Today was overcast with some drizzle that eventually turned to some very light snow. Directly above are the female catkins (flowers) of the gray birch (
Betula populifolia). We're seeing catkins form on many woody plants in the Birch family (Betulaceae) like the filberts (
Corylus) but they wont open until late wi
nter. The temperature dipped quickly although it was nice and cozy inside. All the photos in the blog are recent with the exception of the top photo of 'Merlin' Swiss chard (
Beta vulgaris). I show this as it is one of the "ornamental edibles" that we'll focus on next year. A Swiss chard collection you might ask? Why not! is my reply. I've been pouring over the new 2011 catalogs and as always, I'm excited about making selections for next year. We'
re still figuring out details but something we want to focus on in terms of vegetables and "ornamental edibles" are those that are compact and lend themselves to smaller spaces, containers, windowboxes, etc. We'll display many of these compact veggies but will also include them in our spring sale (May 13-15). Janice and Kelley have begun the research and we're excited about some of the varieties we're locating. I'll start featuring some of the catalogs we're going thru as I think it's important to share those resources. Most seed companies have online catalogs (and ordering) as well which will save on paper in the long run. Some of the latest of perennial fall colors are still quite nice out in the gardens. To the left is the "marooning" of the 'Ruby Glow' wood spurge (
Euphorbia amygdaloides) that normally emerges reddish, has yellow blooms in early spring then darkens up (from a greenish/maroon) late in the season again. Nice perennial and deer proof too. To the right is the exfoliating bark of the seven-sons flower (
Heptacodium miconioides). This durable, large shrub/small tree is known for late white flowers (Oct.) followed by reddish calyxes (Nov.) but I also like the bark. The larger specimens (some good ones are up at Olbrich in Madison) consistently have nice ornamental bark as well. I've featured this woody plant in previoius blogs. It is one to "know and grow."
We had a nice contigent of volunteers today. Above is Dr. Gredler re-staining one of our benches (note how is hand is just a blur of motion!). We bring most of our cedar benches back to the Horticulture Center each winter for a light re-sanding and preservative stain treatment. This is Dr. Gredlers third bench with thirty to go! We'll also be doing more indoor carpentry projects and repainting garden elements shortly. Urban came in to prune crabapples (
Malus) out in the gardens and both Larry and Bill were in and out of the gardens today for various reasons. Vern, Bob and Bob worked on their carpentry project this afternoon and we saw lots of Maury coming and going with supplies as needed. Tom fixed an electrical box and is working on replacing some exterior lights for our garden signs. We also saw Janice, Barb T., Deb, Bev, Little Jerry, Chris from LP Tree Service and Sue M. (our marketing person) was over to talk about our 2011 events and their promotion. Marv & Marianne stopped by too and are back from FL. Below are some of our recently "bundled up" upright yews (
Taxus x
media 'Hicksii') that were deer fodder last year. I just hope the deer don't have the taste for burlap too.......
Today was overcast with some drizzle that eventually turned to some very light snow. Directly above are the female catkins (flowers) of the gray birch (Betula populifolia). We're seeing catkins form on many woody plants in the Birch family (Betulaceae) like the filberts (Corylus) but they wont open until late wi
nter. The temperature dipped quickly although it was nice and cozy inside. All the photos in the blog are recent with the exception of the top photo of 'Merlin' Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris). I show this as it is one of the "ornamental edibles" that we'll focus on next year. A Swiss chard collection you might ask? Why not! is my reply. I've been pouring over the new 2011 catalogs and as always, I'm excited about making selections for next year. We'
re still figuring out details but something we want to focus on in terms of vegetables and "ornamental edibles" are those that are compact and lend themselves to smaller spaces, containers, windowboxes, etc. We'll display many of these compact veggies but will also include them in our spring sale (May 13-15). Janice and Kelley have begun the research and we're excited about some of the varieties we're locating. I'll start featuring some of the catalogs we're going thru as I think it's important to share those resources. Most seed companies have online catalogs (and ordering) as well which will save on paper in the long run. Some of the latest of perennial fall colors are still quite nice out in the gardens. To the left is the "marooning" of the 'Ruby Glow' wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) that normally emerges reddish, has yellow blooms in early spring then darkens up (from a greenish/maroon) late in the season again. Nice perennial and deer proof too. To the right is the exfoliating bark of the seven-sons flower (Heptacodium miconioides). This durable, large shrub/small tree is known for late white flowers (Oct.) followed by reddish calyxes (Nov.) but I also like the bark. The larger specimens (some good ones are up at Olbrich in Madison) consistently have nice ornamental bark as well. I've featured this woody plant in previoius blogs. It is one to "know and grow."
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