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Let the annuals begin!

Posted on April 28, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

With the last frost behind us, it’s time to think about our summer gardens, particularly the planting of the annuals.

Long lasting, lingering lovelies, provide a base as perennial bloom-times run their course.

Planted after the threat of the last frost, annuals, those plants that germinate, flower, and die in one year, give you a swath of consistent color.

Beds of impatiens, begonias, and petunias can give continuous color in reds, whites, and pinks. Add zinnias every two weeks for a continuous nectar source for butterflies, or you can put in patriotic plantings of red, white, and blue by pairing Alyssum, Geraniums, and Lobelias. Potted up in containers or planted in beds, these will give you a summer of blooming pleasure.

For constant, continuous color and nectar, annuals are the annual choice.

By: Helen Yoest

The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at Tarheel Gardening - your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.

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The Iris, the larkspur and the peony

Posted on April 21, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

The Iris, the larkspur, and the peony. It kind of sounds like a mystery series, doesn’t it? And in many ways it is, but it doesn’t need to be. It is possible to plan your garden to get three wonderful spring bloomers performing at the same time.

North Carolina is fortunate to have many triples of perfect blooms. The azaleas, the dogwoods, and the redbuds in March and April and the Iris, larkspur, and peony in April and May.

Careful selection is required but very doable. The exact cultivars of the Iris and Peony in this photo is not known, so if you want to replicate the look, it’s be best to build a bed by visiting the garden center during May.

In fact, as you have read here before, I often go to the garden centers, each month, to see what’s bloom. While at the garden center, take a moment to pull plants, with the same cultural requirements (same sun and watering requirements), from the shelves to design the perfect pairing for your beds, on the spot.

By visiting the garden centers in May, you will learn what varieties of Iris and peony bloom when so they can be paired with the larkspur blooming in the timeframe of May to June.

While it’s fun to have single blooms in succession, it is also rewarding to have groups of flowers blooming in succession.

In your sunny location, start with azaleas, dogwoods and azaleas, then move on to Iris, larkspur, and peony. Come summer, the selection range widens even more. Unleash your imagination, and create your perfect spring pairings.

By: Helen Yoest
The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at Tarheel Gardening - your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.

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Posted in Design Ideas | Tagged gardening, gardens www.tarheelgardening.com, iris, larkspur, North Carolina, peony | 1 Comment

Cercis season – Redbuds

Posted on April 14, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

Cercis canadensis subsp. texensis 'Traveller'

We are in redbud season. I have a weakness for redbuds. Although I like them on their own, I am particularly enamored when the ultimate southern trifecta occurs – when the redbuds, dogwoods, and azaleas bloom at the same time.

Raleigh is fortunate to have the National redbud collection for the North American Plant Collectors Consortium at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

The JC Raulston Arboretum’s collection is one of the most comprehensive in North America, growing 53 taxa.

According to the JCRA, “Redbuds occur throughout the northern hemisphere in the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico, Asia, southern Europe, and parts of the Middle East. This collection contains species from all of these regions with a special emphasis on our native eastern redbud (C. canadensis). Wherever they are found, redbuds are cherished for their spring pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white and their distinctive heart-shaped, deciduous leaves.”

I have a fondness for weeping plants, in general, and even more so with weeping redbuds. Cercis canadensis ‘Traveller’, in photo, is a particular favorite of mine.

Not only is the collection at the JCRA vast, but research for new cultivars are continually being tested and introduced. As Ted Bilderback, director, notes, “We’re developing different flower colors, leaf colors and forms. We have one coming out,” – ‘Kay’s Early Hope,’ that blooms 10 days earlier than typical redbuds and stays in flower throughout most of spring.”

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In nature, redbuds are understory trees, performing best in a partly sunny site; they will, however, grow in full sun.

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Posted in Trees | Tagged Cercis, gardening, JC Raulston Arboretum, JCRA, NC, North Carolina, Redbuds | Leave a comment

Cornus Kousa, Kousa Dogwood – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Posted on April 7, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

The 2011 Showstopper Plants have been selected by The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association and North Carolina and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Each year, North Carolina nurserymen nominate Showstopper Plants and five are selected by North Carolina Cooperative Extension horticulture experts.

These featured plants are promising new cultivars, able thrive in North Carolina gardens.

Name: Cornus kousa, Kousa Dogwood

Zones: 5 – 8 Size: 20 tall by 20 wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well drained, moist conditions

Whether gracing your entrance, lining your border, or used as a focal point, adding the Kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa, will add glamour and value to your landscape.

The Kousa dogwood is a small statued tree with four seasons of interest. This Chinese dogwood blooms in May, nearly a month after our native dogwood, and has long lasting, showy flowers, often blooming into June.

Green, globular, edible fruits turn pink during the summer, then slowly turning a red in September. When ripe, the fruit is readily eaten by birds. In the winter, this vase shaped tree’s beautiful bark becomes mottled adding interest to the landscape.

The Cornus kousa is an ideal alternative, or addition, to the native dogwood, Cornus florida. With no disease or pest problems, and tolerant of alkaline soil, The Kousa dogwood makes an outstanding specimen to residential landscapes.

Do you grow Cornus Kousa in your North Carolina garden? Photo credit, courtesy of the JC Raulstons Arboretum

2011 Showstopper Plant winners:

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’

By: Helen YoestThe TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at Tarheel Gardening – your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts. Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association

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Posted in Trees | Tagged 2011 Showstopper Plants, gardening, Kousa Dogwood, North Carolina, North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association | 2 Comments

‘Venus’ Sweetshrub – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Posted on March 24, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

The 2011 Showstopper Plants have been selected by the The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association and North Carolina and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Each year, North Carolina nurserymen nominate Showstopper Plants and five are selected by North Carolina Cooperative Extension horticulture experts.

These featured plants, are promising new cultivars, able thrive in North Carolina gardens.

Name: Calycanthus ‘Venus’, Sweetshrub

Zones: 6 – 8

Size: 6 to 10 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Sun to partial shade

Looking for a sweet-smelling summer showstopper? Get a whiff of Calycanthus ‘Venus’, also know as Sweetshrub.

A deciduous shrub reaching 8-10 feet tall and wide, Calycanthus ‘Venus’, Sweetshrub, has fragrant, white flowers blooming from late spring through July. Although Calycanthus ‘Venus’, is not completely deer resistant, it’s also not the deer’s first choice, either.

Growin in full sun to partial shade, Calycanthus ‘Venus’ can become a focal specimen plant or used en masse to border your properties edge.

Developed by Dr. Tom Ranney, at NC State University, Calycanthus ‘Venus’ is now available for Carolina gardeners to enjoy.

Do you grow Calycanthus ‘Venus’, Sweetshrub in your garden?

2011 Showstopper Plant winners:

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm

By: Helen Yoest

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Posted in Shrubs | Tagged 'Venus' Sweethrub, 2011 Showstopper Plants, Calycanthus 'Venus', Dr. Tom Ranney, gardening, North Carolina Gardening, North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association | 2 Comments

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris – climbing hydrangea – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Posted on March 17, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

The 2011 Showstopper Plants have been selected by The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association and North Carolina and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Each year, North Carolina nurserymen nominate Showstopper Plants and five are selected by North Carolina Cooperative Extension horticulture experts.

These featured plants are promising new cultivars, able to thrive in North Carolina gardens.

Name: Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris, climbing hydrangea

Zones: 4 – 7

Size: 40 to 50 feet

Conditions: Sun to shade

Witnessing a vine clamoring up a tree during a garden tour in Cary, NC, made me a lover of the climbing hydrangea, H. anomala subsp. petiolaris. At first I didn’t recognize it, mainly because I’d never seen it used in this way – with a tree as a trellis. The climbing hydrangea, H. anomala subsp. petiolaris is a true climbing vine.

Flowering in early- to mid-summer, H. anomala subsp. petiolaris will produce hundreds of lace-cap type flowers, reaching up to 50 feet or more. But give it time, this climber is a slow grower.

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris also sports a rich green foliage, loosing it’s leaves in the winter, revealing interesting exfoliating bark, making this climbing hydrangea worthy of our gardens year round.

After my discovery of the beautiful garden in Cary, I too grow climbing hydrangea. I’m taking advantage of an eastern facing side of my brick home to use as a back drop. At four years old, it’s beginning to take hold. Well worth the wait as I watch it grow up.

2011 Showstopper Plant winners:

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm

By: Helen Yoest

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Posted in Vines | Tagged 2011 Showstopper Plants, Climbing hydrangea, gardening, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris., North Carolina, North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association | 3 Comments

Japanese Plum Yew ‘Prostrata’ – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Posted on March 10, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

The 2011 Showstopper Plants have been selected by The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association and North Carolina and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Each year, North Carolina nurserymen nominate Showstopper Plants and five are selected by North Carolina Cooperative Extension horticulture experts.

These featured plants are promising new cultivars, able to thrive in North Carolina gardens.

Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese Plum Yew

Zones: 6 – 9

Size: 2’ to 3’ tall and wide. Slow growing

Conditions: Shade to part sun

A few years back, I had a meeting with Brandon Duncan, gardener for the Shuping’s in Raleigh, about featuring the Shuping’s garden on the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days tour. As I pulled into the driveway, I was immediately drawn to their use of Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese plum yew. Low and lining the curve of the parking pad at the top of the drive, the yew welcomed me.

I’m barely out of the car, when I asked Brandon about the yew. Plum yew is rather slow growing, yet this swath of ground cover was full and lush. I just assumed the plum yews had been there forever, but Brandon explained that since their initial growth pattern is in a fan shape, be butted two plants together, effectively creating a circle. Brilliant.

Today, I have Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese plum yew growing in my garden; and it’s doing very well.

In the past, we southerns dreamed of growing the common yew in our home gardens. Many cultivars are not tolerant of our summer heat and humidity, but harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese plum yew likes us.

I’m a big fan of ground covers; while I need mulch, I don’t necessarily want to see it. I want to see happy plants growing snuggle in my garden. Providing me color, texture, and cover for the wildlife that needs places to scurry too during threats of danger or inclement weather.

I’ve used the Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese plum yew in a couple of ways in my garden, both as a specimen and en masse. Locate in shade and even part sun, plum yew is a winner in my garden.

And speaking of deer (aren’t we always speaking, or at least, thinking of deer?) Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese plum yew are deer resistant.

Do you grow Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’, Japanese plum yew in your garden?

2011 Showstopper Plant winners:

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm

By: Helen Yoest

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Posted in Ground Covers | Tagged 2011 Showstopper Plants, Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata', gardening, japanese plum yew, North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association | 6 Comments

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’ – mountain bound! – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Posted on March 3, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

The 2011 Showstopper Plants have been selected by The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association and North Carolina and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Each year, North Carolina nurserymen nominate Showstopper Plants and five are selected by North Carolina Cooperative Extension horticulture experts.

These featured plants are promising new cultivars, able to thrive in North Carolina gardens.

Name: Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’

Zones: 6 – 9

Size: 7 feet tall by 4 – 5 feet wide

Conditions: Light shade; moist, well-drained soil.

Long gracing the south, Camellias have charmed our winter gardens with character to inspire and flowers to beguile. An evergreen shrub providing privacy in all season, as well as, cover for wildlife, Camellias, add particular value in the winter when they are in bloom.

Thanks to the breeding efforts of Dr. William Ackerman of the U.S. National Arboretum, a new “winter series” of Camellias are now mountain bound! Tolerant of low temperatures down in zone 6, the Ackerman hybrids can now also grace the mountains of North Carolina.

Look for the name, “winter series” for cold hardy cultivars such as Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’ ‘Winter’s Interlude’ and Winter’s Star’, and ‘Winter’s Waterlily’. Another name give away are varieties such as ‘Pink Icicle’ and ‘Snow Flurry’.

2011 Showstopper Plant winners:

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm

Photo Credit: Mark Weathington and featured at the Extension Gardener.

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Posted in Shrubs | Tagged "winter series Camellias", 2011 Showstopper Plants, Camelia 'Winter's Charm', Dr. William Ackerman, U.S. National Arboretum, Winter Gardening | 4 Comments

Conducting a soil test

Posted on February 24, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

Someone once asked me, “Do you really conduct a soil test each year?” Yep, I said, it’s quick and easy to do, and gives me what I need know about what’s going down there. And, in North Carolina, it’s free.

A simple soil test will determining the relative acidity of the soil (pH) and the level of several essential nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper, and zinc. So what, you say? Here’s why, taken from Plant Nutrients:

Phosphorus (P)

Like nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis.
Involved in the formation of all oils, sugars, starches, etc.
Helps with the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy; proper plant maturation; withstanding stress.
Effects rapid growth.
Encourages blooming and root growth.
Phosphorus often comes from fertilizer, bone meal, and superphosphate.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except nitrogen and, in some cases, calcium.
Helps in the building of protein, photosynthesis, fruit quality and reduction of diseases.
Potassium is supplied to plants by soil minerals, organic materials, and fertilizer.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium, an essential part of plant cell wall structure, provides for normal transport and retention of other elements as well as strength in the plant. It is also thought to counteract the effect of alkali salts and organic acids within a plant.
Sources of calcium are dolomitic lime, gypsum, and superphosphate.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis. It also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth.
Soil minerals, organic material, fertilizers, and dolomitic limestone are sources of magnesium for plants.

Sulfur (S)

Essential plant food for production of protein.
Promotes activity and development of enzymes and vitamins.
Helps in chlorophyll formation.
Improves root growth and seed production.
Helps with vigorous plant growth and resistance to cold.
Sulfur may be supplied to the soil from rainwater. It is also added in some fertilizers as an impurity, especially the lower grade fertilizers. The use of gypsum also increases soil sulfur levels.

Manganese (Mn)

Functions with enzyme systems involved in breakdown of carbohydrates, and nitrogen metabolism.
Soil is a source of manganese.

Copper (Cu)

Important for reproductive growth.
Aids in root metabolism and helps in the utilization of proteins.

Also, a soil test is the only reliable method to determine a soil’s pH. North Carolina tends to have acidic soil. Soil pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion activity and is on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14. Values below 7 are acidic; values above 7 are basic. 7 is considered neutral.

Knowing your soil’s pH will help you make decisions as to what to plant, or areas to amend, and fertilizer. Certain plants require certain pH levels for optimum growth. Most plants in North Carolina like a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Blueberries, dogwood, azaleas, require a acid soil, with a pH 5.0 to 5.5.

Check here for easy, step by step instructions, to conduct a soil test.

There is no reason to guess what your soil needs. A simple soil test will assess your soil’s health, fertility and mineral content.

In North Carolina, soil samples are analyzed at no cost to you.

Sample kits can be pick up at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services building located at 4300 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh.

For more information, go visit NCDA .

Check with your county extension office to see how easy it is.

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What’s in a name?

Posted on February 17, 2011 by tarheel gardening.com

Not all garden paths are straight forward. While there is usually a beginning and an end, there are also curves and intersections to enter and leave, and also leading us left or right. But we always move on. We each make different choices as we go down our chosen garden path.

Sometimes we make decisions about our direction based on the path of least resistance. When it came to understanding botanical Latin , I chose the path of least resistance. Moving on now, I have embraced botanical Latin and found this sign at the JC Raulston Arboretum that I thought was a good lesson in botanical Latin 101.

The plant markers at the JC Raulston Arboretum help the visitor understand more about the plant in front of them, listing the Family, Genus, Species, Special Epithet, Cultivar, Common Name, and Plant Origin. In the example, the JCRA breaks down the meaning of each.

Family – A group of plants in related genera that share common reproductive characteristics. The example in the photo uses an Oakleaf Hydrangea. As such, the Family in the example is Hydrangeaceae.

Genus – A group of species that share common characteristics. Example Genus is Hydrangea.

Species – A group of plants that share a common gene pool and can freely interbreed. Always binomial (two words): genus name + specific epithet. Species is Hydrangea quercifolia.

Special Epithet – Word combined with a genus name, to define a species. Specific Epithet is quercifolia.

Cultivar – A cultivated selection of a species or hybrid. Cultivar is ‘Alison’.

Common Name – Local name given to a plant. Many plants have more than one common name or none. Common Name is oakleaf hydrangea.

Plant Origin – Native range of the species. Garden Origin means the plant originated through selection or hybridization by man. Plant Origin is native to GA to TN, FL and LA.

My equivalent animal taxonomy would be:

Family – Hominidae

Genus - Homo

Species – Homo sapiens

Special Epithet – sapiens

Cultivar ‘Helen Yoest’

Common Name – Tall Girl

Origin – Virginia

What would your common name be?

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Posted in How-tos | Tagged Botanical Latin, plant taxonomy | 2 Comments

Let the annuals begin!

The Iris, the larkspur and the peony

Cercis season – Redbuds

Cornus Kousa, Kousa Dogwood – 2011 Showstopper Plant

‘Venus’ Sweetshrub – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris – climbing hydrangea – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Japanese Plum Yew ‘Prostrata’ – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Camellia ‘Winter’s Charm’ – mountain bound! – 2011 Showstopper Plant

Conducting a soil test

What’s in a name?

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