Am weeding, seeding, feeding and evaluating results of fall 2008 through fall 2009 seasonal plantings.
The 2008 spring planting season followed a 2007-8 winter water deficiency and then, experienced late season snow. When it was time to plant warmer season annuals/veggie garden, skies remained overcast, temperature cool and too much rain occurred. Next, we moved into periods of drought and 100 degree VA dog-days followed by a late August/early Sept 3-week 100 degree spell compounded by drought. Needless to say, 2008 was less than optimal growing conditions.
Reacting to the persistent drought, I opt to winter-over my perennial areas, forego watering the lawn and 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.
During the spring of 2009, spring rains caught up the water level deficiency, temperatures gradually warm and because of somewhat ideal planting conditions, Japanese Maple tree, hellebores and peony seedlings occurred. Instead of incurring ‘tennis elbow’, due to the enticement to plant, I acquired what I refer to as ‘hoe elbow’.
To continue my saga of an ongoing central VA weather struggle, after a cool wet spring, we experienced a variety of hot vs. cool wet which resulted in healthy green plants but little fruit/flowers. For example, tomatoes in my area finally ripen in late July and were not abundant. On the other hand, it was a good year for grapes/melons and we presently have a 'killer crop' of sweet potatoes to harvest.
After the install 2008 fall 'test shrubs/perennials/bulbs' acclimate and prosper through the winter, spring and summer, I had two of the Encore Azaleas not survive the August Arizona-like heat; otherwise, the plants required little supplemental irrigation to thrive.
My sincere THANKS to each vendor who supply 2008-9 ‘test plant/seeds’. Not only do I enjoy experimenting with plants, participating in testing helps me gather valuable data related to personal gardening as well as share with others. As a result, I recently published a book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green. To review or order, link to web site http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan...
Because most of my blog-followers are hands-on gardeners, see below for a list of vendor suppliers whose products I've discovered to work-well in my area.
Happy Gardening, Sylvia – www.TheWrightScoop.com
Brent & Becky Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com – Bulbs from this vendor are always a treat – durable 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 season and limited susceptibility to traditional VA black spot and fungus.
Hound Dog, www.hound-dog.com – thank you for my 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’ve found for 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 but did recover and are presently healthy.
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. Except when we experienced the August Arizona like heat, I lost one Autumn Sundance™ and one Autumn Belle™.
Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com – perennials, hydrangea and roses ** not only did the supplied 2008 begonia perform well in the heat and bloom all summer it survived the winter and is presently blooming in the fall of 2009. A favorite plant is the extremely hardy ever-blooming hedge rose. These plants are presently in a colorful bloom 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 bountiful results. Normally, I use a traditional full-sun spot for my garden but after visiting Mt. Vernon, I decided to plant my fall 2009 greens garden next to my house. My idea is to reflect the morning sun into the space and perhaps, creating a longer season.
Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com – perennials – 2008 shipment faired well through the winter and 2009 shipment recently arrived, installed and again faired well through out the growing season.
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’ve found plants shipped prior to the Christmas holidays do not survive and those shipped mid January, survive. Most likely the issue is early shipment. As a result of the ongoing success of these plants, not only do I have my 'test rose garden' but have extended these plants into existing planting areas.
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