2008-9 Planting Season Challenge but Successful

As a ‘hands-on’ gardener as well as freelance writer and landscape/garden consultant, I test plants/plant accessories at my Central VA garden site. Because I assume you likewise struggle with the affect of climate change, I thought the results of my 2008-9 effort would be useful. For details of ongoing activities, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.

Description of 2008-9 Season - The 2008 spring planting season followed a Central VA winter water deficiency and then, experienced a late season snow (Easter weekend). When it was time to plant warmer season annuals/veggie garden, skies were overcast; temperatures cool and the area experienced too much rain. Next, periods of drought and 100 degree VA dog-days followed and by late August/early Sept a 3-week 100 degree spell compounded by drought occurred. Needless to say, this was a less than an optimal growing season.

Reacting to the persistent drought, I opt to winter-over (cut back and cover with 1 inch of compost) my perennial areas, forego watering the lawn and placed my focus on supporting the survival of trees/shrubs. Although we next experienced a winter of severe cold nights vs. unusually warm days, my garden experienced little or no plant loss. For details of eco-chic landscape/garden strategies, see http://richmond.housetrends.com/article.php?id=145, an article published with Richmond’s HouseTrends magazine.

During the spring of 2009, spring rains balanced the winter water deficiency, temperatures gradually warm and because of the somewhat ideal planting season, volunteer Japanese Maple tree, hellebores and peony seedlings occurred. And, due to the enticement to 'dig in the dirt', I acquired what I refer to as ‘hoe’ instead of ‘tennis’ elbow.

While I regularly haunt retail garden sites for cool plants, I specifically extend sincere THANKS to developer and/or vendors that offer the opportunity to ‘test plant/seeds’. For the results of my 2008-9 season, see below.

Brent & Becky Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com – Bulbs from this vendor are always a treat – durable unique blooming plants that bear well. For the fall of 2008, in addition to gladiolus and iris, alliums were supplied and are presently in bloom.

David Austin Roses, www.davidaustinroses.com – hearty plants, abundant blooms through out the growth season and limited susceptibility to traditional VA black spot and fungus.

Hound Dog, www.hound-dog.com – thank you for my ‘hand-held’ garden cultivator (weasel). It’s a great tool for breaking up compacted soil.

PDSI, www.encoreazalea.com - During prior seasons, I received shipment of Encore Azalea and experimented with exposure placement. I found related to Central VA that either a NW or NE exposure works best. Plants installed in the spring of 2007 worked-well until the winter of 2008-9. Due to the alternating 40 degree day vs. 20 degree night – Loropetaium experienced significant freeze/frost damage. On the other hand plants shipped the fall or 2008 (Southern Living Line/Encore Azaleas - Oakland Holly Ilex hybrid 'Magland' PP#14417, Robin Holly Ilex hybrid Conin PP#9486, Spring Sonata Indian Hawthorne Raphiolepis indica 'Wilcor' PP# 17972, Autumn Angel™ (Rhododendron Hybrid) Azalea x 'Robleg' PP#15227, Autumn Belle™ (New) Azalea x 'Robleo' PPAF, Autumn Moonlight™ (New) Azalea x 'Robler' PPAF, Autumn Sundance™ (Rhododendron Hybrid) Azalea x 'Roblef' PPAF) survived without damage and appear to adjust to the warming temperatures of late spring.

Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com – perennials, hydrangea and roses ** as a special note - not only did the supplied 2008 begonia perform well in the heat and bloom all summer it survived the winter. Presently, the emerging plants are in leaf stage. Another personal favorite is the hardy ever-blooming hedge rose. These plants are also presently providing a colorful display.

Renee Seeds, www.reneesgarden.com – regardless of cool or warm season – veggie, flower or herb, I encounter almost 100% seed germination regardless of flux in temperature and at harvest, bountiful results.

Rich Earth, www.richearth.net – while I give full credit to Brent Heath of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs for inspiring me to compost, it is difficult to produce enough compost for extended gardens. So, when I was offered the opportunity to test Rich Earth products, I was appreciative. Not only did I find this product to ‘jump start’ deficient soil, I understand many developers and/or growers use the product in their plant initial growth stage.

Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com – perennials – 2008 shipment of rare and unique plants faired well through the winter and 2009 shipment recently arrived and is installed.

Weeks Roses, www.weeksroses.com – While I’ve purchased Week’s line of ‘knock out’ roses as container plants and they work-well, I’ve experienced problems with testing 'bare-root’ plants. Basically, I discovered ‘bare root’ plants shipped prior to the Christmas holidays do not survive and those shipped mid January, survive. Most likely the issue is too early shipment.

I hope you find the results of my 2008-9 Central VA plant testing useful. Please feel free to post what has or has not worked for you!