Sunday, August 28, 2011

Garden Notables


Who are these people and why are they in my garden?


A self-taught gardener, botanist, botanical artist, garden writer and plant hunter, E. A. Bowles was the author of many books, scholarly articles and scientific papers. He received the Victoria Medal of Honor from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1916.  Over 40 plants are named for him that are still available today.

Eryngium Giganteum
Ellen Ann Willmott (1858-1934)

A prominent member of the Royal Horticultural Society, Ellen Willmott was one of only two women to have received the Victoria Medal of Honor, in 1897.  She funded plant hunting expeditions to China and the Middle East and at one point employed over 100 gardeners in her own garden. She was known as a demanding employer who would sack a gardener who allowed a single weed to grow in one of her borders.  She is thought to have cultivated more than 100,000 different species of plants but perhaps is best known for the legend that she would surreptitiously spread the seeds of Eryngium Giganteum in any garden she visited;  today Eryngium Giganteum is also known as Miss Willmott's Ghost.



Monday, August 22, 2011

Dig In- Tips from Nettie at Uncanoonuc


Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses have come into their own as more and more gardeners get to know them and embrace their many attributes. There are grasses for every garden from an intimate doorway vignette to expansive municipal plantings. Some are imported beauties, but many are our own native daughters. They offer texture, structure, movement, contrast, color and multi-season appeal. Their flowers and foliage often make wonderful subjects for arrangements, fresh or dried. Most are low maintenance perennials. This is a brief introduction to some great grasses, tried and true performers here at Uncanoonuc. As their popularity continues to soar, more and more different grasses are being introduced - an exciting prospect for us all.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

How This Garden Evolves


I knew it would happen eventually.  I have finally been framed.  Well, not exactly...

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Featured Plant- Paulownia tomentosa



If you're looking for a plant that makes a bold architectural statement, Paulownia tomentosa may be for you.  But first make sure you have plenty of space.

Monday, August 8, 2011

New Hampshire and Vermont Open Days



Congratulations to all of the gardeners who opened their gardens this past weekend for The Garden Conservancy's Open Days event that happened in New Hampshire and Vermont!

Preparing gardens for a high-profile national event such as this is no small feat but all of the gardens looked spectacular.  Every season, the Garden Conservancy gives the public a chance to visit some of the best private gardens in the country. This year, sixteen gardens represented New Hampshire and Vermont, showcasing the high quality of horticultural talent in this region of the country.  In addition, visitors had the opportunity to visit public gardens in the area such as the town gardens in Peterborough, NH and The Fells in Newbury, NH.

Visitors to the eight beautiful private gardens that participated this past weekend came from many distant locations including Georgia, Texas, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

For a glimpse of the wonderful gardens that were open this past weekend, see the photos below.  For more information on the Garden Conservancy, click here.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Rachel's Garden- Caterpillar!

For more art from Rachel's Garden, click here.

To see what this is all about, click here.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Well, This Really Stinks!



We have had our share of uninvited visitors this season.  And some have appreciated the garden more than others.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Dig In- Tips from Nettie at Uncanoonuc

hydrangea

Hydrangeas


Much beloved by gardeners, Hydrangeas are a large, diverse group of plants that can be vines, shrubs or small trees. The main types grown in Northern climates are discussed below (including descriptive information, cultural and pruning advice) and a section answering frequently asked questions follows.
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