What cool things have you added this spring?

Do you have one that has bigger leaves than your "normal" aquilegia?

These are bigger than my McKenna's giant . . .

I can't believe I just did this, but I went and measured. My McKana's giant has individual leaves that are 2" across. The really pretty dark blue columbine I got from Tils has leaves that are 2.75" across...(It's no wonder the neighbors think I'm weird...)

Mine are crosses between the MK's & Nora Barlow. Such a hussy, she!

Okay - that was above and beyond the call, Sue. Thank yoU!! I don't know if I've ever gotten a columbine from Mary, but some seed may have come in the soil.

I just know that these are completely new to me - I love their look.

lol, that Nora does get around.....I started a bunch of different ones from seed last year. I'm thinking it'll be another year before they bloom, but I'm really curious what I'll end up with.

The columbines sound lovely, and so nice to get an extra surprise popping up out of the ground.

I have ordered from Raintree somewhat recently, and would give them a mixed review regarding quality of plants. Some things were great, others so-so, and a few with damage or very small (almost non-existent roots). They did refund the item I felt was completely unacceptable.

I also bought some things from Burnt Ridge 4 or 5 years ago, but we stopped by (appointment only to do this) and got to see what we were getting and choose some items. I got my Sunshine Blues from them (in gallon pots) and some other bare root blueberries that I am very happy with and the prices were less than other mail order. I also got some bare root fruit trees, which were cheaper than many places, but also smaller so the benefit of this lies only in if you want to start out cheaper, but do more of your own initial pruning (which I admit I didn't know how to do very well). There are some equally cheap bare root fruit trees at a discount currently available from a local place that are bigger than the ones I got from Burnt Ridge. Anybody looking for deals right now could probably find them, since it is getting a litle late in the year to plant bare root. One thing to check out is that Burnt Ridge sells at some farmer's markets, like in Olympia part of the year. Maybe they go to a market in Portland too. I like to see what I am buying, so I might try to get something from them that way this year. i always make lots of marks in the margin of their catalog when it comes...and of course make long lists plants I'd like someday.

Hey Ginger, what part of Bend do you live? Great grow shelf!

Susan105

Sue, you crack me up! That sounds like something I would do, maybe your neighbors are weird, I know mine are! LOL!

Susan105

I live in DWR.. One of the only properties without any trees except what I planted because it used to be part of the airport...

Ginger

Lol, Susan, well, looking at it that way, I guess my neighbors are weird, too. They just don't understand why I like to spend so much time in my garden....how weird is that??? lol!

Ginger, I didn't know there was airport in DRW, or was it just an airstrip? I live out by the airport.

Sue, that's pretty weird alright! What good is a yard without a garden and gardener!!!??? lol!

Susan105

I am adding a Jackson and Perkins climbing rose called "Social Climber" - I will put it in the ground later today.

There was an airport (possibly an airstrip) out in DRW that closed in the 70's.

My brother and his family live out by the airport off of Hamehook where it changes from Hamby.

My son works at the airport.. He's one of the last remaining Cessna employees.

I'll be home this weekend to plant more trees and see my growing seedlings!!!!YIPPEE...

Ginger

social climber and ville de lyon

love social climber. have it with jackmanii also

Wow, CG - what an awesome combination. Social Climber really changes the color of Ville de Lyon - the pink is almost shiny. Judi, maybe add a Clematis with your Social Climber?

Nice combo CG.

I agree ClematisGuru, that is a stunning combo! I have a similar one with Jackmanii and Cl Orchid Masterpiece, but the flowers are not anywhere near as nice as SC! Judi, how can you resist trying such a combo? :)

Can you see me? I'm doing the happy dance!!!! My Leycesteria Formosa is coming back from the roots. Whoopee!!! I absolutely love that plant and was thinking I'd have to fork over the money to replace it. This is a picture of it from last year.

I also swore I would not replace a Hebe this year, but I found 4" pots of variegated Hebes (Shamrock) at the nursery today for 2.99 each. How could I resist?

This message was edited Apr 10, 2009 5:50 PM

Kathy, Yeah for you! There are several things I am afraid to look to closely at yet after being totally bummed out about winter damage after rose pruning. Your pic didn't come through, and I would love to see your LF! Was not familiar with it and a quick google made it look very interesting! And yes, how can you NOT pick up at least one of those Hebes at that price!

Silly me - my picture didn't come through because I completely forgot to post it!!

Since this is still a relatively clay area, I'm going to put Acorus and Ophiopogon with it. I'll probably add some other burgundy and chartreuse combinations there, as well.

I may not be able to resist that combo - beautiful!

thanks. here is social climber with jackmanii.
social climber looks good with all clems!

oops photo not so good. to make up for it ,here is a better one of just social climber. i grow social climber with general sikorsiki, jackmanii, ville de lyon, prince charles, and rubromarginata. i will prbably buy more social climbers when i see them, as it looks god with all clems, is hardy and easy for me and i am not a rose person, just like them for clem supports and the beauty of course.

ClematisGuru thank you for the photos. The social climber is such a beautiful color. Looks like I will need to take another trip to the nursery to get another clematis! I'm thinking a pink or cream.

Guernsey Cream was recommended to me as a good clematis to start with - and most things you read about it say it's hardy and takes little effort.

I've had Guernsey Cream recommended to me, too. :)

There's a picture of it at the bottom of this page: http://www.silverstarvinery.com/vines.asp?letter=G

Oh that is so pretty! Thank you for the info. Is it evergreen? I must have it!

Unfortunately not.
Clem. armandii is, though, and should be beginning its bloom cycle about now (depending on your location).

Armandii is pretty vigorous here, though, so you should be prepared to prune to keep it in check. I just bought this armandii, 'Apple Blossom' -

It's lovely and fragrant. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/55613/

Yes, mine is in full bloom right now.

There's at least one other evergreen clematis. Clematis x cartmanii 'Avalanche' http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/147246/
The flowers on this are a lot smaller than Guernsey Cream, though. I saw this one at Dancing Oaks. The leaves are very pretty-they look kind of like small oak leaves. Unfortunately, it's not fragrant, but I think its growth habit is a lot more restrained than the armandii.

guernsey cream practically foolproof. a very easy clem. blooms early for me in zone 5. if you hard prune after it blooms you will get a second flush with far fewer blooms in my area, but i understand in pacific northwest a full second bloom flush possible.
i have several, they are a spring knock out. no wilt, no issues ever. highly recommended.

Woo hoo Hops just went in the ground. I love this sunny one min. rainy the next weather. It means no watering!
Hops were Northern Brewer and Kent Golden (sorry guys I just had to tell people who can relate!)

I want to grow hops........There was a dire shortage last year at the brew stores.

Ginger

Here's a great online store that Clematis Guru showed me: http://www.silverstarvinery.com/

My Guernsey Cream survived our nasty winter just fine and has lots of buds on it!!

hope you got a female hops plant. i had one 15 years ago, but it was male. no blooms. would love to have one that blooms.

I have a Clem armandii in my garden which I just added last week. I don't really need an evergeen clem to put with my new Social Climber rose and I do like the Guernsey Cream. I'm going to go with that.

Yesterday I added a 4in1 apple, 4in1 cherry and a pear tree.

Now I'll probably have to add deer fencing because it looks like they've chewed the ends off of my other apple tree.

Ginger.

social climber rose and guernsey cram would be beautiful together, in my zone they would not bloom together unless i did early early spring pruning and really delayed my guernseys bloom time,which is always an option. bloom times in your beautiful clem and rose friendly zone may be more compatible. if in doubt, ask deb fischer at silverstarvinery.com

Yes. I got the hops from Thyme Garden and all rhizomes they sell are female. We are hoping to eventually brew our own beer but if that doesn't work out it will still be a pretty privacy screen over our fence.