Gardening at Mohonk

Hanging Up The New Calendar

2012-01-12T18:12:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year to all Mohonk gardening friends! I know you've all got your calendars out so let's firm up some dates, shall we.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Woody plant guru and author of the "bible of trees and shrubs," Michael Dirr will speak for the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Checkout http://www.timberpress.com/author/39 for his bio or http://www.berkshirebotanical.org/education/ to get the skinny on his talk.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

The 2012 edition of New York in Bloom at the State Museum in Albany. Yours truly is featured as the headline floral designer. Here is the poster child for this event:

2012 New York in Bloom posterchild by yours truly

...and here is the web page http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/programs/nybloom/. Please join us, it's a great cause.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 - SUNDAY, MARCH 11
Philadelphia Flower Show presents its 2012 theme Hawaii, Islands of Aloha.... need a sneak peek http://www.theflowershow.com/home/index.html should do the trick. Once again I get to judge on Tuesday. Wish me luck.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 - SUNDAY, MARCH 25
Longwood Gardens International Orchid Show, need I say more? Okay, I will...
http://www.longwoodgardens.org/InternationalOrchidShowandSale.html
A must see!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 31
77 years of Garden Holiday at Mohonk Mountain House features our "Out of Africa" themed show garden. Did I hear a roar?

........thought I'd give you these entries.

Happy Trails,

Gartenmeister

Now We Don Our Gay Apparel

2011-12-22T15:53:00.002-05:00

The Mohonk Gardening/Greenhouse/Florist Team cannot be stopped.

Just like the "Energizer Bunny," we keep going and going...

Head Gardener Kim Fusaro high atop the Nature Tree

Last minute natural tinsel and garland are added to the Nature Tree.

Those starbursts are stems of Allium schubertii from the garden.

The Nature Tree in all its holiday splendor

Ta Da! Here's the finished product (just add squirrels).

Paperwhite Narcissus, up close and personal

Here's a glamour shot of winter paperwhites. I bet you can smell that pungent fragrance.

I tried my hand at a Christmas tablescape - high maintenance, but it stops traffic.

Holiday tablescape

Carol, once again, has blended old-world charm,

fancy greens and the nostalgic aroma of orange and clove.

Eleganet mantle by Carol Cramer - faux pine and orange pomanders

No frankincense or myrrh here, but this glass spice trough literally fills

the air with the scent of star anise. Yum!

Glass trough with spices and pinecone rosettes

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

'Tis the Season to be Holly!

2011-12-13T16:16:00.000-05:00

We still grow 'em the "old school" way! Single stem Poinsettias are allowed to produce one large head atop the stem. This is how you get the real Christmas star look.

'Freedom Red' Poinsettias don the Parlor

Got nothing to do with the bottom 10 feet of your Christmas tree? Why not make a 48 inch wreath and add noble and silver fir. 4 lbs. of canella berries and 20 yards of tartan plaid and you are GTG (good to go).

Handmade 48" Fir Wreath in our Main Dining Room

Dress up your Amaryllis pots with scratch cones, canella, and birch bark. It helps to have these handy moss cache pots.

Amaryllis decked in natural holiday splendor

Moss, moss, and more moss sets off these paperwhite pans. Keep them cool and sunny.

Paperwhites ensconced in moss

Our Spa fitness level tree is a Grand Fir (only 4-foot high) donned with birds you might spot at your own feeder.

Bluebirds flock on the grand fir in the fitness level of the Spa wing

And, we are not done! MTC (more to come).

Deck the Halls with This and That

2011-12-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

Just in case you won't be visiting the Mohonk Mountain House this holiday season, I'll try to show you some highlights.

The Parlor hosts a magnificent Fraser Fir that is 13 feet in height. Donned in red ornaments and lights, it is filled with angels of all shapes and sizes. This is by far the grandest Parlor tree yet.

Fraser Fir in the Parlor (13 feet high and wide)

We make our wreaths here on the property (actually, Greenhouse Manager Cindy Muro does) and they are subtle and elegant. How about this mix of white pine, Scots pine, and euphorbia? It complements the blue-green of the wall splendidly.

Lovely handmade wreath near the West entrance

Over in the Main Dining Room, a 24-foot balsam is going up. Scaffolding and ladders help even the tallest of our crew to get the lights and stuffed animals up.

24' balsam pre-lighting in the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room lights up and ornaments hang in full swing

Down at the Greenhouse complex, Head Gardener Kim Fusaro starts work on the Nature Tree. All natural ornaments here!

Nature Tree at the Mohonk Greenhouse

And how about this beautiful bunch of dried Leonotis from the garden?

Dried Leonotis

BRAVO!

'Til next week - Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T11:11:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year as the landscape is quiet and we have a moment to vest and reflect on the season past.

Last week I headed back down to Longwood for the Chrysanthemum display and luckily hit it on one of the last days of Indian Summer.

Before I talk about mums, I wanted to compare some hardy woodies that are prevalent at Longwood with related plants growing on the Mountain.

First…deciduous conifers
We have two specimens of Dawn Redwood: Metasequioa glytostroboides. This tree was thought extinct until the 1940s, when it was discovered in China. Ours were planted in the early 60s.

They have intriguing fall color, sort of a rosy-bronze.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides Dawn Redwood

Longwood has a dramatic allee of another deciduous conifer: Bald Cypress: Taxodium distichum. Breathtaking against the azure sky in November.

Longwood Allee Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress

"Knees" Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress

“’Tis the season to be Holly”
Three Holly’s to talk about here at Mohonk.

Ilex verticillata or Winterberry, a native of eastern swamps just sings as the leaves fall and winter approaches.

Ilex verticillata Winterberry Holly

Down at Longwood, their main conservatory hosted a newer cultivar ‘Wintergold.’ We added it to our “must have” list.

Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold'

I stumbled upon another Holly, Ilex cornuta ‘Burford’ with scarlet berries contrasting to the waxy evergreen foliage. A real winner.

Ilex cornuta Burford Holly

We both grow oakleaf hydrangea. It’s our personal favorite, particularly in late autumn when the shrub sports burgundy leaves and interesting dried flower panicles.

Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea

As for the Longwood Chrysanthemum display—as dramatic as ever.

I’ve included a sampling of tender mums grown in the classic Japanese style. You really should go (next fall) to study in detail how these plants are grown and displayed. Some plants spend 18 months in cultivation. I wish I had the time…

Happy Turkey Day!

Single Stem Chrysanthemum Mound

Single Stem Chrysanthemum Shield

Standard Formal Incurve Chrysanthemum 'Hagoromo'

Longwood East Conservatory Entrance Chrysanthemum arch

Indian Summer

2011-11-10T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a full moon and the temperatures are in the 60s. Yes, it’s "Indian Summer." I've always wondered where that name came from. I thought it was connected to the last days of the season after frost had brought everything to a screeching halt. Wikipedia has shed some new light to that theory. Check that out next time you are "Googling".

Just the other day I was saying that this time of year is a big tease. The weather is warm, the plants are going dormant and are easily moved, and the maintenance pressure is off. Too bad we don't have 3 weeks of this. Alas, the tides could turn at any minute.

So, at least for now, we can let our guard down and enjoy the last fading moments of the season. Here is a sample of what I call the "Last of the Mohicans."

First, the great grandpa of trees, the 114-year-old weeping beech at Mohonk Mountain House stands formidably against the autumn sky. It's autumnal splendor is breathtaking!

114-year-old weeping beech at Mohonk Mountain House

Next, the "Last Rose of Summer," 'Dublin Bay,' a blood-red climber at the valet entrance, who will not give up.

'Dublin Bay' rose

Brassica

Ornamental cabbage 'Color Up White'

As always, the ornamental Brassicas color up nicely in the cold and defy the upcomig snow squalls.

Iris 'Immortality'—a reliable “re-bloomer” so popular in gardening today.

Yes, it blooms in May and AGAIN in November!

Iris 'Immortality'

Who doesn't love Japanese Beautyberry?

This Callicarpa japonica is screaming for attention in the setting sun.

Callicarpa japonica

We'll talk again during decorating season, but for now............

Get out and enjoy what's left of Indian Summer!

Ever met a plant with a Facebook page?

2011-10-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

I want you to meet Oscar. Yes, that's his name in the horticulture world.

Does he have friends? Yes, Facebook friends, that is.

In reality Oscar is a member of the butterfly weed family and is endemic in Africa. Gomphocarpus physocarpus is the botanical classification stemming from the Greek words for club and bladder, which are typified in the look of the seed pods. An annual here at Mohonk Mountain House, raised from seed in our greenhouse. Patience is in order as the seeds are slow to germinate and the plant takes 120 days to mature.

Friend him on FB.

Some September Scenes

2011-09-20T13:44:00.000-04:00

Alas, we have been quite occupied cleaning up after our three storms. Irene, Katia, and Lee left us with plenty to do. After the clouds finally drifted away and the rain gauges stopped overflowing, I headed out to document some of the remarkable plants that seemed unscathed by it all. Over all we look quite chipper. See if you agree.

A second flush from Delphinium 'Pennant White' always welcome.

The best of the new Phlox hybrids, 'Flame White' (in my opinion).

Only 2 years old, a Hungarian species of daisy, Leucanthemella serotina.

Pink ball Dahlias -- still putting on quite a show in the Lollipop Forest
of our Candy Land themed garden.

I always forget we have them and then POW,

the autumn crocus, Colchicum autumale.

A new planting of Anemone japonica.
This one is a cup-shaped hybrid, 'Rosenschale'.

New England Aster:

Aster 'Wonder of Staffa' and Artemisia 'Silver Queen' spill over a stone edge.

Clematis ternifolia covers a short rustic arbor and grows into the nearby birches.
Elegant!

I shouldn't forget our sentry, Moe - an immature red-tailed hawk who
moved in to work on our vole population. Job well done!

A Cacophony of Containers

2011-07-29T16:27:00.002-04:00

In high summer, gardens in pots give you a huge color hit and can dress up small areas where you can't squeeze in a garden bed.

Here are some nice ones I've seen in my travels:

Sensational succulents at Longwood.

Agaves, Santolina, and Sedum are all plants that can take the heat
and don't require constant irrigation.

A collection of slate blue plants and pots at Longwood.

Blue combined with lilac and yellow in pots DTM (dyed to match) make an 'over the top' display. Somewhat imposing in stature, this group is certainly well thought out. Agave, Salvia, Verbena, and Scaevola are the headliners here.

Shade can be colorful with begonias at Longwood.

Begonias of all shapes and sizes complement
the large Breynia (Hawaiin Snowbush).

Tree hydrangea and friends at Longwood.

Hydrangea P.G. (tree hydrangea) is the standout in this group.

No fear in using hardy shrubs here!

Another creative combo for shade at Longwood.

These are all moisture loving plants in appropriate
glazed pots with Petasites taking center stage.

Spectacular cane begonia at Longwood.

OMG! This magnificent cane begonia dripping with pink flowers stops traffic.

Get their attention at 45 mph in Port Jervis, NY.

Speaking of traffic... Canna, Petunia, Coleus, Salvia, and Begonia in hot colors cause rubbbernecking downtown.

Get their attention at 45 mph in Port Jervis, NY.

A closer look.

West Hurley Garage "Barrel-mania."

Canna, Coleus, Pennisetum, and Supertunias razzle dazzle at the pump.

Giant veggie pots at the Mohonk Greenhouse.

Squash, tomato, and edible greens are perfect for XXL pots.

Another giant veggie pot.

Give your squash a support to climb on so the fruit will not be hidden.

Not-so-simple basket at the Mohonk Greenhouse.

Fancy-leaved Geranium, Petunia Sangria,
and Plectranthus grow in a hanging burlap lined basket.
Fireworks!

Basil and lemons

Simple... Basil (African Blue)

Hope you enjoyed the tour! Until next time...

Gardenmeister

Chinese Dogwood

2011-06-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

...just dropping a line or two about Chinese Dogwood or Cornus kousa.

These trees are spectacular this year after a meager showing last year. Our trees are fairly broad (15') and smothered in flowers. This species of Chinese Dogwood seems to handle our locale better than the native American Dogwood, which we are trying to establish here.

That's it, short and sweet. I'm preparing a mega rose blog for next time. Stay tuned!

Gartenmeister

Magnolias (not of the "steel" variety)

2011-05-24T11:49:00.002-04:00

Magnolias are flowering trees that have been in cultivation for hundreds of years. I am reminded of how large they actually grow when the mature trees overwhelm us with those large, supple, almost edible blossoms each spring . AND the fragrance permeates the air with a light, sweet aroma.

Here's a little lecture on several varieties growing at Mohonk.

Magnolia lennei

Magnolia lennei

A hybrid of the original saucer magnolia with a more lily-like shape developed in 1853 . This one has darker outer petals* that eventually fade as the flowers mature.

Magnolia 'Betty'

Magnolia 'Betty'

A hybrid with the species liliflora, developed in the 1950's. 'Betty' has a more lily-like shape, with very dark purple buds that open to orchid-purple blooms.

Magnolia 'Elizabeth'

The first of the yellow hybrids introduced in 1977—not named for a queen or cosmetics mogul, but a benefactor from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden where it was hybridized. ‘Elizabeth’ has upward facing, pale lemon yellow flowers that bloom later in the season than the first two varieties.

Magnolia 'Elizabeth'

Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Magnolia 'Butterflies'

A popular recent introduction in 1991. We hope to acquire one soon, but I managed to take a picture of ‘Butterflies’ from a local estate just off the mountain. Exemplified with darker yellow flowers, the plants are described as "loaded with butterflies" when in blossom.

Magnolia 'Judy Zuk'

Magnolia 'Judy Zuk'

‘Judy Zuk’ is a very recent acquisition as of 2008. Newly introduced in 2005, it is another yellow variety from BBG. This one starts off gold, then matures to a butter yellow with darts of purple at the base of the bloom. Ours was a gift and it claims prime real estate at the end of the long arbor.

*Magnolias don't actually have petals. Since the sepals (bud covers) and petals look alike, the botanists have proclaimed them tepals (as with tulips).

First Anniversary

2011-05-06T12:45:00.000-04:00

This week marks one year of blogging for Mohonk Mountain House (horticulturally speaking). I hope you've enjoyed the journey as much as I have. It’s always good to look back at all the happenings (because I forget so much these days).

So, on this special day I can only default to my obsession with white flowers. Last weekend in the afterglow of the royal wedding I found myself, yet again, in Litchfied snapping shots of white narcissi at White Flower Farm. I'm looking for inspiration for new plantings in our white border. These triandus types are quite stunning and will make a nice addition next spring.

White narcissi

White narcissi

… and for a short while, we albaphiles get to enjoy the soft white of the yoshino cherry trees. Sometimes the best way to showcase these blooms is to look up into them as we have here. Our trees are young, but lovely nonetheless.

Yoshino cherry tree

So remember, white flowers are timeless and classic. The finest gardens in England all have white gardens.

The Perfect Perennial?

2011-04-15T10:27:00.013-04:00

We were just talking today about these particular plants and I said, "These are the perfect perennial!" Check out some of the traits of this plant:

Winter hardy

Evergreen foliage

Deer resistant

Very early Spring bloom

Groovy seed pods

What plants am I referring to, you might ask? Helleborus x ericsmithii. These are hybrids from a famous English breeder from Hadspen Garden. YUP, you guessed it, Eric Smith. We find here at Mohonk that the foliage really holds up all winter and this hybrid has a particularly long bloom season. What a pleasure to find the white flowers jumping out of the leaf litter on a rainy, cold spring day. Hope you enjoy them too, our perfect perennial.

FOXGLOVES!

2011-04-07T10:19:00.017-04:00

We never are this lucky.

Our perennial Digitalis always rot so it is rare if we get this.

We were circumspect and in the eleventh hour (November), mulched heavily with beech and oak leaves.

Our plants (thanks to adequate snowfall) came through like this.

We always have this,

The Digitalis grandiflora is tried and true.

And now all the yellow can be joined with all this pink.

...........You too can insure your perennial foxgloves make it through by providing protection against harsh winter temperatures. And they fool you because they look so lush and indestructible in the fall. Do not be fooled, those leaves are sensitive and wither when the thermometer plunges. On top of that, if ice forms in the crown, dead.

So, we can't wait for June.

Field Trip - Philadelphia Flower Show 2011

2011-03-16T16:57:00.035-04:00

For the third year in a row, I had the honor of judging at the most prestigious flower show in the states, in Philadelphia. As an added bonus, for the second year I judged the "Best of the Day." Ten judges on a select panel choose one overall winner from the recommendations of ten judging panels. It was great fun, so I wanted to share some highlights.

Wisteria, standard care of Mrs. Samuel Hamilton:
This was the "Best of the Day" for Friday; skillfully grown and timed to flower at just the right moment (I didn't vote for it, I fell in love with the Lewisia).

Clivia “Sir John Thouron":
Also belonging to Mrs. H; stunning, 12 spikes, pale lemon yellow, to die for, most passersby were drooling.

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis - hideously grotesque, and attracting all the local carrion flies. Don't you just love it? (It's an orchid from Java by the way, an island in Southeast Asia.)

Lewisia hybrid - the darling of the show and it did muster 3 votes for "Best of Day." I was smitten! This plant that would fit in your hand was loaded with bloom and perfectly fresh. Someone did their homework.

Viva la France - a 1/4 scale version of the Eiffel Tower surrounded by carousel animals (see accompanying giant butterfly). By the time I got near this display the place looked like a subway platform so I had to rely on a dear friend who was wise enough to take some early shots.

Well, that summarizes my 3rd year judging the most prestigious flower show in the states and the largest indoor show in the world. Oh, we do have our "cross to bear."

Meanwhile, back at Mohonk we have a flower show of our own:

Spring Hopes Eternal

2011-03-01T16:03:00.037-05:00

Flowering Cherries

It won't be long now before the heralds of spring are upon us. No spring parade of flowering trees is complete without cherries. It's like having a sundae with nothing on top. The standbys come in two forms, both species from Asia (of course): yedoensis, the yoshino cherry and serrulata, the kwanzan cherry. I guess I put the cart before the horse when I tell you that cherries are in the genus Prunus (so are peaches, apricots and nectarines). Yoshinos are the staple of the cherry blossom festival in Washington, DC. They are famous for producing clouds of white or blush pink single flowers and the stately trees can reach 40 feet. Kwanzan is a tree of smaller stature and the carnation pink, ruffled flowers are whimsical in their pompon shape. We have both here at Mohonk Mountain House as well as others and do await their arrival with eager anticipation. The photos here of the yedoensis come from a groovy website called Botany Photo of the Day from University of British Columbia.

You can subscribe at http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/ .

A Rare Variegated Giant Dogwood

Don't you have to have this? Hard to find (I think I just did shhhhhhhhhhhh). Cornus controversa variegata... (wowie zowie!) the variegated giant dogwood; a must for shady woodland plantings and talk about structure in the landscape... whew. The only problem I believe is the growth rate is slow. Oh well, we've got time, we're young.

Killer Clivia

I mentioned recently that our Clivia were killer. Here's proof...

Lilac Shock at New York in Bloom

Lastly but not leastly, I just got back from New York in Bloom. This was the 20th anniversary of this flower show at the State Museum in Albany. See if you don't think the arrangement of 80 gladiolus is aptly named... Lilac Shock.

Next week is my third round as a judge at the Philadelphia International Flower Show. Hey, I'm no slacker.

I'll keep you posted.

gartenmeister

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

2011-02-15T09:31:00.024-05:00

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

2011-02-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

Our Clivia are killer. These long, cool, frost-free autumns have done them well. After a major repotting and dividing session several years ago, the new divisions are established and setting loads of spikes.

I think that’s true for a lot of potted plants after major surgery. Roots need time to settle in and plants won’t bloom well ‘til they are comfy, cozy in their pots.

Our Clivia collection is comprised mostly of “Flame” Hybrids, which I think are Australian. We were also given one of those “coveted-by-collectors” hybrids ‘Sir John Thouron’.

You know them from the Philadelphia Flower Show—those incredible pale yellows that remind one of lemon gelato. Last year, a long time guest surprised us with a box load of divisions from yet another one of these yellows.

The “youngins” are still in 4” pots so we have some time (5 years) before we can expect spikes. Why doesn’t everyone grow Clivia? They are just too easy.

Lower light levels are preferred, not too hot; they can dry out between watering. (You actually have no choice.) POC as they say online. There enough said, it’s Clivia time and this is a better year than most.

New Blog from Der Rosenmeister

2011-02-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

Good News! (we could use some) Our "go to guy" for hardy, fragrant, can't-kill-'em-if-you-tried roses is hosting a new blog. Its title is "Thorny Issues"............cute. He (Leon Ginenthal) has a small container nursery at his home in Ithaca and specializes in mainly European varieties that are tough as nails. Who doesn't need that in a rose? Please become a follower - derrosenmeister.blogspot.com

Just in case you forgot what roses can look like, I found these babes, all from our rose garden and all for you on this frigid, snow ensconced February day.

Rosa "John Cabot"

Rosa "Autumn Sunset"

Rosa complicata

Not Delphiniums Again

2011-01-27T12:42:00.001-05:00

Yes, yes, I cannot be stopped. I am reminded of my quest for Mohonk to become your Delphinium headquarters as we are in the midst of starting all that seed in the greenhouse. There have to be dozens of varieties including the New Millennium hybrids we’ve acquired from the breeders in New Zealand. You, too, can revel at their efforts by surfing to http://www.delphinium.co.nz/.

Yes, yes, I cannot be stopped. All your perennials including delphs are enjoying the protection from the sub-zero temperatures with all this snow cover. I know; I asked for it and my wish was granted.

No more stopping. Back to seed starting. Most delphiniums require a stint in the fridge to raise the germination rate. We are moving out the food and moving in the flats. Anything for the plants, we’ll just get take-out.

Below is some inspiration on a cold winter’s day. Our valiant efforts will soon pay off as June will be here before you know it. Promise.

Diamonds Blue

English Blues

RDS Purples

Diamonds are Forever BUT Dahlias are a Girl's Best Friend

2011-01-19T14:22:00.006-05:00

Just the other day I felt like a real "old school" gardener, actually flipping through bulb catalogs deciding on Dahlias for spring planting AND I wasn't online. A couple of favorite purveyors immediately come to mind: Dutch Gardens for top-quality varieties that have stood the test of time, along with Swan Island and Connells who cater to collectors and connoisseurs.

Dahlias are so popular these days. It's no wonder, they are easy to grow and bloom their fool heads off summer and fall. I have some faves. In the dinner plate “size does matter” category, 'Kelvin Floodlight' shines like a beacon. Ginormous lemon yellow blossoms dare you to pull out the measuring tape and the plants do not stop. Talk about flower power, I've included some pictures from the show garden archives.

Kelvin Floodlight Dahlia

Dare to pull out the measuring tape?

There is another group worthy of mention and that is the 'Karma' series. A vast arrray of colors can be had from this line that was bred for the cut flower industry. They literally produce perfect cutting stems. Need I say more? OK the variety shown is 'Karma Choc'. Are you thinking Candyland ?

Karma Choc Dahlia

Long Live the King!

2011-01-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

I write this on the 12th day of Christmas (for those more familiar with the song than the history, the Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Christmastide, are the festive days that begin with Christmas Day.) and yet it seems the holidays are long over. Odd? We are reminded of the season by some woodies still persisting with fruit. Certainly crabapples and winterberries (Ilex) come to mind but a recent installation of a green hawthorn down at the Golf Pro Shop atop Mountain Rest Road are cause for a second glance because of the startling red clusters of pome-like drupes. That last description sends botanists to the reference books!

Botanically this green hawthorn is Crataegus viridis 'Winter King', which is a charming selection of a native species. The elegant vase shape and larger fruit make this a "must have". We are so smitten with the tree that plans for our new Gatehouse landscape already include them.

In the northeast, the end of the holidays can be the beginning of our winter storm season. In a gardener's way, we welcome the fresh covering of snow, but not just for romantic snowshoe hikes or invigorating cross-country ski outings. There is nothing like a warm winter blanket for these chilly January nights, and the same applies to all those hardy perennials and biennials taking their long winters' nap. Snow cover is crucial for keeping the soil as temperate as possible and it protects the tender, sensitive leaves of popular biennials like foxgloves and Canterbury bells.

Well, Happy New Year to y'all. I'll be back on schedule with regular correspondence now that we are done decking the halls and dropping the balloons.

A Christmas Poem for Gardeners

2010-12-17T10:53:00.001-05:00

T'was the weekend before Christmas, and all through the yard,
Not a gift was being given, not even a card.
The tools were all hung, in the garage with care,
With hopes that St. Nicholas soon would repair.
The shovel with blade all rusty and cracked,
The pitchfork still shiny, but handle it lacked.
When out on my lawn, (it's brown and abused)
I could see poor old Santa, looking confused.
No list had been left for Santa to see,
No gardening gifts were under the tree.
But wait there's still time, it's not Christmas yet,
And gardening gifts are the quickest to get.
You can forget the silk tie, the fluffy new sweater,
Give something to make the garden grow better.
If she wants a gift shiny, then don't be a fool,
It's not a dumb diamond, but a sparkling new tool.
If fragrance is listed you can forget French perfume,
t's a pile of manure that'll make gardeners swoon.
Give night crawlers, not nightgowns, a hose that sprays water.
(Anything for the kitchen is not worth the bother.)
Give a great gift that can dig in the dirt,
It's better than any designer-brand shirt.
Now look quick at Santa, this guy's not so dumb,
Under his glove, he hides a green thumb.
His knees are so dirty, his back how it aches,
His boots stomp on slugs, (he gives them no breaks).
The guy works only winter, you can surely see why,
For the rest of the year it's as easy as pie.
He has elves plant through spring, pull weeds in the summer,
In fall they all harvest, but winter's a bummer
And so Christmas gives Santa a part-time employment,
'Till spring when the blooms are his real enjoyment.
So ask the big guy for garden gifts this year,
Seeds, plants and tools, Santa holds them all dear.
You see, malls may be crowded, vendors hawking their wares,
But visit a nursery, stress-free shopping is there.
Now Santa's flown off, to the nursery he goes,
And his voice fills the night with loud Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

Many thanks to old rose guru (that's old roses not old guru) Leon Ginenthal of Ithaca for the Chrismas Poem! He's our "go to" guy in the rose world.

Did You Miss Me?

2010-12-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

I lost last week.......don't know where it went.......maybe I was in the throws of Holiday decorating? You should see the Mohonk Mountain House, the trees are fresh and nicely decorated. We always try to be tasteful and slightly understated (with just a hint of glitter) :-)

Between the trees, roping, garland, poinsettias and kissing balls we sneak out and finish up the winter preparation. Fences go up to protect from wildlife and cross country skiers, a very light mulch of beech or oak leaves to shelter all those late transplants and under our breath we pray for snow cover. Not only is it good for business, it's nature's blanket which insulates plants from winter cold.

Indoors, we have one eye on Christmas and the other on SPRING. You should too. Go over all those plans and orders and make last minute changes. We seem to have plenty of last minute changes (in January). And then the Thompson and Morgan catalog comes and .................time to order more seeds!

I think next week I'll bore you with my ode to the punished Poinsettias.........

Gartenmeister

Winter Interest

2010-11-22T14:07:00.000-05:00

I actually took a Sunday drive this week and was reminded of what a calm, peaceful time of year it is. This is really our season of winter interest. No snow yet, bare naked trees, grass heads blowin' in the breeze. We gardeners live for this! I read an interesting article in the New York Times from November 4th on the ins and outs of putting your garden to bed. You should read it!

Boy, we are not done yet.............I'd like to throw some more mulch down on those plants I just transplanted last week. When is Thanksgiving? THURSDAY? Well it will have to wait. It is a reminder to pot up Paperwhite Narcissus for Christmas bloom. I like shallow glazed bowls and natural pebbles. "Easy as Pie" (like that's easy).

Let me see if I can find some shots of winter interest...................

There, Fern on Moss Laurel Ledge Road

Fern on Moss

Holly in the Holly Mohonk red border

Holly in the Holly

Winter Koi Spa Mohonk Lake porch

Winter Koi Spa

OK ......GTG .......TTYL.............LYMI

Gartenmeister

You can't hide from the calendar

2010-11-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

This week's title comes from a good piece of advice I got from a very wise person (I forgot who). Anywho, this is that time of year! I just wish I had 3 more weeks of this Indian Summer before Thanksgiving and Christmas, and all that jazz. But, alas we are down to the wire. I hope you got all your bulbs in (outdoors). You can't just throw them in the fridge and plant them in spring. We (who are hiding from the calendar) are still potting tulips in the "g" house for forcing inside. After potting they winter in the basement (which is wet) and we bring them up into the warmth after an extensive rooting period (12=16 weeks).

I am guilty of trying to fend off the holidays by getting as much done outside as possible. It seems there is no spring any more, at least no time for big garden projects. So I've been busy getting a new Delphinium border together this fall. You'll get to behold the rewards in June.

Geeze, I better get back out there while the temperatures remain above freezing............I'm leaving with one picture from the archives.... caption Where's Waldo?

Gartenmeister

Google This.......

2010-11-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Oh we are connected at the hip to our computers these days, aren't we? So as I listen to Simply Red "Fairground" on Youtube, I want to share some websites with y'all...........

Who has time to read gardening magazines? Not me ......so when a friend hands me one, I feel guilty and peruse at my own risk. Voila, a great article about a well respected friend in the latest Garden Design. Amy Goldman is a Dutchess County resident when she is not traveling the planet on her crusade to reintroduce heirloom vegetables to the human populus. Her "back 40" is a living museum and you will never meet a more elegant or eloquent person.

Find her in cyberspace at http://www.rareforms.com/

Bulb planting season is winding down. Sometimes it feels like a necessary evil, and then you realize it is the easiest way to get a huge bang for your buck with relatively little effort. Bulbs are clean, light and easy on the pocketbook. So what was I groaning about? ............Still time for tulips and lilies, and (trust me on this one) the bulb connection is Scheepers in Bantam, Conn. http://www.johnscheepers.com/

So while you're driving on the internet highway, Google this.............Planting Fields Arboretum, Chanticleer, Chicago Botanical Garden, House of Flowers, and Piping Rock Orchids.................there that will keep you busy :-)

Gartenmeister

This is it

2010-11-01T11:42:00.002-04:00

Yes, I guess the growing season is over: 4 days with lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s is a reality check to get all those garden chores done. So, we are doing just that! The last of the bulbs get planted (lilies in the cutting garden), moving delphiniums to the Long Arbor (taking a risk, but I will mulch around the crowns), and cleaning out all the excess debris in the beds. That should keep us busy until Thanksgiving (which is only weeks away).

Malus 'Donald Wyman'

Korean Mums

There is still some color...........Malus 'Donald Wyman' looks more like a cherry than an apple and those Korean mums are still going strong!

Gartenmeister

Field Trip

2010-10-22T11:17:00.016-04:00

Roses at Swarthmore College (complete with raindrops)

.....just a wonderful conference last week at Swarthmore. Perfectly run and the highlight was the final speaker Piet Oudolf. A genius in the landscape design field. Checkout his website


Roses at Swarthmore College


Roses at Swarthmore College

Roses at Swarthmore College

....another field trip, this time Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We were hosted by long-time friend, Betty Scholtz. I was particularly impressed with the Bonsai (pronounced bone sigh). You should see it.

Bonsai forest of Trident Maple BBG


Cloud pruned conifers at the Japanese Garden BBG

Look at the "hips"on this Rosa 'Windrush'

We are at it again, planting spring bulbs for candyland, Chocolate and Peppermint Tulips, Penny Candy Hyacinths, and more! Stay tuned!


Scenes from Mohonk Show Garden bulb planting shenanigans

Scenes from Mohonk Show Garden bulb planting shenanigans

Gartenmeister

Columbus Day has gone and went

2010-10-14T14:03:00.000-04:00

Being outside is time well spent...................Oh no, not more poetry!

Yes, more poetry...

Feast yours eyes on the Lion Mint

The orange heads are odd

This fall it has another stint

Intriguing and and quite mod

The shaggy and everpopular Leonotis leonurus

Our mums start as others wain

The first of them unfold

They're as Asian as the crane

And lovely, truth be told


The very first of the Korean Mums

The chilly nights are just a warning

It is time to move inside

On each and every frosty morning

Another plant must abide

Andrew and Tom have at the Lantana standards

There you have it....off to Swarthmore for the perennial conference. I'll report next week.

Gartenmeister

Le Jardin Bleu

2010-10-11T12:11:00.000-04:00

Finally after 2 years of planning, the Blue Border has arrived! You probably remember the blog on sheet mulching from weeks back, well the process has come to completion. Thursday, we (the remaining grounds and garden folks) put to task on transplanting 15 beds from the show garden and planted along the west side of the upper cutting garden. Terrific teamwork made it a smooth operation.

Iris fans looking for their seats

Ben and Tom uprooting 'Nepeta'


Trevor wrestling with 'Buddlieas'

These photos show various stages along the way featuring the weapons used in such a project. Shovels, spades, forks, and knives were implemented. (What no spoons?).


Mud gloves and hori knives

Giving advice to the photographer


Getting leverage on every hole

Many thanks to Kim Fusaro, Trevor Harvey, Ben Helt, Tom Kievitand, and our official photographer Tom Wright. Here is a list of the plants:

Buddliea 'Adonis'

Panicum 'Dewey Blue'

Nepeta siberica

Iris 'Princess Caroline'

Linum perenne

Echinops ritro

Nepeta 'Joanna Reed'

Nepeta 'Walker's Low'

Veronica 'Darwin's Blue'

Veronica ' Royal Candles'

Aquilegia 'Barlow Blue'

Lupine 'The Governor'

Caryopteris 'Blue Myth'

Delphinium 'Royal Delphinium Society Hand Pollinated Blues'

I hope I didn't forget anything.
Next bulbs, like Muscari and Camassia.

I know it looks wilted, but that's just a little transplant shock.

The Big Picture

p.s. Not too shabby some begonias on my front stoop

Begonias at MY place

It's Not Over Yet

2010-10-01T16:45:00.017-04:00

Not much to report...

Too busy with those September garden chores (I know its October). I hope you are out there -

transplanting perennials
putting organic fertilizer down
sharpening your trowel for all that bulb planting
placing orders for plenty of paper whites for indoor forcing
drying off the Amaryllis
keeping the beds clean
and dodging the raindrops.

See! No wonder I have no time!


Lotus Pool at Chanticleer


White Caladiums at Longwood


Potted Plant Extravaganza at Cornell Plantations

P.S.
All these pictures are inspiration to keep going...it's never too late to prepare for next spring.

Gartenmeister

The Seedy Side of Gardening

2010-09-24T14:26:00.003-04:00

I was just lookin' around at the fall garden and was reminded that it's not just about flowers, what about fruit?


'Carmencita Pink' Castor Bean

These Ricinus (castor beans) have really intriguing seed stalks containing spiny globes that look like medieval weapons. Of course with beguiling shades of pink and red.


'Carmencita Red' Castor Bean

'Japanese Beauty Berry' Callicarpa

In sharp contrast are the glossy 'Barney' purple clusters of Callicarpa or Japanese Beauty Berry. They remind me of a bawdy shade of lipstick.

Sweet Bay Magnolia

Then from some other planet are these "creatures" in the Magnolia virginiana. These seeds are borne in an aggregate of follicles (go ahead, Google that, I dare ya). Other Worldly to say the least.

Northern Sea Oats

Much more common are the Northern Sea Oats and Chasmanthium. You can almost here them rustling in the breeze.

Clematis 'Mrs. Robert Brydon'

Finally, Cousin Itt joins us from the Clematis Genus. These swirling, furry dervishes stop traffic in the Show Garden.

Thanks for stopping by.....

Gartenmeister

My... Things Have Grown

2010-09-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

Power Plaza

I just turned around and WHAM the Power Plaza planting is going "Bananas."

Castor Beans and "Grand Daddies"

I jumped into one shot so you could get a proportion. I'm 6' 4".............the castor beans in front are loaded with seeds and the "grand daddies" in back must be over 15'. Remember these are annuals.

Red Abyssinian "Bananas"

The Red Abyssinian "Bananas" are as monstrous as ever! There must be a gardener hiding in there somewhere?

Koi

Yes, things have grown. The koi in the fountain are fattening up for winter (aren't they cute?).

Scoparia 'Mellangolly Blue'

Over in the blue corner, a pleasant surprise, Scoparia 'Mellangolly Blue' has rebloomed with the return of cooler weather and some rain. Scoparia is a nice powder blue colored ''shrublet" not often found but grown as an annual.


Eucalyptus 'Silver Dollar'

Andrew, more blue please. OK. Eucalyptus 'Silver Dollar'. These seedlings really shine in the early fall sunlight.

'Heavenly Blue' Morning Glories

And more? Perfectly blue morning glories aptly named 'Heavenly Blue.'

P.S. The quiet midweek days are an ideal time to visit on our Garden Pass.
Talk to you next week.

Gartenmeister

September Slips In

2010-09-10T15:20:00.052-04:00

Oh yes, the drought is back.

Some bright spots…

How about these fall blooming Colchicums popping out of the Lysimachia? Easy as pie, you just have to buy the bulbs early! Fall "crocus" produce lots of leaves in the spring, die off for the summer, and the flowers emerge (naked) in September.


Colchicums

Sweet Autumn Clematis

What's that climbing in the birches? Clematis? YUP, again a fall blooming species, ternifolia (used to be paniculata among others). They sprawl up the arbor and off into the branches. It looks like a white birch in bloom. GOTCHA

Uliginosa

Argentina Sky

....and just one more mention of the fantastic Salvia species and varieties. Bluer than blue and hummingbird magnets! Just a few to note, uliginosa (Bog Sage), guaranitica 'Argentina Sky', and 'Indigo Spires'

Indigo Spires

............pray for rain............CU next time.............got your bulbs ordered? Don't forget paperwhites,

Gartenmeister

GARDEN HOLIDAY 75th ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS

2010-09-03T16:27:00.002-04:00

A warm (and I mean warm) week was enjoyed by all as current staff and alums made various presentations. Opening day found garden and greenhouse staff a like sharing valuable info on some projects. Here Tom Kievit discusses the ins and outs of sheet mulching.

Kim Fusaro, Head Gardner

Head Gardener Kim Fusaro regales visitors with herbal know-how and Cindy Muro, Greenhouse Manager previews a repotting demonstration.

Cindy Muro, Greenhouse manager

A RARE REUNION

Four superintendents gather together at the formal tea party. Lots of Horticultural hoo-ha here! Pictured here: Tom Wright (current Superintendent of Parks & Grounds), John Van Etten, Diana Weiner Story, and Chet Davis.

THE GRAND DAME HONORED

Elizabeth Scholtz, attending Garden Holiday (and hosting) for 44 years is recognized with a summer house in her honor. Lots of great stories and memories!

"MICRO BREWERY" AT MOHONK?

Cindy Lou has been at it again with a taste test of 18 different teas from garden acquisitions. Tasty and inspiring to all!

Sheet Mulch Shenanigans!

2010-08-26T15:53:00.003-04:00

Just shoot me! It’s one of those times when I know I’ve got too much on my plate and of course I’m going to start a new project. This one’s been in the works for quite some time. We’re building a blue border! (You’re surprised) just off the upper cutting garden fence. The technique we’re using is called sheet mulching. It’s kind of like making lasagna. Several layers are involved. Let me take you through the steps:

A grassy area is string trimmed down and rototilled.
Wood chips are added (6 inches) and tilled.

3. A cardboard layer sets atop the chips, make sure it overlaps


4. Add 4 inches of healthy compost.

5. Next 6-8 inches (at least) of straw on top. Wet this down well.

If all goes well, we should be able to plant in late September. NOTE: We tilled because we want to plant quickly. If we were to wait until spring, we could have skipped that step. Wish us luck!

And yes, it’s Fair time! Our neighboring county, Dutchess, hosts a delightful county fair—celebrating 165 years. Yours-truly judges there with some regularity, this year being no exception. I wanted to show you some shots of the horticulture building and introduce you to a dear friend and the Grand Dame, Marge Griffin (below). She’s been a major force in the success of this show for years and once again my hat goes off to her.

That’s it for now… ON TO GARDEN HOLIDAY!

Gartenmeister

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE

2010-08-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

OK I think the rains are back (THANK GOD!) and the nights are cooler (SHHH), so we seem to have more energy and even a smile on our faces.

So...UPDATE: Thought I'd show you a better shot of the Bruggies (that's slang for Brugmansia).

Those intriguing Aristilochia are blooming again. Tropical vines related to the Northern hardy Dutchman's Pipe...and it looks like the grounds/gardening crew don't know if they're coming or going?

UPDATE: My buddy Harold looks perplexed, but it is 6:00 a.m. and it's hard paying attention to the plants and the garage customers at the same time...remember back in my July blog?

UPDATE: Donna Stanley stopped by to check on the progress of the "sphere". Here she is discussing Morning Glory culture and the promise of things to come with Tom (his better side in the picture above)...remember when Tom and Ryan were planting contortionists back on July 15th?

There, now you've got the update, Garden Holiday coming up soon...I hope it doesn't stop raining...

I'm not in love with these plants, but...

2010-08-12T16:35:00.000-04:00

The Brugmansias are blooming their heads off and all are agog! (I'm not in love with these plants but...) The fragrance is sweet and wafts everywhere on warm summer evenings. (I'm not in love with these plants but....) The dramatic effect is stunning as you walk down greenhouse road at Mohonk (I'm not in love with these plants but...) I'm about the only one! Luckily, Tom is around to help pick up all the debris that drops everyday. (That's why I'm not in love).

The Lantana standards are nearby and much easier to love.

Gartenmeister
p.s. Amy Eggers (ex Mohonk greenhouse specialist) came by to say goodbye to the Ball State University interns...thought you should know.

It's Never Too Early

2010-08-09T11:30:00.002-04:00

...well the weather hasn't changed much…we keep our noses to the grindstone trying to keep everything looking perky. This is by no means an easy task. Oh well life in the gardening world. A good friend and superior horticulturist stopped by last week from Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, NY. Vinnie Simeone (world's biggest Yankee fan) brought some interns to check out Mohonk. It seems everyone is in the same boat battling the weather challenges. They had a great time and got to speak with our interns from Ball State University Landscape Architecture program.

August is also planning season, so on a field trip last week I spotted some potential varieties for next year's garden. How about Gomphrena 'QIS Carmine' for the gumdrop alley in "Candy Land" (Showgarden 2011) or Patrinia scabiosa for the long arbor border? Not enough? OK. Psycho-delic dahlias and Swizzle Stick zinnias for Candyland and who could pass up Hydrangea 'Color Fantasy'? I'm sure we can find a place for that badboy.

That's it for now…bulbs are ordered...saying goodbye to the interns :( oops is there water running?

Gartenmeister

Field Trip!

2010-07-29T22:06:00.002-04:00

It's always nice to get away once in awhile to get inspiration from other folks. Last week...a little "R&R" in mid-coast Maine. Lobstahs, of course, wild Maine blueberries (very nice in summer pudding) and a delightful stroll through the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Just lovely and only open a few short years. Here are some shots of just a few of the highlights. Of particular interest to me was the rhododendron hillside (complete with waterfall) and the bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) growing in the woods. This is one of those public gardens that is SO user friendly. Very accessible for all ages!

Oh right, i forgot about the blue "stuff" who couldn't live without Echinops ritro, the globe thistle.

Gartenmeister

If you can't take the heat..

2010-07-22T11:39:00.040-04:00

Well, I can take the heat with a little rain on the side and that's exactly it. Little. I guess I digress but as I look around I see some garden areas that are enjoying this sultry weather. The Abyssinian Ensete (banana cousins) are looking quite perky, shown here underplanted with castor beans (Ricinus) and copper-leaf (Acalypha). They are certainly thriving in the beyond balmy nights (70 deg.+) Over yonder in the upper cutting garden, we are exploding with summer flowers. Zinnia, Lisianthus, Phlox, Delphinium, Dianthus, Amaranthus, and the list goes on. No small chore keeping these plants irrigated and fertilized.

Last week I rambled on about English tuberous begonias at White Flower Farm and I now think we are holding our own at Mohonk with our American hybrids. Protected in the shade of the Lake Porch, it is quite a show.

The orange Begonia in the basket is 'firecracker' which is a hybrid of Begonia boliviensis...handles a slight more sun.

For more "flower power" check out the Plant of the Week link...TTFN off to Maine for a couple of days.

Gartenmeister

An Annual Pilgrimage

2010-07-15T18:22:00.000-04:00

Each year, in the 2nd week of July it's off to White Flower Farm to admire the English Hybrid Tuberous Begonias. Our expectations were once again satisfied. But first, a couple of other POI there:

In addition to the immaculate sales area (above) we stumbled upon a really nice planting combo in one of the trial borders. Here Hemerocallis 'Little Grapette' joins Cimicifuga 'Brunette' and Hydrangea 'Preziosa' (below). What a groooooooooooovy combination.

Next it's off to the BIG border designed by Fergus Garrett (Christopher Lloyd's right hand) very impressive in stature.

Now for those mouth watering begonias...wowie zowie, just incredible in form and presence. All mature stock plants from the world renowned breeding of Blackmore and Langdon in Bristol UK. Do yourself a favor....go and see them!

Meanwhile back at the ranch... we were inspired by a some "pennies from heaven" and got right back out there and rehashed the center bed of the showgarden. Through the generosity of a GOOD friend we have on loan, a 72" sphere wire sculpture that now hails from the show garden. We decided to plant 'Heavenly Blue' morning glories and complement it with a circular planting of Lavender. Shown here, contortionist planters Ryan Chaney and Tom Kievit. Stop up and see the progress as we get gussied up for Garden Holiday!

Pullin' in the Reins

2010-07-08T15:13:00.000-04:00

Well our dear friend Mother Nature is toying with us and she turned off the rain. On top of that she turned up the thermostat. Now gardening friends of mine we have to "pull in the reins" and pull out the hoses! Day in, day out, we have to take the "heat off "and saturate, as best we can our plant's root systems. So with a smile on my face (see head shot), we carry on keeping Mohonk lookin' fresh. (Wish us luck!)

Looks like the Extension Dutchess County is looking fresh. Their gardens on Route 44 in Millbrook are looking quite snappy. Here I photographed three sections of the demo plots, ornamentals for sun, for shade, and an edible landscape! Well done...well labeled ...well mulched...good for them!

Speaking of "good for them," how about this Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' growing in front of a local pet food store.What am I doing wrong?

Gartenmeister

Gas Station Gardening

2010-07-01T15:25:00.001-04:00

Do you believe June is gone? There's still so much to do and July is supposedly "throwing in the trowel" month. Anywho, I led a garden tour last Sunday and I thought you should see these three shots. A lovely shade glen highlighting Hosta 'Sum and Substance,' elegant and "hard to hug" Aralia spinosa variegata and last, and certainly not least, Acer pseudoplatanus 'Eskimo Sunset.' The latter really needs protection from the sun to show its variegation well.

June is a big garden tour month and we at Mohonk are no exception. Check out the folks in awe of the BLUE delphiniums June 30th at the annual Ulster County Gardener's Day sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

July is crunch time for your containers. Try not to get lazy about proper watering and fertilizing. Remember, the more you water the more you have to feed. Let's get advice from barrel gardener extraordinaire, Harold Frisbie of (believe it or not) West Hurley Garage. Yes a gas station with barrel planters that rival the pros. Harold says water every day even if it has rained. His planters are under cover. Harold feeds with Miracle-Gro Shake and Feed. Fantastic results! You can view this great display anytime on Route 375 in West Hurley, New York.

Who picks out Harold's plants! 3 guesses...Happy Birthday America and Happy Birthday to me!

Gartenmeister

Summer Solstice, Longwood, and 8 foot Delphs

2010-06-24T17:27:00.001-04:00

Still busy, busy as we hit the summer solstice! It won't be long now as the days are getting shorter! Autumn leaves, it's right around the corner...SORRY.

Last weekend I caught some drum corps in Pennsylvania and bunked with friends in Kennett Square. That's right, off to Longwood to see what's up. This trip I was intrigued by two orchids (big surprise). I'm sharing the photos. That scary one is Stanhopea, a South American epiphyhte that lives in cooler conditions high in the trees. The intense fragrance of vanilla does not permeate the blog page but is was a WOW.

The other three pointed flower belongs to Disa uniflora. This time a South African terrestrial that requires ultra moist soil conditions. Just lovely, you can see why I'm smitten.

An update from last week! We did make it! The 3 year English delphs did make 8 feet(actually 8' 5") Intern (and Mr. Sustainability) Tom Kievit shown here with the proof. He 's ecstatic about the bragging rights. You can also see how wonderful this stand looks. We are super proud.

Think "Blue"(some Mohonk guests even come dressed appropriately) and we'll see you next time...

Gartenmeister (complete with new headshot)

Alliums Are As Easy To Grow As Onions!

2010-06-17T14:23:00.001-04:00

Oh boy, there's alot to talk about, but first introductions all around to the summer interns. Pictured left to right Cory McCurdy, Ryan Chaney and Tom Kievit. Of course Head Gardener Kim Fusaro, front and center and yours truly backstage. We are havin' a great time gardnin' here at the big house.

We didn't make 8 feet :( The three year old English delphs are just about 7 feet high, DARN. The purple varieties shown below are hand pollinated stock from the RDS (Royal Delphinium Society)... you know, across the pond. Well, we keep trying.

Oh right, blue flowers......... here's some goodies, Allium azureum and Delphinium bellamosum. The shades are so groovy, but they don't really come across in these shots. Oh yeah, another excuse for a Mohonk visit! Alliums are as easy as onions to grow and the seedling species delphs like bellamosum can be sowed directly into good garden soil right at home.

Good News! The pots along Lake Porch are up and lookin' spiffy. Begonias, of course, accompanied by fuchsias, plectranthus, and friends. This summer make sure your containers are well watered and fertilized. We use both timed release pellets and liquid organics. "Feeding is Fundamental"

Flag Day, Father's Day ........it can only mean that summer is upon us!

CU Next Time,
Gardenmeister

Rich Garden Soil, Early Delphinium and More!

2010-06-10T16:13:00.003-04:00

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)

June is busting out all over!

2010-06-03T16:24:00.003-04:00

No truer words can be spoken than at the Mohonk Mountain House. Feast your eyes on these beauties......Lupines, Peonies, Poppies and Roses.

Of particular note is the Papaver orientale "Great Red" which we raise from seed and Rosa "William Baffin" which happens to be the hardiest, most reliable climber on the planet.

This week we also dug the "dahlia ditches". An "old school" technique of trenching the tubers, leaving them exposed to the sun, and burying them after the shoots emerge.

The Garden Pass is becoming quite popular and I'm happy about that. Have I forgotten anything?

Drew

The Peonies Are Right On Time!

2010-05-26T16:00:00.006-04:00

Well it seems that although most flowering plants are weeks ahead, the peonies are right on time! Who knew? It is an awkward time for tulips, make sure you leave the foliage on your bulbs to ripen naturally (I know it's ugly but it is crucial for their future). A hint for people who want long lived tulip stands is to plant DEEPLY, 8-10" is common practice.

We've also added the Plant of the Week feature on this page. Don't miss it.

Now on to this week's feature...a fragrant trio. Boy do these shrubs (I can't say bush) pack a punch!

Rosa rugosa hybrids: hardy, aromatic, and featuring luscious petals that look good enough to eat.

Magnolia virginiana: aka Sweet Bay Magnolia, intoxicating fragrance and flowers that last for 3 months (try to get that out of a Bradford Pear)!

Abelia mosanensis: graceful, hardy, and showstopping good smells!

All are easy to grow and are in bloom now at Mohonk Mountain House. Why not come visit on the Garden Day Pass and bring some friends!

Next week ..red peonies and Memorial Day poppies

Drew

A Whirlwind Week of Gardening!

2010-05-19T15:48:00.002-04:00

Wow! What a whirlwind weekend of high brow horticulture in Litchfield Hills. First, Saturday I joined the buying frenzy at Trade Secrets held at Lion Rock Farm. Wonderful plants of all makes and models for sale. (I did spot Martha). Pictured here are some shoppers eyeing groovy shrubs from Broken Arrow Nursery.

Then back on Sunday for the Trade Secrets garden tour. Lovely to say the least and if you ever get a chance to visit Bunny Williams' garden in Falls Village (CT) do! Oh and I thought I might drop by White Flower Farm to see if the Wisteria was in bloom. BINGO check out that photo on this page.

Fans of the blue koi have seen her swimming in the Mohonk fountain, AND in the "very good news department" our garden interns have arrived and we went right to work on the renovation of one of the Long Arbor Borders. We are planning on a full season of pastel-hued perennials here. Starting with Hellebores in April and ending the season with Korean Mums. Welcome to Cory and Ryan, boy will they be busy!

..........and one more thing, how about the blue of this Salvia patens 'Patio Light Blue' yesssssssssssssssss!

Drew

2010-05-12T13:44:00.000-04:00

Welcome back!

As I write, we are expecting a frost this evening. The truth about frost is that 32 degrees F is not a killing frost. That's 28 degrees F or "black frost." Often these "extremes" of temperature happen around the full moon which is two weeks away. So we press on regardless and don't worry about the pansies (pansies are tough, they just can't take the heat).

My featured blue plant is Camassia coerulea. It is quite showy this week both in the Show Garden and the Long Arbor border at Mohonk Mountain House. Planted in the fall, this is a hardy bulb that fills that awkward gap between spring bulbs and early perennials. Of course we source it from our good friends at Scheepers in Bantam, CT. Camassia is native and fairly deer resistant...what's not to like?

Oh, and speaking of BLUE, I have my eye on this blue Koi for the Mohonk fountain. A lovely variety called Shusui, she (I'm told) has stunning markings of deep orange. Who knows? She might be swimming here by the weekend. My buddy at Sugar Loaf Koi, Matt Corino has groovy fish of all varieties. I'm like a kid in candy store there.

...off this weekend to a high brow plant sale and garden tour in western Connecticut...I'll keep you posted.

Drew

News from the Gardens!

2010-05-07T11:53:00.000-04:00

Friday, May 7, 2010
News from the Gardens!
Hello fellow fans of horticulture and welcome to my new blog!

Each week I'll try to keep you abreast of the gardening happenings at Mohonk Mountain House and in my travels. I hope it's informative, entertaining, and keeps you "in the loop."In my premier edition, I want to make you aware of three things from the "git go"'

First, the 2010 show garden is featuring all blue plants. This is considered a horticultural feat and we hope you follow the progress this season. Check out this photo of Anchusa 'Blue Angel.' That should get your mouth watering.

Second, we're launching an exciting new promotion for garden lovers: The Mohonk Garden Pass. It allows garden enthusiasts to come to Mohonk for the day with special parking privileges, a map for a self guided tour and "gardener's only" discounts at the greenhouse that day and more. Click here for more details.

Third, it's Wisteria time here on the mountain and here are the pictures prove it. Thanks to the diligent pruning efforts over the last several years by yours truly and Grounds Supervisor Trevor Harvey (pictured), the vines are lovely (and fragrant too)!