2013 Perennial Plant of the Year

 

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ or Variegated Solomon’s Seal has been named the 2013 Perennial Plant of the year by the Perennial Plant Association.

This shade-loving ground cover was picked for it’s hardiness in a wide planting zone range (Zones 4 to 8) .  Growing 18 to 24-inches tall and wide, the plant spreads by underground rhizomes to form “colonies” or mass plantings.  Solomon’s Seal is an excellent choice for the shady to partly sunny woodland garden as its variegated foliage can be used to lighten up a dark or shady spot in the garden.  The plant is known better for its arching evergreen leaves that are lush and variegated than for its hanging white flowers that bloom in Spring. 

 

Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is an excellent companion plant for Variegated Solomon’s Seal!  And you all know that I am a HUGE fan of planting bulbs in with groundcovers.  I do it all the time in my practice - it gives more seasonal interest to a mass of groundcover.

 

You’ll want to plant Solomon’s Seal in a shady spot that is moist but well-drained.  Variegated Solomon’s Seal is an excellent low-growing ground cover that will colonize but not spread all over the garden.

 

 

Each year, Perennial Plant Award winners are chosen by the members of the Perennial Plant Association for the plant's beauty, durability, suitability to a wide range of climate types, low maintenance, multiple seasonal interest, and easy growing nature.

Weekly Garden Fix

 

It’s cold and rainy in South eastern North Carolina today.  So let’s pretend we are here …

 

Source

 

I love the modern lounge chairs in the foreground and the way they contrast with the cottage style brick architecture.  The formal paths in the midground combine with the regular cadence set by the round forms of the large shrubs direct your eye to the gate by the large tree.  The flat surfaces of the deck, the chairs, the pool and lawn are very peaceful and restful.  This is where I’d like to be on a cold, rainy day like today. 

Turn Gardening Upside Down with Sky Planters

Sky planters are all the rage these days. 



These hanging pots from Boskke have literally turned gardening upside down.  I like the idea of growing herbs in the kitchen where they can be easily accessed for cooking!

The planters are made from ceramic pottery or recycled plastic and can be used indoors or outdoors. 



Each pot contains a locking disk that holds the soil and plant roots in place.  They also have a unique reservoir system that conserves water (by up to 80%) and a personal timer that gradually hydrates the plants’ roots.  How about this one for a nice centerpiece?



What will they think of next?  Shop for Sky planters Here.

Garden Love

 

A wonderful composition of right angles and rectangles.

 

Arterra Landscape Architects

 

Why does this work for me?  Because it is harmonious and well balanced.  Can you see the similar form, line, color and texture?   When these elements are in agreement, we have unity. 

The composition is nicely balanced.  The tall copper planter and tree balance and anchor the horizontal heaviness of the concrete planter perfectly.   I love how the copper fountain serves to bring your eye down the backdrop wall to the top of the planter and continuing down the runnel that bisects and than protrudes beyond the concrete planter.  Your eye then catches the falling water down to the pool level that is beneath the ground plane.  It is all very soothing.  Notice how all of the plants have similar color and form.  They serve to soften the hard lines of the hardscape elements and bring your eye down as well.

What a wonderful spot to hang out next to on a warm summer’s day.  The sound of the water would drown out any unpleasant sounds from the surrounding area.  Just being near the water would provide a cooling and tranquil effect.  A true garden oasis.

Want a stunning groundcover? It’s a Breeze!

Lomandra longifolia, otherwise known as Breeze grass is quickly becoming my new favorite plant!

 Lomandra longifolia ‘Lime Wave’

This plant is tough and looks beautiful all year long due to its fine texture and evergreen habit.  It blooms small flowers in Spring.

This little beauty hails from down under, Australia, and is an extremely versatile plant, growing in both sandy and wet soil conditions!  Once established, it tolerates drought beautifully! 

Growing best in full sun to part shade, Breeze grass offers a great alternative to shrubs and ground covers.  It has a medium growth rate and grows 2 to 3-feet tall x 2-feet wide.   Breeze grass grows in US hardiness zones 7 through  11 and once established, requires very little care!  Sorry yankees – this plant likes it in the warmer plant zones. 

You know a plant is tough when it  can hold up in seriously hot, windy and dry conditions such as a traffic island!

Not only will it look good en masse, but I also envision it as beautiful solitary specimans, in pots, or as excellent border plants.  Deer tolerant, Breeze grass is an extremely low maintenance plant.  Who could ask for anything more? 

 

This is definitely a plant US Southern gardeners will be seeing a lot more of!  Enjoy! 

It’s my new favorite!  What’s yours?

Grow Your Own Lunch

 

Instead of choosing this …

 

 

Why not choose this …

 

My Hanging Baskets

 

How terrific is this?  You see, you don’t need a lot of space to grow edibles.  Only a little imagination.