This flower is a very early springtime bloomer, blooming in April and May. The flowers are deep violet purple blossoms held above soft hairy foliage. Plant gets about 8-10″ high. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Likes full sun. Hardy in Zone 4. (Information courtesy of Rush Creek Nursery and Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Lenten Rose (Hellebore)
Quiz? What is one of the easiest plants to grow with gorgeous flowers that bloom from early spring to mid-June?
Answer: A Lenten rose or a Christmas rose named so because it normally blooms during Lent. The Latin name is Hellebore. Once the plant is mature, it can produce 50 or more flowers each season. The blooms are 2-3 inch in size. It is a shade plant and blooms in a variety of rich colors from an almost black to ivory. They make a luscious border for ferns and hostas. They are deer and rabbit resistant. Our nursery is carrying 7 varieties of the Hellebore. Pictured below are five varieties.
First Kiss Pennys Pink Lenten Rose
Photo courtesy of Monrovia Nursery
Cascade Picotte Lenten Rose
Photo courtesy of Monrovia Nursery
First Kiss Moondance Lenten Rose
Photo courtesy of Monrovia Nursery
Ivory Prince Lenten rose
Photo courtesy of Monrovia
Winter Jewels Black Diamond Lenten Rose
Photo courtesy of Monrovia Nursery
Armeria (thrift)
This is a very showy, compact perennial that blooms in April, May and June. It has stiff, grass-like leaves and stunning pink flowers. This perennial does not like good soil, preferring instead infertile, dry soil and full sun. Works great in rock gardens. The Armeria grows 6-12 inches tall and wide. When the flowers are done blooming, they dry on the plant rather then rot. A very slow spreader and is salt tolerant. Zones 3-8.
This is definitely an unprecedented time and here at Trees Today we are concerned mainly with the health of our customers and our staff. We will be following the CDC recommendations to help keep our environment safe for all who are here.
Our growers and suppliers are assuring us that all is well on their end and they will be shipping as normal. We are excited and can’t wait for all the new plants and products that will be arriving at our garden center next month.
In this time of “social distancing”, we are encouraging those around us to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with your families. It will be a great time to plan some spring plantings, do some research on some possible new plants for your yard or even draw up a new design idea you have been thinking about.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon. Take care of yourself, your family and your friends.
If you need anything from us or have any questions please feel free to give us a call. 608 783 7333.
Trees Today Nursery Staff
WINTER GARDENING
Winter is starting early this year. Even without the blooms and greenery, a covering of snow brings a beauty to gardens and landscapes.
A fluffy snowfall covers the evergreens. Bare branches pop against the snowy background. There are so many interesting forms of branches that just magnetize in winter.
‘Perennial Grasses’ become highlighted features in the landscapes…not to mention how much the birds will appreciate their seeds.
Birdhouses and feeders, ar bors, benches, retaining walls and garden art objects look both wonderful and interesting with a covering of snow.
Hoar frost on objects sparkle in the crisp winter temperatures.
So, while our gardens are still providig us with a display of beauty, take the time to enjoy the view while having the steaming hot cup of coffee or grab your camera and for a winter wallk.
Mother Nature does not fail.
Candy Coral Bells
Important Garden Tasks to do before Winter:
- Clean and sharpen garden tools.
- Mow around young trees and fruit trees to prevent mice from nesting there.
- Put tree guards on or wrap young trees with tree wrap to prevent rodent damage.
- Read your animal/insect repellents to verify when to quit using them.
- Move indoors in a safe place, protected from young children, any liquid garden products.
- Clean, store and turn upside down outdoor containers.
- Rake fallen leaves off grass.
- Give all trees and shrubs, especially evergreens and boxwoods, a thorough watering before the ground freezes hard.
- Remove water from garden hoses before storing away.
- Cover compost pile with plastic or straw.
- Drain fuel tanks on lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc
Note: Some of this information was taken from “The Old Farmers Almanac”.
On the Products and Plants pages in this website, you will find some pdf’s on overwintering hydrangeas and roses.
Your Perennial Garden: What plants to cut back or leave until spring.
Before winter, remove all diseased debris and broken branches from your flower garden. Discard any remaining annuals.
Recommended perennials to cut back in fall are: bearded iris; monarda (bee balm) unless it is new growth; gaillardia (blanket flower); nepeta (catmint); columbine; daylily (now or spring); bush clematis; helianthus; hollyhock; ligularia (now or spring); penstemon; peony; and helianthus.
These perennials are recommended to leave for spring cutting: asclepias (butterfly weed); chrysanthemums (mammoth mums); and heuchera (coral bells).
Birds will appreciate it if you leave echinacea (cone flowers) and rudbeckia (black-eye Susans) or any other seed producing plants standing through winter.
Grasses in Their Splendor
Fall is the time when grasses take the “center stage”. They are in their splendor with their seed heads and foliage taking on fall color. Lucky for us that there are so many varieties from which to choose. The following are some that we have in stock. Stop in and plant now and next fall you will be enjoying these grasses.
Overdam Feather Reed Grass
Photo courtesy of Bailey’s
Karl Foerster Grass
Fall Blooming Grass
Fall Blooming Grass
Avalanche Feather Reed Grass
Photo by Baileys
Graziella Silver Grass
Photo by Trees Today Nursery
Shenandoah Grass
Photo by Baileys
Miscanthus Flame Grass
Photo courtesy of Baileys
Mums
We still have a great selection of mums for sale. Choose from white, yellow, orange, reds, pinks and lavender. These mums will provide a spot of color by your front door or on your patio, saying “Fall is Here”. Stop in today.
Blooming Perennials in Stock!
We have some beautiful blooming perennials in stock that include: grape, coral and bubblegum pink phlox; Baby Joe Pyeweed; Russian Sage; rudbeckias, Autumn Joy & Autumn Fire Sedums; heleniums; Kobold liatris; yarrow; coneflowers; butterfly flowers, perennial mums; oenotheras; perennial hibiscus; anemones; cardinal flowers and more. Stop in!!
Ian and a Majestic Skies Northern Pin Oak
Ian says stop in for your oak tree while there are
lots of oak tree varieties still available.
Hooray for Hibiscus
Beth says “Hooray for Hibiscus”. These hibiscus blooms are huge! Stop in today while we still have some left.
