Enjoy Early Spring Blossoms Indoors

The apple blossom in early spring Fran Sorin tells us how in her book, Digging Deep.

Branches of spring flowering trees and shrubs can be forced to bloom indoors. Depending on the zone you live in, the forcing should be done in late winter or early spring when the buds are still closed tightly. Here’s what to do:-

1] Harvest branches with sharp diagonal cuts.

2] Remove all leaves and buds from the bottom eight inches of the branches.

3] Fill a pail half way with tepid water; place branches in pail.

4] Store in a cool spot away from the sun.

5] Change the water every second day.

6] Once buds start blooming, transfer branches to a vase filled with water and enjoy.

Take a Look at This Rose!

A pleasant surprise popped up in my email this morning. Garden Gate eNotes sent me a gardening tip that brightened up a cold winter day. It’s about the Double “Knock Out” Rose, rosa ”RADtko”. Based on the photo and details, this appears to be a very impressive plant. Here are some facts that make it noteworthy: - It is cold hardy to Zone 5 and is reported to be always in bloom from late spring until frost. Flowers measure  three and a half inches wide. Expect the plant to carry five flowers to a cluster and twenty five clusters per branch. This rose is mildly fragrant, drought tolerant and disease resistant.  Because it is self cleaning, it is regarded as an easy care plant. It grows three feet tall and wide. Flowers are cherry red and its glossy green foliage turns to burgundy in autumn. The plant is usually available at most nurseries. For those who prefer to shop for online, Hortico offers excellent prices on roses and an extensive selection. ”Knock Out” is a registered trademark of its creator, William Radler.

Web Photos That I LIke

Clive Nichols photographs stately gardens in England and sells them on line. Click on the image to purchase. This photo bears reference number 043524 . Seen here are Achillea "Terra Cotta", Erysinum "Apricot Delight", Hemerocallis "Anzac", Rosa "Frensham", and Monarda "Gardener Scarlet". Notice the blue Salvia on the right. It offers just the right amount of blue to make the orange and yellow colors in this garden pop when seen from the opposite perspective.

Web Images I like

Here is an image of a four season garden from issue 26 of Garden Gate Magazine. The sketch includes ornamental grasses, bush clematis , a juniper and other perennials. The plans for this garden are available from the publisher. Click on the image to access their website.

Web Photos That I Like

This is one of the finest perennial compositions to be found on the internet. It is the front lawn sign of Gardens Plus, a nursey in Peterborough, Ontario, specializing in daylilies and hostas. The owner can be contacted at info@gardensplus.ca