Gardener to Farmer

Rosa Rugosa: And You Thought You Couldn't Grow Roses!

I live in the "Rose City" of Portland, OR...home of the International Rose Test Garden. Growing these thorny beauties here is really pretty easy. Sure, we still have pest and disease problems, but with a bit of maintenance and an observing eye, it is definitely manageable.

Still, they do require extra attention...and for some people, that is a deal-breaker. Further, there are plenty of places (like the south) where growing roses is truly a thorn-in-the-side experience. I know plenty of gardeners who will only grow Knock Out Roses or who have given up on growing them altogether.

But there is another alternative: Rosa rugosa. It forms a dense shrub that can grow to 6+ ft in height and width. The leaves are beautifully textured, resulting in the name "rugose" or wrinkled. Bloom time is generally heaviest in June, with sporadic blooms till frost, followed by luscious fruits or rose hips. And don't get me started on the scent...absolutely intoxicating!

Now, not to be a Debbie-Downer, but there are a couple of things you should know before you plant. This plant spreads via suckers...and believe me, it spreads. If you are looking for an impressive hedge or thicket, this is perfect! Otherwise, you will need to stay on top of this new growth so it doesn't take over. Also, the branches are densely covered in thorns, so wear protective gear, preferably rose gauntlet gloves.

However, it is the dense and thorny nature of this shrub that makes it a fantastic pest deterrent. If planted around the edges of your property or as a border to a specific planting, the rugosa fends off bunnies, mice and other furries. Some people also use them to deter deer...and I suspect that would work, particularly if the deer have easier to access food elsewhere.

These hardy (zone 2-9) shrubs aren't too particular about soil, though they like good drainage.They do not need a lot of water, which also makes them an outstanding edge of the property plant.  Rugosas are tolerant of both sand and salt and will grow right on the beach. Give them good drainage, lots of sun and occasional doses of compost alternating with coffee grounds and your plant will be healthy and happy! 

If you decide that you want several, they can be propagated from soft and hard wood cuttings, as well as grown from seeds. I suspect they can also be grown by digging up some of the suckers...but I haven't tried that myself.

For more information on Rosa rugosa, check out this article on White Rosa rugosa.

Rudbekia and Coneflowers: What's the Difference?

Rudbekia and Coneflowers; these are names that you have probably heard used to describe some of the most common plants in the garden center. What's the difference? A better question might be, what's the relationship?

 
Rudbekia, Indian Summer

Rudbekia is one of four  genera in the plant family  Asteraceae...the others are Echinacea, Dracopsis and Ratibida. And before we get too far along...let me give you a (very) quick definition of genera:

A genus^[1] (plural: genera, from Greek: Γένος; Latin genus "descent, family, type, gender") is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the classification of living and fossil organisms. The taxonomic ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species

Thanks, Wikipedia!

Echinacea, White Swan

So, Coneflowers is a common name that is used for a wide variety of flowers. It can be easy to get confused when people use the common and latin names interchangeably...But no worries, you can always ask for assistance at the nursery or do a bit of research online to find out more about the various plants.

Ruby Star Echinacea

The two you are most likely to run across are Echinacea and Rudbekia. Looking at the photos here, you can tell there is an aesthetic difference between the two. However, they behave much the same in the garden. They like full sun, can withstand low water when established, spread relatively easily through seeds and clumps and bloom over and over until first frost.

These plants are hardy and have some of the most beautiful flowers...for many of us, there is still time to plant...give them a try!

Verbena Bonariensis: A Tall Drink of Water

Verbena Bonariensis is one of the most beautiful flowers...I mean, look at those gorgeous little things...so dainty!

This mound-forming verbena sends up tall stems with clusters of flowers at the top. They sway gracefully in the breeze and are a wonderful middle of the border plant.

They are annuals...Yes, I know...sad to see them go as the winter arrives. But, they self-sew and are easy to start from seed.

This Verbena is a great component of a cottage garden...it's height, proportion and generally sweet disposition make it a wonderful companion for Larkspur, Delphinium, Hollyhocks...just make sure to plant it in groupings...this will help prevent it from being lost amongst all of the other plants in the border.

For more information on growing Verbena Bonariensis, check out Garden Guides. If you want to purchase seeds, check out Johnny's Seed.

Hydrangeas Grown in Containers

After seeing all of the amazing containers at the NorthWest Nursery Trade Show, I had a zillion ideas for plant and pot combinations...I suggested planting hydrangeas in the blue containers (probably better if it is the larger pot) shown below...

Many people aren't aware that there are some varieties of hydrangeas that lend themselves to container gardening...almost all Big Leaf Hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) can be grown in containers, then potted up or transplanted out into the garden when too big for the current container.Check out this awesome post on hydrangeas.

Another option is to use the dwarf varieties since many of them only reach 3ft in height. Here are a couple of little guys I like:

Pia

The Cityline Series

And Endless Summer, which is not a true dwarf, but the only hydrangea that reblooms all summer, so it is fab for containers!

For an excellent varietal list of small hydrangeas go here. Let me know if you try it! I would love to see the results...Although mine are in the ground, they had absolutely outstanding blooms this year...Though in looking back, I can only find one post where I mention hydrangeas...what's wrong with me? Have to be more mindful...

GTS, Coreopsis, Coneflowers, Rudbeckia and Hydrangea

A quick Green Thumb Sunday post today, as I have lots to do in my garden...many things blooming right now...

This rudbeckia is in my "hot" garden. A space that gets full sun, reflective heat and not as much water as other borders...

This hydrangea is absolutely covered with the most amazing blue flowers...outstanding!

Coreopsis is sunny and cheerful...

And the color of this coneflower is unbelievable...I think it is named "Sunrise".

And finally, the fragrance of this oriental lilly is intoxicating. When I walk by the bed, I can smell the perfume, heady stuff!

Have a wonderful Sunday! Get out and dig in the dirt...

Fuchsia, Not Just a Lipstick Color Anymore!

During the time I lived in Oklahoma, the only fuchsia I had was in a tube of lipstick. I had heard about the plants in passing, but since it is not heat tolerant, I had no desire to grow it. In my current residence in Portland, lots of people are growing them, so I thought I would give it a try. I purchased 8 or so 4 inch pots and proceeded to replant in hanging baskets. I had blooms, but not the full, lush growth that the farmer's market hanging baskets have. I fed and watered them and decided to try and overwinter them.

Last fall, I left my fuchsias outside under an eve. I had considered bringing them in to the garage, but frankly, I didn't want to have to remember to water them or make room for them. In early spring, I brought them into my greenhouse. When they were dry, I added a little water. As the days grew longer and a bit warmer, I noticed growth appearing at the base of the stems. Here they are a after a couple of months in the greenhouse.

Shortly after this, a giant moth was in our greenhouse...

A bit after its visit, I noticed small caterpillars munching on some of the fuchsias...I started the process of picking them off by hand. It took about two weeks to find them all and they nearly destroyed my plants...but I had great satisfaction in finding the last one and, stomping, err, I mean, grinding, ummm, eliminating it.

In June, we finally started to warm up enough to bring the fuchsias outside and re-pot. I removed the two or three that didn't survive and replanted the rest. Gave them some awesome organic fertilizer and steady watering...so happy with how they have taken off! Here are some of the first blooms...

The one below is called Jingle Bells...

I have discovered that I am madly in love with these guys! I had no idea what I was missing...They have to be one of the most beautiful flowers created...so sad they only last a short time here in the Pacific Northwest...but they will be back!

Green Thumb Sunday and Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

Hi Kids...It is Green Thumb Sunday and Garden Blogger's Bloom Day...all in one! I am putting up a quick post of all that is blooming outside...quick because we are having our FOURTH day of sun! I have almost caught up on gardening chores. Today, we will work on the largest border...hooray! So, here we go...

Who says veggie flowers can't be beautiful? These are the flowers from one of the potato varieties I am growing...

And how about these lovelies? Snow peas...isn't the color absolutely gorgeous?

I have 4 delphiniums now...my mom and I picked them out last fall...I have several starts of the Pacific Giants strain and a couple of seed packets, will be working on that today.

Hello, nasturiums! They are finally starting to fill in...

And a not so great pic of one of my gallardias...I also started burgandy gallardia from seed this year. Yesterday, I finished planting my "hot" border...all gallardias go there...

And yarrow...this wonderful fuschia color almost makes up for the fighting I will have to do to keep this thing in check...

A beautiful rosebud...isn't the color exquisite?

And remember those senior class photos from Olan Mills? Remember the ones where the person is highlighted and the room around them black?

I give you the Olan Mills rose shot!

Have a wonderful day and happy gardening! Check out Green Thumb Sunday for yourself atAs the Garden Grows...maybe you can join us every Sunday!

Green Thumb Sunday: Begonias and You

Cue trumpets and choir... "Behold, I give you Tuberous Begonias!"

And, they are one of my favorite flowers...but tuberous? That is just wrong...I mean, Begonia is such a romantic, inspirational name...Tuberous, ummm, not so much...sort of sounds like a diagnosis.

Doctor: Ms. Van Krevelen (yes, that's my real last name), we regret to inform you that your toe has become tuberous. We are going to have to remove it.
Patient: What?!?! I always wore shoes in the garden! How could that happen??

I supposed we could call them by their initials, "TB"...oops, ok, that sounds worse...let's just go with Begonias and we will all know what I mean...

What's weird, is that I found an article that said their flowers are edible. Seriously? It suggested creating a begonia flower sorbet...I am not sure...it sounds kinda cool, but also kinda scary...Hmmmm, I think I will try it sometime this summer....I will post after I do, assuming I live...Today I am making strawberry rhubarb frozen yogurt...delish!

Anyhoo, back to Begonias...In addition to being easy on the eyes, these guys are easy to grow. I kept them in a partly shaded area, and that was it...really. I usually buy them at the garden center, rather than grow from seed. This year, I will try to overwinter in the greenhouse.

Here is how I used them in a central bed in the backyard patio of our house last year. Isn't it a beautiful riot of color? And the Begonias were as happy as could be...and that's about all you can ask for, isn't it?

Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday,visitAs the Garden Grows for more information.

Ms. Passion Flower Goes to Washington

I have always loved Passion Flower Vine, I just always thought it was because of the beautiful flowers...But surprisingly, it has medicinal (and political) qualities, too...more on that in a bit...first, let's talk about my pretty little plant...

I let it overwinter outside, as many varieties of passion flower are hardy to zone 7 or so. There wasn't a sign of life to it. I brought it into the greenhouse in early February and by about mid March, tiny little leaves were sprouting.

Things started picking up speed by the beginning of April, and here is what it looks like at the end of the month.
This now small vine can grow 20 feet or more in a season. I don't know if it will grow that much in my Portland garden, but I expect it will gain a lot of ground once it finally warms up here.

Back to the medicinal qualities of passion flower..."The fresh or dried leaves are used to make an infusion, a tea that is used to treat insomnia, hysteria, and epilepsy, and is also valued for its painkilling properties. [1] It has been found to contain beta-carboline harmala alkaloids which are MAOIs with anti-depressant properties." (Wikipedia)

Hello...this sounds like a wonder drug! How many Americans suffer from anxiety, depression and insomnia? I mean, is it just me, or does this sound like a plant that could potentially be the cure for the rest of our current President's term?

I think we may have underestimated the Passion Flower...imagine if it could run for President...we would have a leader that kept us happy and calm and helped us to rest easy each night...are you kidding? Where do I sign up?

Passion Flower for President! Let's get on board and see some REAL change!!

Maltese Cross or Burning Love Flower

I admit it, I love to find new plants that I haven't grown before (see my post on Falstaff purple brussel sprouts). I don't know why...I just do. That is part of what makes me a boutique farmer rather than a standard farmer.

So, when I was browsing through the FedCo Seeds catalog and saw Maltese Cross, I knew I had to try it. Of course, I had no idea what "it" was, I just thought it was strange and unusual and I, myself, am strange and unusual...

Anywhoo, I started the little guys in a reused plastic container and they are just now sprouting...

But when they grow up, they will look like this...what great cut flowers they will make!

For those of you wondering why this plant is called Maltese Cross...take a look at this close up of the flower...

The other name for this plant is Burning Love Flower ...Hello...which name would you rather use? Just think of it...I am standing in The Back 40, yelling at my partner "Honey, the Burning Love Flower needs some attention!" Much more fun, indeed!