Many commercially available ornamental grasses have genetic ties to the prairie which means that these plants have very deep root systems and are tolerant of prolonged moist or dry conditions.  The only condition many don’t thrive in is water logged soils.  The following are some great examples of the ultimate tough plant:

Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ – Foerster’s Feather Reed Grass creates stunning vertical effects with feathery stalks that emerge reddish-brown in spring and turn golden in fall.  Blooms two to three weeks earlier than common feather reed grass.  It is a fast growing grass with foliage 18 to 24 inches tall, and the flower stalks to 6 feet, depending on conditions.  It prefers full sun.

Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Overdam’ – Overdam Feather Reed Grass is a fast grower, with arching foliage 18-24 inches tall and flower stalks to 6 feet.  This grass also creates a vertical effect in the garden, especially when planted among low-growing plants.  It is valued for its yellow-margined foliage.  Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.  It also prefers full sun.

MISCANTHUS
Miscanthus can be called the Queen of Ornamental Grasses.  It is the most beautiful of the grasses.  They are a durable, hardy plant that can range from a few feet to over 12 feet tall.  Miscanthus are probably the most wind responsive plants available, swaying gracefully to the most gentle breeze, and providing a soothing sound as the wind passes through their foliage.  Miscanthus is a plant for full sun or light shade-flowering best with four or more hours of direct sunlight each day.  Miscanthus selections may be used as specimens, accent plants, hedges, massed as ground covers, and used to provide a tropical-like screening effect.    The following selections are some of our favorites:

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gold Bar’ – Gold Bar Maiden Grass has dense, dramatic gold striping that accents every leaf of its bright green leaves from crown tip up.  Burgundy plumes provide interesting winter accents.  It is valuable for adding texture to beds and borders.  It has an upright, compact habit with slow growth.  It maintains a height of 4-5 feet and also prefers full sun.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ – Maiden Grass is an attractive clumping ornamental grass with fine-textured silver-green blades that turn golden bronze after first frost.  It is a gorgeous grass that produces very unique curled seed heads.  Grow it where you’ll enjoy the effects of graceful foliage swaying with the breezes of autumn.  Maiden Grass is a moderate grower, reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide.  It is deer resistant.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ – Morning Light Maiden Grass has green blades with highlights of creamy-white margins, creating a shimmering silvery appearance.  Morning Light is a late fall bloomer that is appreciated mainly for its foliage.  Its purplish silvery plumes are narrow and produced slightly above the foliage.  It is a moderate grower also, reaching 4 to 5 feet tall.  It is also deer resistant, and can be grown in full to partial sun.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’ – Variegated Japanese Silver Grass is a gracefully arching grass topped with silvery white plumes.  Dark green blades are highlighted with creamy white stripes.  It is a most gorgeous variegated ornamental grass, and makes a stunning addition to any landscape.  Line it up as background foliage for a bed of dwarf shrubs and perennials.  It is also perfect near water gardens and fountains as a wildlife cover, to disguise mechanical pumps or filters, and to give the illusion of reeds.  It is a moderate , clumping grower to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.  It is also deer resistant.

The color display of ornamental grasses is something to behold.  It begins with the leaves which during late winter display attractive shades of straw and tan.  During April these leaves should be removed to make room for the new year’s growth, which begins in early May.  By mid May the new leaves begin to grow very fast and by early summer they begin to mature.

Most grass leaves are narrow and pointed at their tips, but the similarities end there.  Grass leaves are available in about every shade of green and blue, golden and yellow, bronze, red, silver and green striped, gold and green striped, and gold and green banded.  They often change color or intensify their colors in fall.  Flowers of grasses include shades of tan, pink, purple, russet, yellow, white, and silver.  They are often large, showy, and persistent.  And, like the leaves, they often remain effective throughout the winter months.

Although I have only touched on the feather reed grass and the miscanthus, there are other great selections for the garden.  Next week I will go over those with you.  In the meantime, stop in and see our great selection of ornamental grasses.  We have all the above grasses in stock, and by mentioning this article you can receive 10% off your purchase.

Happy Gardening!!!

Fall Fertilization

Many turf sites are in need of a fertilizer application.  A multitude of stresses this summer have resulted in thinning turf, that if left alone, will fill in with weeds.  Fertilizing in the fall will give the plant some extra energy to develop roots and fill in those voids.  Go ahead and get the application down so the grass can benefit while the growing conditions are still favorable.  All fertilizers used by our lawn program technicians are available for the do-it-yourselfer.  If you need a spreader, we’ll be glad to loan you one.

Fall Broadleaf Weed Control

Fall is also the ideal time to control broadleaf weeds.  The weeds are storing carbohydrates in their root system and are more susceptible to herbicide applications.  So if your turf has been overtaken by broadleaf weeds, applying an herbicide in late September or early October will make a difference in what you battle next year.  Apply the herbicide on a sunny day.  We want the herbicide to dry on the leaf surface and not be washed off.  The recent rains that have covered most of the state should ensure weeds are actively growing and any herbicide applications should be very effective.  The greatest shortcoming of killing broadleaf weeds at this time of year is that you really don’t get to watch them die.  In many cases, you may not see the obliteration of these weeds this fall, but next year they won’t be there or you will have at least reduced their numbers.

Fall Seeding

Now that it’s officially fall, many people may still think of reseeding some damaged areas in their turf.  If you still want to do some seeding you definitely want to get going.  We are probably past the ideal seeding window, but if we have a mild fall, seeding at this time can still be successful.  Consider that seed is relatively inexpensive and if you’re not doing a large area, don’t worry too much.  If it doesn’t survive the winter, you’ve got some practice in and will be ready to go next spring.

Besides garden cleanup and raking the leaves, these are just a few things that can be done this fall.  But with the cooler weather, it makes it more comfortable to outside working.  Enjoy your fall colors and remember……Happy Gardening!!!

-A narrow, columnar tree will provide height and structure but casts little shade.  Upright, narrow conifers are good examples.

-A spreading tree with a light canopy, alternatively, casts dappled shade, changing the environment and enabling a different range of plants to grow.

-Small, compact, weeping trees may be used as specimens or focal points.  They are ideal where limited height and spread are essential.

In a small garden, every plant has to earn its place if the garden is to have year-round interest.  As there may be only one or two trees, they have to work hard.  A tree that has glorious blossom for a week in the spring and is ordinary for the rest of the year is not a good choice-no matter how fond you are of the one-week blossoms.  Instead, choose one that has other features - perhaps interesting bark or good autumn color.

The following are some stunning additions to any garden:

Acer griseum (Paperbark maple) - This slow-growing understory tree has highly ornamental, peeling orange-cinnamon bark.  Its dark green, three-lobed leaves turn a brilliant orange-red in autumn.  It does best in moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade.  It is a slow grower that maintains a height of anywhere from 15-30 ft tall and spreads as wide.

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s walking stick or Corkscrew hazel) - This upright, tree-like shrub has heart-shaped , toothed, mid-green leaves.  Pendant yellow catkins are borne in late winter or early spring.  Strongly twisted, spiraling shoots provide year-round interest.  It is an excellent specimen whose shoots are used in floral arrangements.  Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.  It is ideal for alkaline soils.  It grows 10-15 ft tall and the same in width.  It is an unusual focal point or specimen plant for the garden.

Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-son flower) - The tiered branches of this fast-growing species are covered with white blossoms for about a month in late summer.  The flowers fade to reveal fuchsia calyxes that persist well into autumn.  The pale, peeling bark can be exposed by pruning the lower branches of the interior.  Although the form of the species is variable, either single or multi-stemmed, it can usually be pruned into an elegant vase-shaped specimen, or maintained as a shrub.  It grows well in full sun to part shade and is drought and salt tolerant.  It grows 15-30 ft tall and spreads 10-15 ft wide.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ (Limelight hydrangea patio tree) - This variety of the popular panicle hydrangea boasts very large, lime green blooms in mid-summer that turns pink toward fall.  The blooms make good cut and/or dried flowers, but can be left on for winter interest.  For best flowering, prune back to a few buds shy of major framework in early spring, since flowering occurs on new growth.  Provide full sun or partial shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil.  It grows 6-10 ft tall and 6-8 ft wide.

Parrotia persica (Persian parrotia tree) - Parrotia persica has one of the most beautiful foliage displays, in addition to year-round eye appeal and ease of maintainence.  Reddish-purple when unfolding in spring, the leaves are a lustrous dark green in summer, and yellow to orange or scarlet in fall.  Leaves hold their color for a long period.  Older branches and trunks develop an exfoliating gray, green, white, and brown color that is a welcome asset in the winter garden.  For best autumn color, grow in acidic soil.  It needs deep, fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade.  It is a moderate grower, reaching 15-30 ft tall and 15-30 ft wide.

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese stewartia) - A multi-stemmed, deciduous tree with a rounded columnar form, stewartia features stunning bark that exfoliates in strips of gray, orange, and reddish brown once the trunk attains a diameter of 2 to 3 inches.  Serrated foliage emerges bronzy purple in spring, develops into a dark green by summer, and turns red and orange in the fall.  In midsummer, glamorous white camellia-like flowers open in random succession.  The tree grows somewhat slowly until established, eventually reaching up to 40 ft tall and 20 ft wide.  It’s an excellent specimen tree.  Grow in full sun to part shade.

The above trees are a small example of the many options that gardeners have for a specimen tree for a garden.  Because —- every garden deserves a tree.  Next time, specimen evergreens for the garden.

Happy Gardening!!!

 Rose Mallow (Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’) has huge 6-10″ flowers in August.  ‘Kopper King’ has coppery colored leaves with stunning pink flowers.  Hibiscus prefer moist, well drained soil.  Hardy Hibiscus can reach heights of 3-5′, depending on the variety.  Hibiscus come in red and white blooms also.

Ligularia ‘Little Rocket’ has daisy-like bright yellow flower spikes rocketing above the clump of large, rich green, serrated leaves.  It has a compact habit and heavy flower production.  It prefers partial shade and moist, well drained soil.  Grows 3-4′.

Monarda ‘Jacob Kline’ is considered to be the very best red variety on the market. It explodes with very large bright red flowers.  The leaves and flowers are fragrant, and the plant attracts hummingbirds.  The foliageis a very nice shade of green and is the most mildew resistant.  Plant in full sun with well drained soil.  Will grow 24-36″.  Blooms July through August.

Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium rugosum) forms large, bushy mounds that are attractive from all angles.  ‘Chocolate’ has dark bronze-purple leaves with deep purple stems that provide a sharp contrast to the puffy clouds of clustered, white flowers. As the season progresses, the leaves become dark green.  It is even tolerant of dry shade  One of the best all-time purple perennials.  It’s also deer resistant.  Grows 3-4′.

Aster cordifolius ‘Woods Purple’ blooms from early to late fall.  ‘Woods Purple’ is a rich glowing purple with yellow centers.  It is rabbit resistant, and attracts butterflies.  It prefers full sun.  It is virtually mildew and disease free.  Grows 8-12″.

Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’ is a rosy-pink flower that looks like a turtle’s head with its mouth open.  Chelone is a long-blooming perennial that thrives in moist woodland conditions.  This variety has bronze-green foliage that turns a deeper green than other species.  The upright, red stems provide additional interest throughout the season.  Blooms in late summer to early fall.  Grows 36-40″.

Sedum spectabile ‘Brilliant’ is a popular variety of sedum because it is beautiful, easy to grow, and drought tolerant.  It sports flat clusters of deep rose-pink flowers.  The foliage is a smooth grey-green and it looks great all season long.  Their stout, sturdy stems support the massive flower heads which develop in summer and burst into bloom in fall.  If left standing, they provide winter interest.  Grows to 24″.

These are just a few of the selections for late summer/fall color.  There are lots of choices for shrubs and trees that offer brilliant shades of reds, yellows, and oranges in the late season.  Stop in and walk around, or let one of our nursery specialists take you for a ride in our courtesy cart.  If you have any questions, please call us at 893-0000.

Happy Gardening!!!

Carpinus caroliniana, or Hornbeam, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to cool, moist understory sites.  Another common name is Musclewood, which refers to the muscled appearance of its trunk.  It produces a nice display of yellow to red fall color.  They can reach a mature height of 30-40 ft and grow to 20 ft wide.

Gymnocladus dioicus, or Kentucky coffee tree, is becoming an increasingly popular choice as a landscape tree.  In fact, in some locations demand may outpace supply.  This is an interesting medium-sized tree.  Once established, the coffee tree is considered drought hardy and relatively salt tolerant, making it a common choice to fill the void left by the removal of ash trees.  Yellow fall color adds to its ornamental appeal.  It achieves a height of 50ft with a 35 ft spread, with a nice oval growth habit.

Nyssa sylvatica, or Tupelo, or Blackgum, is a species that is adapted to handle wet sites, and they prefer acidic soil.  the have great red fall color.  The leaves of the blackgum are often the first to turn bright scarlet in autumn.  Because the leaves are thin enough to let light shine through, the tree appears to glow red.  The deeply-checkered bark on mature trees resembles alligator hide.  The strong wood of the blackgum is very resistant to splitting.  Because of its tap root, it can be difficult to move, except while young.  They do best if transplanted in the spring, just before bud break.  May grow 78-80 ft tall.

Quercus macricarpa, or Bur Oak, is the ultimate tough tree for tough places.  It is tolerant of urban conditions.  Bur oak is extremely drought hardy and can handle adverse sites.  It is a long-lived majestic oak tree.  It has an impressive crown with a massive trunk, which makes it a picturesque specimen.  Mature height is 70-80 feet.  Autumn colors are yellow-green, yellow, and yellow-brown.

Quercus bicolor, or Swamp White Oak, is a beautiful native tree with lustrous, heavy textured leaves with wavy margins and a broad open crown.  The name bicolor refers to the two-colored leaf, shining dark green above and velvety white underneath, turning golden yellow in the fall.  It is tolerant of poorly drained sites and frequently is found in heavy mucky soils.  The Swamp White Oak is a rapidly growing tree that flowers in the spring.  The acorns mature and are shed in September or October of the same year.  The sweet acorns are eaten by wildlife.  Grows to 45 ft tall.

Quercus rubra, or Northern Red Oak, is known for its longevity and brilliant fall color.  Often planted as a shade tree, it can take a lot in the form of pollution and salty or compacted soil, but will be happiest with a moderate water supply and good drainage.  The form is rounded and symmetrical, giving the appearance of being manicured without the work.  Look forward to a rich show of color each fall, with leaves turning shades of russet red to fire-engine red.  Mature height is 50-60 feet.

All the above mentioned trees are available for planting.  With a break in the temperatures, it is a perfect time to come out to the nursery and look at the stunning trees, shrubs, and perennials, may of which are in bloom.  The Clethra shrub, or summersweet, is in full bloom with its fragrant flowers.  We still have many perennials in stock to fill those bare areas in your garden.  If you have any questions, please call us at 893-0000.  We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 Happy Gardening!!!

     Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’ - The brilliant red Chokeberry is an upright, spreading shrub that is slow growing to 6-8′.  It has waxy dark green foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet in the fall.  Red fruit persists through the winter.  The fruit attracts birds.  It adapts well to most soils.

     Buddleia davidii (Butterfly bush) - The Butterfly bush is a vigorous deciduous shrub with a spreading habit.  It produces long spikes of red, white, lavender, pink, or dark violet flowers on new growth from July through September.  The shrub attract butterflies and hummingbirds.  It grows 6-8′ and does best in full sun and moist, but well-drained soil.

     Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - A good choice for a shady area is the Summersweet shrub.  It is a densely leafed shrub that is erect in habit and rounded at the top.  Mature size depends on soil conditions, but can range from 4-8′ high and 4-6′ wide, depending on the variety.  The Summersweet has fragrant, white summer flowers and is a good choice for shady and wet areas.  Prefers acidic soil.

     Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (Oakleaf Hydrangea) - The Oakleaf Hydrangea is a deciduous round-shaped shrub grown for its oak-like foliage.  It produces white flowers in summer.  Snow Queen does well in sun or shaded areas where the soil remains moist.  The foliage turns burgundy-red in autumn with cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark in winter.  It grows to 6′.

     Weigela florida ‘Wine & Roses’ - The Wine & Roses Weigela has bark burgundy foliage and funnel-shaped hot pink flowers from May to June.  It is a rounded shrub with a dense spreading habit.  Its growth habit is 4-5′tall.

     All the above shrubs are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in winter.  An underplanting of perennials or ornamental grasses around the shrub would make for a stunning color display.  Our landscape designers have excellent advice any homeowner would appreciate.  Please call us at 893-0000 and one of our staff would be happy to help you make the appropriate selection for your landscape. 

     Happy Gardening!!!