Aster Dumosus "Woods Pink" is a compact (12 inch) aster that is hardy, disease resistant and dependable. It blooms in our area from mid September until mid October. It spreads slowly to form a large mound. It is available now at our nursery for $5.00 each.

Aster Dumosus "Woods Pink" detail

Aster Dumosus "Woods Pink"

This is a large Hosta, growing to two feet tall by three to four feet wide. It maintains its color up to frost and does not become scorched and ragged looking like many other Hostas. It is also slug resistant.

Hosta "Paul's Glory"

Athyrium x "Ghost" is a cross between the lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) and the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum). It has silvery fronds and contrasts well with purple Ligularias and Heucheras as well as blue or gold Hostas. It will grow best in shade in moist, well-drained organic soil and can grow to two feet tall.

Athyrium x "Ghost"

This hardy bulb is also called "Surprise Lily" or "Resurrection Lily" because it comes up early in the spring with broad strap leaves, then dies down and becomes dormant until August, when it sends up a flower stalk with a pink lily flower. It can be grown in sun or shade, and is especially effective planted between Hostas where it can grow up through the Hosta foliage. It adds color to the garden at a time of the summer when there are not a lot of flowering plants, especially in the shade. These plants are available now at our nursery in pots for $5.00 each.

Lycoris squamigera

Lycoris squamigera

This Hydrangea combines large flowers that stand up above the foliage with an upright growth habit. It does not need as much water as the macrophylla type Hydrangeas. It flowers beginning in mid August in our area and the flowers last into the fall when they become a beautiful pink. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and is hardy to zone 3.

Hydrangea p. Limelight

This lily is an "Orienpet * hybrid", a cross between the oriental lily and the trumpet lily. It grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet and blooms mid July to early August in our area. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It has a wonderful fragrance like that of the Easter lily. Large flowering plants available at our nursery for $10.00.

Lilium x "Silk Road"

Hydrangea macrophylla "Endless Summer" is an improvement in that it blooms on new growth. The flowers will be blue if the soil is acidic and pink if it is alkaline. As you can see from the pictures, it is possible to have several different colored flowers on one plant. In our area we have alkaline soils and alkaline water so it is difficult to produce the blue flowers. Acidic amendments to the soil such as pine needles, compost, and sulfur will help, as well as fertilizing with ammonium sulfate. Aluminum sulfate produces good results but there is concern about eventual toxicity from the aluminum. In zones 4 and 5a the plants should be protected for winter with a layer of shredded bark or leaves. This prevents the crown from dying back too far and thereby promotes earlier growth and earlier flowers. Most of the stems will still die back close to the ground and the dead stems should be cut off in the spring after the bark is removed and you can see where the buds are swelling. This Hydrangea needs frequent watering, especially in the first year.

Hydrangea macrophylla "Endless Summer"

Hydrangea macrophylla "Endless Summer"

Hydrangea macrophylla "Endless Summer"

Echinacea purpurea "Pink Double Delight" is one of many new coneflower cultivars available now. It flowers beginning in early July and continues until frost. The flowers area attractive to butterflies and bees and the seed heads are eaten by birds in the fall and winter if left on the plants. It grows to 24 inches tall and is hardy in zones 3-9. If it does not receive at least 8 hours of sun it may flop.

Echinacea purpurea "Pink Double Delight"

Amsonia tabernaemontana is known by the common names Eastern Bluestar, Woodland Blue Star, or Blue Dogbane. It is native to Illinois south to Texas and east to the coast. In its native habitat it grows along stream banks and in woods. When planted in a garden it does best in full sun to partial shade (it will get floppy in too much shade). Give it room - it can get to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is extremely hardy, surviving to zone 3. It blooms in late spring to early summer, and the foliage stays attractive looking throughout the season, turning yellow for autumn.

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Amsonia tabernaemontana Flowers

Allium "Globemaster" is a cross between Allium christophii and Allium macleanii. This ornamental onion grows to 32 inches tall and the flower heads can be up to 8 inches across. It needs full sun and good drainage. It blooms in May and June and goes dormant after blooming. Unlike other onions, this one does not set seeds, but is propagated by offsets on the bulbs.

Allium "Globemaster" flowers

Allium "Globemaster"

This relative of the forget-me-not blooms in spring with masses of small blue flowers which complement the yellow daffodils, wood poppies, and primulas. It is best in moisture retentive soil in shade. After it blooms it has large silver foliage for the remainder of the season and is a great addition to the shade border along with Hosta and Heuchera. It grows to 15 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

Brunnera "Jack Frost"

This ancient species is the earliest double flowering peony. It has scarlet flowers. This peony needs to be grown in well drained soil in full sun, and should not be over watered. Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost and loosened up to improve drainage. This peony is available at our nursery now for $35.

Paeonia tenufolia "Flore Plena"

Jeffersonia diphylla and Jeffersonia dubia, known as Twinleaf, are two beautiful early spring wildflowers that are not widely known to gardeners. Jeffersonia diphylla is native to the U.S. from Minnesota east to the coast and south to Georgia. It grows in woods in limey soils. Jeffersonia dubia is native to Manchuria and Korea. It is smaller than the U.S. variety and flowers slightly earlier but has beautiful lavender flowers. Both Jeffersonias emerge purple and become green as the flowers open. They also produce an interesting helmet shaped seed pod and the foliage stays attractive until fall.

Jeffersonia dubia

Jeffersonia diphylla

Jeffersonia diphylla