Thursday, June 10, 2010

Rich Garden Soil, Early Delphinium and More!

You asked for more info? Here it is. Now don't be shy...please comment! First, after thinking the rains were gone forever, they returned over the weekend. Thank goodness! Plants are growing like crazy. How about the unreal blues of the early Delphinium. Pictured are "Aurora Light Blue" and "Diamonds Blue." Both are easy enough to start from seed and do require rich garden soil.  (Don't we all?)


Next in the line up, Cotinus coggygria "Velvet Cloak." Spectacular clouds of pink "smoke" hide the seeds which eventually dry off and blow away (how aptly named). Smokebush come from the United States and Europe and can grow into small multi-branched trees. Several cultivars are available that may highlight gold foliage or a particular fall color but the message is PLANT ONE.


On to Syringa reticulata "Ivory Silk." Always an attention getter as the tufts of creamy-white flowers are "abuzz" with bees and various sundry pollinators. Yes a Lilac but blooming much later, this time with a pungent honey fragrance. The trees live for years and seem to bounce back even after devastating ice and wind storms. "Ivory Silk" is a much showier cultivar than the species which I've seen once at the Planting Fields Arboretum.

Got a sneak peak at the Garden Holiday line-up, taking place August 29 through September 3 at Mohonk. It should be quite a reunion of old horticulturists who made their mark on the grounds in the past. Let me know what you think of this blog and tell all your friends because I'd like to know who's out there...

Drew (A.K.A The Garden Meister)

8 comments:

  1. So happy to find your website, "Drew."
    Tried to sign up as "follower" but couldn't get there from here.

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  2. And how about that rose garden! It'll bowl you over with its intoxicating fragrance!

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  3. How large is the "Ivory silk" discussed above? I can't tell from the pictures and you didn't mention it. In fact in general I'd really appreciate a bit more information on plant heights and sunlight requirements for the plants you discuss. Thanks

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  4. 'Ivory Silk' tree lilac seems to mature around 20 x20 feet. Sunlight YES and plenty of it. You know what works for me? I always pull out Michael Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape plants. It is my “go-to” bible for all things woody.

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  5. Will be attending company conference there next week. So glad they chose a place with amazing gardens! Can't wait to see the delphiniums!

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  6. Wow Andrew, I'm impressed you have a blog.Seems to me not that long ago you wanted nothing to do with a computer. Gardens are looking good. Say hi to Kim and Cindy for me. I'm going to have to come and see all the blue, especially the blue Koi.

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  7. great shots ! interesting blog too .Are these plants are seasonal plants ? just wondering if they can grow in any weather condition ?

    i love the "Aurora light blue " nice color and its my favorite . Just like my wind spinners . Blue and Blue !!

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  8. Thank you Andrew for a wonderful blog. My Fire Pit can be a great addition to these kind of gardens.

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