I can't tell you the variety names of any of these hollyhocks (
Alcea rosea) above. The original plants were freebies that we planted in fall many years ago. This "colony" has become one of the best groupings of hollyhocks that I've witnessed. These pictures are from today and really show the impact that these stately biennials (two years from seed to bloom) have in the garden. The original plants were a mix of old-fashioned "singles". It should be mentioned that hollyhocks can be prolific reseeders and you may see babies in the garden the following year. Ultimately it's up to you to decide if it's getting weedy. It's getting weedy in my yard at home. Consider staking these as needed. Towards the end of summer, the leaves can look a bit ragged as they are nibbled on by many creatures. Regardless, this old-fashioned plant has not only a long history, but a solid future in the garden.
Today was another great Monday with motivated Grumpies and a host of other volunteers. The big curve ball is that we're having our main parking lot resurfaced as well as a good portion of Palmer Drive (our entrance road). This created some major parking issues but everyone persevered. We had some planting help both staff and volunteers as we really push hard to finish. Larry went and picked up our last ordered load of plants although we'll head out Wed. to pick up some freebies (which are always timely fillers). The image to the left is of those blue pvc pillars along our larch wall planting. The grass is blue lyme grass (
Elymus arenarius) which I may have mentioned in previous posts. The metallic blue sheen of this grass is great but in open grown soil, this hardy perennial will spread very vigorously and in difficult to contain. This border should be interesting as it fills in throughout the summer. Unfortunately, once we take a "breather" after finishing up our planting, it will be time to start dealing with the after effects of our flooding (going on 9 weeks now). It's tough to surmise or predict the issues that we'll have to contend with once the water recedes. Time will tell. See shot below....
I can't tell you the variety names of any of these hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) above. The original plants were freebies that we planted in fall many years ago. This "colony" has become one of the best groupings of hollyhocks that I've witnessed. These pictures are from today and really show the impact that these stately biennials (two years from seed to bloom) have in the garden. The original plants were a mix of old-fashioned "singles". It should be mentioned that hollyhocks can be prolific reseeders and you may see babies in the garden the following year. Ultimately it's up to you to decide if it's getting weedy. It's getting weedy in my yard at home. Consider staking these as needed. Towards the end of summer, the leaves can look a bit ragged as they are nibbled on by many creatures. Regardless, this old-fashioned plant has not only a long history, but a solid future in the garden.
Today was another great Monday with motivated Grumpies and a host of other volunteers. The big curve ball is that we're having our main parking lot resurfaced as well as a good portion of Palmer Drive (our entrance road). This created some major parking issues but everyone persevered. We had some planting help both staff and volunteers as we really push hard to finish. Larry went and picked up our last ordered load of plants although we'll head out Wed. to pick up some freebies (which are always timely fillers). The image to the left is of those blue pvc pillars along our larch wall planting. The grass is blue lyme grass (Elymus arenarius) which I may have mentioned in previous posts. The metallic blue sheen of this grass is great but in open grown soil, this hardy perennial will spread very vigorously and in difficult to contain. This border should be interesting as it fills in throughout the summer. Unfortunately, once we take a "breather" after finishing up our planting, it will be time to start dealing with the after effects of our flooding (going on 9 weeks now). It's tough to surmise or predict the issues that we'll have to contend with once the water recedes. Time will tell. See shot below....
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