Piet Oudolf's Favourite Perennials

Another one of my favourite stops while visiting the Netherlands, was the garden and nursery of Piet Oudolf. He had this unforgettable, high and multi-layered hedge at the front of his property behind which was his main garden. In the picture below, he is moving a clump of Monarda (Bee Balm).























He has since become a renowned garden designer with many projects, both public and private, in Europe and North America. You can see some of his very cool work and photography on Flickr and on his website.

Virginia Small recently listed his favourite perennials here. It is tellingly divided into three groups: plants the provide structure, produce attractive seed heads, and maintain a distinct winter shape. Ultimately, the goal is to provide an abundance of multi-season interest.

I find a few things however, interesting to note in this list. Firstly, most are relatively tall plants -- you will not find any "cute" Campanula carpatica or Dianthus here. Second, there is mix of both native and non-native species. And finally, the list appears to be missing the most popular genera, specifically Geranium, Heuchera and Hosta. I would certainly love to share a pint with this great artist to discuss this last point!

Well, here's to dirt under your nails -- I hear spring has sprung in certain parts of the continent.

Mark, the coolplantsguy

Spring!

Well, spring is finally here -- below are a few pics I took at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens this past weekend...














































Here's a good plant of Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk' showing good, red stems -- the Bearsfoot Hellebore is a unique plant to say the least.























Here's Helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose in all its glory.























































































There's something "delicious" about Muscari, the Grape Hyacinth, outstanding here in a large stone planter.














































Finally, Sedum 'Angelina', which is an absolute winner for "new introductions" in recent years.























Here's to dirt under your nails.

MPD

Plant Snobbery

I had the wonderful opportunity last week to see a presentation by Dr. Allan Armitage (Canadian; currently at University of Georgia).

Speaking at a local garden centre, his main point was to "have fun" while gardening. He reviewed several plants, telling us of their attributes, and a little bit about where they came from. He minimized the fact of whether a plant was a perennial, tender perennial, annual or tropical indoor plant -- if you like it in your garden, that's all that matters.

One suggestion he had re botanical names was to "Get the syllables in the right order, then fire away." In his book on perennials, he adds, "Don't worry about sounding silly; it is only the garden snob who continually tries to correct you. And who needs snobs in a garden?"

Good advice, I'd say.

Here's to dirt under your nails.

MPD

Cool Plant Combos II

Here's a few more suggested perennial plant combos...

First, an interesting combination of Iris sibirica 'Butter and Sugar', Tradescantia 'Concord Grape', and a Rose.










Second, good ol' Veronica spicata 'Red Fox', with the newer Coreopsis 'Autumn Blush'. I have generally found the latter not to be hardy here in zone 6, and so have been somewhat disappointed, but I am however, looking forward to trying the newer varieties as they become available. You can see some here.












Finally, here's one that I've loved for several years now, Campanula 'Kent Belle' with Aruncus aethusifolius. Similar combinations could be made with variations of the above and/or Campanula 'Sarastro' (generally better than 'Kent Belle'), Aruncus dioicus, Aruncus 'Horatio', or Aruncus 'Misty Lace'.












Here's to dirt under your nails.

MPD

Spring

Spring has finally sprung ... enjoy.





















A cool red Helleborus (Hellebore) with interesting lighting.



















Iberis (Candytuft), Aubrieta, and Phlox in a wonderful combination.



















A Primula veris and Myosotis (Forget-me-Not)



















A Primula and Myosotis (Forget-me-Not)













A Primula and Viola