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| Manitoba People and Plants News |
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Here's the news for avid gardeners in Manitoba.
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Dear Friend,
Happy New Year!
Why do melons always have such fancy weddings? Because they cantaloupe. Seriously, it won't be long now and I'll be joining my sister in Cuba for her wedding. That should promise to bring back some inspiration for new and interesting trends! I'll keep my eye out for public gardens and hope to pass some knowledge on to you in the next issue of Manitoba People and Plants.
The experts have spoken... they've chosen the Perennial Plant of the Year and Hosta of the Year for 2009. I will reveal both to you in this issue; I will also be following up on my perennial articles with another trick the pros use to jazz up an otherwise ho-hum planting.
Read on and enjoy!
Sincerely,
Nancy Heide
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Perennial of the Year 2009
The Perennial Plant Association has awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the YearŽ to Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
. This ornamental grass is a member of the Poaceae family. The species
is native to Honshu Island, Japan. The genus derives its name from Hakon , a region in Japan, and chloa ,
the Greek word for grass. Individual blades are 1/2" wide and bright
yellow color with very thin green stripes. In the cooler days of autumn
the golden foliage becomes tinged with shades of pink and red. Hakonechloa
is used mainly for its golden foliage, although it does produce tiny,
inconspicuous flower spikes from late summer through mid autumn.
- Hardiness - USDA Zones 5-8 ***I am currently trialing one plant to see if it winters.***
- Size - 12-18 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
- Light - Partial shade is optimum in hot climates, more sun is suitable in cooler areas
- Soil - Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Uses
- This long-season ornamental grass may be used as a ground cover, a
border-front specimen, a mass planting, or in a patio container.
- Unique
Qualities - The plant offers vivid highlights in shaded areas or in
evening gardens. This grass is also noted for its movement in breezes,
offering a cascading or an undulating behavior.
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Not your ordinary perennials
As promised, I am delivering simple ways for you to get more out of your perennial displays. November covered repeat-bloomers. Last month I introduced using the feel or shape of a plant; the smoothness of its leaf, roughness of its seed pods, softness of its petals, etc. - in essence, the texture. This article focuses less on the flower, and more on foliage.
Some perennials are valued for their beautiful foliage instead of
flowers. Shade garden designs, especially, depend on foliage color and
texture for their beauty. In large shade plantings, you can rely on a
variety of foliage types such as boldly corrugated hosta, fine textured
ferns and gracefully arching, variegated Solomon's seal to keep the
display interesting.
Grasses fall into this category nicely for sunny spots. Their long, lean leafs with sometimes colorful plumes lend themselves to another look. It is possibly no coincidence that the experts chose a grass for their plant of the year this time. Nothing stands out better or longer than the foliage of grasses.
Consider shrubs to play a lead role in lending more colorful foliage in that sunny spot. Barberries, Dogwood, and Amur Maples can form the backbones of a larger planting. And with the endless varieties of Coral Bells now available, adding a few groupings of these will complete the treat for your eyes.
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Hosta of the Year 2009
The Penguins were an American doo-wop group of the 1950s and early 1960s, best remembered for their only Top 40 hit, "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)", which was one of the first rhythm and blues hits to cross over to the pop chart. (source: Wikipedia)
Earth Angel Hosta, a sport of Blue Angel, promises another hit. Her large
heart-shaped blue-green leaves are decorated with a striking creamy-white border.
She'll fit right in your shady spot and provide lush color from her foliage all summer. Use her as a specimen and plant low-growing lamium around her, or just mulch to accentuate her good looks. |
Food For Thought
The last question I posed to you was as a gardener, what's on your wish list? No responses that time, you are so unselfish! (Or just too busy getting those last minute gifts for Uncle Henry and Aunt Marjorie?) In any event, I hope your wishes were satisfied.
Here's my next topic of discussion... What is your main source of current gardening events? Web? Emails? Newspapers? Facebook? Think hard, then Click here to respond. I would love to have your input and will post the results in the next issue of MPP.
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Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Nancy Heide
Perennial Bliss
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PO Box 302
Killarney, Manitoba R0K 1G0
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