Hydrangea quercifolia or Oakleaf Hydrangea is a small deciduous shrub reaching about 6′ tall about the same if not more in spread. Growing in full sun to full shade this North America native shrub is a consistent bloomer and easy to care for. What I find appealing to about this plant is the lack of…
Leaf Scorch
Leaf scorch, also called sunscald, is the bronzing of leaf surfaces and crisping of leaf edges. Even plants that are well-adapted to our climate can be scorched. Plants have amazing resiliency, especially when Mother Nature eases them into changing seasons. But taking into consideration a spring like this one—cold and rainy—then an abrupt change to…
Early Summer Stress
What happened to spring? We know that Southeast Nebraska and Southwest Iowa can have some challenging weather to contend with, but this caught us all off guard. We are getting calls asking how this will affect our landscape plants and what can be done to mitigate damage. We experienced record heat over Memorial Day that…
Itoh Peony
Peonies are one of the longest lived perennials that you can plant for your home landscape. Anecdotal evidence suggest that they can live for 3/4 of a century if not longer. Currently there are about 33 recognized species of peonies with only one maybe two native to North America. Most know only the herbaceous garden…
Pollinators and their Health
One third of our food supply exists because a pollinator moved pollen from one flower to another. Their quest for nectar and pollen means we reap the benefits by harvesting fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Despite the necessity of pollinators for a reliable food supply for humans, pollinator habitat is in jeopardy because of reduced food…
Fragrant Solomon’s Seal
In the last two weeks besides being asked what to do about Japanese beetles I am getting bombarded with questions about what to plant in the shade besides hosta. True enough there are only so many different types of green hosta that you can plant in the shade and this is where Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum…
Tiny Treasure
Bitter root or Lewisia cotyledon (loo-ISS-ee-ah kot-ih-LEE-don) is a perennial evergreen native to the Pacific Northwest hardy to zone 4 (-30 °F to -20 °F). They form small rosettes about 12″ across and flowers that range from yellow, reds and white. Yes this little gem can grow in your perennial garden if, and only if,…
Calibrachoa
2018 is the Year of the Calibrachoa according to the National Garden Bureau, a non-profit green industry group based out of Chicago. Each year, the NGB touts an underutilized or novel plant that has big potential in the garden world and this year is no different. If you’re wondering about the name, you may have…
Barrenwort For A Barren Space
Barrentwort or Epimedium (e-pi-MEE-di-um) is a perennial that is often overlooked for the garden. As the name implies it thrives in barren locations. This is one of the few plants that can tolerate and grow in dry shade. The flowers are amazing and thanks to new introductions such as Epimedium x rubrum (picture shown in…
Right Plant, Right Place Part 2
The coined phrase Right Plant, Right Place (RPRP) has stuck for many reasons, but the most important one is that it has passed the test of time. Also, it’s just common sense. Basically, RPRP is relatively straightforward; it’s about installing the best plant for the site, taking sun/shade, soil characteristics, pest history and many,…
The Hard Truth about Rocks at the Bottom of Planting Containers
As we get our containers ready for planting our amazing annuals or that coveted tomato plant, conventional “wisdom” dictates we must first add an inch or so of gravel. Problematic? You bet! Rocks in the bottom of containers do not contribute to better draining soils and healthier plants. Instead, plant roots encounter saturated soils that…
Japanese Beetles 2018—Preparing for the Onslaught
Gardeners, plant aficionados and tree owners are battening down the hatches for the onslaught of Japanese beetles this growing season. Here are some commonsense ideas for dealing with these voracious eaters. First, control measures for Japanese beetle (JB) grubs in the soil will help minimize damage to the turfgrass but does not create a force…