Please note that the grand opening day for Melanie's Perennials will be May 1st.
Much as I had hoped to open the garden tomorrow, April 17th, life has given me a challenge to overcome first. This past Wednesday I underwent a lumpectomy and will not be able to lift or dig for a while.
The good news is I can take lots and lots of photos in the mean time and plan on sharing them with all of you.
One can always find Pulmonarias in Herb books. They've been grown for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years and are more commonly known as Lungwort. Most books state that the young leaves can be added to salads but I can't imagine trying them as they are hairy as can be...
Supposedly Pulmonarias clear congested lungs, I've also read that they are an ingredient in vermouth. Perhaps that's why another book states that they can cause liver damage? As always, I'll remind all of you that just because a plant is an herb, I do not recommend eating them without knowing more about the plant. This is one that would not pass my lips.
Most Pulmonarias have spotted leaves, in the summer some will also get powdery mildew but since they are already white, it doesn't bother me much.
Quite commonly Pulmonarias have pink flower buds that once opened, quickly change to blue or vice-versa. There are quite a few varieties on the market now, not only does the flower color vary but the amount of spotting on the foliage is another distinctive trait.
The most vigorous Pulmonaria in my garden by far is Pulmonaria angustifolia. Surprisingly, this one has no spotting at all on the leaves. The blooms are the most heavenly sky blue color imaginable.
Out front near the street in barren soil I've been growing Pulmonaria 'Dora Bielefeld' for at least 10 years. As you can see here, it has quite a clear pink bloom. I wish I'd had the forethought to move it to a better location and see what it could really do when grown in rich soil.
There are also pristine white Pulmonarias. The name on this one escapes me, I do know that I've divided out some pieces and shared them with gardening friends. While white is not my favorite color in the garden, it is a most welcome addition to the shade corners that Pulmonarias seem to tolerate.
My recommendations on growing these lovelies is to give them a spot with several hours of sunlight (preferably softer, morning light), rich soil that has been amended with compost and water during dry seasons. Other than that, stand back and watch them bloom!
The other day I met some gardening friends for a workshop at my friend Kim's home in Huntington Bay. The weather was perfect and of course, so was Kim's garden.
I was torn between working on making the hypertufa troughs (read more about it on my Old Country Garden blog) and taking photos of the most wonderful spring display of blooms.
Little vignette's were all over the place, this one was my favorite!
Kim's mother Joan has a garden on one side of the house. Joan was always such a talented gardener that it was no surprise to me to see how lovely her newest creation has taken off. Even with health issues Joan has done a great job here.
Looking down closely you can see how lovely the Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' looks as it wends it's way around the stepping stones. This side garden is so stunning that it deserves it's own post in the future.
One last shot, a close up of the weeping Cherry tree. Isn't it breathtaking?
I thought I'd finish up today's post with some good news...I'm taking a hiatus from working retail, need to deal with some health issues but I will also be able to spend more time in the garden. So stay tuned, Melanie's Perennials will be open for business soon, maybe this coming Saturday, April 17th!
While not currently in the plant sale business, I dream big so don't give up hope. Who knows just how soon Melanie's Perennials will be back in full swing!
Lecture time
Looking for a great garden lecturer?
For the past fifteen years I've been lecturing throughout the United States and Canada on various garden topics. Programs highlighting perennials, garden design, foliage plants, fun "junque" in the garden and more.
My fee is quite reasonable, $150 for a local lecture (on Long Island), $200 plus travel expenses for lectures off the island. If your club is within a 3 or 4 hour drive I'd be more than happy to come and speak.
Not only do garden clubs bring in garden lecturers, elementary schools, senior citizen centers, libraries, civic associations and other groups are ever mindful of bring "green" topics to their members.
Considering a fund raiser such as bulb sales for your PTA? Why not kick off the event with a lecture so the parents understand which plants will do best in their gardens? Happy customers equal return customers.
To contact me, just drop me an e-mail at melaniev380@gmail.com and I'll get back to you ASAP!
This blog is dedicated to the Long Island Gardener. That doesn't mean that the information herein doesn't apply to many other locations. For a more broad view on gardening, please visit our general gardening blog at www.melaniesoldcountrygarden.blogspot.com or just click on the watering can.
Pass Along Plants too!
Many gardeners and nurseries pooh-pooh the pass along plant with no name. Not here at Old Country Gardens. If I like it, I grow it, even if the name was lost many years ago. This beautiful Chrysanthemum was given to me by a friend many years go. It returns and blooms reliably. Who could ask for more?
Please note that the grand opening day for Melanie's Perennials will be May 1st.
One can always find Pulmonarias in Herb books. They've been grown for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years and are more commonly known as Lungwort. Most books state that the young leaves can be added to salads but I can't imagine trying them as they are hairy as can be...
Quite commonly Pulmonarias have pink flower buds that once opened, quickly change to blue or vice-versa. There are quite a few varieties on the market now, not only does the flower color vary but the amount of spotting on the foliage is another distinctive trait.
The most vigorous Pulmonaria in my garden by far is Pulmonaria angustifolia. Surprisingly, this one has no spotting at all on the leaves. The blooms are the most heavenly sky blue color imaginable.
Out front near the street in barren soil I've been growing Pulmonaria 'Dora Bielefeld' for at least 10 years. As you can see here, it has quite a clear pink bloom. I wish I'd had the forethought to move it to a better location and see what it could really do when grown in rich soil.
There are also pristine white Pulmonarias. The name on this one escapes me, I do know that I've divided out some pieces and shared them with gardening friends. While white is not my favorite color in the garden, it is a most welcome addition to the shade corners that Pulmonarias seem to tolerate.
The other day I met some gardening friends for a workshop at my friend Kim's home in Huntington Bay. The weather was perfect and of course, so was Kim's garden.
Little vignette's were all over the place, this one was my favorite!
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