Pack Up and Go!

There's never a lack of garden related places to visit - either for viewing or for purchasing.  Here's a few that's been forwarded to me:

~ Tour Boerner Botanical Gardens, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum and Renaissance Garden, Wisconsin~

 Sunnyfield Nursery's Garden Tour will be July 13th.  Double click on the brochures to read or use the reservation form. 

They will not go unless they have at least 20 paid reservations, so get yours in quickly to make sure this happens. 

Looks to be a wonderful day of seeing some Wisconsin displays and leave the driving to others.  Always a great plan.

 Sunnyfield owners, the Johnsons, are hitting their stride after buying the nursery.  They are making it their own, using their own ideas and have obviously worked hard to establish their reputation. 

~Chicago Botanical Garden Tour~

The Oak Run Garden Club will sponsor a bus trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe on June 7th.  Cost of bus reservation, box lunch, admission and guided tram tour is $95.  Reservations due May 20th.  email ricksmith2s@gmail.com or call Rick at 309-639-2686. 

~ Illinois State Governor's Mansion Gardens ~

The Illinois Executive Mansion is the largest in the US.  The gardens are being restored under the direction of a professional and using volunteer workers and donated plants.

The mansion is open for free tours Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 to 11:30 am and 2 to 3:30 pm.  Saturday from 9:30 to 11 am.  Call for special hours or to reserve for occasions.

Harry Lewis is offering several hands-on gardening workshops at the mansion.  There are fees for these events - register at 217-766-2292.  Self guided walking tours of the gardens are free.

May 19 - 6-9 pm:  Flowering annuals for every location.

June 26 - 1-3:30 pm:  The Governor's Mansion and Gardens - a special tour and fundraiser.

July 14 - 6-9 pm:  Garden florals in indoor arrangements.

A few local retail establishments offering plants and garden "things"

(there are quite a few others)

Retail establishments aregreat day trips, idea gathering, visual treat, and of course they hope you buy.  Reputable garden retailers seldom mind if you're "just looking". 

• Wolf Ridge Gardens and Greenhouse, 9568 Wolf Rd., Geneseo IL
• Maple City Florist and Garden Center, 802 S. State St., Geneseo IL
• George Bowman Hostas, 404 E. South St., Cambridge IL
• Prairie Country Gardens, 2213 County Highway 5, Galva IL
• Old Mill Gardens Floral & Gift Shop, 108 E. Exchange St., Atkinson IL
• Red Barn Nursery, 15722 - 645 E St., Sheffield IL
• Sunnyfield Greenhouse Garden Center, 2440 E 2550 St., Galva IL
• Dew Fresh Market, 249 Tenney St., Kewanee IL 

We're getting a nice gentle rain today - just in time to wet down those freshly planted gardens - Enjoy the day!

Logging the Log

Been holding this little bit of text for several days due to problems on the Blog site.  Didn't stop viewing - only creating.

I tend to over "record keep" my garden info.  Not that I consider it over-keeping although others may refer to it that way behind closed doors, in hushed tones and with a few "tisk tisks" thrown in for good measure.

Since I take pictures during different growing seasons, it became visually obvious many of my trees had finally settled in and were growing - a lot.  "Just how much is a "lot"?" I asked myself.  This sent me to the web for "how to measure the height of a tree" when it is taller than any sane person would want to climb.

The following information was on so many web sites, in exactly the same form, word for word, I'm not going to bother crediting it to one source.  It's not my creation and that's credit enough.

There are several ways to measure the height of a tree. 

"To measure a tree’s height, an Abney hand level, clinometer, or transit is recommended."  OK, I've no idea about these devices and sure they aren't in my garage tool drawer. 

This "Shadow" method sounds easy:

• Stand next to the tree or the object to be measured. For best results, do this method on a bright, sunny day. If the sky is overcast, it may be difficult to tell exactly where the shadow’s tip is.
• Measure the length of your shadow. Use a tape measure or yardstick (meter ruler) to measure your shadow from your feet to the tip of your shadow. If you don’t have someone to assist you, you can mark the end of the shadow by tossing a rock onto it while you’re standing. Or better yet, place the rock anywhere on the ground, and then position yourself so the tip of your shadow is at the rock; then measure from where you're standing to the rock.
• Measure the length of the tree’s shadow. Use your measuring tape to determine the length of the tree’s shadow from the base of the tree to the tip of the shadow. This works best if the ground all along the shadow is fairly level; if the tree is on a slope, for example, your measurement won’t be very accurate. You want to do this as quickly as possible after measuring your shadow, since the sun’s position in the sky (and hence the shadow length) is slowly but constantly changing. If you have an assistant, you can hold one end of the measuring tape while he or she measures the tree’s shadow, and then you can immediately measure your shadow.
• Calculate the tree’s height by using the proportion of your shadow’s length to your height. Since you know the length of the tree’s shadow, and you also know that a certain height (your height) produces a certain shadow length (the length of your shadow), you can determine the tree’s height with a little math. Multiply the length of the tree’s shadow by your height, and then divide the resulting number by the length of your shadow. For example, if you are 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall, your shadow is 8 feet (2.4 meters) long, and the tree’s shadow is 100 feet (30.48 meters) long, the height of the tree is (100 x 5) / 8 = 62.5 feet (30.48 x 1.5 meters) / 2.4 meters. Note that the order of your multiplication does not matter.

This is called the "yardstick" method: 

• Using a yardstick, stand exactly 25 feet from the tree being measured. Hold the yardstick, with the zero end downward, 25 inches from your eye. Line up the bottom of the yardstick with the base of the tree. Without moving your head, look to the top of the tree. Where it crosses the yardstick, read off the measurement in inches. Each inch will equal one foot in the tree's height.
•  If the tree is taller than your  yardstick will measure, stand 50 feet away. Again hold it 25 inches from your eye, as before, only this time multiply your result by 2 to get the correct height. If it is taller still, then step back to 75 feet, multiplying your result by 3, or 100 feet, multiplying the result by 4, etc.

So - there you have it - measure and record to your heart's content. 

This photo is of what was once a State of Illinois record setting Chestnut tree.  It's located on 400N in rural Galva IL.  It is no longer the record holder because it is damaged, but, still pretty amazing.  There's lists of record setting trees on the web.    

Shy and Refined

I was a shy child, always looking and waiting.  Every once in awhile I'd have a burst of chatter and immediately followed by mortification.  Although I've since learned to talk with others more easily, at my core I'm still shy and quiet.  Give me a choice between going to a big party with lots of people and staying at home by myself with a good book and my nature says, "stay home."

The Eastern Redbud tree Cercis Canadensis L. has much the same personality.  A spindly little thing with simple small pointed heart-shaped leaves.  Most of the year, it's hardly noticed.  This native Illinois tree wakes up in early spring with a show of magenta pink flowers borne on the leafless shoots.  During that brief period, it makes a grand statement and then after realizing everyone is looking at it, it drops the tiny flowers and is again nondescript.

Redbuds only grow between 15 & 30 ft. with a trunk up to 1 foot, and the crown is usually broad and flattened.  The shape and size lends itself to specimen planting and oriental gardens.The flowers only bloom on last year's branches or on the trunks.  The fruit is a legume which may be as long as 4 inches.  It self seeds rather easily and transplants well.

The Redbud will grow in most any soil, including clay as long as it 's well drained.  There are several hybrid varieties producing different results.

The Redbud does have some interesting history. 

• It is used as a food plant for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the Mouse Moth.  I found that interesting since the individual little flowers are shaped like little mouse heads. 
• The tree was frequently figured in the 16th & 17th century herbals.
• Another name for the tree is "Judas Tree" because Biblical lore has the Redbud as the tree Judas Iscariot hanged himself from after betraying Christ.
• The flowers are used in salads and for making a pickled relish.
• The inner bark of the twigs is used for a mustard yellow dye.
• The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees such as blueberry bees and carpenter bees.
• Green twigs may be used as seasoning for wild game such as venison and opossum and may be known as the spicewood tree.
• It's the state tree of Oklahoma.
• It will grow in full sun or in the shade of larger trees.
• Native Americans consumed Redbud flowers raw or boiled, and ate roasted seeds.
• The tree is often used on city right-of-way and under utility lines because they will not get tall enough to cause problems.
• There's a small town in southern Illinois named Redbud.

The National Arbor Day Foundations has these facts: 

• Native to North America and Canada with cousins in Europe and Asia, the Redbud was first cultivated in 1811.
• The Spaniards noted Redbuds and made distinctions between the New World species and their cousins in the Mediterranean region in 1571.
• George Washington reported in his diary on many occasions about the beauty of the tree and spent many hours in his garden transplanting seedlings obtained from the nearby forest.

Going to the Birds

My belief:  The reason people live in areas with changing seasons is we like the "surprises" each new season brings.  We are the residents who "oooo" and "awww" each spring over the daffodils and tulips.  Each year it's like the first time we've seen them. 

Every spring I marvel at the beauty and lovely sounds of the birds.  We rush to the window to catch a glimpse of color or stop our yard work to listen to a particularly beautiful song.

We're the group of hardy souls who would be bored if the yard was perfectly the same beautiful all year.  Our life would be a little empty if the same birds inhabited our yards year round.  Call us crazy (and some do) we're the ones who celebrate the first snow. 

Yesterday, as I was weeding, a Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) serenaded me.  Known as having the most beautiful and large array of songs in North America, I feel very fortunate they return to our trees year after year.

Some birds are here all winter and are more easily appreciated as they molt into their summer colors.  The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is our best example.  The males have been bright gold for about a month.

Many have commented and my observations are the same:  The American Robins (Turdus Migratorius) are fatter than I've ever seen before and in larger numbers.  Most have now laid their eggs and are busy protecting their nests.

The much maligned sparrows are as busy as always and rank right up there with the Thrush in their array of sweet songs.  We have several different kinds, with different songs and habits.

My least favorite birds, the European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), have finally migrated out of our trees.  They always stop for a few weeks in our trees - just long enough for me to get tired of their irritating chatter - and then off to some other poor neighborhood.  Whoever named them vulgaris certainly had observed them up close!

The Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelains phoeniceus) are now taking up residence in the fields and roadsides instead of our woods.

Although residents year round, the Morning Doves (Zenaida macroura) can now be heard cooing their evening sleep song in the trees.  That sound never fails to remind me of my childhood.

The red Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are still fighting their images in mirrors and windows.  Mothers are no where to be seen and must be nesting while papa is still confused.

Other busy birds (some migrated - some overwintered) in our yard and woods: House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus), Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristalta), Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), and the petite House Wren (Troglodytes Avedon).       

What brought this to mind this morning was the sighting of two male Indigo (blue) Buntings (Passerina cyancea).  These little birds simply glow in the sun.  This color of blue is unusual for nature in our area which makes it all the more thrilling. 

“My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather.”

~Loire Hartwould

   

The Grass Is Always Greener

Ornamental grass is a huge category of decorative garden plants.  There are annuals and perennials, short and tall, invasive and well-mannered, native and exotic. 

(Left:   Sedum "Crazy Ruffles")

They may be used for a big landscape statement or in pots.  Most garden pots only contain flowers or at the very least just one vertical accent of foliage.  While recently visiting area nurseries, we saw many pots planted with all or mostly foliage.

One such example was a large formal gray pot with silver/white foliage.  Consider the many green leaves showing stripes in light colors, blue tints, or a silvery fur.  Add a little accent with white flowers and this planter will show up beautifully against dark colors and at night.

Rock gardens (both in the ground and in pots) are perfect for the all-foliage statement.  Succulents come in all sizes and shapes and can withstand some neglect.

Pots may be planted with annuals or perennials.  If you take your pots indoors for the winter, many plants can be used for years.  They may take a little pruning, sometimes replacing with new potting soil, and regular fertilizing.

(Right:  Salvia - Silver Sage pictured/available at "Annie's Annuals and Perennials"  www.anniesannuals.com )

Here are a few different plants that make great foliage arrangements:

• “Graceful Grasses King Tut”, an Egyptian Papyrus, is a quirky tall (4-6 ft) annual.  The ends of the stems look like green fireworks. 
• “Japanese Blood Grass”, Imperata Cylindrical Red Baron, is a (12-18 in) perennial.  The long upright blades are bright red tipped.  (Pictured above)
• “Japanese Forest Grass”, Hakonechloa macra Aureola, is a 2 ft perennial weeping yellow and green striped grass that can stand the most shade of any ornamental grass.
• “Cordyline Red Sensation” australis, this annual has 18-20 in. leathery strap shaped bronze-red leaves.
• “Amazon Sunset Parrot’s Beak”, a spreading annual Lotus vine has silver foliage and bright orange beak like flowers.
• “Live Wire” Isolepis grass has soft cascading mounds of finely textured foliage with little tuffs on the ends as flowers.  This 8 in. annual likes sun. 
• “Cuban Gold” Duranta erecta is a 24 in bright yellow sun lover.  Used in the tropics as a shrub, this annual is a bright spot where ever it’s planted. 
• Any of the Dusty Millers, Artemsias, hostas, ferns, lavenders, Lamb’s Ear (pictured below),  and sedums. 
• A great annual. “Marguerite Sweet Potato Vine”, Ipomoea.  This bright chartreuse plant may vine ten foot if nourished well.  Other colors of this vine are dark burgundy, a two-tone green, and a blue-green.  Consider planting among your perennials for an informal ground cover.

Next time you’re planting your garden pots, consider trying a mostly foliage rendition.  Every nursery or garden center will have its own specialties.  Make a white/silver arrangement, a red/burgundy, a blue/green, a yellow/chartreuse, or an emerald green. 



Seriously, the grass can be greener on your side of the fence.

O is for Origanum

"Origanum" is the herb Oregano (sometimes called wild marjoram).  Greek for "joy of the mountain," oregano was almost unheard of in the United States until soldiers came back from Italian World War II assignments raving about it.

European Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is the most bland.  Greek Oregano (Origanum herva-cleoticum) is the most common for cooking.  Both belong to the mint family and are related to both marjoram and thyme. Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) is in the verbena family and is one of the most spicy.  The Mexican variety is included in chili powder.  Golden Oregano is used for it's decorative look and not for eating.  Some are hardy to Zone 5.

You may find some oregano mislabeled: 

Mexican Oregano can mean Poliomintha longiflora.  It is considered similar in flavor, but stronger than oregano.

• In Puerto Rico and Cuba, Plectranthus anboinicus can be found labeled as oregano.
• Thymus nummularius is often used in place of oregano, in Spain.  It is used in perfume.

If you are planning on making tomato based sauces, plant Oregano in your herb garden this year.  The leaves of oregano are used in meat (especially sausage), salads, pizza, soups, Mexican foods and barbecue sauces.   It is also used in making some kinds of liqueur.

Factors such as climate, seasons and soil composition may affect the aromatic oils present, and this effect may be greater than the differences between the various species of plants.

Some oregano is a tender perennial and may be over-wintered inside.  Try cutting down and heap mulch on top for over-wintering - just might make it through.  In the south, it may be invasive. 

Oregano leaves are often used in the dried form for cooking - although they may be used fresh as easily.  The dried form may be more flavorful than fresh although it's a different flavor.

The leaves retain their flavor better in hot dishes if added toward the end of cooking. Heating too long results in bitterness.

Oregano grows easily in well drained, good garden soil where plants receive full sun. They enjoy a sandy soil.  It requires routine watering. The flowers should be kept cut back to encourage thick foliage - the level of essential oil decreases as it flowers. You can begin to harvest when it reaches 4 inches.  It makes a good container or hydroponic plant but should be replaced about every 3 years when it becomes woody. 

Oregano planted from seeds may cross pollinate and you may not get what you expected.  The "richer" the soil, the less potent the flavor - do not fertilize.  Oregano has few pests.  Keep area weeded and mulched.  May be added to flower gardens.  Pick in the morning before the leaves warm to get the best flavor.

An idea:  Put a 1/2 inch thick slice of feta cheese on a salad plate. Serve it sprinkled with oregano (and fresh pepper if you like), and drizzle with olive oil.  Serve with flat bread or crackers.

And in case you need this:   From Gerard's Herbal (1545-1612-English): "Organy cureth them that have been poisoned by drinking Opium, or the juice of Black Poppy or Hemlock, especially if it be given with Wine and Raisons of the Sunne".

Photos thanks to Herb World.

Spring Fling

Had a delightful yesterday visiting "Distinctive Gardens" in Dixon and "Red Barn Nursery" by Sheffield.  Always so much fun to see what's new in the plant world. We enjoyed a rainless day made twice as nice because I was with friends.

Every nursery and garden center is different.  Their individual focus is what delights. 

My first time at DG, it was obviously a visit with the visually inspired owners.  They are particularly adapt at creating combinations of plants for beautiful and unusual container gardening. 

Area stores are having more of the cone shaped hanging baskets and here are a couple of their offerings.

Many of DGs most beautiful planters contained mostly non flowering plants.  Most of us have been conditioned to expect mostly flowers in our pots.  The foliage containers opened a new door - and were certainly beautiful.

Shown at left and potted in a fiberglass "rock", this is an example of how well they combine plants.  DGs is about inspiring through display. 

I'm sure their landscaping and other plants will only improve as the season matures.  In addition to the plant sets and containers, they have a nice selection of trees and bushes and some beautiful hand crafted items in their shed area.

After a great lunch at ZBest Restaurant in Sheffield, we headed to the "Red Barn Nursery".  The RB is not about display, it is totally about offering an abundance of healthy beautiful plants which they grow themselves. 

RB is often the place to find "the hard to find" and heirloom plants.  Their herbs are always a treasure.  Since they raise their own plants, this is a place to return to as the season progresses.  Some things come on early/some later.  Unlike big box stores, when RBs supply of plants is gone - it's gone for the season.

RB offers some of the most beautiful and unusual geraniums in this area.  The supply you see pictured will be mostly gone by Mother's day.

Both nurseries are privately owned and managed.  Both show a real love for the beauty and individuality of plants.  Both are a treasure and both have reasonably priced plants. 

So - what did I buy?  I managed to put off garden vegetable and herb plants because of the cool weather we are having.  Besides a nice "Delft Lace" Astilbe for my new bed at the front of our woods, I focused on plants for my pots.

A few of those geraniums from RB and a selection of foliage from DG.  I was especially excited to find "Graceful Grasses' King Tut"  I'll show more on the individual plants later.

Meanwhile:  Support your locally owned nurseries and garden centers.  Most (as are both of these) are hard working and talented business owners obviously passionate about their profession. 

“What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome. Are not flowers the stars of the earth, and are not our stars the flowers of the heaven.” - A.J. Balfour