The Perennial Plant Association named the hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’ as its 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year. Also known as Cranesbill, perennial geraniums have long been a staple on the gardeners’ palette. The cultivar Rozanne is relatively new on the scene and was selected for outstanding flower size, unique color, and long blooming season. ‘Rozanne’ was originally discovered by a couple in their Sommerset, England garden, a result of collecting seed from existing plants and […]
Though your aching back may not agree, recent heavy snows actually will be good for your garden and landscape. Snow provides moisture as well as protection from cold and wind. Snow is an excellent insulator against low temperatures and excessive winds. The extent of protection depends on the depth of snow. Generally, the temperature below the snow increases by about 2 degrees F for each inch of accumulation. In addition, the soil gives off some […]
A terrarium is a delightful way to grow an indoor garden of small plants in an enclosed glass container. With proper care, a terrarium will create a humid atmosphere that protects tender, tropical plants that are difficult to grow in the normally dry atmosphere of our homes. The concept of a terrarium as we know it was discovered quite by accident by an English physician and botanist named Nathaniel Ward. He was trying to raise […]
A terrarium is a delightful way to grow an indoor garden of small plants in an enclosed glass container. With proper care, a terrarium will create a humid atmosphere that protects tender, tropical plants that are difficult to grow in the normally dry atmosphere of our homes. The concept of a terrarium as we know it was discovered quite by accident by an English physician and botanist named Nathaniel Ward. He was trying to raise […]
Normally, you would receive two columns, “In the Grow” and Yard & Garden” the first week of the month. Beginning this month, January 2007, “Yard & Garden” will be distributed once a month, instead of twice a month. It will continue to come out the third week of every month, along with “Yard & Garden Calendar.” The new monthly schedule for news columns will be: First Week “In the Grow” by B. Rosie Lerner Second […]
The Perennial Plant Association has Catmint (Nepeta) ‘Walker’s Low’ as its 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year. ‘Walker’s Low’ is a versatile, hardy, herbaceous perennial that is terrific for edging, ground cover, and container and rock gardens. It also makes an excellent substitute for lavender, which really struggles in our climate. This particular cultivar of catmint has much to recommend it. The long-lasting, blue-violet flowers contrast beautifully with the mounds of grey-green foliage. The plant […]
Pomanders are easy and fun and make great gifts that bring the scent of the garden indoors to brighten cold winter days. Today, most pomanders are ornaments made of glass, ceramic or fabric filled with a mixture of fragrant herbs and spices. But, originally, pomanders were made from pieces of ambergris, a fragrant, waxy substance passed from the intestine of the sperm whale. The word pomander comes from the French “pommed ‘ ambre, “meaning “apple […]
The Perennial Plant Association has selected Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch’ (Feuerhexe’) as its 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year. Also known as a cheddar pink, the perennial dianthus is an excellent choice for use as an edging plant, as a rock garden specimen, to soften retaining walls, and in container gardens. Firewitch’ has hot pink flowers that bloom profusely in mid to late spring, with some repeat bloom in summer and fall if you deadhead faded […]
It’s not unusual for Indiana weather to have trouble deciding what season it is. Recent warm spells have had many gardeners wondering what to do about bulbs — and, perhaps, a few other plants that are poking their foliage through the soil. As I write this article, temperatures started out in the 50s and are expected to drop to the upper 20s by tonight! Just what should gardeners do about daffodils, dianthus and daylilies poking […]
Perhaps the only thing gardeners enjoy more than tending their crops is making plans for the coming growing season. Garden catalogs fill the mailbox, and online seed houses come alive with tempting photos of luscious ripe harvests. This is a perfect time to plan the spring garden! Here’s a look at what’s new for vegetable gardeners in 2006. Carrot ‘Purple Haze’ will surely jazz up your salad with long dark-purple roots with bright-orange centers. 2006 […]
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