The Practical Gardener

August 2011 - Volume 73 #8

Plant of the Month: Mukdenia (Crimson Fans)
Mukdenia's maple-like green leaves are etched in a bronzy-red that turn red as the season warms and changes again in the fall. Download This Issue

July 2011 - Volume 73 #7

Plant of the Month: Nepeta Subsessilis 'Sweet Dreams'
Sweet Dreams Catmint is a dense herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage. Download This Issue

June 2011 - Volume 73 #6

Plant of the Month: Knautia or Pincushion Flower
One of the longest blooming perennials, pincushion flowers have old-fashioned charm. They get their name from their interestingly shaped flowers, which resemble little pincushions. They are great cottage gar-den or formal border flowers and appreciate good drainage and full sun. Group several plants together for more impact and the lavender blue, pink, or white flowers bloom over several weeks and are excellent cut flowers. They like alkaline soil, so if your soil tends to be acidic, add lime to raise the pH.

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May 2011 - Volume 73 #5

Plant of the Month: Feather Reed Grass
This reed grass is a vertical masterpiece an dprovides wonderful con-trast amongst low shrubs and perennials. Often used in naturalized ar-eas, its ultimate size is directly related to the amount of moisture. Even though Calamagrostis can grow in freshwater bogs, it also does well in drier areas.

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March 2011 - Volume 73 #3

Plant of the Month: Winter Hazel (Corylopsis)
Attractive winter flowers, pleasant fragrance and interesting growth habit combine to make the 'Winter Hazel' Corylopsis a bright addition to the late winter and early spring garden. Easy to grow this is only one of many deciduous plants that thrives on a certain amount of neglect. Give it a prominent place in the garden where you can enjoy both its seasonal flowers and fragrance.

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February 2011 - Volume 73 #2

Plant of the Month
Hybrid hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus) are very tolerant and will grow well in most soils as long as the ground is not extremely dry or stagnantly waterlogged, although they usually survive even those conditions. They prefer a sheltered position in semi-shade (dense shade can reduce flowering) with a rich, moist, free draining soil. If possible, it is desirable to plant hellebores on a sloping bed, both to improve drainage and also to make it easier to look into the flowers, which naturally nod. Flowering between January and May, depending on climate, hellebores are prized for their sturdy, undemanding temperament and the striking colors. All hellebores are deer proof.

Northwest Garden Nursery Wholesalers are open to the public for viewing and purchase, from 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, February 19-20, and February 26-27.

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