Marsha Arnold
21.07.2023 - 23:10 / awaytogarden.com
FRUITING SEASON is beginning here in the perennial beds and shrubberies at A Way to Garden, but some of the early crop (like the red baneberry, Actaea rubra, above, a native woodlander) isn’t fit for eating…unless you’re a bird or mouse.Birds have already decimated my shadbushes (Amelanchier species), whose fruits I have also eaten on occasion (not bad). And there’s no competing against the birds and chipmunks for the lowbush blueberries.
But with the baneberry (which has creamy April blooms, left) and with shrubby Daphne mezereum (fragrant purple flowers then, too) and some other showy creatures in their second glory right now, the fruit is poisonous to humans. The baneberry, apparently, is more fit for thrushes (including robins), sapsuckers and catbirds, along with chipmunks, mice and the lot. So I get to admire it, and then they get to eat it. Not a bad deal.
Arum italicum, which I don’t have, would also qualify: showy orangey-red summer fruit, but apparently toxic. Do you grow any perennials or small shrubs that have not just flowers but also colorful fruit? Of course soon the larger fruiting creatures like viburnums will be happening big-time.
And do you worry about whether plants in your garden are in fact “poisonous”? There are many lists out there offering information about what is and isn’t: Cornell’s is specifically geared to their effect on livestock, however, and the ASPCA’s is not surprisingly of plants pets are likely to interact with. Unless you have a better source, perhaps?
Categoriesannuals & perennials trees & shrubsMarsha Arnold
Join us for an exclusive conversation with the nation’s head gardener, Monty Don, recorded at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Hosted by presenter and broadcaster, Nicki Chapman, the live audience listened in as Monty gives behind-the-scenes insight into filming Gardeners’ World TV. You can buy tickets for the next live show, BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair here.
Homalomenas are also popular for their compact size, making them ideal for indoor or outdoor spaces with limited room. They are a great choice for beginners, as they are relatively low maintenance and can adapt well to a variety of growing conditions. Read on to know about the Best Types of Homalomena Varieties.
Since Doris blew our expectations for a “windy day” away, here in London the demand for fence panels at our office skyrocketed: Seeing the destruction it has caused we feel slightly obligated to talk some fences, moderate winds and hurricanes.
Collaborative post
There’s nothing like a tall,green hedge to create a little real estate intrigue, and the best neighborhoods in Santa Barbara are lined with them. The coastal California community is known as one of the country’s favorite beachside retreats, and for its many homes that look as though they were plucked straight from a storybook—if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse through thick green foliage.
Kiwi fruit known as the Chinese goodeberry grow on the woody vine Actinidia deliciosa and its hybrids. The vines should be grown on sturdy support structures as it crops more than the rather weak vines can support.This plant has a cold greenhouse for protection but they can be grown outdoors in a sheltered spot.
Heather is an overlooked plant that can perform well in most gardens even though they generally prefer an acidic soil. They are evergreen plants that flower in pinks, purples and white.
Instead of flowers and ferns, you can start growing fruits in hanging baskets. It is possible, and there is not just one or two but 6 great-tasting fruit plants perfect for your porch, patio, balcony, or rooftop.
Tested by Marti Neely, FAPLD
Rob Last reports, “We are progressing well with preparations for strawberry planting. Some plants are due to be delivered this week. Remember, if fumigants have been used, check to ensure the products have dissipated to prevent damage to the transplants. The same is true to make sure planting restrictions on any pre-emergence herbicides applications are observed. Always refer to the label. Finally, remember to check your plants carefully for pest and disease inoculum from the nursery. Planting any disease or pest-infected plants will lead to a more challenging growing season. If you require any help, please reach to Extension Agents.”
I’ll be roaming the Northeast in the early going, in places as close to home as the Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley of New York, but also across Massachusetts and as far as New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey and coastal Connecticut. Events here in the garden will begin again in April; stay tuned for a fuller schedule of those, with just the first couple mentioned below.What’s planned already:Saturday, February 19, 2 PM: Lecture to benefit Berkshire Botanical Garden, Monument Mountain Regional High School, Great Barrington, MA.Thursday, March 3, 7 PM: R.J. Ju