Saturday, December 26, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week December 26th 2009 Christmas Fern




Missouri’s evergreen fern is called Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). She is a perfect choice for shady doorstep and woodland gardens. More tolerant of fluctuating dry/ moist conditions and clay soil than other ferns, she is the absolute happiest when allowed to put to use her many talents in the average landscape.

A natural conservationist, she is great at protecting the ground from drying out. She prevents soil from washing away and she creates the perfect setting for leaf composting and wildlife support. Especially song birds, who instinctively know to look under her pinwheel blanket for food!

Christmas fern is adaptable. She is well suited for the easy life in a cultivated shade garden but she also does well as a work horse when stabilizing the sloped sides of shady rain gardens or natural stream banks.

A Missouri native, she is use to normal wet / dry season cycles. So she looks good as long as she has moisture periodically and the drainage is good. She is very drought tolerant once established.

She does change her posture significantly through the season. In the spring, her last season’s growth, still green, hugs the ground as the new growth emerges from the center like a silvery fist. Gradually the core cluster of leaflets becomes individualized. Each frond independently unfurls, reaching skyward and maturing to apple green.

By mid-summer, the frilly fronds have all stretched to their max and have started to relax and bend outward. This creates a casual bouquet of sword shaped leaves. Finally, Autumn signals Christmas fern, now a deep forest green, to hug the ground like a blanket to warm and protect the decomposing leaves. These reclining fronds, still green, stand out in the stark winter landscape providing color and interest in the cold.

Christmas fern is never aggressive in the landscape. She holds her place and just extends her reach gradually over time. She provides an important habitat role by protecting the soil from wind, drying out, or washing away. This assists with process of natural leaf composting and habitat support for insect feeding song birds. She is a preferred nesting site for turkeys and usually quite deer resistant!

Care Factor Rating: 1 (She must be watered regularly till established but is very drought tolerant.) Very little care is required unless used in a very tidy landscape. For a manicured look, manage mature plants once annually in early spring and growth cycle begins but before crown growth becomes pronounced. Do this by lifting last season’s growth together and trim just above crown height. Be careful not to damage the crown while handling as it is very soft and tender at this time.
Note removal of the old growth reduces ground protection for wildlife and is not necessary in an informal setting. Divide in the spring after new growth extends. Division is not necessary unless greater spacing is desired or for propagation. When dividing, it is best if entire clump is lifted, divided and reset in the ground. Re-establishment is same as transplanting care. Adequate water must be provided during root trauma. This includes planting, transplanting and re-establishment. Do not drought stress until established. Many plants appear most balanced if the height and width are somewhat equal. When including this fern in a design, consider leaving a 2’ minimum footprint.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Week of Dec 12 2009 Capitata Yew


Salute Japanese yew (Taxus) as a worthy addition to the water smart landscape! ‘Capitata’ translated means “Captain" The dictitionary defines captain as “a figure in the forefront; a leader”. This is a perfect definition for this classic landscape standard that is once again being called to serve on the front lines in our battle for wise water use.

The Captain is both duty and conservation oriented. He prefers no more water than average water and once established, he can survive on extended periods of water rationing if necessary.

He has endured grooming torture to the max. He has been taken well beyond the “High and Tight” military standard for hair cuts to extreme makeovers including fanciful topiary’s strictest manicure regime. However, the truth is he craves the opportunity to "grow out on a limb" and show off his personal best which includes his soft but natural good looks.

The Captain is a yew that can stretch tall, well beyond the confined box space or ball shape he is usually allotted. His branches have a natural arch to them, giving him an overall gentle layered appearance. He grows Chritmas tree- like when he is young with a broad base that gradually tapers toward the top. He usually has a single main trunck. Left on his own, he naturally spreads and rounds out. His potential height could easily exceed 20’. This offers an opportunity to really see his handsome bark that lies beneath his green exterior.

Once he reaches a mature size (optimization at its best) consider the impact of removing some of his lower branches to create a living shade structure. Depending on location, and placement, this could create a great evergreen umbrella that cast an amazingly uniform and cooling shade!

Although not native to USA, this yew has proven himself to be a good American Ally. He is noninvasive, energy conscious if not over pruned and very native plant community compatible. He is also habitat friendly. His fleshy red fruits are tasty to song birds but toxic to humans and livestock. He is also frequently listed as "deer resistant." The evergreen foliage provides protection and shelter and can be a valuable part of a habitat corridor for wildlife.

He does tolerate shade and is frequently the preferred choice for an evergreen for shady conditions. In his native setting he prefers quick draining sandy loams. He has no tolerance for soggy soils. This can be fatal!

He likes the city life / urban conditions where soil fertility is average, pH fairly neutral and there is wind break protection from drying winter winds.

Care Factor Rating: 2 Japanese Yew ‘Capitata’ (Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata’) must be watered regularly but not excessively till established. It is considered best to plant him in the fall or late spring.

Minimize any pruning till he is well established. Envision the natural plant shape. Selectively cut back only out-of-place branches and random shoots. Cut at the branch node with hand pruners. This will help preserve the natural outline. Do not cut all branches back to the same length or the natural shape of the plant will be lost. Damaged or dead branch can be removed any time of the year.

If hedge pruning is done, minimize scorch by pruning after the new growth turns mature green (this is usually early June in Missouri.) If done too late the newly exposed foliage tends to get sun scorched.

This very hardy shade tolerant yew does not have any really serious insect or disease problems. He is great looking whether in the sun or the shade. However, if planted in unprotected sites there is a potential for winter sun burn or wind burn if he is overly exposed. Root rot will occur if a yew is planted in poorly-drained soils.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

550 KTRS Inside Out Show Plant of the Week November 28 2009 Southern Magnolia


Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

The Southern Magnolia is a true American classic. He is also known as the Bull-bay Magnolia, but no matter the name, he is the epitome of refinement and considered the most widely grown evergreen in the world!

He has an almost tropical look so it may not be a surprise that he is mild mannered and intolerant of weather extremes. He is a lowland forest resident, frequently found naturally situated comfortably alongside his much tougher cousin sweet bay magnolia on moist woodsy banks in a community of maturing trees anywhere from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas. He is a grower's challenge for Missouri.

His big shinny leaves are present in winter so he classified as an evergreen, but he is a little tender skinned and can suffer from wind burn. When he does shed his leaves, it is usually a sign that spring is in full swing! Some leaf drop in the fall is natural too. Quite a few more leaves will fall during and after especially harsh winters. The leaves are so large it is easy enough to make a game of picking them up.

He has the potential to grow to an old age, fairly fast growing in his youth and very tall when perfectly sited in his prefered zone/ growing range. Some speciems are well over 40' tall. Many cultivars are now being selected for particular attributes including winter hardiness, narrow profile, urban pollution tolerance and short more compact habit than the species. S. m. 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' is reported to be the most winter hardy for Missouri.

His huge white water lily looking flowers with” lemon pudding cooking on the stove” fragrance makes any special site planning and soil preparation worthwhile! He is perfectly suited for rain garden borders and wildlife habitats. The attractive red seed cones that mature in late summer are a favorite of many songbirds.

Care Factor Rating: 1 Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) must be watered regularly till established. It is considered best to plant magnolia in the spring as growth begins. Some leaf drop may occur during transplant transition. To maintain his natural multi-stem branching habit, minimize any pruning to the removal of only the occasional damaged or dead branch. This can be done any time of the year.

Foliage harvested for holiday decorating will impact flower and seed production the following season. Buds form primarily at branch tips in the fall. He is normally pest free and without any significant disease issues.
photo credit: Missouri Botanical Garden Plantfinder Glenn Kopp

Saturday, November 14, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week November 14 2009 Smoke bush

Smokebush (or Smoke tree) is a clay friendly shrub and a distant relative of our native American Smoketree. Her botanical name is Cotinus coggygria. She has many different looks depending on the cultivar name she is wearing. Regardless of her name, she can be a worthy addition to any green space.

In general, cultivar names indicate that a particular form of a species has some special quality. ‘Velvet Cloak’ (also known as ‘Royal Purple’) has many special qualities and is the purple leaf form. There is also a yellow leaf form called ‘Golden Spirit’, a green leaf form named ‘Grace’ and an "always petite" version that goes by the name ‘Young Lady’. Regardless of the name the performance is unique and impressive!

I prefer her when she is dressed in shades of deep rich purple foliage. Then she goes by the name ‘Velvet Cloak.’ In this form she is a delightful and perhaps at her extreme best.

With a sense of style and casual elegance, she sports a champagne mink bark imbedded with soft charcoal flecks-trimmed with dark burgundy foliage-a total designer look!

It is her bark, its coloring and the way it fits her that made our first meeting so memorable. A major part of her charm is her light complexion of bark. It contrasts so well with whatever color foliage she wears.

Her naturally well tapered stems are remarkable too! Some say it is her best feature. Another trait is her “good bones”- her vertical branching. I love the way her skyward reaching limbs are grouped. It is like several candelabras stacked, welded together and carefully balanced on a stout but strong base trunk. Although she develops this characteristic in her youth, it improves with age till she becomes living art.

Her candle-like stems are like the intense young mothers that practice mall walking and child rearing. It is a challenge of mastering of motion and motherhood. Each flexible branch has a repeating series of leaf clusters that encircle the mother-like stems. However each leaf appears to be resentful of close quarters and the wind that tries to move them. They strain not to touch and stand firm where they are, as if committed to forever standing apart.

This little scene repeats along sections of stems, leaving each foliage family a preplanned amount of living space. This creates a high rise effect, with the most fortunate leaf clusters having the benefits of penthouse living! Eventually ‘Velvet Cloak’ stretches to the heights of 12’ or more. The over all effect is not too crowded, pleasantly organized and uniquely smoke bush.

She does have very tiny clusters of yellow green fairy size flowers. These are suspended by puffs of filament hair that remains and ages to mauve pink. This creates the billowy clouds of “smoke” that inspired her common name of Smoke bush.

She “steps out” again by autumn, after changing her attire to shades of gold, copper orange, red and purple. She could compete on the “Best Dressed List ” with her distance relative Sumac (Rhus). She sometimes comes that close to stealing the show.

She is polite, not invasive and has a minimalist's expectations. Less than average soil is ok with her, as long as it is well drained and not soggy. She likes sunshine. She is also a great soil stabilizer because of her fibrous root system.

Care Factor Rating: 1 Smoke bush ‘Velvet Robe’ (Cotinus coggygria) must be watered regularly till established. To maintain her natural branching habit, minimize any pruning to the removal of only the occasional damaged or dead branch. This can be done any time of the year. She is normally pest free and without any significant disease issues.

If blooming is not a concern, and her height must be regulated, stems may be cut back hard in early spring each year before leaf break. This will induce a surge of vigorous new growth with slightly larger than normal leaves. This will also change her form. This annual hard pruning will control size to some degree. It will also create a “smoke free” environment with no flowering. This care technique increases her care factor rating to 3 as it creates a high maintenance situation that is not needed for the health or ornamental appearance of the shrub. Over time this pruning method could cause some stress, affect her over all vigor and her winter appeal.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show hosts John Shea and Jim McMillian Help Backstoppers!

The 24th Annual Old Webster Christmas Open House was a Big HIT!

November 8th was a great success however it seemed that Fred Bird stole the show when he got the best of both John Shea and Jim McMillian. Here is Jim McMillian missing Fred's pitch during Rolling Ridge’s special fundraiser booth “Batting for Backstoppers.











100% of the donations plus an extra $1.00 for every hit was donated by Jim McMillian and his gang!

We all had a great time while helping out! Debbie, John's assistant and myself ganging up on poor John! (what's new!)

Sunday, November 8, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Week of November 7th 2009 Plant of the Week Redtwig Dogwood Cardinal


Redtwig dogwood ‘Cardinal’ is an easy fast growing shrub that is related to the native redtwig dogwood found in Missouri’s natural plant community. He is quite adaptable. He is so handsome that he is defiantly doorstep worthy.
A master of versatility. He is ready to mix it up with boggy buddies ‘Henry Garnet’ Sweetspire, ‘Little King’ River birch and ‘Morton’ Arrowood viburnum. If there is a touch of shade, let sweet little Christmas fern and her friend Geranium maculatum play too! They can romp around the base of these bigger guy to make a beautiful layered combination!

Redtwig dogwood ‘Cardinal’ is good at making friends, so plant him anywhere that has at least average soil and moisture. Although very tough and drought tolerant, to look his best, give him little extra water if it gets really hot and dry!
His bright red color in his stems goes away in the growing season so he can be focused on being more service oriented. It is then when he works to take up excess run off water, especially in early spring.

He does a fine job as a soil anchor. He reduces erosion while he feeds nectar to the local butterflies! He does have rather nice lacey looking white flowers. He also makes very small blue berries, a favorite of song birds.
By mid-autumn, his foliage turns hues of black-eyed purple- just to hint that there is much more to come. By the time the leaves dropped, the twigs have renewed their deep red pigment. This lasts till spring. Like most Redtwig dogwoods, he will stretch up to 6’ and can be kept to that height with ease.

Care Factor Rating: 3 Redtwig dogwood ‘Cardinal’ ( Cornus sericea) must be watered regularly till established. To maintain the best stem color, prune all stems close to the ground in early spring every 2-3 years. This is likely to disrupt flowering and fruit production just for that season. This will also encourage the mature height to stay just below 6’. This pruning method is easier than trying to remove 20-25% of the oldest stems each spring. Otherwise remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch any time of the year.

Although he does like to spread outward from his base but he is controllable and well mannered when given boundaries. Once established, remove any excess shoots with a pruning saw. Cut around the base with a sharp shovel and remove any excess root and woody material and replace-refill any hole area created with fresh soil to protect roots. This activity will slow the gradual expansion of the primary clump. Maintaining base area spread for each individual shrub to a minimum of 2-3 feet wide. This will permit the shrub to appear balanced by keeping the height and width somewhat equal.

This is a cane shrub that spreads by increasing from the crown / base by producing new shoots from the base annually. This makes him a perfect choice for hedge use or screening. If his individual personality is to remain defined, consider limiting the basal area / spread of this shrub in early spring before the leaves develop.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Week of October 31 2009 Crabapple Don Wymann


Crabapple 'Don Wymann'

It seems aging has few advantages unless you are an elderly crab apple tree with outstanding employee performance record. If that is the case, and your name is Malus ‘Don Wymans’, be proud of your lifetime achievement as a reliable and disease resistant performer!

The passing of multiple seasons can be the enemy for any weak crabapple selections. It can also be the tie breaker for the few tree cultivars who don’t fail every year, but instill uneasy feelings of “caretaker’s regret” at least every few years. For a special few crabapples, Time is a good friend, as it points to those who deserve our highest regard with the passing of years.

I myself have forged a fair weather friendship with this Steady Eddie of crabapple world, ‘Donald Wyman. He has made every day seem better and fairer than it would have been without him. Don has been employed near my residence for many years as shade reliever, bird feeder, and erosion controller. He has also taken on the added responsibility of providing a very handsome privacy screen.

His hardy and easy going nature impresses me annually. He offers a great flower display, consistent fruit production, and all without complaint. He retains his only slightly marred foliage all summer long as proof that he has met his disease and fungus foes, battled it out and won the right to remain steadfast in the landscape. (Many crabs are burdened with the embarrassment of diseased foliage. Frequently they completely defoliate. They drop their leaves to the ground in mid to late summer in an attempt to disclaim their disease ridden history ) Not Don, he holds on to them as an admission pass to Fall’s color parade. He is proud to wave his banner of amber gold.

He has earned my respect. He has demonstrated an awesome ability to ignore the ruined, sadly compacted, post construction clay soil that surrounds his roots. He bears the scars of poor pruning practices left by the well intentioned maintenance man. (I have since made amends to Don with a few apologetic re-pruning corrections and I am always looking for opportunities to share my conservationist views with anyone that appears determind to alter Don's ability to perform his assigned tasks. This is my attempt to protect him the best I can and also to thank him for being part of my everyday landscape)

I am glad he was somehow able to forgive the landscape installer who disregarded any Best Management Practices Guidelines for tree planting, including spacing. I have come into Don’s life too late to reverse the damage this has done, but at least he shows no”malus” or ill will toward the “oh no that’s too close” roof line and the crowding ash tree who also has also suffered from various forms of early childhood horticulture abuse. I find myself thankful to the long gone installer who made such a good choice-even if it was by chance.

You too may know Malus ‘Donald Wymann’. He is not a stranger to the St. Louis area. He is frequently an esteemed member of the landscape community in many of the more fortunate landscapes installed around 15-20 years ago. Recognized early because of his good health and work ethics, he can be traced back to when he was just a chance seedling discovered at the famous Arnold Arboretum. He was named after Donald Wyman who served as Arnold Arboretum horticulturist.

Be sure to look closely in less likely places as well. I doubt my Don is the only misplaced workhorse who deserves recognition for managing a tough job without at least minimum benefits! (by the way, he doesn’t seem to mind my affectionate shortening of his proper name).

Care Factor Rating: 2 This member of the apple family needs adequate drainage and surely will not thrive in soggy soils. He needs to be watered regularly till established and during excessively long drought periods.

He does not require pruning when given adequate space! His very small but very attractive cardinal red fruits persist, staying in place on the tree well into winter. They provide an extra season of interest that rivals and maybe surpasses the oohs and ahhs from onlookers gazing at the pretty peppermint candy color combination of rose colored buds and white blossoms.

The fruit is reliably heavy each year, offering an extended period of striking color from fall till winter. These tiny apples are a mainstay for many song birds. This tree truly provides “cheep” entertainment, as long as the fruit lasts!

Watersprouts (Suckering at the base) is not a major problem with this cultivar of crabapple. Should sprouts appear, remove using a small hand pruner or pruning saw. Be careful not to injure the trunk / bark. No chemical control for sprouting is needed. Sprouts should be removed if and when they appear. Check for rubbing-crossing branches and remove these as blooming ends mid-late spring but before June. Dead or damaged branches can be removed any time of the year. There are reports that minimized pruning contributes to the heath of the tree and may also decrease stress and disease factors.

Additional information: Malus 'Donald Wyman'

Saturday, October 24, 2009

KTRS 550 Plant of the Week October 24 2009 Hydrangea quercifolia


Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea quercifolia, an American native, is best known by her common name Oakleaf hydrangea.
She has a strong upright well rounded figure that makes onlookers smile. She is blessed with an abundance of bold, well textured leaves that are notable on their own, but they become more of a backdrop midseason as an abundance of rather oversize mounds of flowers develop mid-season.

Her girlish bouquets of blossoms are the softest shades of white when first exposed to the elements but as the many appreciating glances follow, she flushes to an embarrassed pink. Passing from that first awkward moment through weeks and weeks of admiring stares, she eventually grow accustom to the attention and her flowers fade to a charmingly casual shade of dusky rose.

Once fall arrives, she could easily begin a modeling career. Her distinctive oakish shaped forest green foliage takes on a closet full of stylish autumn colors. Price tag worthy, these are designer shades of metallic bronze, crimson lip reds and velveteen purples.

Age must be of no consequence when good genes are present. (Apparently the clock can be kind!) Nature insists that Oakleaf Hydrangea releases her leaves back to the soil. As her reward, the Wind begins a therapeutic massage and the exfoliating rituals begin. At some point the thin layer of outer bark begins to shed, revealing a soft mink brown inner skin that looks warm on the coldest of days and beautiful all winter long.

When given a choice, she likes to keep her toes dipping into rich moist but not saturated soil. She enjoys just relaxing in full sun to part shade. The reward for this minimal is baskets full of blooms every single year-regardless!

Care Factor Rating: 2 This hydrangea must be watered regularly till established and occasionally during excessively long drought periods. She is a reliable bloomer as she blooms on new wood. The flowers are most attractive through summer and into fall. The flowers then fade to a silvery beige color for the winter landscape. Leave the flowers intact till leaf buds break usually mid-March / early spring, for a more manicured but still casual look.
She does not require pruning when given adequate space. The naturally habit is broad and mounding. There are many cultivars available that have been bred for different habits, flower type and size allowance. Removal of the occasional damaged or dead branch can be done any time of the year.
A blanket of mulch or a burlap wrap after leaf drop is usually sufficient while she is getting established and whenever winters are extremely harsh. When she is very stressed such as container living or suffering from root disturbance such as ball and burlap growing, she may develop temporary leaf spotting / blight. This resolves with the next set of leaves ,once she has wiggle room and the growing situation has stabilized.

Perfectly well behaved in a family gathering or in a plant community setting such as rain gardens, stream beds, informal hedge, woodland settings and transition zones, she can be grouped with other plant families or with or more of the same!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show for Saturday October 17th 2009 Plant of the Week Shumard Oak


Easy Love but hard to find Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) is an easy fast growing and long lived shade tree. She is a member of the wonderful red oak family but almost “forever young” in habit and lack of nut production.
She holds on to her youthfully slim shape and waits till she is of legal age (21 or older) before she even thinks of starting a family! Even the acorns are less of a problem than some other nut producing trees since her acorns need two years to mature before they drop!

Her glorious spreading “crown” or upper growth/leaf canopy comes along only with the advancement of age. By the time she is giving thought to her retirement years, her investment in crown growth has begun to pay off in respectability. Frequently a mature Shumard oak specimen is so notable that her only real competition comes from the magnificent Burr Oak.

As for bark and foliage, Shumard oak dresses with flawless good taste. She retains her youthful luminous gray pin-striped silk textured bark for years till the inevitable furrows develop. This is the first tell-tale sign of her age.

Her glossy well lobed forest green leaves are attractive all season but as Autumn begins her color parade, this oak’s foliage gets her a pass to front of the line. Her leafy tresses of henna red and burnished copper with bruised purple undertones will slow rush hour traffic if given the chance!

She is native to central and southern Missouri. Her fondness for periodically wet/dry cycles makes her a perfect choice for low spots in the landscape. She has no problems dealing with occasionally waterlogged soils or stopping erosion.

She naturally likes clay soil. She is a good choice for shading man-made or natural occurring stream beds or creating a backdrop for beautiful rain gardens.

She is energy conscious and adaptable too! She is well employed as the shade queen of outdoor living spaces as well as the nuturing mother of some pretty edgy offspring. Shumard oaks are sometimes found thriving on dry and rocky hillsides-particularly ones with a view!
(photo credit to Kansas City's Botanical Garden Powell Gardens /Alan Branhagan)
Care Factor Rating: 1 This oak must be watered regularly till established and occassionally during excessively long drought periods. She does not require pruning when given adequate space!. The acorns are not produced before maturity, usually after 20 years or more. Also they take two years to mature and drop. Remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch any time of the year.

For other reliable fall color choices check out: Hackberry, Black Gum, Ginko, Serviceberry, Hickory, Witchhazel, Rusty Blackhaw Virburnum, Spicebush. Some crab apples and even dogwood color up very well!)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Show Me Smart Gardening! Educated Use of Flower Trials Using Plant Resources





Ornamental plant introductions, particularly annuals have been increasing at a steady pace over the last 20 years. Although marketing and breeding has changed the names and altered the faces and form and in some cases even the recommended use, they still are the tools of our trade.

We are all affected by the popular trend as well as the environment, seasonal shifts and who knows what’s normal fluctuation. We are at times the ones who receive pats on the back or are left standing with either a wilted calling card or sometimes even worse a blank and faceless plot connecting our name or business to a pitiful situation. Good or bad- this is the green path we as an industry professional may have chosen to follow. It is my hope to find green ways to reach sustainable success (People, Prosperity and the Planet)....

Most plant categories have had their time in the spotlight. Whether its been trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ground covers tropicals or annuals, each community of plants has had their glory days and line pass to the front line of industry and public for center stage exposure.

Testing, trials, programs, marketing, branding, trade marking and glorification take place at an amazing rate for these plants. Many are brought to market and continue to be great ambassadors for growing “green” and others slip into the shadows.

How to sort through all the banners and tag lines- for me is all about “Show Me” –regional, practical examples through out the season so we can all grow “Smart” hence my “Show Me Smart Gardening “ motto.

Having worked personally on trial criteria, judge standards and season long data collection, I know the importance of follow through for market-led selections of new plants. These recognition program selections can be both pricy and profitable. However understanding the marketing of plants requires a regional approach because marketing only has merit if the product can be repeatable and reasonably reliable- annually!

This is a listing of some of the annual flower marketing programs. My advice- become knowledgably about the company, their product, their mission, their testing methods and grade scales, their plant trial set-up location, the judges and the criteria! (watch Cuphea-they are coming and you might be 'Totally Tempted' to try them all! )

All America Selections allamericaselections.org
Proven Winner provenwinners.com
Plants that Work Novalis.com
Simply Beautiful simplybeautifulgardens.com
Athens Select athensselect.com
Prairie Star Flowers prairiestarflowers.com
MBG Kemper Trials Plants of Merit plantsofmerit.org

A Few of My Favorite web sites, gardens and plant trial locations:
MaryAnnFink.com
St. Louis Community College / Meramec
Missouri Botanical Garden Trials
Powell Gardens
Mizzou Botanic Garden
Hartley Selections Garden

Saturday, October 10, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week October 10 2009 Winterberry


Going Out on a Limb for a Berry Nice Plant!

Ilex verticillata (Yes, I have been caught stalking plants to talk about for the KTRS Inside Out Show! Punishment awarded for that crime is a minimum of 100 community service hours maintaining my role as special agent in charge of finding great plants that thrive in the KTRS station’s listening range (all while trying to be informative and polite to hosts, John Shea and Jim McMillian-( this is not hardly hard time-but don’t tell that to my parole officer!)

The word “holly” usually causes the average homeowner to think about holiday greens with berries or the bushes and trees sometimes used in foundation plantings, but as you will see this is not always so…

The winterberry is a well mannered holly that loses its leaves in the fall. Because it is naturally found thriving in poor drainage situations where moisture fluctuates considerably, it is perfect for solving soil erosion issues. She performs well in challenging sites where easy attractive plant options are as important as soil stabilization, water conservation and sustainable landscaping!

As beautiful as she is polite, she slowly develops a substantial well-rounded form with maturity that helps her become an outstanding upright member of her landscape community.

Not overly eager to start a family, she will eventually settle down and embrace her maternal instincts if conditions are right. She does this by developing strong offshoots that carry her same great looks. She will continue this process eventually surrounding herself with a nursery full of baby hollies!

Although she pales to a soft butter color with first chilly breeze, it is the perfect compliment to the jelly red color of her berries. If Autumn’s in the perfect mood, she might spreads a thin layer of color that hints of raspberry red and merlot wine across the winterberry’s leaves.

Not so notable are the shy greenish-cream flowers that hide in the leaf axils in late spring. These girl flowers share the responsible job of berry production with their "oh so necessary" male companion, the boy flowering winterberry holly. Only if properly pollinated, will there be a crop of cherry red berries! Check with local nurseries to find the best match for your little holly girl! )

There are so many great cultivars now available of this American Beauty, including precious little ‘Nana’ RED SPRITE or show stopper ‘Winter Red.’ Both, of these easy going girls are like all the rest of the berry producing hollies that are “seeking” attractive male hollies to assist with berry production. Heights and growth habit as well as berry color differes with different cultivar/ selections so chose carefully for just the right “fit” for your location.

Care Factor Rating: 2 Winterberry must be watered regularly till established. She does not require pruning when given adequate space! Flowers and berries develop on the new growth so gently prune to shape in the early spring before new growth appears. Never remove more than 1/3 of the total growth. Otherwise remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch any time of the year.

This is a cane shrub that spreads by increasing from the crown / base by producing new shoots from the base annually. This makes her a perfect choice for hedge use or screening. If her individual personality is to remain defined, consider limiting the basal area / spread of this shrub in early spring before the leaves develop.

Remove the excess shoots with a pruning saw. Cutting around the base with a sharp shovel may also be necessary. Remove any excess root and woody material and replace-refill any hole area created with fresh soil to protect roots. This activity will slow the gradual expansion of the primary clump. Maintaining base area spread for each individual shrub to a minimum of 2-3 feet wide. This will permit the shrub to appear balanced by keeping the height and width somewhat equal.

Do not start this process until the shrub is well established and has shown normal annual growth. Occasional suckering may occur during the season. Remove these as they occur as they use energy and detract from the naturally attractive growth habit.

She has no enemies, such as any serious insect or disease problems. Although she is best known for her fall and winter looks, don’t forget her use for stabilizing and reducing soil erosion. She is one of my favorite winter food sources for song birds! (Image is 'Red Sprite' from Missouri Botanical Garden's Bird GArden)

Saturday, September 19, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Saturday September 19 2009


Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree 'Princeton Sentry'

The beloved Ginkgo, commonly cultivated in North America for over 200 years, is the link and sole represenative of a group of plants that lived throughout parts of the world 150 million years ago.

As hard as it is to believe how very unique and old the Ginkgo is, almost as difficult to understand his botanical classification. He is a deciduous conifer. In simplified terms, he is a conifer that is not evergreen. This tree is the ultimate definition of durable, long lived, easy care, disease free and non-invasive. He is a unique sun or light shade choice for cultivated and natural spaces.

The Ginkgo tree selections most commonly available are male (fruitless) and available through reputable nurseries. This distinction is an important feature to be aware of because the fruit bearing female trees produces stinky, messy fruit –like fleshy, seed pods.

He features the most well known trait of this species; the interesting and very easy to identify double-lobed fan-shaped leaves. These leaves have a unique vein pattern as well as a rather thick leather-like appearance. This only adds to his tough guy appeal.
He is available through most reputable nurseries. He has established a good reputation for himself. His employment history includes urban street tree use, municipal settings, commercial and private properties.

'Princeton Sentry', is my favorite cultivar. A manly tree, he can reach a mature height of 40’-50’ which is fairly representative of his family (the species.) He also has retained upright, narrow conical habit. And just like his grandpa always did, he flushes his leaves a bright polished gold as the season draws to a close. When the leaves do finally drop, they drop almost in one day, creating a blanket of gold that reaches from trunk to drip line.

Care Factor Rating: 1 (must be watered regularly till established and does not require pruning! Remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch) Perfect for urban situations and municipal park use. He has no enemies-pest disease or otherwise! Expect a moderate growth rate that slows and fills out wonderfully with age!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

550 KTRS Inside Out Show September 12 2009



Nyssa sylvatica

Nyssa sylvatica is a handsome moderate to slow-growing ornamental native tree that is also known as Black gum and Sour gum (but not a relative of the messy sweet gum! )

As a common resident of Missouri’s southern lowlands and dry rocky slopes, the Black gum demonstrates the versatility needed to thrive in Missouri’s ever changing seasons. He is happy with the wide range of soil types including clay and inconsistant, sometimes boggy moisture levels. This makes him a perfect choice for energy conscience landowners who want an easy tree as well as water conservationists looking for a tree that handles the rainfall issues common in the span of a season!

He a perfect mixer for natural and cultivated situations such as the perimeter of a low spot or even a rain garden. He is also just as well suited as a featured specimen in a formal setting. He is so good looking, that he perfect whenever more is better! Consider planting your own woodland sanctuary with him as a main component. He is as truly as handsome as he is versatile!

His has a naturally beautiful posture with a straight trunk that supports a well defined rounded crown fit for a king by the time he reaches maturity. In the meantime, his silhouette is more pyramidal as he focuses all his effort on stretching up to a significant height. Eventually he is likely to reach 30-50' tall, though there is an occasional boast-filled report of trees reaching an estimate of 90'. With these good genetics- anything might be possible! What a sight that would be to lean against such a trunk and gaze upward into such a glorious canopy.

He does produce rather small, greenish-white that are packed with nectar for beneficial pollinators including bees. These modest flowers are then replaced by tiny energy snack fruits attractive to song birds. This tree has it all- including tumbling fall colors that swirl hypnotically in the sun, creating a kaleidoscope of scarlet, orange and red in the autumn sky!

Care Factor Rating: 1 (must be watered regularly till established and does not require pruning! Remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch) Perfect for urban situations and municipal park use.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Saturday September 5th 2009 Beautyberry


American Beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana)-not Winnterberry!!!!!

Beautyberry is a truly beautiful multi-season shrub for landscapes and rain gardens. She is valued mostly for her attractive fall berries that develop from a profusion of tiny fairy size flower wreaths that decorate her branches mid-summer. She is frequently overlooked as a perfect option for screening and transitioning from cultivated spaces to natural areas

Her sweet verbena-like flowers are stacked in clusters up and down every stem. These little blossoms bring in the butterflies in summer and then transform into bountiful clusters of pretty plum violet berries. These berries are a winter food source for song birds and a great backdrop for fall bloomers such as mums and asters. Because of her strong stems and naturally upright growth, she is also a welcomed addition to flower arrangements.

This Missouri native woodland edger loves to stabilize stream bed edges and assist with controlling erosion. She likes moist clay and tolerates but doesn’t require a lot of organic matter so she manages quite well in average soil and average moisture conditions.

She flowers and fruits best in full sun but grows easily in light shade. Her needs are minimal once she is showing annual growth. Missouri is the northern edge of her natural range, so occasionally her branches might be killed back to the ground. Since she flowers on her new growth, this is not a problem. Her ability to recover from winter damage is remarkable so even after harsh winters; she can create a significant screen by mid season. To keep her habit more compact, plan to prune back no more than 1/3 of her height in early spring on years when there is no dieback.. Do not begin this treatment till after she is established and showing good growth annually.

Care Factor Rating: 2 She must be watered regularly till established and does not require pruning when given adequate space! She will tolerate a once a year non-selective pruning to1/3 in early spring before the leaves develop.
if a more compact size is desired. This will not prevent flowering or berry production! To showcase her natural beauty remove only winter dieback or the occasional damaged or dead branch.
She is a slow to moderate growing cane shrub like many of our best performer. This means she spreads gradually by increasing from the crown / base by producing new shoots from the base annually. This makes her a perfect choice for hedge or screening but If her individual personality is to remain defined, consider limiting the basal area / spread of this shrub in early spring before the leaves develop. Beautyberry is mostly disease and pest free. Flowering and fruiting are best when several are planted together.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week August 29th Viburnum Blue Muffin


Viburnum BLUE MUFFIN (‘Christom’) is a round and compact form of Arrowwood viburnum /Viburnum dentatum.
Although this cultivar is considered “petite” compared to her counterpart, (The straight species, native to Eastern North America that inclues part of Missouri, reaches 6-10’ tall and wide) V. d. BLUE MUFFIN matures at 5’ tall with a similar spread.

Blooming on the same cycle as the wild form, she flowers from mid-to –late spring. She has the same attractive flat-topped clusters of clean white flowers as the species, which is very attractive to butterflies!

After weeks of bloom, her flowers eventually give way to masses of small blueberry size fruit late summer. These berries add an attractive visual accent to the dark green foliage as it begins to turn multiple shades of copper orange before turning to a deep burgundy-purple.

This easy care viburnum looks her best in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. . Although she performs best in moist cultivated soil, she also tolerates average clay soil very well. Once established, she is drought tolerant but looks best when watered during extended dry periods. She is perfect for specimen use, borders, and foundation planting or massed in groups.

Care Factor Rating: 2 She must be watered regularly till established and does not require pruning when given adequate space! She will tolerate a once a year non-selective pruning to1/3 after flowering if shaping is desired but note this will prevent berry production! Otherwise remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch.

This is a cane shrub that spreads by increasing from the crown / base by producing new shoots from the base annually. This makes her a perfect choice for hedge or screening. If her individual personality is to remain defined, consider limiting the basal area / spread of this shrub in early spring before the leaves develop.

Remove the excess shoots with a pruning saw. Cutting around the base with a sharp shovel may also be necessary. Remove any excess root and woody material and replace-refill any hole area created with fresh soil to protect roots. This activity will slow the gradual expansion of the primary clump. Maintaining base area spread for each individual shrub to 2-3 feet wide as this will permit the shrub to appear balanced by keeping the height and width somewhat equal. Do not start this process until the shrub is well established and has shown adequate growth.

Native Americans reportedly used the straight stems of this shrub for arrow shafts, hence the common name “arrow wood”.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week Rudbeckia triloba


Rudbeckia triloba, better known as Brown Eyed Susan is a late summer showstopper that is actually a Missouri native annual. She has such an easy going nature that she sometimes behaves like a biennial or even a short-lived perennial, but regardless of how she does it she has becomes a mainstay in a meadow garden and roadside areas. She has many attributes that makes her “cultivated green space worthy” if she receives minimal to average care.

She grows and blooms best when she is planted in average or moist well-drained soils in full sun. Normally she reaches only 2-3 “in height, she makes up for her petite size with flower ability. Although the flowers are small the are so many, she stands out in the middle of the border. She tolerates our fluctuating wet dry conditions and dry clay, as long as her feet don’t stay wet!

She also can tolerate light shade near the base of trees. In natural conditions, she is a frequently resident of our woodland edges. If the shade thickens, and she needs more light -she moves. If she is kept in too shady of conditions she might not be as strong or produce as many flowers. .

Her casual grace and a bushy habit are just natural. She also can appreciate an annual grooming of light sheering mid-spring like most late summer-fall blooming perennials. .
Remove her spent flowers to encourage more blooms but leave last least a few flowers to allow for some self-seeding. Volunteers are generally welcomed, but any excess is easily removed with cultivation in late spring.

She is distinguishable from her sister Black-eyed Susan by having even more but smaller flowers.

She is healthy as well as hardy with no significant insect or disease issues. Occasionally she catches a light case of powdery mildew. It does not affect her performance and a report of this being an issue is minimal. Watch for slugs and snails on young plants. She makes an attractive, long-lived cut flower too!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show August 15 2009 Sedum Autumn Joy


Sedum AUTUMN JOY
(Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude')

Old fashioned Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is now called (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' AUTUMN JOY.
It is just a name change, you will still recognize her. It is a drastic change to accept so many of us are reluctant, but it is still her and she is still here to share her endless “Joy” even as our season draws to a close.

How she keeps her promise of durability and blends it with a delicate girlish grace is for me a wonder of nature and alwasy inspiring. To know her is to love her- in every season. She is easy to love!
She is well equipped for the change of seasons. I have learned from her and am preparing as well. She is not afraid of the cold gray season of winter in Missouri or the hard rough ground.
"It is what it is" she has told me many times. "Life is the time to find yourself and use your gifts".
She deals with difficulty such as drought in her own private way. When nourishment was abundant, she florished. Now as she thirsts, she is able to draw on that supply to quench her needs. This is how she will “Live Forever” in our hearts and our gardens!

In spring this sedum just shares in the pleasure of being with family and friends but as the casual days of summer arrives, ‘Autumn Joy’ alerts her onlookers of her pending abundance. With structural looking spirals that rotate outward in all directions, (which is attractive as well) she carefully creates a lovely base / foundation for upcoming display of visual delight.

As summer speeds up, 'Autumn Joy' fullfills her destiny. Becoming living artwork herself, she passes into life's next cycle with the flowers fully formed yet hidden from view. Bundled in tiny green cradles, the sleeping buds wait till Mother Nature’s voice beckons them to wake. Then like they were each kissed individually on their foreheads, they open on a silent cue. They stretch and yawn and press together till there is a solid mound of girly pink! Warmed by the sun, these rounded domes now become the source of enjoyment for viewers and garden residents, especially butterflies!
“Live Forever” is the common name this group of sedums. They share this designation with another group of very tough plants known as Hens and Chicks ( Sempervivum.) These large groups of succulents are distant relatives yet share this deserving common name that speaks of eternity.

Frequently bestowed the title of ‘Old World Treasures" Live Forevers are known to be survivors. They are a durable group of plants that have demonstrated endurance in the garden and so are linked with everlasting hope.

The legacy of these plants is likely due more to easy propagation than actual age of the parent plant. They are associated with mythology and good luck throughout history as well as thought to have some medicinal value.

Their true value is in their ability to be grown by people who fail to water plants regularly and where moisture levels drop significantly at times. They are well suited for those who have had little exposure to gardening but are just beginning to have an interest and desire to experience some success, this was especially true for my dear baby sister Joanne.
She is now is focused on meeting her maker but she loved these easy plants and was so eager to show me she had learned their names and they were still alive. We shared tears not long ago when we promised to be forever in each other's hearts. Today I planted a new little garden by my front door filled with live forevers, just for her!
Thank you to the many who have shared words of support, prayers and good intentions as my sister looks toward the light, seeking rest and lasting peace. I pray that she feels the loving presence of all of you who hold her in your hearts.
I have had the priveledge of having her as a sister and friend as well as a professional associate She has shared my affection for my industry and friends. As she completes her life journey, she spoke of her faith and how much she is ready to walk with her maker.
She wishes to be thought of when you see a cardinal bird. I invite you to send me your favorite cardinal bird images. I will post them as a way to hold her in our hearts so she will "Live Forever" . In my "Autumn" she has brought an abundance of "Joy"

Saturday, August 8, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show featured Plant Solidago Fireworks August 8 2009


Solidago ‘Fireworks’


Add Solidago ‘Fireworks’ (Goldenrod) to the Sun Rain Garden

Feature this upright goldenrod’s outstanding display of lacy bright yellow flowers in the late summer / fall landscape as a perfect solution for wet/dry spots!

Wrongly accused as instigator of hay fever, this innocent bystander is actually a great cut flower appreciated by homeowners “with water issues”. It is also great for attracting natural helpers to your garden, including butterflies!

Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ is a landscape selection, chosen for its profuse flowers, study upright habit and doorstep gardening because of its non-aggressive good manners when used in cultivated spaces.
With a predictable steady growth rate, most specimens will reach 3-4’ tall and wide in 3 to 4 years if in average Missouri growing conditions.

Perfect for sunny rain gardens, this outstanding perennial can both be a design anchor as well as an erosion specialist regardless of fluctuating moisture levels throughout the season.

To keep a tidy landscape and extend the flower interest-go ahead and remove the finished flowers as they begin to fade. This will extend the bloom period, encourage more flowers to finish developing and stretch the color interest into the fall mum and aster season. .

For indoor use cut just as flowers open or till the fresh feeling of color just begins to slip. At that point, cut everything and use all you want as an indoor cut flower arrangement addition. Goldenrod can last for weeks in indoor flower arrangements.

If you are an primarily an “outsider”, and don’t bring flowers inside, enjoy them for as long as you like “ah natural” and just trim stems close to the base foliage near ground level before seed sets. Be aware that there needs to be some control in cultivated spaces if a managed look is desired! Restoration projects are cared for differently than cultivated green spaces!

Leaf rust is occasionally reported with the species but S.r. 'Fireworks' is said to be resistant to both rust and mildew. If it is affected, it is not likely to interfere with flowering or affect growth.

Care Factor Rating: 3 (It must be watered regularly till established but is very drought tolerant.) Plan to manage twice annually in late spring and as it completes it flower cycle. Divide or limit the area in use in the late spring once the primary plant reaches its desirable level by cutting around the base with a sharp shovel edge Remove excess material as needed. The slowly expanding clump grows 3-4 feet tall.
Many plants appear most balanced if the height and width are somewhat equal. When including this goldenrod in a design, consider leaving a 3’ minimum footprint. Plan to manage this plant twice annually.

'Fireworks' has proven it to be hardy to Missouri for several seasons and is on display in the perennial border at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Kemper Center for Home Gardening. . It is not favored by deer. It was introduced in 1993 from the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Selected and named by Ken Moore of North Carolina Botanical Garden in 1970, it was introduced by Niche Gardens. It originated from a selected form of a coastal population of the species. It was also the top-rated cultivar in the 5-year goldenrod trials at the Chicago Botanic Garden (completed in 2001) that included 22 species and cultivars.

Because of its height, ‘Fireworks’ is often best placed at the back of the border. Plant with ironweed (Vernonia), Sedum 'Autumn Joy’, Asclepia incarnata and beauty berry (Callicarpa Americana)

Saturday, August 1, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show August 1 2009 Seven son flower


Heptacodium miconioides

Seven Son flower Heptacodium miconioides is prized for his flower power, good neighbor manners and attractive personality! (Top 10 list for Butterfly Landscaping)

This big boy makes his family proud by producing a reliable powerhouse of flowers! His handsome broad shoulders create a support system for his natural fountain-shape. Usually available as a multi-stemmed shrub, my preference is for the strong stout single-trunk form with a distinct “V” shape silhouette. This seems to help display and support the heavy bundles of fragrant jasmine-like flowers.
What is most remarkable is his ability to repeat his effort annually from late summer till fall. This is a perfect choice for a sunny location viewable from ground level as well as second story windows!

I love the way it seems like he hears only the Monarch’s request for flowers, but not mine. I wait for weeks as he teases me by brandishing his fistfuls of white washed buds. Then suddenly he hears an unspoken plea and loosens his tight grip. The answer is a micro-explosion of flowers!
The swollen buds holding their promise finally expand, creating a starry shower of flowers clusters.
The show continues as he maintains his hold on the lingering flower stalks. This causes them to flush a warm rose or dusky pink creating a second display. The color varies depending on the cooling temperatures. Extending the display, violet red fruits form to carry the interest!

The winter finale is when his worn shirt sleeves of cream / tan bark roll up from all the hard work and a muscular caramel colored inner bark is exposed!

Heptacodium hails from China but is native-friendly for Missouri. He has no serious insect or disease problems and with his year-round interest in the landscape, he is an excellent choice for lawn specimen, accenting a courtyard or placed in a foundation grouping.

Care Factor Rating: 2 (He must be watered regularly till established but is very drought tolerant. He requires only one selective minimal pruning occasion a year (mid-spring following leaf out). This will expose his beautiful marbled trunk bark!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week July 25 2009 Diana Rose of Sharon


'Diana' Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus )


The 'Diana' Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana', is a strong upright growing sun lover reaching 5-12’ tall with giant white hollyhock flowers early to midsummer till mid-to-late fall! She does tolerate some shade, poor soil and both high and low moisture. This makes her a perfect addition to the edge of a rain garden in the sun or part shade where the soil is not soggy!

Care Factor Rating: 1 (must be watered regularly till established and does not require pruning! She does tolerate a once a year non-selective pruning to1/3 if shaping is desired, otherwise remove only the occasional damaged or dead branch)

This show stopper has an exceptionally flowering period. This is because she is a sterile triploid that produces very few if any seed pods. With this selection, there is no longer any significant reseeding issue as there might be with many other selections. She truely is a non-invasive native landscape friendly companion!

H. s. ‘Diana’ is especially lovely when planted in multiples, looking almost like a set of triplets, she can also be planted in larger numbers to create a screen or border. I particularly love this selection when used where it can be enjoyed in the evening landscape. The flowers are exceptionally large and stay open at night. She is also great for emphasizing the white accents of your home's trim as well as compliment any color pallet. This “bride white” version of this old favorite is very heat and humidity tolerant!

There is an occasional report of some susceptibility to blight, canker, rust, leaf spots. Aphids tend to cluster on new growth and can be controlled with regular hosing off with water. Scale, whiteflies and Japanese beetle are reported as occasional issues as well.
Photo Credit Tammy Palmier

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show details July 25 Tomato Hornworm and Bagworm


July 18th Inside Out radio show questions included request for information on the Tomato Hornworm so I have included some information and links about this common garden visitor and this picture. Watch for information on bagworms next post!
This week Jim announced we are starting a new segment "Dah Bug Of The Week" during which Don (Rolling Ridge) will call in and discuss control methods. This week they discussed Bagworms. So for those who missed this week and want to play next week- Call in next week with this for your answer as to what was "bugging" Jim McMillian!
Here is some information on Tomato Hornworm (see pic)

This home gardener headache is native to the United states, and is commonly found in Missouri. This insect is not a major problem for commercial farms . However the larvae is a frequent problem in home gardens.


Tomato hornworms feed only on the nightshade family which includes tomato plants and all its its relatives including these easy Missouri veggies: eggplant, pepper, and potato.


There are many " weeds" that belong to the nightshade family also including: horsenettle, jimsonweed.


Check weekly for this common garden visitor as 1- 2 generations are reported for this insect each year in Missouri the upper Midwest. Frequent viewing of the garden allows for hand picking as the prefered organic method of control. Many chemicals and even Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) can kill any butterfly larva in the garden. This insect is parasitized by a number of insects. One of the most common is a small braconid wasp. Larva that hatch from wasp eggs laid on the hornworm feed on the inside of the hornworm until the wasp is ready to pupate. The cocoons appear as white projections protruding from the hornworms body. If such projections are seen, leave the infected hornworms in the garden. The wasps will kill the hornworms when
they emerge from the cocoons and will seek out other hornworms to parasitize.

Listeners- Today's featured insect discussed by Don and Jim was BAGWORM - watch for details on this bug in future posts!



Visit this link for more information:

Saturday, July 18, 2009

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva July 18 2009


H. p. ‘Tardiva’ has a strong upright posture and fairly bold leaf texture. It has the potential to reach 15’ tall but can be easily maintained at 8’-10’. It has good vigor and is tolerant of both drought and clay soil but looks its best when it has adequate moisture and is not drought stressed. It likes a little shelter from the afternoon sun but with adequate moisture is performs well in full sun

This hydrangea is attractive to butterflies, especially as the blossoms first open. The casual clusters of white flower offer an informal but tidy appearance that is attractive at every stage. I love the kaleidoscope of muted colors as the petals fade to a blush of dusky rose with an occasional violet hue and then to a light cinnamon toast.
Care Factor Rating: 2 ( must be watered regularly till established and requires only one non-selective pruning occasion)

Grow this easy “urban friendly” hydrangea “green” by placing it on the edge of a rain garden where its roots can access the collected moisture without standing it directly in soggy soil. It has few if any significant pest problems and is frequently listed as Japanese beetle resistant. Hydrangea Tardiva’s best time to prune is early spring just before leaf buds emerge.
Click here for more images:

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Showy Primrose -Not So Showy Now


I have had years of growing - and at times enjoying ( at at times fighting) this Missouri Native.
This perennial plant is useful only when correctly sited. Although it has a long blooming period and pretty pink flowers, it can become an nusiance in many situations. I enjoy many of the less agressive members of this species that have allowed me to be more energy efficeint!
While in flower, the foliage breaks out in a rash of blochy spots that turn red, run together and eventually offer a spoiled worn foliage look that looks tattered the rest of the season.
It happens annually, regardless of hot or cool weather, fungicide applications and moisture levels. The foliage "ripens", colors (like it is fall) gets a tattered look with spotting and browning.
Since I do not use chemical controls, I have agressivly cut back all the foliage and done extreme clean up ( making sure as much folage is removed and not left to lay on the ground) It usually resprouts, with slightly cleaner foliage. The plants continue to flower annually and return relaibly without any obvious loss. As a matter of fact- I would have been grateful for some decline as this colonizer is tough!
(Watch for "Tough Enough" blog entry about agressive Missouri Natives!)
Here I have listed just a few foliar diseases that affect this plant:

Cucumber mosaic virus
Sclerotinia blight
Phytophthora & Cylindrocladium diebacks
Leaf spots of several sorts attack but shouldn't be serious.

Infected leaves can be picked off.

Powdery mildew coats the leaves with a white powdery growth.
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http://www.cps-scp.ca/download/cjpp-archive/Vol16/CJPP16(1)15-22(1994).pdf

Garden Corner Green Event Worth Checking Out


Perennial Plant Symposium—The 27th Annual gathering of members of the Perennial Plant Association comes to St. Louis for a week of programs, discussions, garden tours and an industry trade show. The symposium is geared for green-industry professionals, but includes a day of programs for master gardeners and other serious gardening enthusiasts on July 20th called Perennials in Design Seminar: A Potpourri of Plants, Design, and Arrangements. This program features 6 nationally acclaimed speakers. For details, visit http://www.hortco-op.org/ or call the PPA at (614) 771-8431. Early bird registration is just $69 and includes all presentations and beverage breaks. Full-time studens may pre-register for $25.

http://perennialplant.org/resourcefiles/2009Sym.pdf

Bored With Blaming Emerald Ash Borer for Everything


Hello-Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) is not the only wood-boring insect
that attacks ash trees!
There are several native clearwing and roundheaded borers also
commonly infest ash.
It is important to be able to distinguish EAB infestations from those of native borers. Every declining or dead ash tree will be at some point colonized by native borers, which attack weak, dying, and freshly killed trees. Visit this website for more information: http://ashalert.osu.edu/userfiles/native_borers.pdf
Watch for upcoming entry about other green insects that might make you wonder: Is this an Emerald Ash Borer?

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week July 11 2009



Lagerstroemia Cherry Dazzle™ 'GAMAD (Crapemyrtle)

Check out your local Independant Nursery / Garden Centers to see this recent introduction from Dr. Michael Dirr's breeding program / University of Georgia. This Crape Myrtle (Lagerstromia) is a dwarf form selected for its vibrant cherry red flower color. It has pretty glossy foliage and better than average resistance to mildew. No research about this cultivar's resistance to japanese beetles, but we can hope since these cute shrubs had no damage at al!

The L. 'Cherry Dazzel' is touted to be perfectly hardy for the lower Midwest. Most Crape Myrtles die back to the ground each winter and then resprout from the roots late the following spring. Plan to do the typical "crape cut" on this selection once a year. Simply trim off dead wood 6" above the soil level once new growth is evident-usually mid / late May! (Crape Myrtles bloom relaibly, whether killed to the ground or not, since they bloom on new growth each year. Once established, expect flowering period to be from July till late August. )

These new arrivals at Rolling Ridge feature a nice compact growth habit. I loved the foliage, even before it flowered. The newest growth is an copper-red maturing to forest green- very pretty! Dr. Dirr is impressed with its burgundy fall color. With such a compact habit and multiple features, this new introduction looks to be an this an easy multi-season accent for large and small landscapes.
Care Factor Rating: 2 ( must be watered regularly till established and requires only one non-selective pruning occasion)

I think these would be great companions with Knock Out
Roses (this would test the japanese beetle question since roses can be hit hard!) and Purple cone flowers. I have seen a nice cherry red yarrow that would be pretty and a rasberry Monarda, but adding any of these would significantly increase the "Care Factor " rating.

Watch for details on borers that affect Ash Trees and leaf spot issues with Showy Primrose in upcoming blog entries!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

550 KTRS Inside Outshow Scouting Report Rolling Ridge a Horticulture Hot Spot



Field Report: Favorites available for Adoption (sale) at Rolling Ridge Nursery in Webster Groves, MO- short list-
(side note Jim is not available for adoption-he's a keeper!)

I have included a few brief descriptions of what plants I am excited about and a few care tidbits that I shared with a recent client. I am helping him deal with managing rainwater runoff and creating an attractive rain garden habitat for birds and butterflies.

It is no surprise that Rolling Ridge Nursery is a quality source for information and plants. It is a surprise that Jim McMillian, KTRS's Inside Out Co-host doesn't brag about these particular items? Perhaps because they are in limited quanities?????( yes there was small quanities of a few things, but I checked with Chris Wagner-one of his right hand guys and a true hort man and his sources are solid. He can replace material sold -whatever the demand. I have to wonder if a customer then just needs to ask about MaryAnn's favorites?

I have made it easy and listed them below. Print out the list and hand it to them when you get there. I can't make it any easier. Just ask to see these first, then do your own scouting- there is a lot more there than this list. I want them to point these out to homeowners who wants to look totally unique- is that you? (I have had list takers in already- and one created a completly new area to accomadate these butterfly / bird friendly plants. I expect to have pics posted eventually so you can see too! Meantime, you do the same and send me you pics of your habitat garden -hopefully with several of these installed!

Best and Most Unique Butterfly and Bird Plants at Rolling Ridge Nursery

Ninebark on standard-WOW
Heptacodium-(My personal favorite when I was caretaker/ staffer at Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center) Best two story butterfly magnet perfect for viewing from 2nd floor windows!
Service berry tree-Beutiful bark suitible for uplighting, delicate looking spring flowers, sweet tasting fruit and great fall color - multiple forms, sigle, clump and three stemmed!
Aronia -my front door favorite-also has same qualities as service berry but narrow profile and different foliage- grrrreat!
Rose of Sharon- single only – 'Dianne'. Subject of my recent "Staying Single" article soon to be posted on website! This one really does bloom all summer and it does attract butterflies-nice size bride white flowers!
Hydrangea 'Pink Diamond' tree form-loved it more once it was where I could see it every day- featured it in my garden in the Post Dispatch! Butterfly worthy

also:

Itea 'Little Henry'
Crape myrtle 'Cherry Dazzler'
Phlox- 'Robert Poore' and 'David'
Liatris
Monarda- petite series only
Buddlia ‘Adonis Blue’
Purple Cone flower
Swamp Milkweed ( don’t worry- it is beautiful)
Amsonia – cultivar- new shorter variety- I think it is ‘ Short Stack’
Baptisia –any you like
Yarrow 'Moonshine'-(driest location)
Annuals –Pentas and Lantana


Just a few descriptions and care notes to make you dream!

Small tree like selections- speciality items- very unique management or underused

Ninebark on standard (spring flower, summer non-messy fruit- all season foliage color. Prunable to manage size space allowance –minimum care)- beautiful bark exposed
Clethra tree form ( trim after flowering- fragrant like spikes with dream carnation / clove fragrance. Butterfly!
Heptacodium- starry Jasmine flowers, summer blooming, then bracts( stems) color rosy pink- 9-10 weeks of interest plus pealing bark like birch
Japanese Lilac ‘Ivory Silk’ cherry like bark – white lightly fragrant flowers in spring-no mildew problems –not a major bore issue like other lilacs
Hydrangea ‘Pink Diamond’ –trained to standard ( it will need consistant moisture but will take sun if adequate moisture available- place this in the swale area. Attractive to butterflies- flowers last till fall and can be used as cut flowers as well)
Service berry tree – Spring flowers, summer blueberry non-messy fruit edible-song bird favorite – great fall color- nice bark
Wafer Ash ( unknown little sweet tree that feeds native butterflies- looks like a cross between Jap maple green form and dogwood with petite habit and airy open look- not a knock you down plant- but sweet)
Styrax –actual small tree- only saw one but it was very nice- lily of the valley like bells in spring- frequently used for nest site of small birds- delicate / petite looking

Multi stemmed option

Aronia
Service berry
( they have both multi and single tree forms-see description above)

Lg Shrubs
Persimmon
Sassafras
Buttonbush
Spice bush
Rose of Sharon
- single only – 'Dianne-' extended bloom frequently once established- bloom till fall!, easily pruned without forfeiting flowers -

Small Shrubs

Itea 'Little Henry' –fragrant spring flowers great fall color, takes moist wet swale area well
Beautyberry ( large 4’by late summer--trim to ground in spring)
Crape myrtle- no butterfly use- may help attract hummingbirds because of strong color- very pretty foliage-Cris feeling ok on hardiness -check out Cherry Dazzler foliage!!!

Perennials (start with just these)

Phlox- 'Robert Poore' and David
Liatris
Monarda- petite series only
Buddlia ‘Adonis Blue’
Purple Cone flower
Swamp Milkweed
( don’t worry- it is beautiful)
Amsonia – cultivar- new shorter variety- I think it is ‘ Short Stack’
Baptisia –any you like
Yarrow 'Moonshine'-(driest location)

Evergreens for future reference

Gold Thread False cypress- he keeps in stock

Check if they can get these –hold this list and I will post a pic of these used as a living tapestry- fainty good!

Juniper virginiana ‘Hillspire’ or Juniper virginiana ‘Emerald Sentinel (Concorcor)
Juniper virginiana ‘Skyrocket’or Juniperus virginiana ‘Glauca’
Platycladus orientalis (Thuga) ‘Yellow Ribbon’ or Platycladus orientalis (Thuga) ‘Berkmann’s Gold’

Larger trees – replacement options when Pear goes down – not if –when)
Coffeeetree
Yellowwood
Hackberry
Pecan