Happy Friday, GPODers!
03.05.2024 - 14:26 / finegardening.com / GPOD Contributor
Brigitta Stewart, the owner of the small mail-order nursery Arrowhead Alpines in Michigan, has a garden full of tiny treasures, many of them very rare—special plants that you don’t see in many gardens.
Iris pumila (Zones 3–8) is a tiny species of bearded iris that is the ancestor of the miniature bearded iris hybrids. But the species itself is quite beautiful without any hybridization at all, and comes in a few colors. This very special form of the species has unique, almost turquoise flowers that are unlike those of any other iris.
Other selections of Iris pumila and other tiny plants grow in a small rock garden in the front of the nursery.
One of Brigitta’s specialties is alpine daphnes. These tiny evergreen shrubs demand perfect drainage, doing best in sandy soils or in a raised bed or elevated garden with a well-drained soil mix; otherwise they are not hard to make happy. This is Daphne × hendersonii ‘Fritz Kimmert’ (Zones 4–7), which combines fragrant pink flowers with dark, glossy, evergreen foliage.
Daphne juliae (Zones 4–7) is a stunning show-stopper of a plant. Look at the incredible sheet of pink flowers! It is hard to match alpine daphnes for sheer flower power in the spring.
A few years ago, Brigitta noticed a little daphne growing in her garden that didn’t look quite like any of the others. She moved it to its own bed, and now it is clear that it is some kind of chance hybrid the bees made that happened to manage to germinate and thrive. It is unclear what the exact parentage of this little plant is, but it is totally beautiful.
All the references say that Asarum maximum is only hardy in Zones 7–9, but this one is thriving and blooming in Brigitta’s garden all the same. Who knows if that is just the luck of
Happy Friday, GPODers!
The Best Flowering Vines and Climbers to Grow in Garden & Containers can add vertical interest, frame doorways, or even create privacy screens. And the best part? They’re really easy to take care of.
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I have grown alliums for their stunning architectural form for years, but one is by far my favorite: ‘Ambassador’. Although its bulb is related to garlic, onions, and shallots, this ornamental garden variety is a show-stopper. There are many other allium cultivars out there, ranging in size, color, and form, but ‘Ambassador’ rises to the top of my list for a lot of reasons.
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As the sun begins to shine again and temperatures rise, there's no better place to be than outdoors, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of an Ibiza garden. With its laid-back vibe, natural elements, and bohemian style, the Ibiza garden is a trend that has firmly established itself in modern outdoor spaces. Fancy adding a touch of Ibiza to your garden or terrace? Then follow these simple steps and transform your outdoor space into an oasis of Ibiza ambiance.
Image: Newby Hall Gardens. Credit: Newby Hall Gardens. Wondering what there is to do around Yorkshire this spring and summer? There are plenty of Gardens to Visit in Yorkshire, with lots to see and do — including impressive gardens, glorious stately homes, and much much more! Here are just a few picks that might tickle your fancy this season. Newby Hall Gardens Newby Hall and Gardens is located in Ripon, just a 40–50-minute drive from York and Leeds.Their gardens cover 40 acres and includes a whopping 15 areas of interest — including one of the UK's longest herbaceous borders! Not only that, but they also have a miniature railway, boat trips, an adventure playground and more to explore. Perfect for a family-fun day out, whatever the weather. Sheffield Botanical Gardens Image: The pavilions at Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Credit: Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Opened in 1833 and spanning over 19 acres, are the impressive Sheffield Botanical Gardens. They’re a Grade II site of special historic interest, featuring traditional glass Pavilions and sweeping gardens. There’s lots to see and do, including a Mediterranean Climate Garden, a Rock and Water Garden, and even a traditional Victorian Garden display. A must-visit if you’re near the area! Did you know that Manchester once had a Botanical Gardens? There’s even remains of the epic entrance, which can be seen at the front of the White City Retail Park near Trafford. You can read all about Manchester’s Lost Royal Botanical Gardens here. Harlow Carr (North Yorkshire) RHS gardens are a gem of the UK, and RHS Harlow Carr is no exception. This Harrogate-based Garden has lots to do and see throughout spring and summer – a perfect pick for all the family. Their main borders
I have often thought of myself as “gardening against the odds.” My rural Black Earth, Wisconsin, garden is adjacent to a marsh and pond and is technically in Zone 5a, but the open farmland and subsequent winds around me place it closer to Zone 4b. I’ve lost plants to harsh winters, deer, rabbits, and woodchucks. I’ve had snapping turtles till up my garden beds to make nests and beloved woody plants destroyed by beavers. As if all that weren’t enough, the majority of the shade in the garden is from black walnut trees, which cause lots of problems, like robbing moisture and nutrients from surrounding plants.
Bridgerton is coming to Chelsea this month, as Netflix makes its debut at the flower show, with a garden themed around its popular TV show. First time Chelsea designer Holly Johnston has created a garden based on the personal journey of the show’s main character, Penelope Featherington. The Bridgerton Garden is part of the Sanctuary Gardens area at the show.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are among the most popular herbs for home gardeners to grow. They are easy to plant and care for, and since they are a hardy perennial, they return to the garden year after year. The fragrant and flavorful leaves of the chive plant are delicious to people, but the deer and rabbits leave them alone. To add yet another benefit, chive flowers are a favorite nectar source for many of the pollinators who also help pollinate other edible crops. Learning how to harvest chives for use in the kitchen is key to enjoying this easy-to-grow herb. Let’s take a look at several different ways to harvest chives for both fresh use and for preservation. The best time to harvest chives Before we get to the information on how to harvest chives, it’s important to understand