The first thing I do in the morning is check the weather. And then I put on the coffee.
Between the heat and the lack of rain, this was the hardest garden I ever had.
Good News
Next summer may not be the best, and some people ask if I am ready to leave as gardener. My answer is not Heck – like most curious gardeners, I plan a project next year.
The biggest trend in shrubs is the compact size and the seasonal demand, and we are planning to transform our “orphanage” garden, which is hidden by a brick wall, into a sea of simple, fun and colorful flowering shrubs. Winter is strong.
Here are some new introductions that I will look at.
Van Belle’s simple collection of seedlings produces a Vigella ‘Peach Kiss’. Mature only 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, this summer-tall flower may be the star of the front row.
Also on my wish list is the Pinktini, the first edition of Lilac, introduced by Bailey. Born in Canada, it matures up to Zone 2, 4 to 5 feet tall and only 3 to 4 feet wide. The good news is that in late spring, pollen blooms with its favorite fragrant rose.
Fothergilla ‘The Legend of the Small’ – commonly known as the bottle brush. This native entrance is deer resistant and strong for the zone. It grows to a height of 24 to 30 inches. .
Hydrangeas are the No. 1 bush on everyone’s list, and I’ve got an explosion for paniculatas, so ‘Little Hot’ is also competitive for me. Hard for Zone 2, this cute baby is 4 feet tall and has good leaf resistance in the area.
For season-long coloring, I look at Proven Winners Color Choice Hardy Hibiscus ‘Holy Grail’ from the summer series. Zone 4 The entrance to Walter Gardens (Zealand) has dark burgundy leaves and dark red flowers at the end of the summer garden.
Nancy Cesarlag is a senior gardener and freelance writer for Metro Detroit. The column will be shown on Friday at Homestyle. To ask her, go to Yardner.com and click Ask Nancy. You can also read previous columns at detroitnews.com/homestyle.