"Don't Miss" Camellias & Gerberas in the Lollipop Forest

Whew! There has been a break in the weather here and we are actually expecting some balmy 50 degree days. SO MUCH FOR THAT SNOW COVER. I've actually been blamed for all that snow 'cause I was begging for it. Well, now February is upon us and that means a couple of things.

First off, Camellias at Planting Fields! This collection is top rate and and not to be missed. I had the pleasure of a private tour last year after hearing about these plants for years. You too can see them in the flesh by visiting the Planting Fields (State Park) in Oyster Bay. I've passed along a poster highlighting their special weekend. My buddy, Vinnie Simeone, will speak as will longtime garden aficionado, Charles Cresson.

And how about these new Gerberas? The industry is a buzz about these new hybrids that promise superior garden performance. They ain’t cheap, but well worth the investment, so I'm told. We're starting off with 4 varieties: Pamela, Cindy, Yosemite, and Everglades. The flowers are as fanciful as a party dress and the plants produce scads of blooms. Very loud, very intriguing, very very - that's what we are hoping for. Below are some photos from friends in the trade, as these plants are that new. We think they are the perfect underscore to the Lantana trees in the Lollipop Forest. Are we losing our minds? Ask Gene Wilder.

We'll be chatting again soon. TTFN Gartenmeister