DIG THIS by Peg Tillery (for 12-31-08)
When the weather is wickedly cold and we really don’t want to go outdoors, it’s a great time to pour through some garden catalogues or visit websites to plan out some spring planting.
Nichols Garden Nursery www.nicholsgardennursery.com out of Oregon supplies seeds to many of our local nurseries. The complete catalogue is online or you can order a mailed copy via the website or call 1-800-422-3985. Nichols Garden Nursery is celebrating its 60 year anniversary in 2009. Rosemary Nichols McGee’s “Gardener’s Pantry” blog offers loads of growing tips and recipes too.
Seeds of Change www.seedsofchange.com is celebrating 20 years in 2009. Seeds and plants from this gardening source are organic and the mission of Seeds of Change is to support sustainable agriculture. Visit the website for information on seed saving, sustainable agriculture, recipes, news articles and a host of information and resources for organic gardening. Or call 1-888-762-7333 to order a catalogue.
Ed Hume Seeds www.humeseeds.com (253-435-4414) has not only a catalogue, but also abundant growing information compiled by Ed Hume, one of our Pacific Northwest icons. Hume has been supplying seeds to northwest gardeners since 1977. His seeds are available at many local nurseries, grocery stores and retail outlets. Ed Hume Seeds are known for their ability to grow successfully in our often chilly summers. Ed Hume Seeds is in Puyallup and their children’s garden is open to the public. Call Ed Hume Seeds for details.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds www.rareseeds.com has over 1200 varieties of heirloom seeds and an online catalogue. Baker Creek Farm is in Missouri in the Ozarks. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds was started in 1998 to preserve rare and heirloom seeds for future generations. Some of the varieties won’t do well here in our area, but many will. The site even has a magazine to peruse online or to order a subscription.
Many of us remember the devastating fire in Pt. Townsend that destroyed Abundant Life Seeds and their entire inventory housed there. Since then Abundant Life Seeds has relocated to London, Oregon, home of Territorial Seeds and London Spring Farms. The new website www.abundantlifeseeds.com tells the story of the relocation and offers an online catalogue. All seeds are organic. Call 541-767-9606 to order a catalogue if you do not have Internet access.
Territorial Seeds 800-626-0866 www.territorialseed.com has oodles and oodles of gardening information including gardening tips from the staff and canning information. The site also has mason bee kits and white button mushroom kits along with seeds, seeds and more seeds. Territorial Seeds are available locally at nurseries, garden centers and other retail outlets.
Ronnigers Potato Farm in Colorado is renowned for its seed potatoes and garlic starts suitable for growing here in our climate too. Visit www.ronnigers.com (877-204-8704) to explore the website, read the blog and learn how to grow garlic and potatoes. Ronnigers features organic and heirloom varieties.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Plants – What to do?
Dig This by Peg Tillery
What do we do with those wonderfully colorful holiday plants we just can’t resist? This is the dilemma many of us face each year, especially if we love plants and hate to throw away a plant that is still looking very appealing and healthy.
Poinsettias
These beauties now come in a wide range of colors and shades – yellow, white, pink, magenta, crimson, candy stripes, spotted (red on white and white on red) and just plain red. The colored foliage we see is really leaves and the true flowers are the green and yellow b-b shaped structures you see in the center of all the color.
Water poinsettias each week (keeping soil moist, not soggy) and they’ll continue to reward you with colorful foliage until at least March. Then just consider them an annual and allow yourself to throw them out with the trash or you could even add them to your compost. Do not put them in your worm bin because Poinsettias are a euphorbia and the sap is latex like that would make your worms very ill.
Some gardeners keep their poinsettias growing for many years. In Mexico poinsettias grow into trees. Visit http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm for more info.
Holiday Cacti
Here’s the straight scoop on holiday cacti found in stores during spring, fall and winter. They’re quite easy to grow and very forgiving plants. They’re epiphytic plants native to Brazil growing in trees in the Organ Mountains (22 south latitude). Temperatures are usually a constant 60-70 F and rainfall is 17 inches per month during December through March.
We’ve known them as Schlumbergera and some plant tags might label them Zygocactus, Ephipyllum, Rhipsalidopsis, Cereus or Cactus. Schlumbergera were named after a Belgian horticulturist, Frederick Schlumberger. Europeans call it “Crab cactus.” (Look at the leaves.) In Brazil the plant flowers during April and May. Leaves of Schlumbergera have (joints) with serrated edges. Rhipsalidopsis have narrower more rounded leaves with tiny hairs along the edges. Some Rhipsalidopsis look fern like.
Blooms of all these holiday cacti are bright and colorful in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, yellow and white. The Schlumbergera flowers are longer with blooms strung together festooning the tips of the leaf segments. Rhipsalidopsis blooms are star shaped single flowers, again on the tips of the leaves.
Many recommend cold temperatures, special soil, and periods of dry soil to get these cacti to bloom. Most commonly you’ll read “put the plant in a cold place (garage) for several weeks or months to gain blooms.” Researchers found that letting the cacti dry out actually inhibits bloom. And, in a garage, you could lose the plant to chill or neglect. Remember where the plants grow in nature. Their growing conditions are actually similar to orchids and African violets.
African violet potting soil is a good growing medium as is regular potting soil. Don’t use a cactus mix (it drains too quickly). Holiday cacti like plenty of light but not direct sunlight. If you have success growing African violets place the cacti in the same area and they’ll do fine. These holiday cacti will actually flower two to four times a year. Use a liquid fertilizer (12-15-10 such as Schultz) about once a month. Basically these plants thrive on neglect. Water about every other week in the winter and once a week in the summer. They also enjoy being potbound so no need to pot up very often.
What do we do with those wonderfully colorful holiday plants we just can’t resist? This is the dilemma many of us face each year, especially if we love plants and hate to throw away a plant that is still looking very appealing and healthy.
Poinsettias
These beauties now come in a wide range of colors and shades – yellow, white, pink, magenta, crimson, candy stripes, spotted (red on white and white on red) and just plain red. The colored foliage we see is really leaves and the true flowers are the green and yellow b-b shaped structures you see in the center of all the color.
Water poinsettias each week (keeping soil moist, not soggy) and they’ll continue to reward you with colorful foliage until at least March. Then just consider them an annual and allow yourself to throw them out with the trash or you could even add them to your compost. Do not put them in your worm bin because Poinsettias are a euphorbia and the sap is latex like that would make your worms very ill.
Some gardeners keep their poinsettias growing for many years. In Mexico poinsettias grow into trees. Visit http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm for more info.
Holiday Cacti
Here’s the straight scoop on holiday cacti found in stores during spring, fall and winter. They’re quite easy to grow and very forgiving plants. They’re epiphytic plants native to Brazil growing in trees in the Organ Mountains (22 south latitude). Temperatures are usually a constant 60-70 F and rainfall is 17 inches per month during December through March.
We’ve known them as Schlumbergera and some plant tags might label them Zygocactus, Ephipyllum, Rhipsalidopsis, Cereus or Cactus. Schlumbergera were named after a Belgian horticulturist, Frederick Schlumberger. Europeans call it “Crab cactus.” (Look at the leaves.) In Brazil the plant flowers during April and May. Leaves of Schlumbergera have (joints) with serrated edges. Rhipsalidopsis have narrower more rounded leaves with tiny hairs along the edges. Some Rhipsalidopsis look fern like.
Blooms of all these holiday cacti are bright and colorful in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, yellow and white. The Schlumbergera flowers are longer with blooms strung together festooning the tips of the leaf segments. Rhipsalidopsis blooms are star shaped single flowers, again on the tips of the leaves.
Many recommend cold temperatures, special soil, and periods of dry soil to get these cacti to bloom. Most commonly you’ll read “put the plant in a cold place (garage) for several weeks or months to gain blooms.” Researchers found that letting the cacti dry out actually inhibits bloom. And, in a garage, you could lose the plant to chill or neglect. Remember where the plants grow in nature. Their growing conditions are actually similar to orchids and African violets.
African violet potting soil is a good growing medium as is regular potting soil. Don’t use a cactus mix (it drains too quickly). Holiday cacti like plenty of light but not direct sunlight. If you have success growing African violets place the cacti in the same area and they’ll do fine. These holiday cacti will actually flower two to four times a year. Use a liquid fertilizer (12-15-10 such as Schultz) about once a month. Basically these plants thrive on neglect. Water about every other week in the winter and once a week in the summer. They also enjoy being potbound so no need to pot up very often.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Books for Gardeners
Dig This by Peg Tillery (for 12-17-08)
On a recent visit to Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo I found several books to drool over and covet. I thought, since it's so chilly out lately, you may want to head out to Liberty Bay Books or your own favorite bookstore to check out these offerings. Some are pricey but others you might just want to buy now and take home to savor for hours and hours.
"Ornamental Foliage Plants" by Denise Greig has 2500 plants featured within its gorgeously illustrated pages. Some of the plants will not grow here in our climate, but their structure and texture will give you lots of ideas for your own gardens. It's published by Firefly Books ISBN 1554070171 at $45 retail.
Alexander Marshall was a renowned horticulturist and entomologist who lived from 1620-1682. A reprint of his art in a compact hardback "Mrs. Marshall's Flower Book" is filled to the brim with charmingly appealing color prints of 140 plants. Marshall was a self-taught artist who created these masterpieces over a 30 year period of time. Published by Penguin ISBN 9780670020386 retailing for $26.95 this book is worth every penny. I covet it entirely.
"Trees for All Seasons" subtitled "broadleaved evergreens for temperate climates" features what it calls "over 300 outstanding trees for color, texture, and year-round foliage." The titles and subtitles do not disappoint. This book is filled to the brim with ideas of foliage and textural plantings for any garden. Since it's for all temperate climates, keep in mind that quite a few of the trees (i.e. palm and fern trees) will not even begin to survive here in our climate. But the book is quite extensive in its information and the photos are most excellent. The author is Sean Hogan ISBN 9780881926743 retailing for $39.95.
Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a renowned publisher of horticulture books. If a book is printed by DK you can be assured it is a well-researched and well illustrated book. John Seymour's "The New Self Sufficient Gardener" is a complete guide to planning, growing, storing and preserving your own garden produce. Retailing at $19.95 ISBN 9780756628987, this is a great book for beginning and seasoned gardeners. The colorful prints of vegetables followed by plenty of complete and helpful tips and information are truly useful and user-friendly.
"The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants" by Susan Gregg, ISBN 1592333648 $21.99 Fairwinds Press, features more than 300 herbs and flowers. Gregg entertains, informs and enlightens readers on the beliefs and uses for varied and various types of herbs and flowers. Here's a sample: "If you're having trouble finding forgiveness especially during family arguments, place Chrysanthemum flower heads in your bath to release your anger."
Last but not least on today's reading list is "Clematis for Small Spaces" by Raymond Evison. The subtitle promises to tell readers about "150 high performance plants for patios, decks, balconies and borders." This book ISBN 9780881928518 by Timber Press retails for $34.95 and is worth every single penny. Evison even tells gardeners how to grow clematis as houseplants. Now that's an idea!
On a recent visit to Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo I found several books to drool over and covet. I thought, since it's so chilly out lately, you may want to head out to Liberty Bay Books or your own favorite bookstore to check out these offerings. Some are pricey but others you might just want to buy now and take home to savor for hours and hours.
"Ornamental Foliage Plants" by Denise Greig has 2500 plants featured within its gorgeously illustrated pages. Some of the plants will not grow here in our climate, but their structure and texture will give you lots of ideas for your own gardens. It's published by Firefly Books ISBN 1554070171 at $45 retail.
Alexander Marshall was a renowned horticulturist and entomologist who lived from 1620-1682. A reprint of his art in a compact hardback "Mrs. Marshall's Flower Book" is filled to the brim with charmingly appealing color prints of 140 plants. Marshall was a self-taught artist who created these masterpieces over a 30 year period of time. Published by Penguin ISBN 9780670020386 retailing for $26.95 this book is worth every penny. I covet it entirely.
"Trees for All Seasons" subtitled "broadleaved evergreens for temperate climates" features what it calls "over 300 outstanding trees for color, texture, and year-round foliage." The titles and subtitles do not disappoint. This book is filled to the brim with ideas of foliage and textural plantings for any garden. Since it's for all temperate climates, keep in mind that quite a few of the trees (i.e. palm and fern trees) will not even begin to survive here in our climate. But the book is quite extensive in its information and the photos are most excellent. The author is Sean Hogan ISBN 9780881926743 retailing for $39.95.
Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a renowned publisher of horticulture books. If a book is printed by DK you can be assured it is a well-researched and well illustrated book. John Seymour's "The New Self Sufficient Gardener" is a complete guide to planning, growing, storing and preserving your own garden produce. Retailing at $19.95 ISBN 9780756628987, this is a great book for beginning and seasoned gardeners. The colorful prints of vegetables followed by plenty of complete and helpful tips and information are truly useful and user-friendly.
"The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants" by Susan Gregg, ISBN 1592333648 $21.99 Fairwinds Press, features more than 300 herbs and flowers. Gregg entertains, informs and enlightens readers on the beliefs and uses for varied and various types of herbs and flowers. Here's a sample: "If you're having trouble finding forgiveness especially during family arguments, place Chrysanthemum flower heads in your bath to release your anger."
Last but not least on today's reading list is "Clematis for Small Spaces" by Raymond Evison. The subtitle promises to tell readers about "150 high performance plants for patios, decks, balconies and borders." This book ISBN 9780881928518 by Timber Press retails for $34.95 and is worth every single penny. Evison even tells gardeners how to grow clematis as houseplants. Now that's an idea!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Holiday Giving for Gardeners
DIG THIS for 12-03-08 by Peg Tillery
It's already December. How did that happen? Holidays and celebrations are fast approaching. If you're searching for just the right green, economical or resource conserving gift for a gardener, here are a few ideas.
Why not take time to write a check (whether it be tiny or large) to a local foodbank. People in Kitsap who have never had to ask for assistance in their lives, are now hungry because of worldwide (and local) events that have possibly touched every one of us. It's amazing what our local foodbanks can provide for the hungry with donations of just $5, $10 or $15. A donation in your loved one's name will be a gift that gives back multiple times.
Kitsap County has many parks and preserves, all would welcome a donation of any amount. They are often the first hit with reductions of funding and resources in tough times. Just a few of these are: Stillwaters Environmental Learning Center (Kingston); Bloedel Reserve (Bainbridge Island); IslandWood (Bainbridge Island); Kitsap County Parks and Recreation; Poulsbo Parks and Recreation (Fish Park & Centennial Park); City of Bremerton Parks; City of Port Orchard Parks; City of Bainbridge Island Parks. The parks in the county and cities are often maintained by grants and donations. Donations from the public count as matching funds for these grants. It is actually amazing what these parks departments manage to provide to the public for free. In tough economic times every penny they receive in donations counts and helps.
How about the gift of your time given to a beloved gardener friend or family member? It doesn't cost anything to help someone weed, plant or construct items for a garden. Maybe you even have a much coveted plant in your garden. Your friend or family member lusts after the plant, and it turns out the plant is able to be divided and shared? Dig, divide, pot it up and decorate the container with a lovely ribbon and gift it to him/her.
Think recycling too. Haunt local thrift stores for decorative containers. Add a bag of bulbs, a bag of homemade compost or potting soil, some seed packets or any combination of low cost gardening accoutrements. Remember to check out the hardware and tools often found at thrift stores. These are often a treasure trove of items any gardener would welcome.
Avoid the crowds and stay at home creating one-of-a-kind items for your favorite gardener. If you sew, make a gardening apron or hat. Paint? How about a small art print of a plant, flower or vegetable? Compose a gardening poem; hand written on a lovely piece of paper and framed. Your writing isn't too sharp? It's amazing what computers and a little ingenuity can create for a gardening gift. Let your imagination run free. Even photographs of plants or gardening times shared would make a lovely framed gift.
If you do have some discretionary funds this holiday season and the previous ideas don't strike your fancy, visit our many locally owned nurseries and bookstores and pick up a gift certificate. Gardeners love to receive gift certificates and you'll be helping sustain local businesses.
It's already December. How did that happen? Holidays and celebrations are fast approaching. If you're searching for just the right green, economical or resource conserving gift for a gardener, here are a few ideas.
Why not take time to write a check (whether it be tiny or large) to a local foodbank. People in Kitsap who have never had to ask for assistance in their lives, are now hungry because of worldwide (and local) events that have possibly touched every one of us. It's amazing what our local foodbanks can provide for the hungry with donations of just $5, $10 or $15. A donation in your loved one's name will be a gift that gives back multiple times.
Kitsap County has many parks and preserves, all would welcome a donation of any amount. They are often the first hit with reductions of funding and resources in tough times. Just a few of these are: Stillwaters Environmental Learning Center (Kingston); Bloedel Reserve (Bainbridge Island); IslandWood (Bainbridge Island); Kitsap County Parks and Recreation; Poulsbo Parks and Recreation (Fish Park & Centennial Park); City of Bremerton Parks; City of Port Orchard Parks; City of Bainbridge Island Parks. The parks in the county and cities are often maintained by grants and donations. Donations from the public count as matching funds for these grants. It is actually amazing what these parks departments manage to provide to the public for free. In tough economic times every penny they receive in donations counts and helps.
How about the gift of your time given to a beloved gardener friend or family member? It doesn't cost anything to help someone weed, plant or construct items for a garden. Maybe you even have a much coveted plant in your garden. Your friend or family member lusts after the plant, and it turns out the plant is able to be divided and shared? Dig, divide, pot it up and decorate the container with a lovely ribbon and gift it to him/her.
Think recycling too. Haunt local thrift stores for decorative containers. Add a bag of bulbs, a bag of homemade compost or potting soil, some seed packets or any combination of low cost gardening accoutrements. Remember to check out the hardware and tools often found at thrift stores. These are often a treasure trove of items any gardener would welcome.
Avoid the crowds and stay at home creating one-of-a-kind items for your favorite gardener. If you sew, make a gardening apron or hat. Paint? How about a small art print of a plant, flower or vegetable? Compose a gardening poem; hand written on a lovely piece of paper and framed. Your writing isn't too sharp? It's amazing what computers and a little ingenuity can create for a gardening gift. Let your imagination run free. Even photographs of plants or gardening times shared would make a lovely framed gift.
If you do have some discretionary funds this holiday season and the previous ideas don't strike your fancy, visit our many locally owned nurseries and bookstores and pick up a gift certificate. Gardeners love to receive gift certificates and you'll be helping sustain local businesses.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Miniature and Dwarf Conifers
DIG THIS By Peg Tillery (for 11-26-08)
This is the time of year when we still hanker for a tiny bit of winter gardening outside. We often don't want to stay out too long, but we want to get a plant of some sort into the ground or into a container. Here are a few tiny delights to pop into a container, window box or into just the perfect small scale garden space.
Dwarf conifers fit small spaces ideally and require a minimum of care unless they're in a container. All container plants need regular watering. Plant them grouped into one single container or try grouping about three to seven small containers singly planted with one mini-conifer. Remember to tuck these green treats into little spaces alongside paths to catch your eye as you pass by.
You'll find these temptations at most of our local nurseries. For ideas ahead of time visit www.stanleynursery.com to peruse the website listing several hundred plants to select from. Not all of these varieties are available here in Kitsap County, but you'll get some good ideas by navigating the site to see photos of the conifers and evergreens along with descriptions of their ultimate small size. Our local nursery staffs have selected the varieties that will grow most easily here in Kitsap County. While you're at the nurseries many are already ordering in lots of plants for spring shopping. It’s not too early to ask the buyers to order in a few of your favorites. Better yet, ask the staff what’s their favorite plant to have for winter and spring.
Staff will gladly help you put together container gardens festooned with delightful plants. If you only want to purchase one minute conifer try Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Cream Tart’ a variegated beauty. It’s dark green with creamy tipping scattered throughout the minute needles.
Here's a list of a few of my favorites of the moment: Cotoneaster cooperi (an evergreen cotoneaster), Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Verkades Golden’ (striking foliage), Ilex crenata ‘Dwarf Pagoda’ (the teeniest holly relative); and Rhododendron azalea ‘Chinsei’ (the name means tranquility, blossoms will be purple with dark spots). I visited the Stanley Nursery website and found other temptations you may enjoy: Chamaecypris lawsonia ‘Elwoods Nymph’ which grows only two inches tall in its entire lifetime; Cotoneaster horizontalis ‘Cheney’ (named for our Cheney, Washington) a dwarf variegated variety which will grow only one foot by three feet in ten years; Cotoneaster microphyllus ‘Thymifolius’ with dark green leaves curling down at the edges; Hebe cupressoides ‘Boughton’s Dome’ which will only reach 8 inches by 12 inches after 10 years. The final supreme temptation is Ginkgo biloba ‘Green Pagoda’ reaching only 2 feet by sixteen inches after ten years. It has a conical habit and is grown from cuttings. This one is often scarce. If you see it, get it.
The dwarf conifer varieties now available at many of our local nurseries grow slowly over ten to thirty years and are good for small gardens, Bonsai, limited garden space and can live happily in containers for many years.
This is the time of year when we still hanker for a tiny bit of winter gardening outside. We often don't want to stay out too long, but we want to get a plant of some sort into the ground or into a container. Here are a few tiny delights to pop into a container, window box or into just the perfect small scale garden space.
Dwarf conifers fit small spaces ideally and require a minimum of care unless they're in a container. All container plants need regular watering. Plant them grouped into one single container or try grouping about three to seven small containers singly planted with one mini-conifer. Remember to tuck these green treats into little spaces alongside paths to catch your eye as you pass by.
You'll find these temptations at most of our local nurseries. For ideas ahead of time visit www.stanleynursery.com to peruse the website listing several hundred plants to select from. Not all of these varieties are available here in Kitsap County, but you'll get some good ideas by navigating the site to see photos of the conifers and evergreens along with descriptions of their ultimate small size. Our local nursery staffs have selected the varieties that will grow most easily here in Kitsap County. While you're at the nurseries many are already ordering in lots of plants for spring shopping. It’s not too early to ask the buyers to order in a few of your favorites. Better yet, ask the staff what’s their favorite plant to have for winter and spring.
Staff will gladly help you put together container gardens festooned with delightful plants. If you only want to purchase one minute conifer try Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Cream Tart’ a variegated beauty. It’s dark green with creamy tipping scattered throughout the minute needles.
Here's a list of a few of my favorites of the moment: Cotoneaster cooperi (an evergreen cotoneaster), Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Verkades Golden’ (striking foliage), Ilex crenata ‘Dwarf Pagoda’ (the teeniest holly relative); and Rhododendron azalea ‘Chinsei’ (the name means tranquility, blossoms will be purple with dark spots). I visited the Stanley Nursery website and found other temptations you may enjoy: Chamaecypris lawsonia ‘Elwoods Nymph’ which grows only two inches tall in its entire lifetime; Cotoneaster horizontalis ‘Cheney’ (named for our Cheney, Washington) a dwarf variegated variety which will grow only one foot by three feet in ten years; Cotoneaster microphyllus ‘Thymifolius’ with dark green leaves curling down at the edges; Hebe cupressoides ‘Boughton’s Dome’ which will only reach 8 inches by 12 inches after 10 years. The final supreme temptation is Ginkgo biloba ‘Green Pagoda’ reaching only 2 feet by sixteen inches after ten years. It has a conical habit and is grown from cuttings. This one is often scarce. If you see it, get it.
The dwarf conifer varieties now available at many of our local nurseries grow slowly over ten to thirty years and are good for small gardens, Bonsai, limited garden space and can live happily in containers for many years.
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