Tuesday, February 3, 2015

A horticulturist dream

I had to share this link which has pictures of some of the most beautiful greenhouses that have been abandoned. I can' t say there is a favorite because all of them have there own charm and appeal. 


http://www.messynessychic.com/2015/01/15/a-compendium-of-abandoned-greenhouses/

Monday, January 19, 2015

Winter Gardening

January is a great time for gardeners to curl up with a cup of coffee or tea and gather all your gardening magazines, books and a note pad. And start dreaming of spring planting. What do I want in my pots? What new perennials will I add to my beds? Are there any new varieties coming out that catch your eye?

I enjoy the winter season because it is a time to reflect upon the busy previous year and think how I want to tackle the upcoming season. As well as, catch up on some fun new readings. So, I curled up with some tea and dug into the Chicagoland Gardening magazine. And, I discovered the Ball Inc. trial plants, Yippie!!!

 

 
Echinacea Sombrero Adobe Orange, it held it's rich color  for a long time and didn't fade until the end of summer.
 Verbena EnduraScape Dark Purple, this new type is more vigorous, flowering when temperature reach 100 and dip into the teens. Height is 8-12" and spreads to 24"  
 
'Ruby Glow' Foxglove, which is part of  a group called the foxlight which includes 3 colors 'Ruby Glow', 'Plum Gold', and 'Rosy Ivory' and is annual that blooms from April -Sept.