Welcome to Spring 2008
Newsletter
Yesterday was one of those “teaser” days, a day of sun and almost
coat free warmth! Of course today has returned to the gray murk so
common here in the Mid-Atlantic. Taking the dogs for a walk I did
see vestiges of spring coming like bulbs and sedums poking up
through the ground. And for the first time in a long time I am
journeying to the Philadelphia Flower Show with friend Emily to
smell and see the fragrance of the coming season. Hopefully we will
have a good growing season since we have received a good amount of
rain.
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You
will find more vegetables mixed with herbs this year at
Alloway and more containers for those of you that have
limited time and space to garden.
We are offering a special service of container planting; you
can purchase the plants and for a nominal fee we will
provide the soil for your container (or one you might
purchase here). Plant your garden in a pot here and take
home your finished product. As usual, we will be glad to
give you guidance in plant and container selection as well
as planting techniques for a successful experience. A hand
out on container planting will also be available at no cost.
The Herb of the Year for 2008 is the happy little
Calendula. This plant is often overlooked but is a good
performer even in drought conditions. The leaves and
flowers are edible; the petals were a “peasant’s”
replacement for saffron at one time. It also has medicinal
use and is found in skin salves and lotions. The calendula
was called Mary’s Gold in medieval times and through that
association appears in many Biblical gardens. The plant is
an annual and can be started indoors for early bloom or sown
in place. Once sown it usually self sows.
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The
Perennial of the Year 2008 is the hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’.
It blooms from late spring to mid fall making it a good
choice for patio containers, window boxes and hanging
baskets. The bloom is a 2 ˝ inches, iridescent violet-blue
saucer-shaped flower with purple-violet veins and a radiant
white center and the plant is 20 to 24 inches wide and 20 to
24 inches tall.. This plant combines well with Shasta daisy,
perennial salvias, veronica, hostas, and short ornamental
grasses. It grows best in full sun to light shade;
afternoon shade is advisable in hot climates. We have
offered hardy geraniums for a good while now and are pleased
that one of “their ranks” has made the distinction of
Perennial of the Year.
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Oh
wonder---the sun is shining bright through my window. I’m off to
the greenhouse!
Take care
until I see you this Spring!
Barbara and
the Alloway Gardeners