tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37553397920907127632024-03-20T00:09:45.331-04:00Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Plant of the WeekThrough the Greenhouse GlassShannon Downeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06297849200380646758noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-20494393093069698932022-04-08T12:14:00.001-04:002022-04-08T12:15:50.001-04:00A new blog site!<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px;">The award-winning Proven Winners</span>® <span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px;">ColorChoice</span>® <span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px;">Plant of the Week blog has moved! <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px;"><br />Just like </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px;">Through the Greenhouse Glass, the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px;"> new blog site provides gardeners and garden communicators with information and inspiration for their next gardening-related project.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Just as Alice found a whole new world when she stepped <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Through_the_Looking-Glass" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #117bb8; transition: all 100ms ease-in 0s;" target="_blank">Through the Looking-Glass</a>, we know this new blog will introduce you to the fantastical world of flowering shrubs, whether you are viewing them <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Through the Greenhouse Glass</em>, or in your own backyard. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word;">If you would like to sign up/continue to receive the weekly posts via email you can subscribe via the home page of <a href="http://PlantoftheWeek.com">PlantoftheWeek.com</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://plantoftheweek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1072" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTVM3f2DY3_Ab-plU8qtCm9w8y0btSSJEIzmv5lDbBW7lLu3J5gH2rG5aac3HyB7rK2i_eDez3NAdUbcTVxoQmgPzNCNtwTSVC-WPp4V7qamSafqSnerx1OhqP9dnTsnzY4DmIIItZzi3CCMu5Vgaez6lG--Ue9Y6GkgapKP95eExgsVfi4dwoyncxA/w505-h423/PLant%20of%20the%20week.JPG" width="505" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "PT Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></p>NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-85291045548873296262020-02-27T13:47:00.001-05:002020-02-27T13:47:33.576-05:00Plant of the week: Bloomerang® Dwarf Purple lilac<br />
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<b>It's a great time to talk about lilacs.</b><br />
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Why?<br />
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Because lilacs thrive in places that are currently burdened with snow, sleet, ice and general winter grey. We need to talk about lilacs and dream of their sweet fragrance to keep the winter blues away.<br />
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What's better than a lilac flower in spring? How about a lilac that blooms in summer, too?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkIMzyF1Rvb14XPuFz3TRSaJ0UTVnqXourNLqmhWGgoiq0cnO7YriwnPFoGPkAEJyOlCGsmPevvHLxSmSxup2x34t7zMHtcKon4KX0f8fMbPsEYBzFDjT2BTUTUy7oebq6Um8dHBnu-WK/s1600/lilac1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1140" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkIMzyF1Rvb14XPuFz3TRSaJ0UTVnqXourNLqmhWGgoiq0cnO7YriwnPFoGPkAEJyOlCGsmPevvHLxSmSxup2x34t7zMHtcKon4KX0f8fMbPsEYBzFDjT2BTUTUy7oebq6Um8dHBnu-WK/s320/lilac1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Let's go one step further and have a lilac that stays about 3' tall. So that homeowner with a small yard can get maximum lilac time with a minimal square-footage investment.<br />
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That sounds like a win all around!<br />
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/syringa/bloomerang-dwarf-purple-reblooming-lilac-syringa-x" target="_blank">Bloomerang® Dwarf Purple</a> lilac is all that, plus improved disease-resistance. It's a great fit in smaller landscapes and patios, and an outstanding container plant for retail sales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MNa8e-U8MCKhX9tS_NZeZM6yx0ByUYBFzHZCEF1xWWnDqMESxXbgvQabjIJbKWF20xJo42y39r1brucFF_pDEToyCLJPY3jMbW1nkTUm6XK7w_9ulH7F9cK2980fKCiEVqzXzV3SJA3U/s1600/lilac2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1140" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MNa8e-U8MCKhX9tS_NZeZM6yx0ByUYBFzHZCEF1xWWnDqMESxXbgvQabjIJbKWF20xJo42y39r1brucFF_pDEToyCLJPY3jMbW1nkTUm6XK7w_9ulH7F9cK2980fKCiEVqzXzV3SJA3U/s320/lilac2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Like other lilacs it will want full sun, and has good deer-resistance. It's hardy in USDA 3-7, and like all <i>Syringa</i> will tolerate tough conditions like alkaline or clay soils.<br />
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<b>Shrub Madness</b><br />
I think March Madness is such a thing in the Midwest because it's a distraction from this painful month of grim weather.<br />
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We can do better than a basketball tournament, though. How about a plant tournament? The best of March Madness (minus the injuries and off-court shenanigans) combined with LILACS! Yes, that's <a href="https://www.shrubmadness.com/" target="_blank">Shrub Madness</a>...and it's happening right now!<br />
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Pick your plants. Trash talk with the other plant nerds. Maybe put a little money down on your favorite genus. Come on, you know you have one. You've only got a few more days to complete your bracket and thus be entered to win some sweet prizes. Then you have all month to help pick the winner. Have fun!<br />
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NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-24437797325669649862020-02-20T11:51:00.000-05:002020-02-24T11:54:55.045-05:00Plant of the Week: Sparky™ Clematis<br />
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/sparky-pink-15570" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" height="200" src="https://mcusercontent.com/f60882436f2ebe6c8946713b0/images/9d0f6b1f-c300-4de0-8c1d-d713a1ec51dc.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 1140px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/search?keywords=sparky&hardiness_zone=All&duration=All&flower-color=All&light_requirement=All&available_online=All" target="_blank">Sparky™ <em>Clematis</em></a> are a fun group of new varieties with really distinctive blooms. They look like sea stars or sparklers, but these charmers don't need a special aquarium or come with a warning label.<br />
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They are spring blooming vines that will flower on old wood April through June, and occasionally produce some flowers on the summer growth, too.</div>
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<tr><td align="left" class="mcnImageCardBottomImageContent" style="padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><a class="" href="https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/sparky-blue-15590" style="text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="mcnImage" height="200" src="https://mcusercontent.com/f60882436f2ebe6c8946713b0/images/0f9a7e6a-88d6-4b1e-9c85-8e2313f4dc3e.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 1140px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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They come in three colors: <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/clematis/sparky-blue-clematis" target="_blank">Sparky™ Blue</a> (right), <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/clematis/sparky-pink-clematis" target="_blank">Sparky™ Pink</a> (left) and <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/clematis/sparky-purple-clematis" target="_blank">Sparky™ Purple</a>. Sometimes I look at series of plants and think I just want to stick to one color, but I kind of like all three of these planted together.<br />
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All are hardy to USDA Zone 5 and will grow about 6-8' tall and 2' wide. They will grow in full sun or part shade, but we do recommend planting them on a sheltered north and east exposure.</div>
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<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Happy birthday, <a href="https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/anderson-sparky" style="color: #007c89; font-weight: normal; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Sparky Anderson</a>!</strong><br /><br />His birthday isn't until Saturday, but this gives you time to bake a cake and maybe book a last minute ticket to see some spring training.</span><br />
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Speaking of spring training, it isn't just for baseball. Garden centers can use some spring training, too! Luckily, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/professionals/retailers/certification" style="color: #007c89; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Proven Winners® has their 2020 Certified Garden Center Program up and ready to go</a>. This is a great way for garden centers to get staff ready for spring so they can serve you better!<br />
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Play ball!</td></tr>
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NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-26684863322556369992019-08-16T13:16:00.000-04:002019-08-16T13:16:04.771-04:00Plant of the Week: Pink Chiffon® Hibiscus<b><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
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<b>August.</b></h2>
It's warm - perfect for beaches and barbecue. And <i>Hibiscus syriacus.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pink Chiffon® <i>H. syriacus </i>habit</span></td></tr>
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Rose-of-Sharon is beautiful right now, flowering happily when many other plants are kind of tired. What color do you want? Blue, white, purple? How about pink?<br />
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/pink-chiffon-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Pink Chiffon® <i>H. syriacus</i></a> is a delightful plant, charming even those of us who aren't partial to the color. The large blooms hit just the right part of pink: bright enough to stand out in the garden yet not disruptive.<br />
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Like other <i>H. syriacus,</i> Pink Chiffon® grows best in full sun. It will get 8-12' tall and 6-10' wide, and is hardy to USDA Zone 5. It is one of several outstanding varieties brought to us by <a href="http://plant-quest.blogspot.com/2008/01/motorcycles-lumberjacks-and-rose-of.html" target="_blank">plant breeder Dr. Roderick Wood</a>. His selections all have large, unique flowers and a full, graceful habit. They are much more appealing in containers than older varieties.<br />
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In addition to having abundant late summer flowers, rose-of-Sharon is a durable plant that will tolerate some challenging conditions. Heat, drought, clay soil - even deer in most areas don't bother it.<br />
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<b>Get ready to celebrate!</b></h3>
August 18 is this Sunday, and it's a day to celebrate. Why? I'll give you two good reasons: it's <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/woman-suffrage-amendment-ratified" target="_blank">the day U.S. women gained the right to vote</a> in 1920, and it's the anniversary of the first plant patent! Wow!<br />
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<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sponsored/patents-behind-roses-you-receive-valentines-day-180962096/" target="_blank">The first plant patent was issued</a> to New Jersey resident Henry Bosenberg in 1931 for the 'New Dawn' rose. Since then, thousands of plant patents have been granted. Breeding a new plant is no different than any other creation, and protecting intellectual property like songs, books, and yes, plants, is a <a href="https://www.theglobalipcenter.com/why-are-intellectual-property-rights-important/" target="_blank">critical element in our economy</a>.<br />
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As exciting as plant hunting can be, it's a lot of work. It takes time, dedication, and attention to detail. And don't you think <a href="https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/nc-state-plant-breeder-wins-prestigious-scott-medal/" target="_blank">the person who spends years breeding a better hydrangea</a> deserves both credit and compensation?<br />
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So how will you celebrate plants and women's suffrage? Buy a lady a plant! And cake! Wine, too, if she's old enough to enjoy it. After all, you only need to be 18 to vote. And if you know a young lady who's turning 18 soon, remind her to <a href="https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote" target="_blank">register to vote</a>. (Young men, too).<br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-83564365578911829972019-08-02T14:24:00.001-04:002019-08-02T14:24:51.913-04:00Plant of the Week: Blue Diddley® Vitex<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
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<b><i>Vitex agnus-castus</i> is a plant with a history.</b><br />
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The common name is chaste tree, which should clue you in to some of the folklore around it. Yes, its berries were believed to help monks keep their thoughts pure.<br />
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Conversely, it has a long tradition in folk medicine for helping women with reproductive system issues.<br />
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More recently it is valued simply as an ornamental, particularly in southern areas where lilacs don't do well - it has a similar flower color. Vitex also has pretty good deer resistance and salt tolerance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/vitex/blue-diddley-chastetree-vitex-agnus-castus" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcCYvRHGOe3eobl53ENPNaaNu_iYDTmzUGXI75yLqCk4dqmKY1uw0eqd4sao9NOtuYy6EeAe5fH7qohsti1Gyep8uAoZof3NUCxHftrFcxZCPabr1JDguah-uZXU5Oqlto8mbgF-tZD4s/s320/Blue+Diddley+Vitex-.jpg" width="228" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/vitex/blue-diddley-chastetree-vitex-agnus-castus" target="_blank">Blue Diddley® <i>Vitex</i></a></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/vitex/blue-diddley-chastetree-vitex-agnus-castus" target="_blank">Blue Diddley</a>® is a compact version of chaste tree. While traditional varieties can get large, even grow to be a small tree, Blue Diddley® maxes out at about 6'.<br />
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In colder climates, <i>Vitex agnus-castus</i> is like <i>Buddleia</i> and behaves more like a perennial. It's considered hardy to USDA Zone 5 as a dieback shrub, and will be a shrub in Zone 7 and warmer. Zone 6? Well, I guess it will depend on the winter. Check with your local extension service to see if it's suitable for your area.<br />
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Either way, it's an interesting addition to a sunny bed or border. Just make sure the soil is well-drained.<br />
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<b>True blue</b><br />
<br />
What is it with blue flowers? People seem obsessed with them. I suppose it's the human tendency to want what we can't have, and <a href="http://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2015/9/30/blue?rq=blue" target="_blank">blue is rare in the botanical world</a>. <a href="https://youtu.be/3g246c6Bv58" target="_blank">It's rare in all of nature</a>, actually.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssK9QtaPPW3tCDFqVOwAYG_-BcHbOMvky6sPpfg1itus7Bfz4kgxVG69Z423WGzLSBuCvXK3gAyD4uJTWFzDvrjX4k9cfHx2zUB780UGUae2uLrwozRKqzQR5nmpdqjrbpb5z221utPDg/s1600/Let%2527s+Dance+Blue+Jangles++Hydrangea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssK9QtaPPW3tCDFqVOwAYG_-BcHbOMvky6sPpfg1itus7Bfz4kgxVG69Z423WGzLSBuCvXK3gAyD4uJTWFzDvrjX4k9cfHx2zUB780UGUae2uLrwozRKqzQR5nmpdqjrbpb5z221utPDg/s320/Let%2527s+Dance+Blue+Jangles++Hydrangea.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Dance® Blue Jangles®<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<i>Hydrangea macrophylla</i></td></tr>
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<br />Yet we want blue hydrangeas (even in unrealistic climates), blue roses, etc. And given a genus with a fighting chance of producing a blue flower, like Syringa, people ask for yellow. (Why? Has that ever ended well? The answer is no.)<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/1Wh5T_QwiSQ" target="_blank">Here's a quick video to share</a> with all of your friends who ask about blue flowers. People ask, we listen. Except for the yellow lilac thing.<br />
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NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-28312332709647143442019-07-25T11:16:00.000-04:002019-07-25T11:16:29.505-04:00Plant of the Week: Emerald Envy® Viburnum<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles<br /></span><br />
The Emerald City is on my mind right now because I'm headed to Seattle this week for the <a href="https://www.apld.org/apld-conference/" target="_blank">Association of Professional Landscape Designers International Design Conference</a>. It should be a great time! If you're not going you might be green with envy...<br />
<br />
The event gives me an excuse to talk about a really handsome Viburnum: <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/viburnum/emerald-envy-lantanaphyllum-viburnum-viburnum-x-rhytidophylloides" target="_blank">Emerald Envy</a>®. It's a very nice selection of <i>Viburnum x rhytidophylloides</i> (same species as 'Alleghany') with a dense, compact habit. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RD54cdeBYGrtbCryFDIMyd8v3ZID4L_lKq1JsDidYLgXzfEV_hkScodxtkrXQ5qqW8WwwTyLgAcxllXCbHRpwl1aXJVDGZJxBGhcoYgiXFIyrC6Vy1A-q0tSOC_b9LhyphenhyphengbwpfL4AvdLm/s1600/Emerald+Envy+Viburnum-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RD54cdeBYGrtbCryFDIMyd8v3ZID4L_lKq1JsDidYLgXzfEV_hkScodxtkrXQ5qqW8WwwTyLgAcxllXCbHRpwl1aXJVDGZJxBGhcoYgiXFIyrC6Vy1A-q0tSOC_b9LhyphenhyphengbwpfL4AvdLm/s320/Emerald+Envy+Viburnum-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Envy® <i>Viburnum</i></td></tr>
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Sure, Emerald Envy® has nice white flowers in spring, but the reason I like it is its rich green foliage. There's a bit of a sheen to the leaves that's quite enticing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomJG_IBmKbXMJ0okuwMYZUW4-eyaqR1XD4Ao7alWkBZkl9N3d0YRcA1iUgUrpIcYRRE83j1-h3hSdZvELkC8ggh-L3WbJUTMpGG1InLSC8-tA80b0DLBUT6q3PCiRqTO_U4UsnzKwb81U/s1600/Viburnum+x+rhytidophylloides+Emerald+Envy+IMG_5392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomJG_IBmKbXMJ0okuwMYZUW4-eyaqR1XD4Ao7alWkBZkl9N3d0YRcA1iUgUrpIcYRRE83j1-h3hSdZvELkC8ggh-L3WbJUTMpGG1InLSC8-tA80b0DLBUT6q3PCiRqTO_U4UsnzKwb81U/s320/Viburnum+x+rhytidophylloides+Emerald+Envy+IMG_5392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Envy® <i>Viburnum </i>flowers</td></tr>
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An appealing habit in a container is pretty great, too. Let's face it, many Viburnum look a little awkward in a pot. But Emerald Envy® is a plant that invites you to come and get a closer look at it.<br />
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Hardy to USDA Zone 6, this deer-resistant plant will grow 6-8' tall and adapt to either sun or part shade.<br />
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<b>Another awesome plant geek event is happening next week, too!</b><br />
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There's a pretty amazing tour going on in August as part of the International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS). The IPPS Eastern Region Michigan Area Meeting is Thursday, August 8 at the Dow Gardens:<br />
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Here's the schedule:<br />
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<ul>
<li>9:00-9:30 - Registration with coffee and donuts. Meet in Visitor Center first.</li>
<li>9:30-9:45 - Welcome by Chuck Martin, Senior Horticulturist, Dow Gardens.</li>
<li>9:45- 11:30 - Tour of the Whiting Forest. The nation's longest canopy walk, orchard with over 75 varieties of apples, creek restoration project, and much more.</li>
<li>11:30-12:30 - Erik Runkle, Michigan State University Professor/Floriculture Extension Specialist will speak about supplemental lighting and the use of LEDs during propagation.</li>
<li>12:30-1:30 - Lunch break.</li>
<li>1:30-2:00 - Bob Kuszmaul, owner of D&B Plants, will speak about trends in the nursery/propagation industry.</li>
<li>2:00-4:00 - Tour of the Dow Gardens. Experience a dazzling 110 acre display of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees punctuated by distinctive bridges, an award-winning children's garden, towering pines, and delightful water features.</li>
</ul>
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<b>But wait - there's more</b>! For anyone who wants to stick around once the meeting ends, you and your family are invited to the home of IPPS-ER Board member and meeting organizer, Chuck Martin, for hot dogs and burgers along with yard games.<br />
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The cost of this fabulous event is just $35. Attendee family members may attend for $25 each to include admissions and lunch. Family road trip!<br />
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Note: You do not need to be a member of IPPS to attend. Students, interns and employees are welcome!<br />
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<a href="http://ena.ipps.org/event/Regional-Events/Michigan-Area-Meeting/MyUyRk9xRUt4NThzJTJGVUIlMkJPdWJzSGdHckhYWFo2dE9QWiUyRjdDQ211YVJxRHRiZ0NNTUNpY3glMkJEcllhT214SVJOa2tRcm5UZW1DSXJOSUJWUkwxUzFGb1l3JTNEJTNE" target="_blank">Register here by August 5</a>.<br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-75708612419851263062019-07-18T11:46:00.000-04:002019-07-18T11:46:39.718-04:00Plant of the Week: Lollipop Malus<br />
<b>National Lollipop Day</b><br />
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Other than helping a bit with laryngitis, I don't think of lollipops as being very useful. They certainly have never satisfied my 4 pm chocolate craving.<br />
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But here's a Lollipop® that actually is useful: it's a truly dwarf crabapple tree. It was selected by the breeder because it maintains its neat habit and dwarf (8') form.<br />
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Lollipop® Malus is one of seven <a href="https://springmeadownursery.com/plant_programs/proven-winners-trees" target="_blank">Proven Winners® ColorChoice® trees</a> available now - with more to come in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ySUfpe-YIu1yjYCH4u6racWHKGNlD5ja6LZvPEu5WMcIG_8nNzQN9klBzGjYNMnjZjCn75-NU7fCJXLKz7kdfh0qBMJvEJoDr1wEaFUyLU2ZYPdYqqiuKYyxsWiDl6JqeTpo3sBIUd5X/s1600/lollipop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ySUfpe-YIu1yjYCH4u6racWHKGNlD5ja6LZvPEu5WMcIG_8nNzQN9klBzGjYNMnjZjCn75-NU7fCJXLKz7kdfh0qBMJvEJoDr1wEaFUyLU2ZYPdYqqiuKYyxsWiDl6JqeTpo3sBIUd5X/s320/lollipop1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7YT8GN9PIP20EkuXvLIy0E3l84iFXCLrkMg6okR18VIpaZ8HMIJnPiQ8gyNfeP1XhBX0RhIQ2tI1is8RplR9fhzRL7Vpc5f54FwTREPVZsVcCrbiy480rj1XZ3BPSvmvgYVgRuhnZAvG/s1600/lollipop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7YT8GN9PIP20EkuXvLIy0E3l84iFXCLrkMg6okR18VIpaZ8HMIJnPiQ8gyNfeP1XhBX0RhIQ2tI1is8RplR9fhzRL7Vpc5f54FwTREPVZsVcCrbiy480rj1XZ3BPSvmvgYVgRuhnZAvG/s320/lollipop2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lollipop® crabapple has loads of white flowers that will produce shiny red fruits in fall. Birds and wildlife love them.<br />
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This is a useful plant for formal mass plantings or as a well-behaved specimen. Homeowners often want assurances that a plant won't get "too big". Here's one that won't.<br />
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It will do best in full sun, and is hardy to USDA Zone 4 (AHS heat tolerance of 8).<br />
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<b>Yes, <a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/July/lollipop-day.htm" target="_blank">National Lollipop Day</a> is a thing, and it's happening on Saturday</b><br />
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I admit the timing seems a little off. Mid-July is when I'm looking for a frozen treat rather than room temperature candy. Still, I did think it was pretty great when the drive-through bank teller sent a lollipop to me when I was sweltering in the back of my parents' un-air conditioned, vinyl-seated <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Coronet" target="_blank">Dodge Coronet</a>.<br />
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You can make the day more meaningful by skipping the standard issue sucker and going for an <a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/desserts/candy/lollipop-flavors-try-national-lollipop-day?slide=1221695#1221695" target="_blank">artisan lollipop</a>. I'm the driver now, and maybe I need to keep a stash of these in my air conditioned car for when I'm waiting for my kids to get out of practice.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;"><br />Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span>NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-10993616962520179562019-07-05T14:18:00.000-04:002019-07-05T14:18:33.558-04:00Plant of the Week: Scentlandia® IteaNorth America has some pretty cool plants. Native plants are popular for a lot of reasons, but sometimes it seems like the discussion misses the fact that they would be worthwhile plants even without the bonus of being native.<br />
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<i>Itea virginic</i>a, or sweetspire, is one such plant. It has lovely fragrant flowers, is adaptable to wet soils and shade, and will reward you in fall with nice foliage color. Who wouldn't want that?<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/itea/scentlandia-sweetspire-itea-virginica" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JVcElD4iYMb1YmTtX__Po9PpyDIXIZ1E-UsiWH_PQlErcz64eQRaD5cKgB8NwqBQm7CKj3D_IpGeVPjW43DWKCtwfBOsATSrJfbJQF45uis3Wh3tDKcuUrjjLW_Gb1mHNT3Z_QQd-sjU/s320/DetailImage.IteaScentlandia.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/itea/scentlandia-sweetspire-itea-virginica" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Scentlandia® </span><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Itea</i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/itea/scentlandia-sweetspire-itea-virginica" target="_blank">Scentlandia® <i>Itea</i></a> features exceptionally fragrant flowers and a compact (2-3') habit. Normally, the species can get up to 5' tall, so if you have a smaller space this dwarf selection will be a better fit. Note: Love fragrance? This native beauty made our <a href="https://youtu.be/I0gdEQac4Ms" target="_blank">Top Ten Fragrant Shrubs video</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAZvmCsZi0Bc0fYHbhip6x4QN8xhZByrQBeO1LDmRJK1MfekF5pvj83N0qs4aQxNHMkUU8_RPassW-ceTV5QnjT24ZqjW3-l1NLBhyFwDz-f51uTjvyJETs6bPB0u5UwbHfxl_rDOiWHA/s1600/Scentlandia+itea+fall+color.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAZvmCsZi0Bc0fYHbhip6x4QN8xhZByrQBeO1LDmRJK1MfekF5pvj83N0qs4aQxNHMkUU8_RPassW-ceTV5QnjT24ZqjW3-l1NLBhyFwDz-f51uTjvyJETs6bPB0u5UwbHfxl_rDOiWHA/s320/Scentlandia+itea+fall+color.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/itea/scentlandia-sweetspire-itea-virginica" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: start;">Scentlandia® </span></span><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Itea </i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">fall color</span></a></td></tr>
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While we consider it to be hardy to USDA Zone 5, it has shown better bud hardiness, which helps it flower better than generic members of the species after harsh winters. If you're toward the northern edge of its zone, you'll like that. Remember that <i>Itea virginica</i> flowers on old wood, so you don't want to prune it back in fall or winter.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span>NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-34656839409364163152019-06-27T14:06:00.000-04:002019-06-27T14:06:15.941-04:00Plant of the Week: Dandy Man® Pink Rhododendron<b>A rhododendron that's hardy, heat-tolerant, and is resistant to root rot? That would be dandy!</b><br />
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And here it is: <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/rhododendron/dandy-man-pink-rhododendron-x" target="_blank">Dandy Man® Pink Rhododendron</a>. This <i>R. hyperythrum</i> hybrid is attractive, too, with an attractive habit and enticing pink flowers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLiSQvyidMFNaFK2H8GFxdU-J78HP_00nl8j9ZGMYRH9Q2Dn-NA4xIFwOMVYwS1lIDltittgFBgFLAGp8O8e3zrDedkTUCZa9hhLeq5dTEyPQyxQiflT8MG6-epwE_jN9PM5_Naqqi8tQ/s1600/dandy_man_pink-8457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLiSQvyidMFNaFK2H8GFxdU-J78HP_00nl8j9ZGMYRH9Q2Dn-NA4xIFwOMVYwS1lIDltittgFBgFLAGp8O8e3zrDedkTUCZa9hhLeq5dTEyPQyxQiflT8MG6-epwE_jN9PM5_Naqqi8tQ/s320/dandy_man_pink-8457.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/rhododendron/dandy-man-pink-rhododendron-x" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Dandy Man® Pink <i>Rhododendron</i></a></td></tr>
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Dandy Man® Pink rhododendron grows 4-8' tall and wide, and is hardy to USDA Zone 5.<br />
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<b>Rhododendron...or azalea? </b>It's complicated.<br />
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The easy answer would be something along the lines of that infamous Supreme Court ruling re: pornography: "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobellis_v._Ohio" target="_blank">I know it when I see it</a>." But that's hard to implement in a legal system, and it's just as difficult to use in botany.<br />
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For a good description for either subject one needs a very precise description:<br />
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"True rhododendrons have 10 or more stamens which is 2 per lobe. Azaleas usually have 5 stamens or 1 per lobe. Azaleas have 5 lobes in a flower.<br />
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Azaleas tend to have appressed hairs which is hair parallel to the surface of the leaf. This is particularly true along the midrib on the underside of the leaf. It is easily seen in "evergreen" azaleas. True rhododendrons instead of hair are often scaly or have small dots on the under side of the leaf. Azalea leaves are never dotted with scales and are frequently pubescent."<br />
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<i>- <a href="http://www.nyrhododendron.org/pages/faqs/6azalea.html" target="_blank">New York Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society</a></i><br />
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Trust me that a detailed explanation of plant taxonomy is less disturbing that that of pornography. If you need a refresher on flower anatomy, <a href="https://www.amnh.org/learn/biodiversity_counts/ident_help/Parts_Plants/parts_of_flower.htm" target="_blank">here's a good one</a>. The other, well, you're on your own.<br />
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If you'd like something a little hardier, consider <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/rhododendron/dandy-man-purple-rhododendron-x" target="_blank">Dandy Man® Purple</a> rhododendron, which goes into USDA Zone 4. It, too, grows 4-8' tall and wide as does the newest Dandy, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/rhododendron/dandy-man-color-wheel-rhododendron-x" target="_blank">Dandy Man Color Wheel</a>®. All of these plants will grow in full sun or partial shade.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguExIi9vImACzPVLPGq-pWxHNbL09jP1MUuhx7RkyCGNoGTH3xsUA4KqBzRbObOjfIJivqX7X2ye30gbUte0JsYgnZNtVbzam0-ZUV4QhInuP0Os5sX3zuYw7osJx9hqkok-HAHCdGIBZp/s1600/rhododendron_dandy_man_color_wheel_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguExIi9vImACzPVLPGq-pWxHNbL09jP1MUuhx7RkyCGNoGTH3xsUA4KqBzRbObOjfIJivqX7X2ye30gbUte0JsYgnZNtVbzam0-ZUV4QhInuP0Os5sX3zuYw7osJx9hqkok-HAHCdGIBZp/s320/rhododendron_dandy_man_color_wheel_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dandy Man Color Wheel® <i>Rhododendron</i> </span></td></tr>
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One final note: <a href="https://extension.umd.edu/learn/toxic-plant-profile-rhododendron-and-azalea" target="_blank">Rhododendron is toxic to livestock</a>. Rhododendron is also toxic to dogs and cats although they are less likely to consume it than livestock. As it says on the University of Maryland Extension website: "As is the case with most toxic plants, prevention is key." Years ago I got a phone call from a rancher whose cattle had gotten into some <i>Taxus,</i> also toxic. It was terrible. Be safe out there.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span>NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-89968647516056974032019-06-21T10:17:00.002-04:002019-06-21T10:17:55.031-04:00Plant of the Week: Sugar Shack® CephalanthusIt's been a cold, wet spring. The Great Lakes and our surrounding rivers are at record levels and there's more rain coming.<br />
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We know that this is just an inconvenience, not the catastrophe faced by farmers in Iowa and Nebraska, but it's still frustrating. While many ornamental plants like regular watering this might be a bit much for some of them, not to mention the increased risk of fungal problems such weather can bring.<br />
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Luckily there are some plants that genuinely like wet conditions. <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis</i>, or buttonbush, is one of them.<br />
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cephalanthus/sugar-shack-buttonbush-cephalanthus-occidentalis" target="_blank">Sugar Shack</a>® is a dwarf form of this delightful native plant, growing to about half the size of the species.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cephalanthus/sugar-shack-buttonbush-cephalanthus-occidentalis" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RqSzSlxfqeRDuq9XW4yLPvfoHAIDO0YvCMaHlV1GVlDoCqCCgvJ2r1ETb4_gRJsKAX9lsp3w5KmSVV00QdkIAD-2ntdj1AlSBJZ9uZiBh0CVsHeqsAGMPqsiVIMqVRG1JAPQeXkgyNum/s320/Sugar+Shack+Cephalanthus-.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cephalanthus/sugar-shack-buttonbush-cephalanthus-occidentalis" target="_blank">Sugar Shack® buttonbush summer flower</a></span></td></tr>
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It has the same crazy summer flowers that bees and other pollinators love, yet will have showy red fruit in fall rather than the typical green. It's not just bees that like the blooms; the fragrance is appealing to humans, too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cephalanthus/sugar-shack-buttonbush-cephalanthus-occidentalis" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJyR9jJFxlbkVkYjEjfVfc1FE3bu9vex-fmTEBrxOwC2d9y4bLL_d2l7YdsKS4e8ok6Rrw_OeDCuBa1NJkSxaHonQLSyZ36HKFbhC8o6VcAJ0B32MPKzuc68GM4s8tXuMYqRnZcDRMjL-/s320/Sugar+Shack+Cephalanthus-3743.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cephalanthus/sugar-shack-buttonbush-cephalanthus-occidentalis" target="_blank">Sugar Shack® buttonbush fall fruit</a></span></td></tr>
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It's a great plant for soggy spots in the landscape or near ponds and streams. Sugar Shack® will grow about 3-4' tall and wide, and takes either full sun or partial shade. It's hardy to USDA Zone 4.<br />
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<b>Enjoy these long days.</b><br />
We're nearing the longest days of the year, which means long, soft twilight hours here in the North Country. It's wonderful to sit outside (on nights it isn't raining, anyway) and enjoy the evening with family and friends.<br />
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Evening is when we really appreciate the light colored flowers like those of <i>Cephalanthus</i> - the sweet scent is nice, too.<br />
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People without at least a few white flowers in the landscape are missing out on one of the simple joys of a summer evening. <a href="https://youtu.be/Nq5H1jlnSak" target="_blank">Here are some suggestions for other white blooms to add to gardens</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-39493114108134863522019-06-12T13:08:00.000-04:002019-06-12T13:08:00.308-04:00Plant of the Week: Fire Light® Hydrangea paniculata<strong>Fired up for hydrangeas!</strong><br />
We like to say that <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/fire-light-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata">Fire Light®</a> is the standard by which you can measure all panicle hydrangeas. Plus, it's the <a href="https://www.nationalplantoftheyear.com/2019-hydrangea" target="_blank">2019 Proven Winners<span style="color: #1f497d;">® </span>hydrangea of the year</a>! This easy-to-grow, reliable, panicle hydrangea was developed in Michigan, selected for its huge, full flower heads and sturdy, strong stems. Blooms emerge creamy-white and age to a vivid red for lots of summer color. It makes a great cut flower, fresh or dried, and can be used as a hedge, specimen, or incorporated into flower gardens and foundation plantings.<br />
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Hardy to USDA Zone 3, they bloom every year - even after bad winters. The flowers open white and then turn pink-red. Need a smaller variety? Try a dwarf variety such as <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/little-quick-fire-panicle-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata">Little Quick Fire®.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6OC_GzjUjb7R9Mw51QPDkf0CmuE3IOcKI9hhI9JFpG76rDQsqLFXCSrkK4E4Gnav1pIGjHxO7ai2HAXDQ3Bj7GPR8tDEiMDZetqNzHetDkYAKMD7GBFImOUGYipAJf8NBqJHw9JSqe1c/s1600/Fire+Light+Hydrangea-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6OC_GzjUjb7R9Mw51QPDkf0CmuE3IOcKI9hhI9JFpG76rDQsqLFXCSrkK4E4Gnav1pIGjHxO7ai2HAXDQ3Bj7GPR8tDEiMDZetqNzHetDkYAKMD7GBFImOUGYipAJf8NBqJHw9JSqe1c/s320/Fire+Light+Hydrangea-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Light® <i>Hydrangea paniculata</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV8EgXwCj5NB-c53H0RH2U9AHiIqlIaGSE7__yS3bCLxBNltV8XG2okR1nSby5DF1Sv18UWLU3B09a9xOIyEjytuethp9vUdhoFUeb_kVwRry7TxZ0EnX62Xdn4jKRCkdc_-G3rUsFxyt/s1600/Fire+Light+hydrangea-3534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV8EgXwCj5NB-c53H0RH2U9AHiIqlIaGSE7__yS3bCLxBNltV8XG2okR1nSby5DF1Sv18UWLU3B09a9xOIyEjytuethp9vUdhoFUeb_kVwRry7TxZ0EnX62Xdn4jKRCkdc_-G3rUsFxyt/s320/Fire+Light+hydrangea-3534.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Light® <i>Hydrangea paniculata </i>in container</td></tr>
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<strong>But what about blue?</strong><br />
Sorry, these hydrangea aren't going to turn blue. They start out white, then transition to pink-red. That's what they do.<br />
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If you want a blue hydrangea you need to grow a <i>H. macrophylla</i> or <i>H. serrata</i>. And you need to grow it with attention to flower color.<br />
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This isn't an overnight process. You can't go out to a crop of beautiful pink mophead hydrangeas and change them to blue instantly. But with proper planning and execution you can have that sea of blue flowers.<br />
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Here is a <a href="http://aemapi.spsend.com/Clicks?Link=1f19637e-dbf7-4dce-9aa3-594d6eb93a7c&Id=dcd7ce28-c84d-4e34-aab9-1eb8bd957e9e&Blast=007bb6e6-8aff-4771-8ec4-ebb03ccd1497">very good article about shifting hydrangea color</a>. It has more detail than most such articles, and really helpful!<br />
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If you need something a little less technical, <a href="http://aemapi.spsend.com/Clicks?Link=b4a00f29-3a37-445d-9db5-f599595d7c5f&Id=dcd7ce28-c84d-4e34-aab9-1eb8bd957e9e&Blast=007bb6e6-8aff-4771-8ec4-ebb03ccd1497">we have a really nice pdf </a>that you are welcome to link to and share.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
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NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-89318509360355434392019-06-07T10:41:00.000-04:002019-06-07T10:41:46.532-04:00Plant of the Week: Purple Satin® rose of Sharon Today is June 7, which happens to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)" target="_blank">Prince</a>'s birthday. I can't think of a more appropriate plant to celebrate the occasion than <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/purple-satin-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Purple Satin® <i>Hibiscus syriacus</i></a>.<br />
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Purple Satin® rose of Sharon provides an exuberant display of purple flowers in summer. It will do best in full sun, and gets 8-12' tall.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/purple-satin-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLbJBarUz56fYO5Ki3QGGJjyujOiiOYNxlrQvb-t6owiE3VvOJbFRfQLapH34vJN-lMbD1H4TRVk4ByzhaX4B5bYlCoPAItTYoTnLf0hiWA8MSC8yporCya0bp_tzpXccZ9qcJ0apuIvY/s320/Purple_satin_rose_of_sharon_flower_close_up_seedless.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Satin® rose of Sharon</td></tr>
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It is hardy only to USDA Zone 5, so probably isn't a great choice for Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, but folks in very warm climates will appreciate how it takes heat and drought.<br />
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We like Purple Satin® rose of Sharon for its flowers. Not just the color, although that is just as fabulous as the Purple One himself.<br />
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Purple Satin® is a seedless rose of Sharon. Anyone who has ever spent an afternoon pulling up seedlings and cursing their decision to plant a 'Blue Bird' or other seedy variety will appreciate this.<br />
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Other sterile, non-invasive rose of Sharon varieties include <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/sugar-tip-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Sugar Tip</a>® and <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/sugar-tip-gold-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Sugar Tip® Gold</a>, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/azurri-blue-satin-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Azurri Blue Satin</a>®, and <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/orchid-satin-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Orchid Satin</a>® <i>Hibiscus</i>.<br />
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<b><i>Hibiscus syriacus</i> have a lot of great qualities:</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQKRiwlF5XzlMcrYi2R6ONsmFEhaux3iaUdJDe-6rkZgRpW3rmapFOen-N3yoT-BTKrDEv9JoHZYayfUBFsdC5eM0u1iUSLar6Zkoy918oROko-XmqW9MxdfZahiG_XVb6GfoSbDFa0c7/s1600/Hibiscus_Purple_Satin_Rose_sharon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQKRiwlF5XzlMcrYi2R6ONsmFEhaux3iaUdJDe-6rkZgRpW3rmapFOen-N3yoT-BTKrDEv9JoHZYayfUBFsdC5eM0u1iUSLar6Zkoy918oROko-XmqW9MxdfZahiG_XVb6GfoSbDFa0c7/s320/Hibiscus_Purple_Satin_Rose_sharon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Satin® rose of Sharon habit</td></tr>
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Rose of Sharon are often taken for granted. They're an old-fashioned plant without a lot of plant snob appeal. But sometimes we come back to old-fashioned things because it turns out they're pretty good.<br />
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<b><i>Hibiscus syriacus</i> will grow in hot, dry conditions</b>, and tolerate drought and clay soil. It's tolerant of black walnut, too, but <a href="http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS325E/FS325E.pdf" target="_blank">that may not be the issue we were all taught it was</a>.<br />
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<b>It's also considered to be deer-resistant</b>, although we all know that's relative. We know that deer are a real problem in a lot of areas and just when you think you've found a plant that they don't like they change their mind. A really good resource for this is the <a href="https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants/" target="_blank">Rutgers University website</a>. We also have a cool new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24QmKupyvls&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">video highlighting deer-resistant plants</a>. Feel free to share it with your readers if deer are a problem in your area.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-22780770738876008022019-05-31T09:04:00.000-04:002019-05-31T09:04:08.643-04:00Plant of the Week: Sunjoy Todo™ Berberis<br />
Some plants just like the heat. <i>Berberis</i> is one of them.<br />
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Heat hasn't been a problem in Michigan (yet). We've had a cool, rainy spring so far. But we know that warmer days are coming. That's great for an afternoon on Lake Michigan but can be rough on some plants.<br />
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Barberry, however, thrives in full sun and plenty of heat. New to garden centers this year, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/berberis/sunjoy-todo-barberry-berberis-x" target="_blank">Sunjoy Todo</a>™ (pronounced tow-dough) is no exception. It has deep purple color that just grows richer as the August sun beats down on it.<br />
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With its semi-dwarf size and nice, consistent habit, this is an easy and responsible way to add durable color to hot, dry areas. As with other barberries, it has good deer resistance and will do best in full sun and well-drained soil.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/berberis/sunjoy-todo-barberry-berberis-x" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4IJhCypE29XlhN6MkGlc4Mj9nlYDQyFS010YECVIwRC3cjSvoj_8fA-M9DCKTPf_nSO5YJ1jx0tCfTk7r5fyIEPCOKVKUD82n2PScv3DHH0e3PWGjnyux0GLJqXTxof7mWQOGaUCets5/s320/IMG_2263.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/berberis/sunjoy-todo-barberry-berberis-x" target="_blank">Sunjoy Todo™ <i>Berberis</i> in flower</a></td></tr>
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Sunjoy Todo™ barberry grows 1.5-2' tall and is hardy to USDA Zone 6. It's a semi-evergreen selection with really showy yellow flowers. <b>Don't worry - the berries produced by these flowers do not have seeds.</b> They are hollow!<br />
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<b>Barberry rehabilitated.</b><br />
It's easy to hate barberry; <i>Berberis </i>is considered invasive in many areas. And we don't want to plant things that will become a problem.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/berberis/sunjoy-todo-barberry-berberis-x" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L7r9Pc9zVSnM6V6LvxOjpXto8V5-G4KFqe8w8A0a1gmX9Ia8Yqusdy_mtXw0FstqqjAl_yL9wHU7RD3S_a_Ba5ORn4rqfR1oyyJ2XIGij0NkdCGrt4aAo414LJCiYeI9xD8aKO9XvIbg/s320/Sunjoy+Todo+sterile+barberry+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/berberis/sunjoy-todo-barberry-berberis-x" target="_blank">Sunjoy Todo™ <i>Berberis</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But barberry came to be a popular landscape plant because it is a really useful option for challenging sites. Heat, drought - even deer are not a problem for this plant. I'm thinking of some businesses I've seen on busy streets - they want a landscape but whatever is there needs to tolerate air pollution and general neglect. In goes the barberry.<br />
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So providing a non-invasive barberry for such conditions is something we're really proud of. We know some people have those difficult spaces to fill in their landscapes, or maybe they just want something colorful and durable for their yards. Let's use the plants that meet this need but don't cause problems for the environment.<br />
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It's not just barberry - if there's a problem plant in your area, see if there's a non-invasive alternative. If you're not sure, ask. Plant geeks love to help other plant geeks discover new plants!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-47172247877171670772019-05-24T13:35:00.002-04:002019-05-24T13:35:39.326-04:00Plant of the Week: Sonic Bloom® Weigela <b>This is a spring for reblooming plants.</b><br />
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It's been cold. Sure, we've had some lovely Chamber of Commerce-worthy blue sky days, but on the whole it's been a wet, cold spring. <a href="https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates" target="_blank">They've even been using the "F" word</a> in parts of West Michigan.<br />
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Reblooming plants are pretty awesome in years like this. Even if we do have an untimely <b>frost</b> or <b>freeze</b>, rebloomers like the <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/sonic-bloom-pink-reblooming-weigela-weigela-florida-0" target="_blank">Sonic Bloom® <i>Weigela</i></a> will still reward us with flowers. Better late than never, right?<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBzH6tzDz-xITzIOuIOwJhMX8h9W93GH6OerDlvPYNAFLoUq15MEEfis7x_N38h-EbLhcf91JK3zLCah1nfUbBzeOYEkufuQHx4avZh_nVfJN820X9-EN8IsGNK0gLZ4_eAj5v2XsHDoD/s1600/Sonic+Bloom+Pink+Weigela-0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBzH6tzDz-xITzIOuIOwJhMX8h9W93GH6OerDlvPYNAFLoUq15MEEfis7x_N38h-EbLhcf91JK3zLCah1nfUbBzeOYEkufuQHx4avZh_nVfJN820X9-EN8IsGNK0gLZ4_eAj5v2XsHDoD/s400/Sonic+Bloom+Pink+Weigela-0569.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonic Bloom® Pink <i>Weigela</i></td></tr>
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Sonic Bloom® <i>Weigela</i> are very rewarding plants in more ways than one.<br />
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They're pretty, of course. Those classic weigela flowers are a charming addition to any spring garden. They're eye-catching in the landscape, and really easy to grow.<br />
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And they rebloom, so everyone gets to enjoy the flowers multiple times through the year. It's not just people who like the flowers: butterflies and hummingbirds like them, too.<br />
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Sonic Bloom® <i>Weigela</i> come in several colors, including <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/sonic-bloom-pink-reblooming-weigela-weigela-florida-0" target="_blank">Pink</a>, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/sonic-bloom-pure-pink-weigela-florida" target="_blank">Pure Pink</a> (which is a more pastel pink), <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/sonic-bloom-red-reblooming-weigela-weigela-florida" target="_blank">Red</a> and a red flowered variety with chartreuse foliage, called <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/sonic-bloom-ghost-weigela-florida" target="_blank">Ghost</a>. If you'd like something a little more genteel, Sonic Bloom® <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/sonic-bloom-pearl-reblooming-weigela-weigela-florida" target="_blank">Pearl</a> has white flowers that transform to a soft pink.<br />
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Sonic Bloom® Pure Pink <i>Weigela</i> has an upright habit and is a good choice for hedging. The others have a more rounded habit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNDYMYNuqWX3kaeyPMZCY4BWgo4FmhS9zUoLTx-upuDU6pUIWQk39LV0J5860hdMkBhNzqJIfXksKHiImar2hm_SzxN5oCxGP-Xp_tTiKtsvvpD3NFlXX7uBX99RaFUrlkOmQuaYMXGEE/s1600/Sonic+Bloom+Pure+Pink+weigela+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNDYMYNuqWX3kaeyPMZCY4BWgo4FmhS9zUoLTx-upuDU6pUIWQk39LV0J5860hdMkBhNzqJIfXksKHiImar2hm_SzxN5oCxGP-Xp_tTiKtsvvpD3NFlXX7uBX99RaFUrlkOmQuaYMXGEE/s320/Sonic+Bloom+Pure+Pink+weigela+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonic Bloom® Pure Pink <i>Weigela</i></td></tr>
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All are hardy to USDA Zone 4 (Pure Pink even down to zone 3) and will get about 5' tall. You'll want to put them in full sun.<br />
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<i>Weigela</i> have good deer resistance, and will also tolerate clay soil They're more than just a pretty face!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-85294760369435680022019-05-16T13:22:00.000-04:002019-05-16T13:22:24.868-04:00Plant of the Week: Magenta Chiffon® rose of SharonYou've seen Lavender, and White. Blue, and even Pink.<br />
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Are you ready for <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/hibiscus/magenta-chiffon-rose-sharon-hibiscus-syriacus" target="_blank">Magenta Chiffon® rose of Sharon</a>?*<br />
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It has the same lacy tuft in the center of its large flowers, but it's a deeper, more intense color than the rest of the series. This should appeal to folks who aren't fans of pastels but want the reliable summer flowers of this durable plant.<br />
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<i>Hibiscus syriacus</i> is tolerant of some tough conditions, including heat, drought and clay soil.<br />
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In addition to their distinctive flowers, the Chiffon® <i>Hibiscus syriacus </i>have strong, uniform growth and nice container presentation. While older varieties can seem stiff and awkward, these plants are full and quite appealing.<br />
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All will grow best in full sun, and are hardy to USDA Zone 5. They will get 8-12' tall and wide.<br />
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If you'd prefer a lighter color for your summer garden, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IzcGp7yWP8&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">take a look at the other colors in this video</a>. You're sure to find one that works!<br />
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*Magenta Chiffon® <i>Hibiscus syriacus</i> will be available at garden centers in 2020.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span>NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-41349264270775865982019-05-10T09:06:00.000-04:002019-05-10T09:13:27.036-04:00Plant of the Week: Golden Shadows® Cornus<br />
We're in the peak of <a href="https://www.tuliptime.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Time</a> here in West Michigan. Really, the only thought people are giving to trees right now is to complain about their allergies.<br />
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I say take some allergy medicine and carry on, because trees are great. (Seriously, I say this. Everyone in my house, including the dog, is on allergy medicine.)<br />
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Tulips are nice enough, but trees will delight us for far longer than a couple of weeks in the spring.<br />
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cornus/golden-shadows-pagoda-dogwood-cornus-alternifolia" target="_blank">Golden Shadows® <i>Cornus alternifolia</i></a>, in particular, is a plant that brings me a great deal of joy.<br />
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It has a lovely horizontal branching structure that adds an elegant touch to any garden. The bright color of the foliage is appealing, too, brightening the murky corners of a property.<br />
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Golden Shadows® will be happiest in filtered shade - just where you need that cheery green and gold foliage.<br />
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It's hardy to USDA Zone 3, and will grow 10-12' tall and wide.<br />
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If you haven't grown this plant, please do. I can say rather smugly that I've had it in my yard for years. and it never fails to make me happy.<br />
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<b>Did you know? <a href="https://springmeadownursery.com/plant_programs/proven-winners-trees/" target="_blank">Proven Winners® is getting into the tree game</a>!</b><br />
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Golden Shadows® has been a favorite here at Spring Meadow Nursery for a long
time. We've been hoping to make it fit into the Proven Winners® brand, but it
wasn't quite right mixed in with the hydrangeas, etc. By teaming up with Maria
Zampini, we've found a group of other fantastic ornamental trees
and so have enough varieties to establish a Proven Winners® tree program.<br />
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As the former President of Lake County Nursery, Inc., Maria brings a wealth of
tree experience to this partnership. We're confident that she will provide our
customers with the same outstanding options for trees as they have come to
expect from the shrubs coming from Spring Meadow Nursery's own breeding
programs.<br />
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Finally, if you really want to talk trees you might want to use a <a href="https://springmeadownursery.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f60882436f2ebe6c8946713b0&id=f8c0e29ffe&e=6d287415e0" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007c89;">special tree font </span></a>to do it. Yes, such a thing
exists. I know at least one graphic designer who will be going down a font
rabbit hole after reading this.<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />NatalieChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416309440121068306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-41427998942245438752019-05-03T13:27:00.001-04:002019-05-03T13:27:40.839-04:00Plant of the Week: Tiny Wine® Physocarpus<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80TrNpKMmZIiiERIIjMKZdt4Zc9BWyqPiRcUhRmaqRUw3HjR-wOQSvD38VfvVYN7RD-AB1fwZN_gXzEy8ahHQEWJdKRaMAC-oCWJDEAgiCW4hYK-2igpi5LKuv1N9qDJjxZLc4bdF0Rpd/s1600/Tiny+Wine+Physocarpus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80TrNpKMmZIiiERIIjMKZdt4Zc9BWyqPiRcUhRmaqRUw3HjR-wOQSvD38VfvVYN7RD-AB1fwZN_gXzEy8ahHQEWJdKRaMAC-oCWJDEAgiCW4hYK-2igpi5LKuv1N9qDJjxZLc4bdF0Rpd/s200/Tiny+Wine+Physocarpus.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tine Wine® <i>Physocarpus</i></td></tr>
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<b>Hello and happy Friday! </b><br />
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It's hopefully extra happy for us, as the rain has cleared and we can dig into the dirt all weekend!<br />
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I mentioned on Monday that I had been in Iowa last week. So before I get to the Plant of the Week, which is Tiny Wine® ninebark (pictured right) I wanted to share a couple of pics I took in the <a href="https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/test-garden-secrets/test-garden/" target="_blank">Better Homes & Gardens test garden</a>.<br />
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I'm lucky I have an "in" there since, although it is open to the public, it doesn't officially open for a couple of weeks. It was fun to see the gardens waking up and the tulips all in their glory. Very different from my trip there last June when the bulbs were done blooming and other plants were capturing the spotlight.<br />
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The <i>Helleborus</i> were also in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous, as were many other plants like Sunjoy® Citrus Berberis! <a href="https://natalief2f8.myportfolio.com/iowa">Click here for my online photo album that contains all the pictures</a>.<br />
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Now, as promised, here is Jane's Plant of the Week:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">Tiny Wine® any time...</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/physocarpus/tiny-wine-ninebark-physocarpus-opulifolius" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IhGiN0I7CR-K1G7VbmJ5UlrkH5eRiXgSzodhY54XCgIHRCNgH5Z2tRuulTVMCvRV4LHFOffEMDo2ljtnYLr86a7dPmqOiGsI9WtGEEMUkVbRpypAb1pb38lEaE56l5YpeeIYv9rYRUEY/s320/Tiny+Wine+Physocarpus-6683.jpg" width="228" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/physocarpus/tiny-wine-ninebark-physocarpus-opulifolius" target="_blank">Tiny Wine® <i>Physocarpus</i></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/physocarpus/tiny-wine-ninebark-physocarpus-opulifolius">Tiny Wine</a>® time is any time you need something colorful, durable, and not too big.<br />
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There are a couple of requirements: <i>Physocarpus</i> likes full sun, and is really more of a northern plant than a southern one. (We recommend zones 3-7).<br />
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<i>Physocarpus</i> is a fantastic plant for exposed sites. Windy conditions that tear up other plants are just what ninebark likes. Good air circulation will help keep away the powdery mildew that the species is prone to getting. Note that the Tiny Wine® <i>Physocarpus</i> were selected for their resistance to powdery mildew.<br />
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The original Tiny Wine® <i>Physocarpus</i> has dark purple foliage and pink spring flowers. A few years ago we introduced <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/physocarpus/tiny-wine-gold-ninebark-physocarpus-opulifolius" target="_blank">Tiny Wine® Gold</a>, which has yellow leaves and white flowers.<br />
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Both grow 3-5' tall and wide and have dainty leaves that offer a more refined texture than many other varieties do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn-8mwwfKhEyKb7qsjwBvsigMWOyeOrMcON4ngfRn0jk7oFSpKGw3L2UgHKSTIez7ywLjIqL63r2H2Cg0v-1lwQWDfFqctTgFKiL6_vCFpv7zO3uq34xqpA0zIxrXtfXxg6PnJkPDpDHD/s1600/Tiny_Wine_Gold_Ninebark_Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn-8mwwfKhEyKb7qsjwBvsigMWOyeOrMcON4ngfRn0jk7oFSpKGw3L2UgHKSTIez7ywLjIqL63r2H2Cg0v-1lwQWDfFqctTgFKiL6_vCFpv7zO3uq34xqpA0zIxrXtfXxg6PnJkPDpDHD/s320/Tiny_Wine_Gold_Ninebark_Flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/physocarpus/tiny-wine-gold-ninebark-physocarpus-opulifolius" target="_blank">Tiny Wine<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">®</span> Gold <i>Physocarpus</i></a></td></tr>
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<i>Physocarpus opulifolius</i> is a useful native species that will thrive in conditions that test many other plants: drought, crummy soil, erosion - no problem. The next time someone asks you for a low-maintenance plant with lots of color, give ninebark a try!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #202020; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Grab
some popcorn.</span></strong><span style="color: #202020; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><br />
If you need to relax a for a few seconds (30, to be exact), <a href="https://youtu.be/eWtUBWPMfik" target="_blank">here's a short video</a> highlighting Tiny Wine® Physocarpus.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-43156753664114687342019-04-29T10:16:00.000-04:002019-05-03T10:12:00.098-04:00Plant of the Week: Show Off® Forsythia<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckTE-TK_ev6SwpIZn3RrpKnQiFatTB4KnQAJaYqWfrzEfbzPvWbvmNpVNUJdY0Jp9VJjYAhc8foQcq5ZgUaoE10rEJmKTxXUqTr3322tCC3gBhooE0hxsHI_DCHUV6O8grYLnoeTemUwO/s1600/Forsythia+Show+Off+Sugar+Baby+DSC00366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckTE-TK_ev6SwpIZn3RrpKnQiFatTB4KnQAJaYqWfrzEfbzPvWbvmNpVNUJdY0Jp9VJjYAhc8foQcq5ZgUaoE10rEJmKTxXUqTr3322tCC3gBhooE0hxsHI_DCHUV6O8grYLnoeTemUwO/s320/Forsythia+Show+Off+Sugar+Baby+DSC00366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show Off® Sugar Baby <i>Forsythia</i></td></tr>
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I was in Iowa last week and never got a chance to complete the plant of the week blog, so I'll see if I <i>Forsythia</i>. I don't can churn out two this week, starting with Jane's post about a "perennial" favorite, know about you, but mine is gorgeous right now.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Also, don't forget about the Mother's Day giveaway! </b></span><b>There are still two days to enter to win</b>! See details below:<br />
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<a href="https://forms.gle/y43GZjBxiC3FukSf7" target="_blank">Click this link</a> to enter by May 1, and you could win <a href="https://www.lorraineballato.com/about" target="_blank">Lorraine Ballato</a>'s book <i><a href="https://www.lorraineballato.com/success-with-hydrangeas" target="_blank">Success With Hydrangeas: A Gardener's Guide</a></i> plus a Proven Winners® ColorChoice® hydrangea, shipped from <a href="https://www.greatgardenplants.com/category/shrubs-shade-hydrangeas" target="_blank">Great Garden Plants</a>, directly to your mom's home! It's a $50 value, free to one lucky winner.<br />
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Lorraine is an Advanced Master Gardener and like me, a hydrangea lover. In her book she gives tips for knowledgeable and novice gardeners alike on how to grow this favorite garden shrub. Each of the thirteen chapters covers the whys and wherefores in easy-to understand language with nearly 150 photos and illustrations. I got one for my mom last Mother's Day and she loves it!<br />
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Don't want to leave it up to chance? You can <a href="https://www.lorraineballato.com/success-with-hydrangeas" target="_blank">order a signed copy</a> of Lorraine's book right on her website and get it shipped in time for Mother's Day!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1255480631"></span><span id="goog_1255480632"></span>Plant of the Week: Show Off® <i>Forsythia</i></span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QOkK8HZcJzJgz1es89hML3g_Z35pn5kOyYEAuvPpoCSoa_FQ2lIxTjXCCJcJKKTmllgBjj37C9O17yhWhB5gOEblLx60MYauOylyqYxmjaKgJv56mgOPGIyjcnd6RURgACbYIfVl3VJ6/s1600/Show+Off+Forsythia-7525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QOkK8HZcJzJgz1es89hML3g_Z35pn5kOyYEAuvPpoCSoa_FQ2lIxTjXCCJcJKKTmllgBjj37C9O17yhWhB5gOEblLx60MYauOylyqYxmjaKgJv56mgOPGIyjcnd6RURgACbYIfVl3VJ6/s320/Show+Off+Forsythia-7525.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
It's a bit unfair to say that <i>Forsythia</i> are good only for their flowers. That may be true in an<br />
ornamental sense, but these are tough, durable plants. They are a useful choice for places that face pressure from deer browsing, and will also tolerate clay soil.<br />
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We selected our varieties because of their superior bloom display. After all, <i>Forsythia</i> do one thing and one thing only - so you want the plant that does that one thing the best. These do, with large flowers covering the stems from base to tip.<br />
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We like the Show Off® group because they do their thing in an efficient package. With three sizes available you can choose the plant that's the best fit for your site. After all, when you've got limited space do you really want to give up valuable square footage to a plant with only a few weeks of flower power?<br />
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/forsythia/show-forsythia-x-intermedia" target="_blank">Show Off</a>® grows 5-6', <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/forsythia/show-starlet-forsythia-x" target="_blank">Show Off Starlet</a>™ is 2-3', and Show Off® <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/forsythia/show-sugar-baby-forsythia-x" target="_blank">Sugar Baby</a>® is just 1.5-2.5' tall.<br />
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All are hardy to USDA Zone 5 and will grow in full sun or partial shade.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-57724701801817678052019-04-17T16:14:00.000-04:002019-05-03T10:08:17.015-04:00Plant of the Week and a Mother's Day Giveaway!<br />
I think I can safely say it's spring! Okay, yes, we had a blizzard last Sunday, but that's all in the past. The last lumps of snow are melting (I actually spent a little time scooping handfuls off my daffodils that were just ready to pop before the storm) and I just finished deadheading my hydrangeas and pulling out the spent canes. It's exciting to see all the buds waiting to bloom - very soon now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FxUHXlsGttK3WwGeWxLjLuWrCP99X_Zpfi7paxDdsMhKAeDVfGZRRBlfA5hRlIfUnpb_BligfFGIlSkEH9tZT04K3xZsFSySqZjt-99Zi-dXxLOLWYaRv8TgxGLDj616oyYaU4D3Oe8L/s1600/Success.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FxUHXlsGttK3WwGeWxLjLuWrCP99X_Zpfi7paxDdsMhKAeDVfGZRRBlfA5hRlIfUnpb_BligfFGIlSkEH9tZT04K3xZsFSySqZjt-99Zi-dXxLOLWYaRv8TgxGLDj616oyYaU4D3Oe8L/s200/Success.JPG" width="152" /></a>Speaking of hydrangeas... ya' know, they make a great Mother's Day gift. In fact, what have you gotten for your mom this year? Nothing yet?<br />
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Never fear...I have a way that you can win an excellent gift for her, (or maybe for yourself, you deserve something special too!) just in time for the holiday.<br />
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<a href="https://forms.gle/y43GZjBxiC3FukSf7" target="_blank">Click this link</a> to enter by May 1, and you could win <a href="https://www.lorraineballato.com/about" target="_blank">Lorraine Ballato</a>'s book <i><a href="https://www.lorraineballato.com/success-with-hydrangeas" target="_blank">Success With Hydrangeas: A Gardener's Guide</a></i> plus a Proven Winners® ColorChoice® hydrangea, shipped from <a href="https://www.greatgardenplants.com/category/shrubs-shade-hydrangeas" target="_blank">Great Garden Plants</a>, directly to your mom's home! It's a $50 value, free to one lucky winner.<br />
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Lorraine is an Advanced Master Gardener and like me, a hydrangea lover. In her book she gives tips for knowledgeable and novice gardeners alike on how to grow this favorite garden shrub. Each of the thirteen chapters covers the whys and wherefores in easy-to understand language with nearly 150 photos and illustrations. I got one for my mom last Mother's Day and she loves it!<br />
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Don't want to leave it up to chance? You can <a href="https://www.lorraineballato.com/success-with-hydrangeas" target="_blank">order a signed copy</a> of Lorraine's book right on her website and get it shipped in time for Mother's Day!<br />
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Now, that's enough talk about moms - how about sons? This week Jane writes about the spectacular Seven Son Flower, that we call Temple of Bloom®.<br />
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Enjoy! <i>- Natalie</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d6FMVa0MSsH693xC9dLM8pCAa0oGtmq5bNDoFPLCf6tzkYqgkNCf83VB9NWoq6iF3mo7wYZEpJZyI8T2XCh0w9_tA9-5XVt6iTtgS19Ml8Bjcw03wGv2JnH6fXfnxCz29-NGcfUDuLcG/s1600/Temple+of+Bloom+heptacodium+fall+color.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d6FMVa0MSsH693xC9dLM8pCAa0oGtmq5bNDoFPLCf6tzkYqgkNCf83VB9NWoq6iF3mo7wYZEpJZyI8T2XCh0w9_tA9-5XVt6iTtgS19Ml8Bjcw03wGv2JnH6fXfnxCz29-NGcfUDuLcG/s320/Temple+of+Bloom+heptacodium+fall+color.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Bloom® fall color</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">All Bark, No Bite.</span></b><br />
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For many years <i>Heptacodium</i> was the cool indie band of the horticulture world. It had passionate <i>Heptacodium</i><br />
fans, but they tended to be people who were pretty deeply into the plant scene. But now it is ready to go mainstream.<br />
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Don't be mad about it. This isn't like when your favorite band sold out and all of the sudden there were Tiger Beat teenagers at the show. This is a case of a really nice plant finally getting the recognition it deserves.<br />
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We selected <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/heptacodium/temple-bloom-seven-son-flower-heptacodium-miconioides" target="_blank">Temple of Bloom</a>® because it's a compact plant that blooms earlier than the species and also has more colorful bracts in the fall. It's colorful, but in a cool, indie-band kind of way.<br />
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It will grow 6-10' tall as a multi-branched small tree. Give it a try - it's a nice change from the expected flowering cherry or crabapple.<br />
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<i>Heptacodium,</i> aka Seven Son Flower, is a small tree with a pleasant habit that's ideal for residential yards and other smaller spaces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmdnXrAtKMG-C_Yhjq9f65f9Fb4lpYZ3zOZ_tZf-2CCpqkpuMH9pKO5mLoGafb79lbJHblWlIwQSIu4eTetuu0crI608nVm-FklWtxpHi5eSGuS8WdYTgRvGwOIOlL6dnUfgAMJATDBKE/s1600/Temple+of+Bloom+heptacodium+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmdnXrAtKMG-C_Yhjq9f65f9Fb4lpYZ3zOZ_tZf-2CCpqkpuMH9pKO5mLoGafb79lbJHblWlIwQSIu4eTetuu0crI608nVm-FklWtxpHi5eSGuS8WdYTgRvGwOIOlL6dnUfgAMJATDBKE/s200/Temple+of+Bloom+heptacodium+flowers.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The plant produces fragrant white flowers in late summer. We had a beautiful specimen outside of our old office and when it bloomed it was surrounded by bees. And since the flowers were above our heads we could just watch the bees without getting in their way.<br />
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When it's done flowering the red bracts are showy well into fall and in winter the distinctive bark is very appealing. It is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and will grow in full sun or partial shade.<br />
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<i>Heptacodium</i> is just one of many trees and shrubs with really appealing bark. Our own Plant Hunter, Tim Wood, recently wrote a <a href="http://plant-quest.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-beauty-of-bark.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NewGardenPlants+%28TIm+Wood+-+The+Plant+Hunter%29" target="_blank">wonderful blog post about bark</a>. I encourage you to read it. It's both entertaining and informative, and made me feel a little better about coming back from vacations with pictures of bark on my phone.<br />
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Nice size, year-round interest, generally trouble-free. No wonder it's ready for a major label release!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-63101806403636881562019-04-11T09:44:00.000-04:002019-05-03T09:57:25.124-04:00Plant of the week: Yuki series of Deutzia<br />
Hello and happy Thursday -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6orufispO-AVvHG3lAW16hOKtKQp3TJGbkHTArxW2TqO_OcZJSSO7MjJn8KgxayjQ-n9X2Oy-GQosCJT9agVcmtnYowin8xWfsXVI6HRRYWklefn4k5v5pPBriLINmjlknfbATBkwNYm/s1600/Happy+Face+Hearts+potentilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6orufispO-AVvHG3lAW16hOKtKQp3TJGbkHTArxW2TqO_OcZJSSO7MjJn8KgxayjQ-n9X2Oy-GQosCJT9agVcmtnYowin8xWfsXVI6HRRYWklefn4k5v5pPBriLINmjlknfbATBkwNYm/s200/Happy+Face+Hearts+potentilla.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Face Hearts <i>Potentilla</i> in bloom</td></tr>
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Spring is in the air...finally! Even those of us who live close to the chilly shores of Lake Michigan are seeing bulbs poking their heads out of the soil and new growth is appearing on once-dormant shrubs.<br />
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In fact, this is photo of a <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/potentilla/happy-face-white-potentilla-fruticosa" target="_blank">Happy Face® <i>Potentilla</i></a> I put in last summer. I was thrilled to see these tiny green buds all along the stems already.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMD7Z3EFTN38NIa6mj8aeoOTNkG8DbdgJbo_msCt02yfaHZSjcKMCAu_mAA8v1uVhb2c5XOaf3e0B7eL4qWb80ml1Y4Pce-e50pJbWSvo3sjjfbe82ZgPI_dJkAlhU15Sl8cwnBTwak9P/s1600/IMG_1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMD7Z3EFTN38NIa6mj8aeoOTNkG8DbdgJbo_msCt02yfaHZSjcKMCAu_mAA8v1uVhb2c5XOaf3e0B7eL4qWb80ml1Y4Pce-e50pJbWSvo3sjjfbe82ZgPI_dJkAlhU15Sl8cwnBTwak9P/s200/IMG_1953.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Face Hearts new growth</td></tr>
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Soon my bulbs will be in flower and I'll share lots of photos. Last fall I put in a bunch of new ones from <a href="https://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/" target="_blank">Brent and Becky's Bulbs</a>... I'm excited to see them bloom!<br />
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Until then, I'll have to be patient, even during the few cold days that we most certainly have in store. Reading Jane's Plant of the Week posts help. Beautiful flowering shrubs shared with a truly original viewpoint!<br />
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Enjoy it, copied below - <i>Natalie</i><br />
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<b>Which Deutzia do you want to do?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Y7VppLJkEKBgPC02MSBptK1qIeOJuBvl4xVYZrh0rpnTkrK5DGEHL_aHYM-4YAis143Fp7YCbGdXAn70Vor1hthM5C8mEVTuFqIRTC_53QklJoDcrGkgpb2vhT6Wk4VfbcKH5vZ8Toy2/s1600/Yuki+Cherry+Blossom+Deutzia+-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Y7VppLJkEKBgPC02MSBptK1qIeOJuBvl4xVYZrh0rpnTkrK5DGEHL_aHYM-4YAis143Fp7YCbGdXAn70Vor1hthM5C8mEVTuFqIRTC_53QklJoDcrGkgpb2vhT6Wk4VfbcKH5vZ8Toy2/s320/Yuki+Cherry+Blossom+Deutzia+-19.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuki Cherry Blossom® <i>Deutzia</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/deutzia/yuki-cherry-blossom-deutzia-x" target="_blank">Yuki Cherry Blossom</a>® (right) is a beautiful little plant with elegant pink spring flowers. It was our Landscape Shrub of the Year a couple of years ago because it is such a fabulous plant for both commercial and residential jobs.<br />
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Or with <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/deutzia/yuki-snowflake-deutzia-x" target="_blank">Yuki Snowflake</a>® (below). The only problem with this plant is that when you put it next to 'Nikko' you'll have trouble moving the older variety - it's that much more impressive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OyYDFjISFzJXkot3AQzwaGTySCSX0zS7_2XEEMSh-qO0-atAoLaU7fMACT1rY5dlEi7tviD6hNtKgyW4MGpU0rRKuvdFB8j9HF8k_zKORuY5YEvuy0CAviaoQZr8gZCZJwQM9RfPkt2u/s1600/Yuki+Snowflake+Deutzia-9482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OyYDFjISFzJXkot3AQzwaGTySCSX0zS7_2XEEMSh-qO0-atAoLaU7fMACT1rY5dlEi7tviD6hNtKgyW4MGpU0rRKuvdFB8j9HF8k_zKORuY5YEvuy0CAviaoQZr8gZCZJwQM9RfPkt2u/s320/Yuki+Snowflake+Deutzia-9482.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuki Snowflake® <i>Deutzia</i></td></tr>
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Both plants are hardy to USDA Zone 5, and grow 1-2' tall and wide. They will grow in full sun or partial shade, and are a wonderful choice as a ground cover shrub or along a walkway.<br />
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<b><a href="https://blogs.wsj.com/cmo/2015/03/29/mountain-dew-ads-go-global-with-return-of-do-the-dew/" target="_blank">Doing the Dew is so last century</a>.</b><br />
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Why not do the <i>Deutzia </i>instead?<br />
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<i>Deutzia</i> has beautiful spring flowers and nice fall color. Mountain Dew has artificial color.<br />
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<i>Deutzia</i> is deer-resistant. Mountain Dew attracts yellow jackets.<br />
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<i>Deutzia</i> is adaptable to most soils, including clay ones. Mountain Dew is best adapted to teenagers who have no concept of acid reflux.<br />
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It's spring, and while you may need a jolt of something caffeinated maybe go with something a little less likely to rot your teeth than Mountain Dew.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-81260402618940117872019-04-04T11:32:00.002-04:002019-04-04T11:33:10.348-04:00CAST 2019<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TCaUD_sLbGcSd66lu0HqMPcnDjbo0-r7O4fxOc3iRlSqmuUGTyOcgeoe8iBzuaVVxhSblKQO3cx2hsF9EX_WtoZ7ktH8yzYoK8DlElfzfISa3WwF_1tJA8YVTZdJimUCQGZ0Jorc9zys/s1600/Natalie_CrushingCast_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TCaUD_sLbGcSd66lu0HqMPcnDjbo0-r7O4fxOc3iRlSqmuUGTyOcgeoe8iBzuaVVxhSblKQO3cx2hsF9EX_WtoZ7ktH8yzYoK8DlElfzfISa3WwF_1tJA8YVTZdJimUCQGZ0Jorc9zys/s320/Natalie_CrushingCast_1.jpg" title="Natalie talking about cool new shrubs." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalie talking about cool, new shrubs.</td></tr>
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Hello and happy Thursday!<br />
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Oh my goodness, <a href="https://www.springtrialsregistration.com/" target="_blank">CAST</a> was a whirlwind. I just got done <a href="https://natalief2f8.myportfolio.com/cast-2019" target="_blank">uploading some pictures</a> of the beautiful shrubs we showed this year. Mind you, these are plants that are available to growers this year, so they will be at garden centers in 2020.<br />
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I loved spending the week in the California sun (okay there was a little rain, but I'm not complaining) talking about shrubs. What could be better!<br />
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Two of my favorites are:<br />
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<b>Interstella® </b><i><b>Pieris</b></i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpLgZzVfu7_2Pq8qF6YLb83Ya2EdLnvnHDKTI5sbsDsFjg6RBOOQJQnijEhAYe3-zztwsgEggxNH_etDnuyQM6QHTlaPt9XV01moIvVB4aG4Q-Tm7c5f3_UyMVZXJC6N4eWVGd1PJ2C2I/s1600/IMG_1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpLgZzVfu7_2Pq8qF6YLb83Ya2EdLnvnHDKTI5sbsDsFjg6RBOOQJQnijEhAYe3-zztwsgEggxNH_etDnuyQM6QHTlaPt9XV01moIvVB4aG4Q-Tm7c5f3_UyMVZXJC6N4eWVGd1PJ2C2I/s320/IMG_1919.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
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Whether you call it Japanese andromeda or lily of the valley shrub, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/pieris/interstella-lily-valley-shrub-pieris-japonica" target="_blank">Interstella® <i>Pieris</i></a> will have you seeing stars when it bursts into bloom with thousands of lantern-like ruby-colored blooms in early spring. You may have seen a <i>Pieris</i> with white flowers or pale-pink flowers, but we selected this one for its ruby red blooms. </div>
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The long-lasting display is followed by the emergence of dramatic red new growth, and handsome evergreen foliage secures year-round presence and beauty. Thrives in the same conditions as rhododendrons. </div>
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USDA Zone 5 - 8 exposure full to part sun. This will actually do well in the shade, too!</div>
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<b>Ringo™ <i>Rosa</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFPlOV6Yio4tXdlIAzWwAmqpIg8sMoClxMZkBJaKm-TaycFIZejKuf6qxdQJJdQqDPwqed0UtYwWqx73JyWI11mEzDaGC7QuLuHnbpa7oWr-4GU5bxRjwjGAGpgjn6lP6z5RLqgQ5ToO3/s1600/P1063352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1016" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFPlOV6Yio4tXdlIAzWwAmqpIg8sMoClxMZkBJaKm-TaycFIZejKuf6qxdQJJdQqDPwqed0UtYwWqx73JyWI11mEzDaGC7QuLuHnbpa7oWr-4GU5bxRjwjGAGpgjn6lP6z5RLqgQ5ToO3/s320/P1063352.jpg" width="203" /></a>I know you could say Ringo™ rose but it's so much more fun to say <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/rosa/ringo-rose-rosa-x" target="_blank">Ringo™ <i>Rosa</i></a>... </div>
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This rose has already won six awards overseas, and will finally available in North American garden centers in 2020. </div>
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The blooms of this colorful, appealing <i><a href="http://www.helpmefind.com/gardening/ezine.php?publicationID=970&js=0" target="_blank">R. hulthemia</a></i> hybrid open a bright golden yellow with a blazing red center. They mellow to a soft yellow, before finally turning white with a distinct pink center. The effect is of three colors blooming at once. </div>
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Disease resistant and reblooming, hardy in USDA zones 4-8. This rose will get to about 3-4' tall. I can't wait to get my hands on one.</div>
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The rest of the photos from CAST are in my online Adobe Portfolio. I wish I could say I took them all, but that wouldn't be true... my co-worker Adriana Robinson also came to CAST this year and she took lots of great video as well as most of the photos on the page (and the photo of Ringo™ <i>Rosa</i> on this page.) She's super-talented and hopefully we'll be posting a few of her videos soon. <a href="https://natalief2f8.myportfolio.com/cast-2019" target="_blank">Check out the CAST 2019 photos here</a>.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by and see you next week!</div>
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Natalie</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-26758585683878382942019-03-22T10:43:00.000-04:002019-05-03T11:57:57.977-04:00Plant of the Week: Spring into Syringa<b>Happy spring!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VqnQuM4VxH8Od6mC3lW-sRv_6tadim-ed57DTLt84HW1JXugQMlrpOC-sm9Upg1mVhjZdFCFRqUJX-cPYJU3DQEqJmtybFNTUUsmmAMnBnbfXoKrvgyRd45iOHZWnZR-KUrd64DDUx_g/s1600/Bloomerang+Purple+Syringa-1365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VqnQuM4VxH8Od6mC3lW-sRv_6tadim-ed57DTLt84HW1JXugQMlrpOC-sm9Upg1mVhjZdFCFRqUJX-cPYJU3DQEqJmtybFNTUUsmmAMnBnbfXoKrvgyRd45iOHZWnZR-KUrd64DDUx_g/s320/Bloomerang+Purple+Syringa-1365.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bloomerang® Purple lilac)</td></tr>
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I'll be in California for the spring trials for the next couple of weeks. This week we are setting up our plant displays so I'm sending you this wonderful post about lilacs from Jane. Next week, pictures and posts from CAST will start to come in!<br />
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So for now...enjoy spring, it's here!<br />
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<i>- Natalie</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Plant of the Week: Spring is here!</span></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofhHctyhWxc_Q6XbIYdIfIgoRwvnLGuosFTV8uQgEM2Y8c2No4GtAG98yMaWAwt9oy7OSK72OXEG6J-jnv2jvRMSZMAlum0DE7vgIC9GugZADFYf19Tc9izk07SkOftlTd4Jbbna7BcRY/s1600/Scentara+Double+Blue+lilac+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofhHctyhWxc_Q6XbIYdIfIgoRwvnLGuosFTV8uQgEM2Y8c2No4GtAG98yMaWAwt9oy7OSK72OXEG6J-jnv2jvRMSZMAlum0DE7vgIC9GugZADFYf19Tc9izk07SkOftlTd4Jbbna7BcRY/s320/Scentara+Double+Blue+lilac+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scentara® Double Blue <i>Syringa</i></td></tr>
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Not meteorological spring (that was March 1) or nursery grower spring (the first sale of the season), but astronomical spring, which was Wednesday.<br />
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What could be more fitting for a spring celebration than lilacs? Show me someone who doesn't like lilacs and I'll show you a bitter retiree who's discovered that she can't have a lilac at her Miami condo.<br />
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That's actually one of the most frequent questions we get on the Proven Winners® feedback site: why can't I get a lilac in Florida? Hint: the reblooming <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/syringa/bloomerang-purple-reblooming-lilac-syringa-x" target="_blank">Bloomerang</a>® varieties typically do quite well in warmer climates since they flower on new wood.<br />
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If you're looking for that classic farmhouse lilac with outstanding fragrance (and not so much powdery mildew), here's the plant for you: <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/syringa/scentara-double-blue-lilac-syringa-hyacinthiflora" target="_blank">Scentara<b>®</b> Double Blue </a><i><a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/syringa/scentara-double-blue-lilac-syringa-hyacinthiflora" target="_blank">Syringa</a>.</i><br />
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This plant gets 6-8' tall, like the one at your grandma's house. But it has unique doubled flowers and a nicer habit than old-fashioned common lilac. And there is the aforementioned mildew tolerance.<br />
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As with any lilac, it will want full sun to be at its best. Let it shine in a nice sunny, exposed border - that makes it easy to cut some flowers for bouquets.<br />
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This beautiful plant is hardy to USDA Zone 2 - it's the north country's reward for making it through another winter.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-64234584054520372782019-03-14T15:58:00.000-04:002019-03-14T15:58:00.763-04:00Plant of the Week: Ground Hog™ AroniaHello and happy Thursday!<br />
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I don't know what it's like where you are, but today in Michigan it's grey and rainy. I'm not complaining though, it could be snowing. Yes, it's finally warmed up a bit. That is particularly important when you work for a place that ships live plants. So, although it seems like spring has been a long time coming, I'm feeling hopeful. I know it can, and has, snowed in April...but I'm confident the polar vortex-type weather is behind us.<br />
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Despite the fact that this year Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and winter ignored him and dug in its heels, I think it's safe to say we'll soon be seeing signs of spring. So enjoy this post from Jane about the super-durable plant with pretty white spring flowers...<i>Aronia melanocarpa.</i><br />
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Enjoy! <i>- Natalie</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7E4iNYbymHexHFQe1TPxDgPhwxoKtzRUo3dBcdmVlqCJatgJGwQ_XEBkz7h5IqxI1I09TzlQDiKBRtm0WwfRKe2lKWbZzLJAljwzKLuc6aeGX8Kaie4aisJsgxnA2eibq0J18dcXU7q0/s1600/Plant+of+the+Week+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="640" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7E4iNYbymHexHFQe1TPxDgPhwxoKtzRUo3dBcdmVlqCJatgJGwQ_XEBkz7h5IqxI1I09TzlQDiKBRtm0WwfRKe2lKWbZzLJAljwzKLuc6aeGX8Kaie4aisJsgxnA2eibq0J18dcXU7q0/s320/Plant+of+the+Week+Header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Signs of spring...</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground Hog™ <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i></td></tr>
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Ah, the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2019/02/02/groundhog-day-live-punxsutawney/2744360002/" target="_blank">Groundhog Day prediction</a>. So often wrong, and so often disappointing. This year it was particularly frustrating.<br />
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If only we could find a ground hog that gave us good news - and was reliable.<br />
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Here it is: <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/aronia/ground-hog-aronia-melanocarpa" target="_blank">Ground Hog™ <i>Aronia</i></a>.<br />
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This is a groundcover - <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i>, with all of the adaptability and durability of the species but in a very useful low-growing package.<br />
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Ground Hog™ aronia comes to us from <a href="http://plantscience.uconn.edu/People/Faculty/Brand.php#" target="_blank">Dr. Mark Brand</a> of UConn. His is the breeding program that developed <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/aronia/low-scape-mound-aronia-melanocarpa" target="_blank">Low Scape Mound</a>™ and <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/aronia/low-scape-hedger-aronia-melanocarpa" target="_blank">Low Scape Hedger</a>™ aronia, too. This is fabulous work - taking a species with lots of great qualities and repackaging it to fit into more gardens.<br />
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Ground Hog™ grows 8-14" tall and up to 3' across. It will grow in full sun or partial shade.<br />
<i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> has good deer-resistance, too. Not deer-proof of course (there's no such thing). <br />
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It's a native species, which is important to many people, and supports pollinators, which is another common request. <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> is an adaptable plant with many potential uses in gardens and landscapes<br />
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It's hardy to USDA Zone 3 and has pretty flowers in the spring as well as bright red fall color. It's a durable plant that will tolerate many challenging conditions. We even had a planting submerged under water for a few weeks last spring, and it came through fine. A little slower to take off than the ones on higher ground, but OK.<br />
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Practical and ornamental, like the perfect winter coat. Yeah, that groundhog was really off the mark this year.<br />
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If you're looking for a more general purpose plant geek experience, <a href="https://youtu.be/TwI1aeWz9Dc?t=39" target="_blank">here's a video from the National Science Foundation</a>. One of the discoveries they highlight is researchers identifying the genes that give a plant deer-resistance. That could be really useful to anyone struggling with deer browsing, which is to say nearly everyone in North America.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-23984612159886397502019-03-08T09:04:00.002-05:002019-03-08T09:04:46.732-05:00Plant of the Week: My Monet® weigelaHello and Happy Friday!<br />
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For the last couple of weeks I've been reminding you about <a href="https://www.shrubmadness.com/" target="_blank">Shrub Madness</a>, and that's still going on... You can still get in on the voting and you can still get the prizes that will be distributed at the end of each round! I hope you decide to give it a try.<br />
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Now let's get back to the Plant of the Week, this week Jane wrote about the three beautiful varieties of <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/my-monet-weigela-florida" target="_blank">My Monet</a>® <i>Weigela</i>. Named after my favorite painter!<br />
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After the plant of the week post, be sure to check out the information about the brand new <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/Garden_Book" target="_blank">Proven Winners® Garden Book</a>. Written by Thomas Christopher and the fabulous Ruth Rogers Clausen, who was one of the very first people I met at my first GWA (now <a href="https://gardencomm.org/" target="_blank">Garden Comm</a>) mixer. I was in the lobby of the Lord Baltimore hotel, feeling quite out of my element and she motioned for me to come over to where she was sitting in a comfy sofa, welcomed me to sit down, introduced herself and said "tell me about you." She made me feel right at home.<br />
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Enjoy this week's plant, My Monet® <i>Weigela.</i><br />
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The original <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/my-monet-weigela-florida" target="_blank">My Monet</a>® <i>Weigela</i> is an interesting plant. The variegated foliage will often acquire pink coloration as the season progresses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGPgTNflkrTa_mcufR9b2Buz2ryvqcDlUIgv5iSgu5e-sNGSAkfpPEHLlAuwJIAsmeSPegG7EqRa6T2llbzQneNXa2B8k7y_Y9NmN0avBlMMHZkPm_A2jGZZ_vZYId6qHoS_zl9a7b472/s1600/my_monet_sunset_weigela-3430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGPgTNflkrTa_mcufR9b2Buz2ryvqcDlUIgv5iSgu5e-sNGSAkfpPEHLlAuwJIAsmeSPegG7EqRa6T2llbzQneNXa2B8k7y_Y9NmN0avBlMMHZkPm_A2jGZZ_vZYId6qHoS_zl9a7b472/s200/my_monet_sunset_weigela-3430.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Monet® Sunset weigela</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/my-monet-sunset-weigela-florida" target="_blank">My Monet® 'Sunset'</a> (right) goes in a different direction as its foliage is fiery sunset hues of orange and red.<br />
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This year we have a third My Monet® weigela to offer you: <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/weigela/my-monet-purple-effect-weigela-florida" target="_blank">My Monet Purple Effect</a>™. As the name implies, this weigela has a purple tone in both the foliage and the flowers.<br />
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I think that having the three plants with such different color palettes really suits the name My Monet. One of Claude Monet's most famous works is the series of <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437124" target="_blank">paintings of Rouen cathedral</a>. It's the same subject, painted multiple times, but in different lights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gSQUwiIwPrtn4zIprNQ7WDwZjE7yk3uqwf1I4etihyphenhyphen4uaOjeanpz7nBCQZTJY1xLYmxSZcfYsFcfNEMZWP5j1LuI58VyGpxw14q2Z-FnPlmMK03_2Tqr0fbAelHoRIU1o6Hu1IqW9h0q/s1600/weigela_my_monet_purple_effect_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gSQUwiIwPrtn4zIprNQ7WDwZjE7yk3uqwf1I4etihyphenhyphen4uaOjeanpz7nBCQZTJY1xLYmxSZcfYsFcfNEMZWP5j1LuI58VyGpxw14q2Z-FnPlmMK03_2Tqr0fbAelHoRIU1o6Hu1IqW9h0q/s200/weigela_my_monet_purple_effect_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Monet Purple Effect™ weigela</td></tr>
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All of the My Monet® <i>Weigela</i> are dwarf plants that can be used more as a low-growing mass planting than in the traditional border filler role that we expect of a weigela. While the original My Monet® and My Monet® 'Sunset' grow 1-1.5' tall and wide, My Monet Purple Effect™ weigela will get a little bigger: 1.5-2.5'.<br />
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My Monet Purple Effect™ weigela is also faster growing than the original, and more heat tolerant. It produces purple-pink flowers in spring, and then the variegated foliage stays nice and bright up to frost so you have quite a long season of color.<br />
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Hardy into USDA Zone 4, My Monet Purple Effect™ will grow in full sun or partial shade. The original My Monet® is also hardy to USDA Zone 4, but My Monet® 'Sunset' goes into USDA Zone 5.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: right;">Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Looking for a good book?</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy2Iag5KuYxpfimCD9FMBxHCHf8tfkdOFkTnZpol-neU-K2R7I2DFW3xDUByZZzEpvwxJ7lJDvQMlNnJN20lpsarSqUqCFFQiV00latSXXoPyjdxu3wVivnyIs8_diBKpiucUbEiX8LtO/s1600/pw_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy2Iag5KuYxpfimCD9FMBxHCHf8tfkdOFkTnZpol-neU-K2R7I2DFW3xDUByZZzEpvwxJ7lJDvQMlNnJN20lpsarSqUqCFFQiV00latSXXoPyjdxu3wVivnyIs8_diBKpiucUbEiX8LtO/s1600/pw_book.jpg" /></a>The gardening season is still weeks away for many people, so they must content themselves with planning for the upcoming spring.<br />
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While websites are great for learning about new plants, many people still like the feel of a book. There's something relaxing about turning real pages rather than clicking through screens.<br />
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Proven Winners® Garden Book is a nice addition to any gardener's library. If you'd like an autographed copy to give to a special gardener in your life, or maybe offer as a door prize at an upcoming event, <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/Garden_Book" target="_blank">you can order one here</a>.<br />
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Soon enough we'll be able to garden in real life!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755339792090712763.post-82954591547446138532019-02-27T13:20:00.000-05:002019-02-27T13:20:03.305-05:00Last Call for Shrub Madness brackets!<h3>
<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;"><b>Voting starts Friday! Get in before it's too late! </b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfsE_3glipBcANEqPOET3blFfGyseY14ajkjtk9EqjEwU8FIdHRaN7bjQaUfLhYiyUqLkmyySmRK30z4whUwrZNBMqnZGlBt8YVdpIuDvqaHygs5PPXwM4mg2PP9oQD43HX50tgKntngW/s1600/Zinfin+Doll+Hydrangea-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfsE_3glipBcANEqPOET3blFfGyseY14ajkjtk9EqjEwU8FIdHRaN7bjQaUfLhYiyUqLkmyySmRK30z4whUwrZNBMqnZGlBt8YVdpIuDvqaHygs5PPXwM4mg2PP9oQD43HX50tgKntngW/s200/Zinfin+Doll+Hydrangea-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">The 2018 champ<br />
Zinfin Doll® panicle hydrangea</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">It's back! For the 6th year, we're celebrating the start of spring with Shrub Madness, the only bracket competition that pits shrub vs. shrub in a no-holds-barred battle for the title of National Champion!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Garden Writers Contest - did you miss this last week?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Of course, there is a Shrub Madness side-contest just for garden writers! </span>Whoever sends me the closest, most accurate bracket will win a landscape-ready plant of their choice from the final four shrubs in the competition. </div>
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To enter, <a href="https://www.shrubmadness.com/play-shrub-madness.html" target="_blank">fill out your entire bracket</a> and send me the names of your final four by mail (12601 120th Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417) or e-mail (natalie at springmeadownursery dot com) by February 28. </div>
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<b>Need a better reason that that? I'll give you three:</b></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>It's the only way to win the Shrub Madness Grand Prize.</b> <br />Whoever most accurately predicts the competition's outcome will be adding beautiful Floral Four plants (the last four competing shrubs) to their garden this spring. It should be you.</span></li>
<li><b>You're better prepared to vote. </b><br />Foliage or flowers? Fragrance or fruit? Classic single blooms or bodacious double? Make the hard decisions now so you're not unprepared when it's time to vote, starting March 1.</li>
<li><b>It's more fun. </b><br />A little good-natured competition helps get you through the last days of winter. Get your friends involved and compete. Talk plants. Talk trash. Make a wager that involves weeding. </li>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">How to Play:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Visit the website, </span><a href="http://www.shrubmadness.com/" target="_blank">www.shrubmadness.com</a><span id="goog_128275314"></span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_128275315"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">; and complete your bracket by TOMORROW, February 28.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> Every day from March 1 through March 31, 2019, visit <a href="https://www.shrubmadness.com/">ShrubMadness.com</a> to vote your favorite plants through to the next round of the competition. Registration is not necessary just to vote, but you can only win plants if you register.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Even if you have registered for Shrub Madness in the past, you will need to create a new registration this year. We don’t store your information from year to year. Want more info about how to get started? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />What are you waiting for? <a href="https://www.shrubmadness.com/play-shrub-madness.html" target="_blank">Register today</a>!</span><br />
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