Author: Lilac

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Oklahoma Rose

 

TheGardenLady received this question from Leah:

Isnt the Oklahoma rose the state flower for oklahoma?

According to all the websites on Oklahoma, in 2004 the Oklahoma Rose became the state flower. Oklahoma Rose is Rosa Odorata, a hybrid tea rose. This is a very fragrant rose developed at Oklahoma State University.

Oklahoma also has a state floral emblem – Mistletoe- Phoradendron serotinum.  This became the state floral emblem in 1893, 14 years before Oklahoma became a state. See here and here.

And Oklahoma has a state wildflower – the Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella.  See here and here.  

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What to do with your plants when you go on vacation

 

TheGardenLady received this question from Steph.

I am going away for 4 weeks from mid-July and I don’t know what will happen to my plants! I can’t get anyone else to water them and I am afraid they will die…I’ve been nurturing them for about 1-3 years now…I have a ficus/rubber plant (Ficus elastica ‘Robusta’), a yucca (not too worried about this one) and still young/small Cycas revoluta/Sago palm. The sago palm is already suffering as one of its leaves is turning increasingly yellow, and I never know if this happens because of sun burn or lacking/excessive water. How can I ensure my beloved plants (I’ve even named them!) do not die while I am away? The only outside space I have is a small balcony which is west-facing and is battered by the sun from the early afternoon onwards (and is subject to temperamental UK weather).  

Going on vacation and leaving plants can be a serious concern. 4 weeks is a very long time to leave plants untended. Two weeks is about the longest time that plants seem to be able to tolerate. You are really trying to “push the envelope.”

I have been told that bonsai growers will rent a van and pack all their bonsai in the van and drive with the bonsai wherever they go when they go on vacation. Of course, this is an extreme measure, but it is a suggestion.

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Flopping Daffodils

 

TheGardenLady received this question from Shelly:

My daffodils have grown, but after a few days, they fall over, should I put some bone meal in the soil? I have Tulips and day lillies in the same bed, around a tree.

If your plants look healthy, no diseases on them, there are a few reasons that your plants are falling over.  Daffodils can be blown over by strong winds or if there are heavy rains, the rain can make the leaves and flowers flop over.

But generally, the reason the leaves and flowers of outdoor planted bulbs flop over is because of the planting depth. Planting depth and spacing are very important to the success of bulbs.

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Stony Brook Orchids – A great place for orchids

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TheGardenLady loves to let her readers know about excellent nurseries she thinks her readers would like to know about as well as flower shows that her readers would enjoy.

One such nursery is Stony Brook Orchids,  an orchid business in Pennington, NJ, that specializes in Phalaenopsis orchid plants of all colors and sizes, including the more unusual yellows, art shades, stripes, spots and more.  The nursery also sells miniature Cattleyas, one of the small treasures of the orchid world with plant height generally under 6 inches (flower spikes taller on some varieties) as well as Oncidium orchids.  And the nursery sells orchid-growing supplies, such as potting mix, fertilizer, etc.

The owner of Stony Brook Orchids is Susan Gange who says that she bought her first orchid in 1978 and promptly killed it, having relied on the rather sketchy orchid-growing information available to the hobby grower at that time. A couple of years later, she tried again, with much better success. So much success that this hobby resulted in a business.

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The 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show – WOW!!!

 

TheGardenLady spent Wed. at the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show. Her reaction? WOW! What a show!

The Flower Show is always a spectacular show visually. And this year with the theme ‘Jazz It Up’  is no exception. From the minute you enter the show and walk under an archway of floating piano keys and exotic cut flowers such as allamandas and heliconias and then see more
amazing Garden Displays ahead, you know you are in for a treat.

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What Planting Zone Is Toms River?

TheGardenLady received this question from Beth:

What planting zone is Toms River in? By the maps it appears to be inbetween 6 and 7.

Toms River is in Zone 7. The newest hardiness Zone Map clearly shows this.

In another location of the arborday.org site, it specifically shows Toms River as Zone 7.  See here.

To understand how these maps are made you can read the information on the American Horticultural Society site that also has a map that can be downloaded or bought.  See here.

And always consider contacting the Toms River, NJ local Master Gardener helpline at 732 349 1245- in the Toms River Area they are open from 9am-12noon during the week.
 

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Novalis® Plants that Work®

The following FAQ information was provided by the PR people from Novalis:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Novalis®?

Novalis®, an alliance of top annual, perennial and woody ornamental growers who market exclusively to independent garden centers, re-wholesalers and landscape professionals, is making its mark in the green industry and changing gardening for plant lovers from coast to coast. Novalis®, which means “to cultivate new ground” in Latin, is a growing power in the horticultural industry today. A national alliance of wholesale nurseries whose plants are available in almost 2,000 independent garden centers across the country, Novalis® sells distinctive, high-quality plants under its Plants that Work® brand umbrella and provides consistent marketing and merchandising power to its network. This equates to plant solutions for home gardeners everywhere.

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Two More New Plants Coming Out In 2008

In the last post, TheGardenLady reported about three plants that will be coming out in 2008, Hypericum ‘Mystical Beauty’, Philadelphus ‘Snow White Sensation’ and Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mystical Emerald’.  Here are two more plants that are coming out in 2008, according to Novalis, the group that introduced the Double Knock Out and Pink Double Knock Out roses.

Gaillardia Commotion ‘Tizzy’

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What’s all the Commotion? Another world class introduction from Skagit Gardens: a stunning pair of  new, vibrant, fluted Gaillardias! Skagit’s very own propagator, John Dixon, is a plantsman and visionary who set out to bring red color into fluted forms of Gaillardia. His push was toward double petals with  strong garden vigor. We are thrilled to report that his breeding efforts have been met with success, and with Skagit’s help, we are able to bring you the 1st 2 introductions in the Commotion™ Series. The Series shows strong, hybrid vigor, but still has a manageable, mounding habit. The petal count per bloom is higher than other fluted forms, giving a full, almost semi-double appearance. And color: well, that indeed stirs up a flurry of Commotion™! Early in the season, both varieties offer more red and burgundy tones, with hints of yellow. By summer’s end, orange plays into the red, making these beauties naturals for fall combination plantings. Whether you plant the pair in your perennial border, or use as bold, striking container centerpieces you’re guaranteed to enjoy the incredible number of blooms all season long!

  • Deep russet-red blooms open to flowers that range from red to rosy cotta
  •  Outlined with a hint of yellow
  •  Exposure: Full Sun Spacing: 24” Height: 18-24”
  •  Water: Allow soil to dry before watering Cold   Hardiness: Zone 5

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What Are The Newest Plants This Year?

I am sure that TheGardenLady is not alone in wanting to know the newest plants developed for the garden each year.

Does TheGardenLady’s readers want to be the first in his/her area to have these new plants? Or is the gardener looking for just that special plant for just that special area in the garden – a new plant that might be deer resistant or color coordinated, like a hydrangea that changes from pale pink to emerald green, for the special garden or a  plant that grows a special height in the location planted.

To that end of being one of the first to know which plants are coming out in 2008, TheGardenLady has contacted Novalis, the group that introduced the Double Knock Out and Pink Double Knock Out roses.

Hypericum ‘Mystical Beauty’

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In recent years Hypericum has risen to the top 50 cut flower stems in the world, making it the most successful berry producing shrub ever. With the introduction of the Mystical Series, you can enjoy Hypericum that were exclusively bred for the cut flower industry in your own garden! What does this  mean? It guarantees beautifully colored fruits on perfectly branched varieties for your enjoyment whether it’s in the garden or as cuts for your home. A large red berried form, Mystical Beauty will fill your fall garden with interest and your floral arrangements with lovely colored hips! Hypericum can be used as a specimen plant or in drifts where they can truly show off. Rust resistant.

  • New rust resistant varieties
  • Bright yellow flowers in spring!
  • Salmon-pink berries are great for floral arrangements in the fall
  • Exposure: Full Sun Spacing: 3’ Average Height: 30-36”
  • Water: Well-drained soils Cold Hardiness: Zones 5-9

Continue reading “What Are The Newest Plants This Year?”