Monday, February 23, 2009

Horticulture - Spring Planting Ideas

Spring is approaching fast, believe it or not. It has been a cold winter and we are all looking forward to getting out in the garden. As garden club members be thinking of what you can plant to use in flower arranging as well as enhancing your gardens. Some my favorites are:

Cornus sericea – Red osier Dogwood, a stoloniferous shrub with dark red stems
Recommended cultivars:
‘Silver and Gold’…. a Mt. Cuba introduction named for its yellow twigs in winter and white-variegated leaves in summer. Plant in full to part sun. Tolerates all soil conditions. Contrasts beautifully with evergreens.
‘Cardinal’………………a good bright cherry red.

Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winterhazel) is a small spreading shrub with fragrant primrose yellow flowers in mid to late April.

Corylus avelanna ‘Contorta’ – Harry Lauders’ Walkingstick; discovered about 1863 in England and named for Sir Harry Lauder a Scottish music hall star famous for his knobby walking sticks. Plant in partial shade to full sun in spring or fall. Slow growing, sends up multiple stalks of excellent material for flower arranging. Remove straight, uncurly sprouts.

Aucuba – an evergreen, deer resistant shrub that comes in many cultivars that range from all green leaves, narrow and broad, to many variegated varieties. Dirr’s Manual of Woody Plants lists 20 varieties. It is very easy to root in water.
Helen Lightcap
Horticulture Chair Dist. I

No comments: