Reflections on the Summer Garden Part 1

                             Beebalm (Monarda Didyma)

 

Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine'

In the throes of winter, I like to reflect on the summer with all of its glorious warmth and welcoming garden treasures.  So let's start with a reflection on Beebalm!

Beebalm is a must-have deer resistant garden plant.  I honestly can't say enough good things about it!  Adaptable to almost any soil (mine grow in clay soil) these beautiful herb plants shine when in bloom.  Hardy to zones 3 (protection suggested in 3)-9 these lovelies are the plant of choice for hummingbirds and hummingbird moths.  As a member of the mint family they like to spread, but they are not quite as aggressive as their mint cousins.  I like to divide them every 2-3 years to keep up their vigor and also spread them to new places around the yard. 

Full to part sun will keep them happy.  Beebalm typically blooms from July well into August.  I've seen mine start blooming at the end of a particularly warm June.

 Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline' is irresistible to hummingbirds when it blooms.  A good mildew resistant variety.

During wet or humid summers or if plants are crowded (preventing good air flow) some varieties are prone to get powdery mildew.  Powdery mildew looks like fuzzy white patches and can cover the leaves and stems of the plant.  Personally, I turn a blind eye to the mildew and let nature take its course.  It won't kill the plants nor will it prevent them from blooming.  I'm also not a perfectionist!  If you prefer to combat mildew, choose an organic-use approved fungicide such as a copper based spray like Champ® or a product called Mildew Cure®. 

 Monarda didyma 'Blue Stocking' is my favorite!  A lovely heirloom variety from the 19th century.

Green budworms, although not common, can also bother certain varieties.  These small light green worms burrow into the buds of the flowers, sometimes destroying them before they can open.  Using organic sprays is a must in order not to harm the birds and bees that visit these flowers.  I find the best thing that works is an insecticidal soap, such as Safer®, sprayed on the buds at dusk.  Spraying at this time reduces the chances of beneficial insects and birds from coming into contact with it (just to be safe!).  It will also stay wetter longer with the absence of the sun to dry it up, as most organic sprays are only effective as long as they're wet.  Hand picking of the worms and destroying overly infested buds is also a great way to rid them from the garden.  

Be sure to read and follow the directions on any spray, should you decide to take that route.  Safety first, even in the garden!!  

Sanitation is key to help win the war on bugs and fungus.  At the end of the season be sure to remove all infected parts of the plant from the garden.  This will help reduce the chance of recurrence.

                               Monarda didyma 'Stones Throw Pink'  A lovely rosy color!

Beebalm is a New York native and was used by the settlers as far back as the 18th century.  It traveled by way of seeds to Europe in the mid-1700's and has since naturalized there.  Many hybrids have been cultivated since then.

The smallest beebalm grows to 12 inches and the larger varieties can reach up to 4 feet!  The taller varieties make a wonderful border plant.  Colors range from flaming red to mellow pinks and violet purples to white.

It's scented foliage has lemony undertones and has a wide range of uses in cooking, tea, medicines, and potpourri.  It's colorful edible flowers liven up fresh summer salads!

The flowers are perched upon strong stems and are a wonderful and long lasting cut flower for your summer bouquets.  

            Monarda didyma 'Raspberry wine'  Close-up shot.  Also a mildew resistant variety.

A truly endearing plant, Beebalm will surely become a favorite in your summer garden.  Between its colorful spiked blooms and the whimsical winged visitors that it attracts, you will have hours of enjoyment!

 

A Trip to Logee's Greenhouses

    If you live anywhere in the New England region and have an interest in growing tropical plants, then you know all about Logee's Greenhouses.  Established in the late 1800's, this tropical wonderland is located in the unassuming town of Danielson, CT.

    Upon entering the plain building you will be swept away in the magic that surrounds this place.  As you walk to the back of the small retail area you will get your first glimpse into the greenhouses.  When you descend the stairs into the "Long House" you will be hit with sweet smells, the sound of a trickling fountain, and your eyes will not be able to rest as you try to take it all in.

Your first glance into the greenhouse will bring a smile to your face.

    The isles are narrow and the plants will reach out to 'grab' you, but that is all part of the charm of wandering through the 100+ year old greenhouses.  Begonias to the right and mixed tropicals to the left.....where to start?

Pachystachys lutea look like lollipops!

Passiflora Coccinea is just plain stunning!

Thunbergia grandiflora is a fast growing vine that loves to flower!

 
    As you wind your way through the various greenhouses you'll find many delights including an ancient lemon tree nicknamed the "American Wonder Lemon" (Citrus limon 'Ponderosa') that bears 5LB lemons.  You'll also see flowers in colors you didn't think were posible in the natural world like the flowers of the "Jade Vine" (Strongyloden macrobotrys).

 The amazing "Jade Vine" with its seemingly unreal color grows in the "Fern House".

    You are guaranteed to be surprised by the many large specimens that thrive under glass cover in zone 5 Connecticut and will be inspired to try your hand at growing them on your windowsills or in your greenhouse.

A bench of lusty Passion Flowers for sale is surrounded by many mature specimens.

Scutellaria constaricana is a flaming red ever-bloomer sure to steal your heart!

    I always save the "Big House" for last.  It is indeed the biggest greenhouse open to the public and is markedly cooler than the others.  Huge trees and shrubs tower into the highest part of the glass.  It is truly like entering another world.

Clivia miniata loves the cool environment of the "Big House"

     
    When you finally are able to peel yourself out of the greenhouses (you will undoubtedly not want to leave) your arms will be heavy with all of your new 'babies'.  Truly a memorable experience awaits you in Northeast Connecticut!

Medinilla magnifica produces spectacular umbels of pink flowers.

 
    For more information on Logee's Greenhouses, visit their website: http://www.logees.com/ 

A Zone 4 Spring

What's Blooming in the North Country

    With winter behind us we look forward to glorious sunshine and warm weather.  We go out to our gardens and inspect the ground, waiting patiently for that first bulb or plant to spring up and take away the doldrums. The somewhat mild winter killed one of my very favorite perennials, due to lack of snow cover, but I'm grateful that I didn't lose more. 

    Spring was early for us this year.  Our apple trees bloomed a full three weeks early and are already past peak bloom.  With all but one clump of bulbs left blooming, I decided to photograph the remaining spring delights, before they too were gone.  Spring is so fleeting and yet in the short space of time that it occupies, it awakens all of our senses perhaps more than any other time of year.  One could say that it's because we are left deprived from a grey and cold winter that we appreciate spring so much.  After many dark and cold days, spring certainly does wonders for the poor soul that climbs out of their winter bunker to discover an explosion of flora and fauna.  I think the bulbs, flowering trees and shrubs, the scent of the apple trees perfuming the air, and that first touch of a warm breeze is the real reason no other season can come close to topping it. 

    Heirloom or "old fashioned" plants are my favorite plants.  They may not be as flashy as the new hybrids out there, but they are hardy and have stood the test of time.  The following photos were taken using macro filters on my 50mm lens.  Here are some old favorites in bloom now:

 Dicentra Spectabilis 'Alba'  "Old fashioned bleeding heart"

Unfortunately, the geese ate all of the flowers off of my pink one so I currently can't show it off!

 Viola 'Bowle's Black'

A Victorian favorite

Syringa vulgaris  "Old Fashioned Lilac"

I found this growing by an stone old foundation and took a slip of it.  A few years later I had a fine blooming specimen!

The 'dreaded' dandelion!  

I love them even if they are a weed!  They're also very nutritious to eat!

 Nepata mussini  "Catmint"

Love its scented foliage!

 Narcissus poeticus

Given to me by my grandmother, who loved to share her heirloom flowers! 

Convallaria majalis var. rosea  "Pink lily of the valley"

Smells just as good as its white counterpart below.

Convallaria majalis  "Lily of the valley"

Smells like heaven!

 Pulmonaria officinalis  "Lungwort"

It's been in bloom since early March and although the blooms are fading, there is still that gorgeous foliage to enjoy!

 Myosotis sylvatica 'Bobo Blue'  "Forget me not"

And who could forget these blue beauties!

 Viola- Not sure of variety.  This one has been with me since I was a child and has followed me across three states!  It's now naturalizing and blooms in abundance.

 Lamium  "Dead Nettle"

It has nice foliage too!

 Last, but certainly not least---Apple Blossoms!!!

Oh, apple blossoms how I've fallen under your spell!

    They may be simple flowers, but I can assure you they are pure pleasure to the nose and the eyes!  Up next to bloom in the garden are the Peonies and Iris!  Stay tuned! 

JARDIN BOTANIQUE DE MONTREAL

The Botanical Gardens of Montreal

    When you think of Montreal, you may envision fine cuisine, great people, interesting architecture, and diverse culture.  But did you know about their spectacular botanical gardens?  The Jardin Botanique De Montreal is a plant lover's dream come true.  There are ten exhibition greenhouses to wander through, each with its own unique group of plants and thirty different outside gardens that all have different themes. 

 Some of Montreal's interesting architecture, just outside of the botanical gardens.

    Upon arrival at the main entrance, I was greeted by large baskets of Begonia 'Tom Ment'.  Once through the doors, I was immediately immersed in a tropical wonderland.  Begonias, Orchids, Bromeliads, bonsai, Gesnariads, Cacti, and much more promise to awaken your senses.

Baskets of B. 'Tom Ment'

    Huge tropical foliage plants dominate the foyer.  A little pond with turtles basking in the sun greets you.  A ceramic tiled floor leads the way to the various greenhouses.  Bromeliads and orchids one way, Cacti and bonsai another.  The question to ask yourself is: "Where do I start?"

  The tropical rainforest conservatory

Arid regions conservatory

    As a true "Begoniac" I was instantly drawn to the Begonia house where one hundred different cultivars and two hundred different species of Begonias are continuously rotated through the displays.  This greenhouse is full of rare gems like the orange berried B. salaziensis from Maurice Island and the towering giant B. valida.  Large cascading baskets of B. manii and B. jussiaeicarpa are also sure to impress.  The many shapes, textures, and colors of the Begonias at the botanical gardens create an enchanting visual experience.

     The Begonia house is also home to many plants of the Gesnariad family, which share the same requirements as Begonias.  Their beautiful and bright blooms were a joy to see!

A grouping of Begonias

 Colorful B. brevirimosa and lacy B. foliosa 

Aeschynanthus, a member of the Gesnariad family

Kohleria, a member of the Gesnariad family

    When entering the arid regions conservatory one can instantly feel the change in the air from humid to dry.  Otherworldly Cacti dot the 'landscape' and look as if they could get up and walk away!

Cacti from the 'Arid Regions' house

    In the "Garden of Weedlessness" you will find a collection of interesting bonsai trees.  An Asian inspired design throughout the house is simple and peaceful.  The meandering reflecting pool is the perfect place to pause and gather your thoughts.

"The Garden of Weedlessness"

Bonsai  

    My next stop through the greenhouses was the "Tropical Rainforests Conservatory".  Various Tillandsia, bright Bromeliads, and other epiphytes cling to trees.  Ferns, assorted Alocasia, and other foliage plants grow lushly at floor level.  There are many plants to observe and appreciate in this house!

Bromeliads growing on a tree limb

 Tillandsia hangs from a tree

A Bromeliad basking in the gloriously humid greenhouse!

    Running out of time, I decided to take a stroll to the outside gardens.  I visited in the late fall, but there was still plenty of interesting things to see.  In fact, the falling leaves revealed the garden 'structure'.  Pergolas, stone benches, perfectly maintained walkways, and even a wishing well make for a spectacular walk on a fine afternoon.

 The outdoor gardens in the fall

 A peaceful place to rest

    I unfortunately did not get to see everything that I had wanted to see in the time I was there.  Time flies when you enter this wonderland.  I would have loved to have seen the orchids and spent more time in the outdoor gardens, but there was not enough daylight!  This only means that I'll have to plan another visit!

    My experience at the Montreal Botanical Gardens was nothing short of exceptional.  A fabulous place to visit, no matter what time of year, I highly recommend you make it a destination of yours soon.

 

Introduction to the World of Begonias

An Easy and Beautiful Plant: Begonias

    If someone were to ask me what my favorite plant is, I would say: "Begonias!"  I enjoy telling people about these distinctive plants.  Their flowers and leaves come in seemingly limitless shapes, colors, and sizes.  Anyone can grow these beauties and a greenhouse is not required.  In this blog installment, I will go over some basic needs for these incredible plants.  This will hopefully demystify Begonias a little for the new person and instill in them the confidence that they too can grow Begonias!

 B. 'Othello' Rhizomatous group

    There are several groups of Begonias each with many species, cultivars, and distinct characteristics.  The two most commonly seen groups are Tuberous and Semperflorens ("wax" Begonias).  Tuberous Begonias seem to make their way into many gardens and hanging baskets during the summer months.  They are well know for their large frilly flowers that come in array of bright colors.  Semperflorens Begonias are often used in container gardens and as bedding plants.  They have waxy bronze or green leaves with pink, red, or white flowers that bloom non-stop.  Another group that is becoming quite popular is the Rex group.  Their gorgeous foliage comes in an array of colors and patterns.  I've even heard of interior decorators incorporating these plants into their designs.  Other groups include Rhizomatous (my favorite), Trailing/Scandent, Cane-like, Semi-tuberous, Thick-stemmed, and Shrub-like.  It is worth experimenting with Begonias from all of the groups.  In doing this you will find which ones will flourish in your environment and which ones you'll just be drawn to.

 B. masoniana 'Iron Cross' Rhizomatous group

    Light requirements vary within the different groups.  As a general rule, most Begonias like early morning and late afternoon sun, dappled sunlight, or bright indirect light.  Avoid harsh mid-day sun as it can cause leaf burn and could over-heat the plant.  In the winter, I keep my begonias in an east facing window or set back a bit from a south facing window.  During the summer months, I set my collection out on a table beneath the shade of an old apple tree.  It is also possible to grow your plants under artificial grow lights.

    Most Begonias prefer a temperature range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  Most will survive a temperature drop to just above freezing, but plants will start to fail if the temps stay below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for a week or more.  Some Begonias will go semi-dormant or dormant if the temperature stays in the 50's or lower 60's, especially in combination with the shortened days of the fall/winter.  When in this state their growth drastically slows or comes to a halt.  In some cases the plant will have partial or total leaf loss.  If this happens to you, don't panic!  Your plant will revive in the spring!  When in dormancy, reduce your watering and stop fertilizing.

 B. 'Snow Capped' Cane-like group

    In general, Begonias only need to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.  Begonias are sensitive to over-watering and will rot easily.  They prefer to be grown in clay pots because these pots are porous and allow the plants to dry out between waterings.  You can use one of the many water-soluble fertilizers that are available for houseplants.  Follow the instructions on the product carefully as over-fertilization  of a Begonia can kill it.  I personally prefer organic fertilizer to a chemical one and use liquid fish emulsion with a 2-4-1 formula.  I find this organic fertilizer to work the best for my plants with amazing results (the proof is in the pictures!).  I will warn you that it does stink, so for those of you with a sensitive nose it is best used when your plants are outside for the summer!  Fertilizer should be used sparingly during the shorter days of fall and winter.

    There are many mixed soils for houseplants on the market.  Look for one that is not going to get compacted or heavy when watered.  Look for a peat based soil that includes perlite and vermiculite.  Avoid soils that have a lot of twigs and/or wood chips in their mix.  A good potting mixture is light and airy.  I use Moo Mix for my Begonias, which includes compost in its make up.

A member of the Rex group

   
    The average Begonia requires 40-50% humidity.  This isn't hard in a greenhouse or outside in the summer, but winter conditions in the house will need some adjusting.  Great ways to increase humidity in your home are to place the plants on trays filled with pebbles that are kept moist, mist the air around to plants making sure not to saturate the leaves, and/or group your plants together.  There are some Begonias that require so much humidity that they must be grown in terrariums and would be sold for that purpose.  These plant do well in clear glass or plastic.  In the past I've used and old fish bowl with plastic wrap on the top with fantastic results.  Having a terrarium is actually quite fun and it's like having a mini-greenhouse for your windowsill! 

  

    The new person will have no trouble finding a source to purchase Begonias.  There are some great resources through the American Begonia Society http://www.begonias.org/ (also a great place to find more information) .  I've also found quite a variety in online nurseries and auctions.  With the rise in Begonia popularity, they are popping up everywhere from your local garden center to big box stores.

B. 'Ebony' Shrub-like group

    With all the variety Begonias have to offer, it will be easy to find as least one you'll like.  Once you've fallen in love with them, you may find yourself with a whole 'collection'.  My conclusion is that they should put a Surgeons General Warning on them ---- WARNING: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!!  Crazed "Begoniacs" have been known to build shelves to fit them in their windows (I'm totally guilty of that), create a grow light room, or the worst----buy a greenhouse and expand the collection!

    

    All kidding aside, Begonias are a very rewarding plant to grow and are relatively easy to care for.  I hope you'll enjoy them too and appreciate how beautiful a plant Mother Nature can make!

 B. 'Looking Glass' Cane-like group