burned St. John's Wort to ensure good luck for the coming year.

Plant Health Update

On Wednesday, June 18, 2014, I attended the MGV Plant Health Update session at the UW-Extension offices on Watertown Plank Road.

Chairing the session was Milwaukee County Horticulture Agent Sharon Morrisey.

We learned that we are slightly ahead of last year in growing degree days but well behind the 30-year average,

Recent pest sightings include spittle bugs and leaf hoppers.

There was an interesting report on the susceptibility of Radler roses to viruses.

The mystery plant to be identified was clustered bellflower.

We learned about crazy worms, a new invasive earthworm pest.

We learned about proposed changes to the NR40 Regulation, which prohibits certain plants from being possessed or transported.  Some of my favorites like Valerian, Bishop's Weed, and Chocolate Vine are proposed additions.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Hostas

On Wednesday, June 18, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was Hostas - All Varieties.

The guide was Marcia Wensing of the local Hosta Society.

We toured the extensive Hosta collection, saw many fine varieties and their companions.

The guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Hostas.

Counts as 1.5 hours of MGV continuing education credit.

Aztec Cave Beans

http://www.azuredandelion.com/heirloom-aztec-cave-bean-seed-new-mexico-cave-bean-399.html

Interesting story about their origins.

Azure Dandelion

http://www.azuredandelion.com/

Heirloom seeds.

Kale

http://www.seedlibrary.org/blog/plant-personality-kale-for-the-fall-garden/

Features some interesting Kale selections.

White Trout lily

http://www.prairiemoon.com/plants/bare-root/wildflowers-forbs/erythronium-albidum-white-trout-lily.html

The first thing I think of is a neighbor's war against the chipmunks after they ate his prized trout lily.

Bees in the Garden

http://www.crownbees.com/

I have a special fondness for the native pollinators.

Hence my fondness for the native asters.

Mighty Iris

On Wednesday, June 11, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was Mighty Iris.

The guides were Wisconsin Iris Society members Karl Becker and Bonnie Sonntag.

It was raining, but it started off very well when Nancy won the door prize book:

The Iris Family: Natural History and Classification (2008)
by Peter Goldblatt & John C. Manning
Timber Press, $79.95

The guides talked about the various aspects of growing Irises inside before we headed out into the rain to visit the bedraggled Iris collection.  Most of the Iris collection had already finished blooming, but many examples of tall bearded Iris were in the peak of bloom.  Too many of those had been beaten down by the wind and the rain.

I always enjoy it when the guides are enthusiastic evangelists of the plants, and these two guides were definitely that.  They both have an encyclopedic knowledge of Irises.

Educational and informative, well worth attending.

Counts as 1.0 hour MGV continuing education credit.

Vines and Groundcovers

On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, we attended the Garden Walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was Vines and Groundcovers.

The guide was Milwaukee County Consumer Horticulture Agent Sharon Morrisey.

It was a educational and entertaining walk.  Ms. Morrisey has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and pointed out and explained many examples of vines and groundcovers.

Boerner's use of masses of Epimediums as a groundcover was spectacular.

The dutchman's pipe was in bloom, and it was fun to see so many blossoms.

The clematis collection at Boerner is in such poor condition that we did not visit it, which was a major disappointment for me.

Well worth attending.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Dogwood Red

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=86431-1449-NURSERY&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3631702&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=rel&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Purchased from Lowe's and planted 4-28-12, still alive as of today

Cornus florida var. rubra

Item # 86431

3.25 G dogwood red

A little odd that they sell them here in Milwaukee (Zone 5) but list them as hardy to Zone 6.

Miss Molly

http://www.romencegardens.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/3932/index.htm

This would make a good replacement for the several Buddleia we lost over the winter.

I like the compact form and the flower color.

Ancestral Plants

http://www.arthurhaines.com/ancestral_plants.html

Looks like an interesting book on wild plants of the Northeast.

Vino

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/71428-product.html#

Coleus 'Vino'

We had a nice plant in a pot, overwintered in kitchen, survived the winter better than any coleus ever has for us.

Took it outside this spring, damaged in a wind storm, never recovered, composted.

Very disappointing.

Too contrived

"Ask yourself whether the flower size and shape of the clematis will be appropriate alongside its companion, or whether the combination looks too contrived."

- Clematis for Small Spaces by Raymond J. Evison (2007) page 33

I have so many issues to address in the garden that contrivance does not make the list.

And since when did interior decorators take over our beloved hobby? (apologies to whomever I stole this one from)

The #1 concern for me will always be, "Will this plant thrive in that spot?"

BloomIQ

http://bloomiq.com/

Inspiring ideas.

Harlequin

http://www.northlandfarmsllc.com/

We bought a Harlequin Honeysuckle at Menard's, planted it by the near gate in the chain link fence.

Lonicera periclymenum 'Harlequin'

The grower was Northland Farms of West Olive, Michigan

Osaka

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/sceneb088.html

Bought a few Osaka series plants at Luxembourg, planted them around the garden.

First toad of 2014

Saw the first toad of the year in the garden today.

It was about the size of a quarter.

Who was Ann Folkard?

http://www.bloomsofbressinghamplants.com/us/Gardeners/Variety/Geranium_Ann_Folkard.html&s=1&genus=&common=&variety=Ann_Folkard

Found in the garden of Mr. P. G. Folkard, but who was Ann?  Wife? Sister? Mother? Daughter?

Hardy Geraniums

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no22_geraniums.pdf

The six best were:

Blue Cloud
Brookside
Moran
St. Ola
Lohfelden
Minor

It was interesting to note that 'Ann Folkard' was a complete failure, despite several re-testings.  How did it ever get to be a named selection with such poor performance?

The Former Gus Green Thumb Garden

On April 17, 2014, I attended the workday at the Fox TV6 Home Demonstration Garden, administered by County Horticulture Agent Sharon Morrisey.

Performed miscellaneous tasks such as inflating the tires on the garden cart, installing the considerable length of garden hose, adjusting the supports on the fruit trees, weeding, and shredding the compost.

Counts as 3.5 hours MGV volunteer hours (includes drive time).

I returned on May 8, 2014.  Sharon was absent, but Susan did her usual outstanding job of organizing.  Spent most of the time digging in the garden beds.

Counts as 2.5 hours MGV volunteer hours (includes drive time).

75 Years of Boerner

On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, we attended the garden walk at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The topic was "75 Years of Boerner."

The guide was Shirley Walczak, director of the gardens.

Featured some interesting history of the garden and included a visit to the garden house.

I was particularly interested in the 1,000 tons of local limestone in the rock garden.

Counts as 1.5 hours MGV continuing education credit.

Leonard Messel

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

We have the magnolia named for him.

Rudbeckia 'Henry Eilers'

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c894

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

Discovered by Henry Eilers in Illinois.

Henry Eilers

http://www.sj-r.com/x41632132/Deep-roots

There is a nature preserve and a Rudbeckia named for him.  We have the Rudbeckia in our garden.

Fawns and Owls

Inadvertently jumped a small spotted fawn out the garden yesterday morning.  Walked right up to it without seeing it, lying motionless in the foliage.

Heard an owl near the garden last night.

Redbud

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

Lists some interesting selections like Ace of Hearts, Columbus, Northland, and Silver Cloud.

Serious Black

http://www.waysidegardens.com/serious-blacktrade-clematis/p/34991/

Would make an interesting accent plant in the garden.

Zannah Crowe at Boerner

Today (Sunday 04-13-2014) I attended the meeting of the Daylily Society of Southeastern Wisconsin at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The presenter was horticulturist Zannah Crowe of Monches Farm.

The topic was "Perennial Plant Combinations."

Terrific presentation.  Zannah Crowe has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants combined with an artist's eye for garden design.

Very informative and well worth attending.

Counts as one hour of MGV ongoing education credit.

Luxembourg Gardens in Franklin, WI

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Luxembourg-Gardens/160656390621352

I attended opening day for the new season on Thursday April 10, 2014.

I bought one flat of mixed color Pansies and two Hellebores.

It was a relief to learn that they were not permanently closed as incorrectly reported on the above linked Facebook page.

Composting

On Tuesday 04-08-2014, I attended the meeting of the Greater Milwaukee Rose Society at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

The presenter was Master Composter Robert Balderson.

The topic was "Composting and Your Roses."

He explained the UW-Extension guidelines on composting, and then supplemented that material with his own experiences in vermicomposting.

A good refresher, and well worth attending.

Counts as one hour MGV ongoing education credit.

Real Spring

Real spring has finally arrived.

I picked a dozen earthworms off the driveway this morning, and moved them to worm-friendly composty garden soil.

Roy's Grass

http://www.perennialplant.org/index.php/education/plant-of-the-year

We have one and I would love to have more.

Mouse Melons

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/mouse-melons.aspx#axzz2xeyzXFfI

Sounds like a fun vine to grow on the new fence.

Mulberry

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

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra

Native, Zone 5, produces abundant fruit, would love to have one.

Maybe order 5 seedlings and one will survive?

Tamarack

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?category=19&id=2720

Prefers a boggy site in full sun, which we do not have, so it would be an interesting experiment.

Diana

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3506/diana-japanese-larch/

A deciduous conifer with contorted branches.  Zone 4. Very unusual.  Would love to have one.

Boston Pickling Cucumbers

http://www.rareseeds.com/boston-pickling-cucumber/

Heirlooms from 1880.

Shenandoah

http://www.santarosagardens.com/Panicum-virgatum-Shenandoah-p/pan-she.htm

Zone 2!

Dirt

http://www.thedirtmovie.org/

Hard to overestimate the importance of dirt.

Where would we be without it?

Green Giant Pyramidal Arborvitae

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

Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant'

I would like to get a few of these and scatter them about the garden for future generations.

Balbalmurp

http://www.darwinperennials.com/plant_info.aspx?phid=042500001029781

Monarda didyma 'Balmy Purple' AKA 'Balbalmurp'

The dwarf habit puts this new bee balm on my wish list.

Today's Perimeter News

Despite the bitter cold and treacherous footing, I continue to aggressively patrol the perimeter of the garden.

New today (as in, since yesterday):

1) Copious rabbit droppings in the woodland garden.  The coyotes are not doing their part.  Obviously.

2) The newest honeysuckle vine (supposed to be growing up the old locust tree) is lying on the ground.  It is possible that the weather brought down multiple strands of heavy gauge twine, but it is more likely that my friends the gray squirrels are doing some of their usual chewing.

Lavender Twist

http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2012/03/lavender-twist-weeping-redbud-tree/

On my wish list.

Devoted Bug Lover

http://www.jessicawalliser.com/bug-blog/

I love bugs, too.

Rosy Teacups

http://www.waysidegardens.com/rosy-teacupsreg-dogwood/p/35297/

Pink flowers, ornamental fruit and good fall foliage color put this new Dogwood on my wish list.

Maybe with a little more global warming, it can survive here.