Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Show Me Smart Gardening Rx Prescription Plant Lists




Rx Gardening: Prescription Plant Lists for Peak Performance / Site Right Solutions Lists of any type are viewed as valuable resources, however they forego the important question that should always be asked “who is making the list and for what reason?” Horticulture care and maintenance instructions are also variable, weather dependant and subjective. Lists sometimes restrict creativity, limit diversity and don’t always reflect availability. Taking that in consideration and knowing there is always exceptions to the rule (and there is no rule book). I will share my experiences and opinions.
I hope by introducing and listing Missouri native plants, I will encourage the production, distribution and use of landscape plants that are sustainable, non-invasive. I will point out plants that require minimal inputs of pesticidesand water and are easy to maintain. Horticulture is always changing as is our awareness of the value of preserving our “sense of place”. For some web readers this blog will offer a new palate of plants, for others perhaps a very different green corridor that is only vaguely familiar to them. I hope for many, it will be directions to “grow home”.
Pictured above is my favorite native annual, Palafoxia callosa. It is blooming now at Powell Gardens . It is a annual from the southern part of Missouri but it is doing very well in the Kansas City region, reseeding in the dry wall on Powell Gardens island where the drainage is fast and the soil is not too rich. Often homeowners may have steep grades or retaining walls with simular site conditions. For information on Palafoxia's native habitat visit: http://www.missouriplants.com/Pinkalt/Palafoxia_callosa_page.html
Evergreen...
MaryAnn

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