ChrysantenfeestinLahr-Duitsland

It is amazing how flowers can be used as art.  In January you can enjoy the Rose Parade in California, but now in October you can enjoy display of art in Germany.  Take a few moments to watch this slide show. Do you create art with your garden mums?  Leave a comment of which picture or display you like best.

Thanks to my Friend Robyn for this slide show. Enjoy.

When you are thinking about all of the beautiful Irises that you have seen, do you realize that you may have been looking at several different species of Iris rather just the more common Bearded Iris? There are also Iris species know as Japanese, Dutch, English, Reticulatas and many other species.  In fact there are close to 300 species of Irises that can be found. Today I am going to talk about the Bearded Iris.

Bearded Irises are one of the most popular perennials planted around the world. Colors come in all shades except that of pure red and green. They also come in varying heights ranging from 8 inches high to some growing up to 4 feet high. Wow!

Bearded Iris performs best in well drained soil.  They do not like to have their feet or roots wet. They are susceptible to root rot. In heavier clay soils consider planting them in raised beds.  Plant in full sun with the “boot” or rhizome just barely under the soil, in fact the rhizome can be partially exposed.  If they are planted too deep, you will not get any flowers the following spring.

This species of Iris grow from rhizomes (modified stem with fleshy roots) and need to split or divided every few years.  Plant the rhizomes about a foot apart with the bend of the root pointed toward the back of your garden. These are a very hardy perennial.

Iris rhizomes are usually available for purchase in late July thru October.  They should be planted as soon as you get them.  Most gardeners will start thinning their Iris beds in July and many are willing to share extras that they are thinning out.

Check with your local garden clubs to see if they host any Iris Festivals in your area, usually in late May and early June.  If there is a festival nearby take the time to enjoy a walk through the Irises. Iris Festivals are absolutely amazing, for you will see more than the common yellow and purple irises on display.

What are some your favorite Iris varieties that you have planted in your garden?

One of the most popular and versatile annuals found in the horticulture world is the petunia. You can probably find any shade of color that you want and would be able to plant it anywhere other than a deep shaded area in your garden. If you can give it sunlight it will grow.

However, not every petunia is the same. There are a couple of distinctive characteristics that are set petunia apart from each other. So distinct that petunia are separated into different classifications: grandiflora, multiflora, milliflora, trailing and mounding types.

Petunia Hybrid Grandiflora: Grandiflora types produce the largest flowers of all petunia, however they will bear the least amount of flowers. These plants can grow as tall as 24 inches and certain varieties or strains can give you a spreading habit of 24-36 inches wide. Some of the more popular strains are Ultra, Storm, Magic and Frost.

Petunia Hybrid Multiflora: This is also known as a floribunda. Plant growth or habit is similar to that of the Grandiflora varieties, but the flowers are smaller, usually only producing flowers that are 2 inches across. Certain strains offer a neat compact habit that makes them excellent for mass planting in flower beds. Prime Time, Celebrity, Plum, and Whispers are strains that can offer the widest range of colors for your garden.

Petunia Hybrid Milliflora: These are cute dwarf petunias growing in mounding habits of about 6 to 8 inches in height and width. One of the best features is that there is no need for pinching or pruning to keep these babies in tip top shape. Dainty flowers cover the whole plant offering a burst of color in containers or in your garden. Plant them where they can be seen and not covered over. You will find these as Fantasy or Tiny Tunias.

Trailing and Mounding Petunia: You might have heard or seen the Purple Wave petunia, but have you seen the Tidal Wave or even the Ramblin’ petunias? These phenomenal petunias definitely have made a splash in the cascading flowering plants. Some of these varieties can grow up to 5 feet wide. That is a lot of color to have in one area.

Petunias are a flower that everyone has had in their garden at one time; personally I think you should have them somewhere all of the time. I find that the purple ones, no matter which variety offers the best fragrance to enjoy from your garden. Plant them and enjoy.

One of the most popular perennials that most gardeners have in their gardens is the Shasta Daisy.  This wonderful flower standard has many traits and characteristics that will help it stand out above the rest in your garden: A must for all flower gardens.

The Shasta daisy does come in several different varieties offering many growing conditions for you.  You can find tall varieties along with short ones, single layer of petals too almost full heads of petal layers.  The taller varieties will need to be staked or they will probably tip over as they can grow up to 3 feet in height.

No matter which variety that you plant in your garden, the white flower head with its bright yellow center will attract bees, butterflies and birds to your garden.  Bloom time can vary from early summer to late fall: truly offering a long range of beautiful blooms.

A couple of very positive attribute is that the Shasta daisy is deer resistant, and drought tolerant. However, it still needs to be watered and does prefer to be planted in loose soil offering good drainage. Though Shasta Daisies prefer full sun, this perennial will tolerate partial shady conditions. You will need to divide your plants every few years too.

Shasta daisies will offer a graceful and elegant touch to any garden.  You won’t have any regrets planting this wonderful perennial in your yard.

If I mention Diascia, I need to say Nemesia too!

These two wonderful recent introductions into the plant world are a great reward. Both are in the same family as the snapdragon and offer some of the similar traits: one of the most important is that is can be fairly frost tolerant.  However, don’t take it from the cozy sheltered life of a greenhouse and place it outside if the nights are still freezing.  Allow these plants to adjust to the local conditions first.

Other than being able to be among some of the first annuals to be planted out in the spring, look for some other amazing traits. Nemesia you will need to make sure you are planting the right cultivars:  Nemesia strumosa is a variety that will NOT tolerate the freezing temps, look for Nemesia foetans, N.pallida, N. capensis, N. Fruticans, and N. caerulea are the stronger, sturdier varieties that will also tolerate the cooler temps.  Nemesia will offer smaller daintier flowers in shades of blues and also beautiful pure white to pink blossoms:  A must for a planters and small flower gardens.

Diascia is the real charmer in any container arrangement or in your flower bed.  The color scheme is a little different than that of Nemesia: You will find hues of red, apricot, salmon, and pink.  The flower size of the Diascia plant is also larger and the plant itself offers a stronger upright profile, yet some varieties will also lay down offering a spreading habit.

As  you find this little darling of a flower make sure that you make room for these two little gems in your containers and flower gardens. Being able to tolerate cooler temperatures these beauties can be planted early and enjoyed all summer long and into the cool nights of the fall. A lasting favorite to all those who plant them.