Spring at the Nursery, Part 3

OK, now that "spring" is over, i.e. 80-hour work-weeks, blogging can return to a more regular schedule. While relatively crazy, I always appreciate the lessons learned from the industry's peak-season, and especially the new-plant experiences.

Case in point, is the re-discovery for me personally, of the genus Geum, one that had faded to near obscurity in recent years. New (and improved) introductions however, have turned the tide. Particularly impressive is the sterile selection called Totally Tangerine ('Tim's Tangerine'), pictured below, with very pleasant, re-blooming light orange flowers.
Another one I like is a Piet Oudolf selection called 'Flames of Passion' with slightly nodding flowers (on dark stems) of a very pleasant red-pink colour.
Here's a few other "miscellaneous" shots from the nursery this spring.

Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Mist':
A new plant we are trying, Dianthus 'Fusion' from Walters Gardens' (Michigan) Kevin Hurd, with very nice bi-colour flowers:
Here's a close-up of the new Geranium 'Sandrine', the new and improved version from France, of the older and somewhat un-vigorous 'Ann Folkard'. The flowers are nearly twice the size.
This is an unidentified (I hate that), single white Peony:
I've long been a fan of the New Zealand 'New Millennium' series of Delphinium, but the 'Guardian' series is also superb:
Finally, a few shots from my "private stock", i.e. various new plants that we are trying this spring, including some plants from this spring that I simply must have. ;)
Heucherella 'Sweet Tea' has been amazing:
While slower, Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' has also been impressive:

Here's to dirt under your nails.

Mark, the coolplantsguy

New Plants for 2010, Part 4

Are there too many Heuchera varieties? I would say, yes. Are they otherwise, great, colourful and so very cool plants? Again, the answer is yes.



I don't think there is another perennial that provides such a long season of interest, combination of foliage and flower, and the tapestry of colour. Dan Heims of Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon was one of the first to realize this, and capitalize on the potential of this North American genus. Ever since the introduction of his classic 'Plum Pudding', the gardening world has been enamoured by his "babies". Here's a few of the latest...

First is Heuchera 'Electra', with brilliant, blood-red veins on golden-yellow leaves. This vigorous variety delivers what 'Tiramisu' promised.



Second, is Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' with brilliant yellow leaves boldly splashed with dark red. Picture this in the garden beside a dark-leaved companion or in a fantastic container.
























Finally, is Heucherella 'Sweet Tea', the most boldly-coloured variety ever! Huge cinnamon stars are surrounded by the lovliest orange tea-coloured borders. What a cool plant -- again, try in the garden or containers with darker or lighter-coloured companions.



In the meantime, there's lots of snow in Niagara, and I'm loving it.

Here's to dirt under your nails... in another 10 weeks or so. ;)

MPD, the coolplantsguy