Plant tags are your key to success when choosing and growing plants. If you don’t understand all the things you see on a label, you’re not alone. Unravel the mystery of plant label lingo – and take the guesswork out of selecting and placing plants in your yard. Plant labels may be different, but often they contain similar information. Here are some of the common words you’ll see on plant labels – and what they mean to you. When shopping …
Hardy perennial hibiscus are showstoppers in your late-summer garden. Huge plate-size flowers in shades of pink, red or white burst forth from stout plants in late July/early August. Although the individual flowers only last a day, the succession of flowers can last for up to eight weeks. These amazing blooms have prompted many strangers to knock on my door to inquire about the bush with flowers the size of dinner plates. These Hibiscus flowers are amazing conversation pieces and many …
Cannas add energy and excitement wherever they’re planted. These lush, tropical plants have big glossy leaves and exotic-looking flowers that are loved by hummingbirds. Cannas come on strong in late summer and fall when most annuals and perennials are starting to fade. Their bold foliage and brilliantly colored flower spikes keep gardens looking great right until frost. Cannas can be used to create a living hedge to define an entrance, hide an unwanted view or divide one garden area from …
April 15, 2019 When tax time rolls around , you need to prune your roses. For Hybrid Teas, Florabundas, Grandifloras, and David Austin roses you should prune one half to two thirds of the cane. Rugosas and Climbers should be pruned about one third of the cane. If the rose is 3 or 4 years old, look at the center of the plant and take 2 or 3 canes out. This opens up the rose for better air circulation. You …
To maximize our short growing season here in Michigan, it is best to plant cool weather vegetables in the spring (April) and the late summer (mid-August/September). Our biggest challenge in southwest Michigan is our temperature which moves quickly from very cold to very warm. There are many varieties of vegetables that prefer cool weather. Several of them–carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, produce their best flavor when they mature during the sunny days and cool nights. Prepare your soil; testing to …
Growing Asparagus in Michigan If you love asparagus and want to grow some yourself, waste no time in getting started. Even with the best of care, an asparagus bed won’t hit its stride for several years. But once that happens, the bed will produce an abundant crop of spears spring after spring for at least the next 15 to 20 years. Fresh from the garden, asparagus is the very essence of spring. The sweet, slender spears can be steamed, sautéed, …
Plant Canary Wing Begonias for a stylish and exciting shady container. We are excited to introduce Canary Wing Begonias! Canary Wings offers a unique look on a plant that has become a staple in gardens around the world! Canary Wings has bright foliage that changes from yellow to bright chartreuse throughout the season on a plant that continues to perform all Summer long. A great option for shade/early morning sun baskets. A little bit of morning sun brightens the foliage. …
Helianthus x annuus 1000 ways to get happy! Who doesn’t love a sunny yellow sunflower? Well, how about one with extraordinary summer color with large, vibrant blooms. This heat tolerant, sterile annual produces over 1,000 flowers in a single season, throughout summer until first frost. Sunny yellow petals with a dash of rich red surround the large brown center of each sensational flower. Excellent in borders and containers. It’s super easy to grow and will bounce right back if you …
Salvia longispicata x farinacea Low Maintenance, Super Showy and Beautiful Blue Color ‘Big Blue’ shows off with breathtaking clear blue blooms towering above bright green foliage. A generous host to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Annual. Vigorous, robust, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant; needs no deadheading. Struts its stuff in full sun yet tolerates dappled shade or partial sun. Simple, low maintenance and always a top performer! Perfect for their back-of-border plantings (It’s gonna get big!), sending out blue spires continuously from July to first frost …
Catharanthus roseus ‘Tattoo’ Series Tattoo is without a doubt, the most unique vinca on the market today! Vinca (annual) are well known for their durable flowering, knockout color and exceptional heat tolerance, both in the landscape as well as containers. Tattoo is a bold and head-turning twist on traditional vinca and a series, with high impact bold color, that plant-lovers have been looking for. Tattoo makes the art of plants come to life with every bloom—each petal looks like it’s …
