Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Linnaea-Twinflower

Propagating Linnaea or Twinflower can be done either in the spring or fall by gathering the stolons or creeping stems, the same way grass grows, however it takes years for the stolons to appear, but it is in the Honeysuckle family so its blooms are fragrant. It is one of the first plants to appear after a forest fire, it is found around Douglas Firs and Maples, and it prefers an east or north exposure in a sandy acidic soil either in full sun or partial shade. Its flowers are a pinkish white and blooms from July to September, reaches a maximum of 6" in height, is evergreen, and will tolerate light foot traffic.

Jasminum-Jasmine

Propagating Jasminum or Jasmine can either be done by cuttings or layering, anchoring a branch to the soil with a bent portion of a wire hanger, which from my perspective is easier if the soil is at optimum, well draining. Basically there are two types of Jasmine, winter and summer. Summer is white, blooms July to August and fragrant and winter is yellow and not fragrant, there is also a pink flowering variety. Either one can be used as a climber or as groundcover in full sun or partial shade. The winter blooms in late winter/early spring on bare stems, although it is considered an evergreen in Zone 6 and higher, is deer resistant and needs to be pruned after flowering if used as a climber. Jasmine is drought tolerant after maturing and can reach 12' in height.

Globularia-Globe Daisy

Propagating Globularia or Globe Daisy is done in the spring by dividing the crown however transplants are not easy to take so make certain there is plenty of moisture but do not drown. Deadheading after blooming will bring a second burst of blooms in autumn of violet-lavender color on plants whose average height reaches 4"-6". Globe daisy will take either full sun or partial shade in a well draining soil, even gravel, and is drought resistant. First bloom is May-June. The plant is drought tolerant and evergreen and deer may nibble although there are limited greens.

Erysimum-Wallflower

Propagating Erysimum or Wallfower by division can be hard because the plant becomes woody with age, lasts only 3-5 years, so many suggest a heeled softwood cutting, 2", after flowering or by seed at 70 degrees, which can take up to two months to germinate. It is an alpine type plant which will take full sun but not drought. It will reach heights of 12"-23". Although an evergreen it may not survive the winter in Zone 6. It blooms from spring through to mid summer, which are fragrant and the flowers attract butterflies and different varieties have different colors which range from yellow to orange to purple and Wallflower is deer resistant. It becomes leggy so after blooming trim back so the bush fills out.

Carex-Sedge

Propagating Carex or Sedge which is similar to Liriope’s growth pattern, rhizomes, underground root systems forming new plants away from the parent, so just dig up the “kids” in the spring and transplant. Some people prefer Carex over Liriope, generally as equally hardy in the same zones, but the blooms on Liriope are far more attractive, Carex’s is brown and blooms earlier in late spring to early summer. Generally the same leaf variations, green, variegated and for Carex there is a white leafed variety. Carex is evergreen in warmer zones and is deer resistant. It grows to a height of 8"-12" and will do well in either partial shade or full sun but needs a moist rich soil where Liriope seems to do well in poor soil conditions.

Update on "Cimson Sky" Good luck to the Mid-West!

The federal government has recommended a site in Kansas for a new $450 million laboratory to study biological threats like anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease, officials said Wednesday.

The Homeland Security Department's choice of Manhattan, in central Kansas, beat out intense competition from other sites in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

Agency officials revealed their decision to several lawmakers late Tuesday, according to lawmakers and staff familiar with the briefings. The officials spoke only on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement won't be made until later this week.

The choice won't become final until sometime after a 30-day window period for comments on the decision, which could face legal challenges from losing states.

Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the department would have no comment until the formal announcement.

The new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility would replace an aging 24-acre research complex on Plum Island, about a mile and a half off the eastern shore of New York's Long Island. Foot-and-mouth research has been confined to the island since 1955 to avoid an accidental outbreak that could lead to the slaughter of millions of livestock. The disease does not sicken humans.

Some farm groups have expressed concern about the risks of moving the lab to the U.S. mainland. The Bush administration acknowledged earlier this year that accidents have happened with the feared virus at the Plum Island facility.

But Homeland Security officials are convinced it can operate safely using the latest containment procedures. And Kansas officials are focused on the $3.5 billion economic infusion the lab could mean for the local economy.

A draft copy of Homeland Security's "Preferred Alternative Selection Memorandum," prepared by department Undersecretary Jay Cohen and obtained by The Associated Press concludes that the site on the campus of Kansas State University was chosen based on its proximity to existing biohazard research, strong community acceptance and a generous package of incentives offered by the state.

"The Steering Committee unanimously agreed that the Manhattan campus site is the preferred alternative and I concur with the Steering Committee's recommendation," Cohen states in the draft document.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said he was "very seriously" considering whether to challenge the decision.

"We've got a little time to prepare our appeal," Barbour said at a Jackson news conference. He added: "The bureaucrats who prepared the environmental impact study seemed to think that our partners in Iowa and Texas and Tulane couldn't get on the airplane and fly over here and do work."

The lab is expected to generate about 1,500 construction jobs and a permanent payroll of $25 million to $30 million for more than 300 employees once the project is completed by 2015.

Kansas officials mounted one of the most aggressive efforts to win the new lab, forming a special task force to lobby Homeland Security officials after Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., promoted its economic potential.

Roberts said securing the lab "would be one of, if not the greatest, economic development initiatives in state history."

The Kansas legislature approved $105 million in bonds to buy land, upgrade roads, install a security fence and build a utility plant at the site on the Kansas State University campus. The university already conducts similar research at its Biosecurity Research Institute, near the proposed site of the new lab.

Besides foot-and-mouth disease, researchers also would study African swine fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever and the Hendra and Nipah viruses.

Briza-Quaking Grass

Propagating Briza or Quaking Grass can be done either in the early spring, blooms April-June or fall by digging up the clump and dividing the crown, it will thrive in any type of soil and is drought tolerant once established. The blooms resemble rattlesnake tails, if creative, and flow like oats when in bloom and although colors are basically insignificant they can range from a greenish purple to a greenish tan. The plant should be trimmed back in late summer to tidy it up, in warmer zones it is evergreen, deer resistant, reaches a height of 12"-18" and prefers a cool season in full sun or partial shade.

Luzula-Wood Rush

Propagating Luzula or Wood Rush can be accomplished either in the spring or fall by digging up the clump and dividing the crown and transplanting the division to a new spot. It is evergreen and if brown tips appear in the spring just snip back the tops. It grows to a height of 12" and is a great ground cover for drought prone areas and its flowers are insignificant and Wood Rush will do well in either full sun or partial shade.

Chiastophyllum(ky-AS-to-fy-lum)-Cotyledon

Chiastophyllum or Cotyledon is a cousin to Sedum, succulent, so propagating is easy because it sends out underground rhizomes which produce new plant clumps so dig those up either in the spring or fall and transplant. The foliage is either green or variegated(cream) and its yellow flowers will bloom from May until July but it prefers partial shade and a well draining moist soil and grows up to a height of 10". If you plant in a container make certain that you do not over water. It is evergreen in warmer zones, not below Zone 5. Deer may munch.

Ballota-Horehound, False Divinity

Propagating Ballota or False Divinty is done in the spring by digging up the clump and separating the roots and crown, after cutting back the leggy growth in warmer zones where it is evergreen. Its flowers are insignificant, but can be white, pink or purple and blooms in late spring to summer and its leaves are hairy. It will reach a height of 12"-24" , is drought tolerant, and prefers full sun. It may possibly be deer resistant. Its habit reminds me of a weed, but each to their own since its common name seems sophisticated. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Deschampsia cespitosa-Hair Grass

Propagating Deschampsia or Hair Grass can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the clump and dividing then transplanting. The plant prefers a moist soil in full sun and in warmer zones it is a perennial. The birds enjoy the seeds in winter and the plant should be cut down to the ground in the spring. It is a cool season perennial meaning it puts its growth on before temperatures reach 75 degrees. Different varieties have different colored leaves and the flowers are basically inconspicuous, mostly yellow/brown, and it flowers in May through June. In warmer climates it has great winter interest. Its fine thread like leaves offer a good contrast to bold leaved perennials, is deer resistant, and reaches a height of 2'-3'.

Dryopteris celsa-Log Fern

Propagating Dryopteris or Log Fern can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the plant and dividing the crown. Log ferns prefer moist soil with a low pH in shade or sun, depending on the moisture, and can grow upwards of 4'. In warmer zones it can be semi-evergreen and is deer resistant, is not invasive and if left alone will propagate on its own.

Lewisia-Lewisia

Propagating Lewisia is done by digging up the fleshy tap root in either spring or fall and dividing and re-planting it in a 50% sharp sandy soil that is well draining. Its leaves remind one of hens and chicks but it blooms are profuse and colors vary depending upon the variety and range from red, pink, white, apricot, yellow and orange. Blooms will last from late spring well into the summer in cool zones in full sun, but prefer partial shade in warmer zones. It prefers a moist soil, slightly acidic, in the spring but will withstand drought conditions in summer. Great for filling in holes in stone walls. Most varieties are small in height, from 3" and up and is evergreen in warmer climates and deer tend to avoid the plant.

Selaginella erythropus-Spikemoss

Propagating Selaginella or Spikemoss is easy because the plant will do it for you since the tips of the stems will brush the soil and will root generally if the soil is in optimum condition. It needs to be taken in doors from Zone 6 on downward in the winter otherwise it is an evergreen that prefers a rich moist/wet soil in shade conditions. It doesn’t bloom but the underneath of the leaves are red, for the particular variety “Ruby Red” and grows upwards of 6" and is not foot tolerant.

Saponaria-Rock Soapwort, Cowherb, Bouncing Bet

Propagating Saponaria or Rock Soapwort can be accomplished either in the spring or fall by digging up the parent plant and dividing the roots and water well after transplanting. It prefers full sun but will take partial shade and it is a fast growing evergreen groundcover that blooms when most other perennials are done, from May-September, varieties are either pink or white, but will not tolerate humidity but will grow at elevations of 7,000 feet, and will tolerate drought conditions. The name Saponaria comes from the word SOAP, saponius, and it roots, not cooked, are used as a detergent or shampoo, but cannot be stored, and in previous days in Australia they used it to clean the sheep’s wool before shearing. It is a great groundcover that I will use in the future and reaches a height of 6" and its blooms will attract both butterflies and hummingbirds but not deer.

Annuals Become Perennials-How life is evolving with genetics. By Sharon Begley

As I watch this year’s impatiens, vinca and petunias shrivel up and die, this is what I am not thinking: “oh goodie, I get to plant another crop of annuals next spring!” No, I am thinking, “if a stupid tulip can be a perennial, why can’t these come back every year, too, with minimal intervention on my part?”
I am therefore looking forward to plant breeders taking a discovery published online this afternoon in Nature Genetics and later in a print version of the journal and putting it to widespread use. The discovery is that by turning off a mere two genes (out of some 25,000) in the little flowering annual called thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), scientists managed to turn it into a perennial.
Annuals, of course, germinate, grow, blossom and die within one growing season. Perennials overwinter and grow again the following year, thanks to buds, bulbs or tubers that contain groups of non-specialized cells (called meristems) that can differentiate into new organs such as stalks and leaves. Annuals lack these overwintering meristems. Instead, they consume all the meristems during the growing season to produce flowers: once the flower appears, the end is nigh for an annual.
Arabidopsis thaliana has become a favorite of geneticists. The complete sequence of its genome was finished in December 2000, so scientists led by Siegbert Melzer and Tom Beeckman of the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology in Ghent, Belgium, exploited that knowledge to the full. They identified two flower-inducing genes (with the less-than-melodious names SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 and FRUITFULL; I am not yelling at you, but names of genes are, by convention, capitalized). Both genes also affect whether the meristems differentiate. Using standard techniques, the scientists turned off the two genes and watched what happened.
The mutant Arabidopsis plants couldn’t flower, which is what you’d expect when their flower-making genes are knocked out of commission. But the more tantalizing finding is that the mutants do not use up their supply of non-specialized cells—the meristem. As a consequence, they are able to grow like perennials. The resulting plants were woodier and more shrub-like than regular Arabidopsis. (A natural mutation such as this may well account for the evolution of herbaceous, i.e. non-woody, annuals to woody perennials, namely shrubs and trees.) As the scientists write, disabling the two genes produced plants with “recurrent growth cycles, longevity and extensive woodiness, . . . reminiscent of plants with a perennial life style.”
I call first dibs when the geniuses at Spring Hill, Burpee or other plant nursery or breeder put this discovery to use by giving us perennial pansies, petunias, marigolds, zinnias and all the rest. Then when I see the autumnal decline of my garden, I’ll console myself with the knowledge that they’ll all be back in the spring with little to no help from me.

House plant propagating

I thought I’d give a link for propagating basic house plants since many seem to be as simple as propagating perennials except for air layering which finding info on the ‘net shouldn’t be a problem. http://www.healthrecipes.com/plant_cuttings.htm

Santolina-Lavender Cotton

Propagating Santolina or Lavender Cotton can be done in the fall by digging up the rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant or by layering, as long as the soil has ample moisture. Santolina is a herb that is a scented evergreen in warmer zones, but is not tolerant of humidity. To Zone 5. It will thrive either in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of dry sandy soils and is deer resistant. It will bloom from May-September, reaches a height of 12"-18", and has yellow blooms that butterflies are attracted to.

Rumex sanguineus-Bloody Sorrel

Propagating Rumex or Bloody Sorrel, which in some places is considered a weed, it can be an aggressive self-seeder, can be done in the spring by digging up the rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent clump. Its seeds can remain viable in the soil for years so be careful where you plant it. This variety has reddish-green leaves that are veined red and purple and the seed heads are reddish-purple as well and remain a long time, so remove if you want it contained. It’s tap roots go deep into the soil, if you ever tried removing dock from your lawn, a cousin, you’d know, and prefers a fun sun exposure in a moist well draining soil, it has no bloom, is evergreen in warmer zones and sometimes its leaves are cooked as herbs, a lemony flavor, is not deer resistant, and grows to a height of 15".

Sesleria caerulea-Moor Grass

Propagating Sesleria caerulea or Moor Grass can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the parent plant and dividing the clump. It is an evergreen groundcover because only reaches a height of 6"-8", will grow either under drought conditions or near water, is deer resistant, will prevail either in full sun or partial shade in any type of well draining soil. It blooms from March-May and one variety has blue flowers so it could be a great contrast to daffodils.

Ratibida-Mexican Hat, Prairie Coneflower

Propagating Ratibida or Mexican Hat can be done in the spring, be careful it is slow to emerge its stems out of the ground, by digging up the clump and separating the roots, crowns are often woody, and transplant. It is a member of the Aster family. It will bloom from April until frost if deadheaded but if you decide that you want seedlings, do not deadhead, but it can be invasive in the average garden bed. Ratibida is drought resistant and reaches a height of 2'-3' and its blooms can be brown, maroon, yellow or red and prefers full sun. It is deciduous, deer resistant, attracts butterflies, and the birds enjoy the seeds in fall/winter.

Pyrethrum-Painted Daisy

Propagating Pyrethrum of Painted Daisy can be done in the spring or fall by digging up and dividing the crown similar to the Chrysanthemum to which it is related, but since it flowers in late spring to early summer you might want to divide in the fall and make certain the transplants receive ample amounts of water. As some of you may know pyrethrum is used as an insecticide which does not leave a long lasting residue. The colors of the blooms are either white, pick or red with yellow centers. The plants prefer an alkaline based moist well draining soil in full sun and can grow up to 12"-18" in height. Like most fragrant plants Painted Daisy is deer resistant and is also deciduous.

Justicia-Mexican Hummingbird

Propagating Justicia or Mexican hummingbird can only be accomplished by seed, cuttings, fairly easily, or by layering but only in Zones 9-11, it dies back in Zone 8, but will re-surface in the spring. It is an annual in other zones but can be brought into a greenhouse or home to be wintered over. It is a perennial but can become a small evergreen shrub with some varieties growing upwards of 7', average is 2', in a shady location with a well draining soil. It is not deer resistant but attracts hummingbirds and its blooms rangethe full spectrum. Yellow, white, red, pink, orange, purple and will bloom all summer, but well not tolerate humidity. Fertilize in spring, summer and fall.

Pulmonaria-Lungwort

Propagating Pulmonaria or Lungwort should be attempted in the spring after they flower or in the fall by digging up the rooted rhizomes and transplanting. Lungwort prefers a cool shady spot in the garden bed in a well draining soil and with withstand a short drought period in summer. Depending on the variety they can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen so research the variety if you seek a certain affect because the leaf colors also vary, silver blotched to almost black. One thing about some of the blooms as they age they will change color. Pink to blue or visa versa. They also come in raspberry, orange-red, white, coral, cobalt blue and generally they are one of the first perennials to bloom in the spring, April-May, before its leaves out. Honeybees and hummingbirds enjoy their nectar but they are deer resistant

Prunella-Self Heal, Heal All

Propagating Prunella or Self Heal can be done either in the spring or fall by dividing the clumps or by digging up rooted stolons then transplanting. Prunella is a herb in the mint family and was used in Europe to impede bleeding in military settings and can be a vigorous spreader if not contained or allowed to go to seed. It is short in height, up to 12", and blooms in June and its colors are white, pink, or violet. Some varieties may have barbs or thorns so be careful. It will not take summer dry conditions so it needs water in a well draining soil in full sun to mostly shady areas. It is evergreen and deer resistant.

Potentilla neumanniana-Spring Cinquefoil

Propagating Potentilla neumanniana or Spring Cinquefoil should be done in the fall or after blooming by digging up the parent plant and separating the crown roots or by layering if you have optimum soil conditions. Spring cinquefoil is a spice scented evergreen groundcover, height 3"-6", that has yellow blooms in April to May that is deer resistant that will grow in either sand or clay in full sun or partial shade. Great for rock gardens or planted between flagstones but will not take foot traffic.

Polemonium-Jacob’s Ladder

Propagating Polemonium or Jacob’s Ladder should be accomplished in the spring by digging up the clump and dividing the crown with ample roots for replanting. Jacob’s Ladder prefers an acidic moist well draining soil, not wet, in part to full shade otherwise the leaves may burn. Polemonium can range in height from 12"-24", blooms from May until August with yellow, blue or purple flowers, deadhead for prolong blooms, has a tendency to be fragrant, and one variety has variegated leaves, see picture, is deer resistant and will not tolerate heat. It is evergreen in warmer climates, but I’ve read that in colder climates it acts more as an annual so do not be disappointed.

Physostegia-Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead

Propagating Physostegia or Obedient Plant is done in the spring by digging up the clump and separating the crown and roots into transplantable seedlings which should be done every two years. This is an aggressive grower so do not apply fertilize nor plant in a moist location. Its flowers resemble small snapdragons which bloom from July through September and deadheading will prolong the blooming period. Blooms are shades of pink, purple and white. Obedient Plants prefers an acidic soil in full sun, and it is called obedient because its stems can be turned and will remain turned, but it does not like humidity. Obedient Plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds but not deer, are deciduous and can range in height from 2'-4'.

Phlox paniculata-Garden Phlox

Propagating Phlox Paniculata or Garden Phlox, a standard cottage garden plant, can be done either in the fall or spring, by separating 3-5 vigorous shoots before new growth in the spring shows, and transplant preferably into a sandy moist amended soil in full sun because partial shade planting can bring on powdery mildew. When separating the crown throw away the parent plant, every two to three years, which becomes woody because blooms will decrease. Their fragrant blooms will appear in July -August in either orange, red, pink, purple or white and can reach a height of 30"-42". Deadhead for re-bloom. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its nectar but so are deer. Garden Phlox is deciduous.

Persicaria-Fleece Flower

Propagating Persicaria or Fleece Flower, for some varieties, can be divided either in the spring or fall by transplanting the rooted rhizomes. Without rhizomes, dig up the clump and separate the crown. It’s in the Buckwheat family. There are some varieties that are liked more because of their variegated leaves, similar colorful markings to the Chameleon plant, one is “Red Dragon” which flowers white and is insignificant, except to butterflies and hummers,, and prefers a moist well draining soil in either full sun or partial shade, especially in hot summers. Some suggest Fleece Flower for colorful plantings for hard areas under trees, however the height varies between varieties, which can range from 15" to 48". Fleece Flower is deer resistant, can become invasive, is deciduous, blooms are either white, pink or red, and flowers from May through September.

Stemodia tomentosa-Woolly Stemodia

Propagating Stemodia or Woolly Stemodia is done in the fall because like Periwinkle it sends out stems whose nodes root when they touch the soil, if the soil is to its liking, so just prune off a stem that has rooted and transplant. It is a native of Texas so it is a warm climate perennial which might winter over in Zone 7. Its silver grey foliage is similar to Lamb’s Ear and flowers from April through to frost, with a purple bloom. It is a groundcover that may reach 6" in height but it is not tolerant of foot traffic however it is deer resistant. It flourishes in full sun in a well draining soil and is great for erosion control and is deciduous.

Penstemon-Beardtongue

Propagating Penstemon or Beardtongue is done in the spring by lifting and dividing the clump then transplanting. Beardtongues flower is similar to that of foxgloves and come in a broad color scheme, purple, white, yellow, blue, red, pink, mauve and white and should be deadheaded after blooming for a second bloom period. Beardtongue can be either evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on the zone. Deer like browsing beardtongue but so do honeybees, hummingbirds and butterflies. There are many different varieties, some that are useful in rock gardens because they reach 15" in height and others that reach 48". They bloom in June-July and prefer full sun or half sun, half shade in a well draining soil, no wet feet in the winter, but tolerate humidity.

Pennisetum-Fountain Grass, Pearl Millet

Propagating Pennisetum or Fountain Grass is done in the spring by digging up the clump, dividing the plant and then transplanting. Be aware to cut back the stalks in the fall to 12" above ground, because it can be a prolific self seeder. It is a perennial in Zones 8-10, an annual anywhere else. It will take salt spray and drought, prefers full sun in a well draining soil. It reaches a height of 36" but there is a variety, “Piglet” that grows to 18". It will bloom in late summer and depending upon variety, either silver or burgundy color, to early fall and is deer resistant. Different varieties have different colored leaves, green, cream and purple.

Parthenocissus-Virginia Creeper

Propagating Parthenocissus or Virginia Creeper is simple because it is self layering so just prune off a section that has rooted and transplant. Be aware do not plant around wood because it will raise havoc. Stone is fine. Unfortunately it does well in any type of soil , better if moist, either sun or shade and it is deciduous. Its white flowers are inconspicious in late summer which form blue berries in the fall that birds enjoy and use the plant as shelter. Its leaves turn red in the fall.

Pardancanda-Candy Lily

Propagating Pardancanda or Candy Lily can be done in the spring, they are in the Iris family with Iris like leaves, by dividing the rhizomes. Candy Lily prefers a well draining sandy soil in either full sun or mostly sun, will reach a height of 3', and will tolerate drought. It is an evergreen like Iris, and blooms can last upwards of 3 weeks, from July to frost, and colors run from yellow, red, salmon, pink and white, with polka dots and stripes and is a cross between Blackberry Lily and Iris, but smaller blooms than the former. Differing opinions as to deer resistant or not, I guess depending on how much food is available to the browsers, which reminds me, I was at my lot planting bulbs and woody plants over the weekend and noticed a deer nonchalantly crossing the road above my property. I know they like grape hyacinths. Guess I’ll eventually find out how much of a nuisance they will become.

Panicum virgatum-Switch Grass

Propagating Panicum or Switch Grass should be done in the spring by digging up the rhizomes that spread from the parent plant, but don’t try breaking apart the parent clump because its roots can grow as deep as 10'. Panicum like Miscanthus, above, is being tested for bio mass however it is not as efficient as storing carbon as Miscanthus. Oddly enough it is deer resistant however it is used for grazing for cows and horse but only in the spring or summer, because it loses efficacy in the fall. It is a warm season perennial and doesn’t start growing leaves until the soil warms past 68 degrees. It is used for erosion control and prefers a sandy acidic loam soil, but will tolerate clay, its flowers are insignificant, bloom July-August, reddish in color, but the birds love the seeds and people who raise quail, pheasant, grouse for hunting plant this perennial because it is used as a nesting place for the wildlife. The average height varies from 3'-6' and different varieties has different colored leaves, ranging from burgundy, lavender-blue, blue and green with red stems which give off various hues in the fall and will tolerate full sun to partial shade.

Origanum hopley’s-Wild Marjoram

Propagating Origanum hopley’s or Wild Marjoram should be done every 2-3 years because older plants become woody and since the plant spreads by rhizomes it is one of the simplest perennials to multiply for the garden. This particular Oregano has blueish foliage with deep red flowers that blooms throughout the summer and reaches a height of 24". It is also deer resistant and deciduous that will even thrive in poor soil in full sun and attracts butterflies.

Nierembergia-Cupflower

Propagating Nierembergia or Cupflower can only be done by cutting or seeding or layering and are best suited for Zones 8 and up otherwise it is an annual at least in Zones 3,4 & 5. Depending on soil conditions, a well draining soil in full sun, it can be a great self-seeder. It is a distant relative of the petunia, but comes only in white and purple and reaches a height of 3"-6" and in Phoenix will bloom from March until October. Cutting should be taken in the summer and if planting seeds give yourself 12 weeks before the last frost before transplanting outside. It prefers a moist soil but is drought resistant which is odd. Cupflowers are hummingbird magnets. A better alternative then petunias.

Minuartia verna-Irish Moss, Leadwort

Minuartia or Irish Moss should be propagated in the fall by cutting out a plug from the main clump and replanting. It is an evergreen groundcover that prefers an alkaline soil versus acidic and can be walked on because it only reaches a height of 2"-4". It flowers in May/June and the white and now pink blossoms put on a show. There is also a golden leafed variety. In the U.K. it is found around lead mines, hence nicknamed Leadwort and tolerates humidity and although it will survive in full sun it prefers half sun and half shade. May not be deer resistant.

Mum-Chrysanthemum

Propagating Chrysanthemum should be attempted in the spring by dividing and separating the clump, although there may be individual sprouts that shoot up from the parent plant. Cuttings can be made in June, before pinching back. You should always pinch the stems of Mums back starting in April and do it every month but not after July 4th. Pinching the plant back makes them bushier and also slows the bud formation, don’t want them blooming in July. Also start adding phosphorus to the soil in June to develop the bloom. As most know Mums come in many colors besides different varieties such as football, spider, Fiji, doubles, and dwarfs. Mums are deciduous and deer resistant and prefer full sun in a well draining soil and mulch heavily in colder zones and remove in spring.

Miscanthus-Maiden Grass

Propagating Miscanthus or Maiden Grass should be done in the spring by digging up the rhizomes that grow out from the parent clump. What is interesting about Maiden grass is that it is being researched as biofuel that produces 2 ½ times more fuel per acre, because it stays greener longer, then corn and it accumulates more carbon from the atmosphere then soybeans. However because planting acres with rhizomes, it is sterile, is an intensive process, in Europe they were able to hand plant 13 acres in a day but have manufactured machinery that will do 50 acres in a day. This plant could be one big solution to answering the alternative energy problem since they are a perennial, not annual like corn. It grows up to 6' in height, is deciduous, blooms in late fall with white flowers that birds love, but deer do not. It will thrive in either a sandy or clay soil as long as there is moisture in full sun and has winter interest in snow zones because the leaves turn brown and should be cut back in early spring to 10" above soil level before new shoots surface.

Lysimachia-Gooseneck, Loosestrife

Propagating Lysimachia or Gooseneck or Loosestrife can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the rhizomes which can become a problem if not shown their boundaries especially if they like where they are planted which could be clay or any well draining soil, but is not tolerant of humidity, but will take wet feet. The plant will reach a height of 24"-36" and flowers in June -July
and can be either white or pink or rose-violet, but one thing you can count on is that the blooms will all face the same direction so it will look like a gaggle of geese flying. It will take full sun or partial shade. An extra benefit of this perennial is its fall color, yellow to red leaves. Lysimachia attracts butterflies and is deer resistant.

Lychnis chalcedonia-Maltese Cross, Scarlet Lightning

Propagating Lychnis or Maltese Cross or Scarlet Lightning can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the plant and diving the root ball and it should be done every 3-5 years and throw away the older plant. Normally if Lychnis is planted in poor draining soil it is short lived and should be fertilized once a month and deadheaded after blooming for re-bloom and if seed heads are not cut off the plant can become a self-seeding problem in the garden bed. It will take either full sun or partial shade, is drought resistant, grows upwards of 3', and does not like humidity. It blooms in May-July and colors can range from an orange-red, pink, white and it also comes in double varieties. The flowers attract hummingbirds and the plant is deer resistant.

Lithodora

Propagating Lithodora clumps should be done in the fall because it flowers from March until July but only in Zone 6 and up. It is an evergreen groundcover that reaches a height of 6" and its blooms are blue or white. It prefers full sun and acidic soils, no wet feet, and should be trimmed back after blooming to freshen the plant. It is deer resistant. Great plant for erosion control. Rule of thumb for plants that bloom in the spring, transplanting in the fall is best and for plants that bloom in the summer or later, spring transplanting is best, unless noted otherwise.

Ligularia-Golden Groundsel, Leopard Plant

Ligularia or Leopard Plant is propagated in the spring or fall by dividing the roots preferably with a spade unless you are rugged. It is in the Chrysanthemum family and the plant reaches a height of 3'-4' and should be planted in an area that gets afternoon shade and moisture, however it will tolerate full sun but it is not hardy below Zone 4. It is evergreen and it blooms can be either yellow, orange, or vermillion and will bloom all summer until fall. It is happiest in a bog setting and is deer resistant.

Lamiastrum galeobdolon-Yellow Archangel

Propagating Lamiastrum or Yellow Archangel should be attempted in the fall by dividing the crown, however it can be very invasive if left alone because of its underground stolon growth habit. It is in the mint family. It yellow blooms can be seen in April through May with variegated leaves especially noticeable in shade gardens. It is a groundcover that loves moisture so it will tolerate humidity and clay soil, but will also do well in full sun. It reaches a height of 2", is deer resistant, and semi-evergreen.

The birth of a Hummingbird

Taken years ago by someone named Maggie over a 24 day period. Amazing, look at the picture to the right of the nest.

http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/

Knautia

Propagating Knautia is done by digging up the well rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant in the spring. It can be invasive in some gardens, it prefers sunny chalky well draining soil, avoid wet feet, and it is a loosely branching perennial that has a tendency to roam. Knautia blooms are red, flowers in June through August, honeybees and butterflies enjoy the nectar. It is deciduous, deer enjoy munching, and reaches a height of 24".

Heliopsis-False Sunflower, Heliopsis

Propagating Heliopsis or False Sunflower is accomplished in the spring by digging up and then dividing the clump. Heliopsis is in the Aster family and there are single as well as double versions of the bright yellow blooms. Butterflies are drawn to their nectar and they are deer resistant. Heliopsis grows naturally in prairies across much of the Eastern USA because it prefers a moist well draining soil in full sun and may need staking in windy or partially sunny locations because it reaches a height of 4'-6', blooms from June to August, is deciduous, and birds enjoy the seeds in winter, if the plant is not deadheaded for more blooms.

Kniphofia-Tritoma, Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily

Propagating Kniphofia or Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily should be done in the spring in the 2nd or 3rd year by taking up the plant growth surrounding the clump and transplanting to a new location. Red Hot Poker comes in a variety of colors, from white, yellow, red, apricot and orange and bloom from May through July and can reach a height of 4'-6', but there are shorter varieties avaiable. Hummingbirds and honeybees love the nectar, but it is deer resistant. Red Hot Poker is somewhat drought resistant and prefers a sandy well draining soil versus clay in full to partial sunny locations. It is deciduous.

Linaria-Toadflax, Spurred snapdragon, Butter and Eggs

Linaria or Butter and Eggs or Toadflax can be propagated in the spring either by dividing the clump or by digging up the stolons, but make certain the transplants have plenty of roots before re-planting or repot and wait for them to establish a good root system. It is also a prolific self seeder, sometimes invasive so be careful where you plant it. It’s blooms are similar to snapdragons, it is semi-evergreen in warmer zones, it prefers a cool climate for bloom, and heights can vary depending upon variety from 1'-3', the taller ones will need staking because of weak stems. Colors generally are two tone ranging from white, blue, pink, yellow, and red and prefers a dry sunny well draining soil. It will bloom from July through September, is deer resistant and the plant attracts honeybees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Helictotrichon(hel-ik-toh-TREE-kon) sempervirens-Blue Oak Grass

Propagating Helictotrichon or Blue Oat Grass is accomplished in the spring by dividing the crown or clump after digging it up. Blue Oat Grass is similar to Blue Fescue but it is taller, 24"-36", and its leaves are studier. Blue Oat Grass prefers a sunny location that is moist and well draining, wet feet in winter will rot the crown, and it is evergreen in warmer locations and should be cut back in colder zones in winter because it becomes ratty. It flowers in June/July with a yellow/tan bloom and is deer resistant.

Kalimeris-Orphanage Plant, Japanese Aster

Propagating Kalimeris or Orphanage Plant should be done every 3 years and that is accomplished by digging up then dividing the clump in either spring or fall. It prefers a moist well drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade, is deer resistant and butterflies enjoy its nectar. Depending on the variety its blooms can be white, blue or lavender and reaches a height of 2'-3'. Normally it is a warm zone perennial, but with protection could survive in Zone 5 and blooms May through August. It is evergreen and the old plant should be cut back in the spring to induce new growth.

Hypericum-St. John’s Wort, Aaron’s Beard

Propagating Hypericum or St. John’s Wort should be done in the spring by digging up the underground runner/stolon, with roots, that shoot out from the woody parent plant. Hypericum is associated with St. John the Baptist, it blooms around his birthday, June 24, and bleeds red oil on its yellow blooms, around the time he was beheaded. Honeybees enjoy the nectar, in Canada it is considered an invasive plant and it is deciduous in winter. It grows in average to poor soil in either sun or partial shade, is deer resistant, tolerates heat, and reaches a height of 12".

Hakonechloa-Golden Hakone Grass, Japanese Forest Grass

Propagating Hakonechloa or Japanese Forest Grass is simple, just divide the plant in the spring by breaking off clumps from the parent plant, after new growth appears, with a spade and replanting the new plant and it is a grass that prefers shade, actually it colors up better then if planted in the sun. It is also a good specimen for a container on a shaded patio or deck. The leaves turn a pinkish brown in the fall and prefers a well draining moist soil in the growing season but not over winter. Varieties have either white or gold variegation and as you can see from the photo on the right Hakoneachloa tends to have a a graceful weeping habit. It grows upward of 18" in height and is deciduous and although its bloom is inconspicuous it does so from July through August but is generally not self seeding.

Helenium-Helen’s Flower, Sneezewood

Propagating Helenium or Sneezwood should only be done in the spring because the plants will not be healthy enough to survive the winter if done in the fall, by digging up the rhizome that have grown out from the parent plant, however the parent plant should be discarded after the second growing season, because it will deteriorate fast. Colors are either yellow or red and bloom from July until frost and is deciduous and deer resistant, however butterflies love its nectar. Helenium reaches a height of 30" and prefers sun to light shade in a moist well draining soil and will tolerate clay. Deadheading extends the bloom period and in the spring snipping back the new growth tips will give the plant a bushier appearance.

Geum

Propagating Geum is simple because it spreads by rhizomes, so digging up the off-shoots and replanting where you want to spice up some color in the garden bed in either spring or fall, but they also self seed, but dividing the plants every three to four years is a necessity to increase blooms. Colors come in yellow, red, and orange or a mixture of two colors and will bloom from late spring until fall on plants that grow up to 36" in height, but deadheading spent blooms, will flower for up to four weeks, will prolong the color. In warmer zones it is evergreen, colder semi or deciduous. The plant tends to deteriorate in hot dry summers so instead of planting in full sun in warmer zones, instead plant in partial shade in well draining soil, but dislikes wet feet in winter. Geum is deer resistant.

Gaura-Whirling Butterflies, Wild Honeysuckle

Another plant that dislikes transplanting is Gaura or Whirling Butterflies or Wild Honeysuckle because of their deep tap roots but propagating by division is done either in the spring or fall, that’s where a sharp shooter as your digging shovel comes into play, however since it is a good self sower that may be the best way to add this free bloomer to your garden bed because it will bloom from April until frost in either pick or white. The plant will thrive in high humidity areas and can withstand drought conditions and prefers a mostly sunny well draining location. It is best to cut back the plant in the spring in its second year to obtain a fuller plant and it is deciduous which butterflies enjoy and there are differences of opinions on whether it is deer resistant, I guess depending how much food is available in the immediate area.

Eupatorium-White Snakeroot, Joe-Pye Weed, Wild Ageratum

Propagating Eupatorium or Joe-Pye Weed or Wild Ageratum is accomplished by digging up the runners or rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant in either the spring or the fall. The purple blooms flourish from July through to September and the plant reaches a height of 3'-5' so do not plant in a windy location. It is deciduous but butterflies like them but deer do not. They prefer a moist shade but will do well in the sun if the soil is well draining and moist, clay, but it will not tolerate humidity.

Gentiana-Crested Gentian

Propagating Gentiana or Crested Gentian can prove be to a tough venture because it doesn’t take kindly to transplanting but it should be done every three years because their roots become congested so digging up the plant and separating the crowns should be accomplished in the spring for this deciduous perennial. It is a wildflower that grows in woodlands in an acidic well drained leaf moldy soil and flowers in late summer to frost in either a vivid blue or yellow, depending upon variety. It can grow up to 4' in height and will tolerate drought conditions and a dappled sunny environment and although butterflies find their nectar enticing deer tend to resist the plant.

Geranium-Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill

Propagating Geranium or Cranesbill, which is a totally different genus then the annual Geranium used in pots for Memorial Day, is done in the spring by digging up the rhizomes that form off of the parent plant. It prefers full to partial sun in either a clay or sandy soil, some acid, and will bloom for upwards of four weeks, deadheading and extra water will induce additional blooms so it could flower from May until August and its colors range from white, pink, blue, purple, maroon and is considered a groundcover since it only reaches a height of 6-12" and its foliage is scented and turns red in the fall and is deciduous. Deer could nibble.

Euphorbia-Cushion Spurge, Snow on the Mountain

Propagating Euphorbia or Snow on the Mountain should be done after 3 years in the ground, in the spring, and wear gloves because its genus is Poinsettia, its yellow blooms are the bracts, the milky sap could cause problems if your skin is sensitive, when digging up the plant however it does not take to transplanting too well so this is one plant that you should allow to self seed or try cuttings if you had luck with Poinsettias. It prefers a well draining sandy soil in full to mostly sun, it is drought tolerant, in the fall the leaves turn red, the plant reaches a height of 24" besides being deer resistant and deciduous. It seems to spread quicker if moist.

Filipendula-Dropwort, Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow or Prairie

For propagating Filipendula or Queen of the Meadow you will need a sharp knife to cut the roots, plentiful, after you dig up the plant either in the spring or fall or allow the seed heads to self sow. Its genus is spirea. Queen of the Meadow likes boggy/clay conditions and can reach a height of 5'- 7' in either sun or mostly shade in a slightly acidic soil. Most bog areas are acidic. It blooms in July-August and colors can be white or pink. The plant attracts butterflies but not deer and is deciduous.

Eryngium-Flat Sea Holly

Propagating Eryngium or Flat Sea Holly is difficult because of its long tap root so if you want to give a go do it in the spring and make certain your shovel is down as deep as possible or you can take root cuttings. Eryngium is a semi-evergreen and it prefers well draining sandy soil but will also handle clay and will take drought. It blooms are blue to pink and flower from July until after frost and the blooms persist into winter so they can be used in dry flower arrangements, so prune the plant before new growth starts in the spring. The plant height averages 24"-36" and it attracts butterflies, but not deer.

Festuca-Blue Fescue

Propagating Festuca or Blue Fescue can be done at anytime of the year by dividing the plant, spring being preferable since its roots need to be watered until established and transplants should be replanted at ground level, not above nor below, however if you allow the seed heads to mature there will be plenty of babies growing in the garden so this is one plant that should be deadheaded. It is evergreen and deer resistant. Its flowers are either violet or blue green and the plants height can be from 8"-12' and blooms in June through July however it prefers a cooler climate since its blue shows true when planted in the sun and will do better in a sandy versus a clay soil.

Echinops-Globe Thistle

Propagating Echinops or Globe Thistle can be done either in the spring or fall, besides being an excellent self seeder, deadhead if you don’t want babies sprouting up, as with most thistles, and it is one plant you’ll need to wear protection when digging up and separating the roots. The plant should be located towards the back of the garden bed since heights can reach 3'-6' and because the bottom leaves deteriorate throughout the season. Globe Thistle requires an acidic sandy soil in full sun, drought resistant, and no deer want to nibble on their leaves. It blooms through most of the summer in either white or blue and the plant attracts butterflies and the spikes are great for flower arrangements, fresh or dry. It is semi-evergreen.

Gerbera hybrida-Gerber daisy, African daisy

Gerbera hybrida or Gerber daisy can be easily propagated by dividing the roots, after digging up the plant in the spring, carefully making sure there are roots attached to the stem that is removed. Depending on the zone and the harsh winters it is listed as a perennial in Zone 8 and up, however in Charlotte, NC, I was surprised when one spring new growth appeared, but that was the only time. Normally they are planted in pots and taken in the house for overwintering put in a sunny windowsill. They prefer only 6 hours of morning sunlight, they need to be protected from the afternoon sun or will burn. Often labeled as G. jamesonii today’s popular cultivar is actually a cross between jamesonii and G. viridfolia, and actually named after a German naturalist Traugott Gerber and is in the sunflower family. Gerber daisy prefers a sandy well draining soil and are prone to root rot if overwatered however misting the plants regularly will keep away the red spider mites. It seems that attractive plants have down sides. They flower all summer long in pastel colors, of orange, pink, yellow, red, white and are deer resistant. Fertilize regularly with p-k to insure bloom.

Erodium-Heronsbill

Propagating Erodium or Heronsbill can be done in the spring or fall because it is a low creeping groundcover so just dig up the rhizomes that look the healthiest and transplant. The plant will tolerate a hot and dry site, either full sun or half shade and a normal well draining soil and will do well in rock gardens. It is in the geranium family but only grows to 3" in height and is a tender perennial so any zone that dips below zero for any amount of time forget about it. It is evergreen so if it disappears over the winter it may not come back in the spring. Blossoms of pink or yellow that flower from June through August. It may not be deer resistant.

Basella rubra-Malabar Spinach

Propagating Basella rubra or Malabar Spinach is done by seed, eight weeks before the last frost or by cuttings in late summer overwintering in a greenhouse, will produce a crop in 70 days. This plant, whose leaves are similar to spinach even with the red stems, flourishes in the summer when regular spinach tapers off and tastes similar to spinach and can grow a foot in a week in the tropics. It flowers in early summer, pink/white that turn into purple berries, and the juice is used as food coloring. The vine can grow up to 10 feet and needs an acidic moist well draining soil preferably in full sun. A perennial in Zone 7-10. Dry the purple berries in the fall and plant in the spring.

Eragrostis spectabalis-Purple Love Grass

Propagating Eragrostis or Purple Love Grass either by dividing the clumps or transplanting the rhizomes that spread from the parent. Purple Love Grass can become invasive because it is drought resistant and is native to Arkansas. It reaches a height of 1' and its pink/purple blooms cover the plant in July to August and its green leaves turn red in the fall so prune back in the spring before new growth is spurred on. It does well in well drained sandy soils in full sun and is deer resistant. Ornamental grasses are restricted from OR & ID and butterflies are attracted to the plant.

Eragrostis spectabalis-Purple Love Grass

Propagating Eragrostis or Purple Love Grass either by dividing the clumps or transplanting the rhizomes that spread from the parent. Purple Love Grass can become invasive because it is drought resistant and is native to Arkansas. It reaches a height of 1' and its pink/purple blooms cover the plant in July to August and its green leaves turn red in the fall so prune back in the spring before new growth is spurred on. It does well in well drained sandy soils in full sun and is deer resistant. Ornamental grasses are restricted from OR & ID and butterflies are attracted to the plant.

Chrysogonum(Kriss-og-on-um)-Golden Star

Propagating Chrysogonum or Golden Star is simple because it is mat forming perennial so digging up the runners/rhizomes should be done in the spring and depending on the zone it is either an evergreen or semi-evergreen which is great since it will tolerate light foot traffic, grows to a height of 8" and will handle either full sun to mostly shade so it could be used as a filler on pathways. Its yellow blooms flower from late spring to late summer and is deer resistant and will thrive in average well draining soil.

Chrysogonum(Kriss-og-on-um)-Golden Star

Propagating Chrysogonum or Golden Star is simple because it is mat forming perennial so digging up the runners/rhizomes should be done in the spring and depending on the zone it is either an evergreen or semi-evergreen which is great since it will tolerate light foot traffic, grows to a height of 8" and will handle either full sun to mostly shade so it could be used as a filler on pathways. Its yellow blooms flower from late spring to late summer and is deer resistant and will thrive in average well draining soil.

Cimicifuga racemosa-Black Snakeroot, Bugbane

Propagating Cimicifuga racemosa or Black Snakeroot or Bugbane can be done in the spring by digging up the healthy rhizomes sent out by the parent plant and you will notice the black roots hence the name. The plants need staking in windy locations because they could reach 8' in height and will thrive in a deep moist clay soil ranging from full sun to mostly shade with white blooms in June through August. It is semi evergreen and deer resistant, prune back in spring because seed heads are attractive through the winter.

Oenothera-Mexican Evening Primrose

Propagating Oenothera or Mexican Evening Primrose can be divided in the spring or by replanting the rhizomes that spread out from the parent, like strawberries. Mexican Evening Primrose will thrive in full sun in a well drained poor soil, clay or sand, it can withstand drought and is best used on slopes because it can be an aggressive grower, I’ve read that Roundup will not kill it, and reaches a height of 6"-12". It blooms from June through October and is deciduous and the blooms are white or pink that have a sweet fragrance and are deer resistant. I’ve read that the plant in mid summer will look like it is dying so cut back the plant to induce new growth.

Erigeron-Fleabane, Dainty Daisy

Propagating Erigeron or Fleabane is done in the spring by digging up the clump and dividing the roots carefully. There is not a consensus on soil conditions but it does well in full sun in a pH range of 7.0, but I’ve read it likes it wet in a well draining soil, then I read it does well in drought, but don’t allow it to dry out. I also read it will take shade, but don’t believe it. The blooms reminds one of asters, it’s in the family, and blooms mid June to mid July in a range of colors of pink, purple, white and orange and height could vary depending on variety up to 2'. In warmer climates its evergreen in colder zones it is deciduous. Some say it attracts butterflies and honeybees and others say not, but deer don’t like fleabane. In my research this is one perennial that has had contradictory
opinions, but considering it is an aster I’ll follow aster’s conditions. If left unattended it could become invasive.

Hedychium coronarium-White Ginger

Hedychium coronarium or White Ginger can be propagated in the spring by digging up the parent plant and dividing the roots however be aware that it only grows along the S.E. coast, Florida & California where it is evergreen, Zone 8a-11. It has a fragrant bloom with white flowers and can bloom from late spring to early fall. It reaches a height of 3'-6' and prefers light shade in a well drained soil.

Belamcanda-Blackberry Lily, Leopard Flower

Propagating Belamcanda or Blackberry Lily is done in the spring and make certain the rhizomes are planted an inch deep when transplanting. Their leaves resemble Iris, sword like because it is in the Iris family. The flowers are sometimes splotched like lilies, generally red, and the predominate colors are orange or yellow and reach a height of 2'-4', in rich moist soils they grow taller. Blackberry Lilies bloom in the summer, towards the end, and prefer partial shade to full sun. Belamcanda is deciduous.

Chasmanthium latifolium-Northern Sea Oats

Propagating Chasmanthium or Northern Sea Oaks is done in the spring after cutting back the plant 6"-10" above the soil level before new growth starts then dig up the rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant. The dried plant has a special winter interest especially after a light snowfall or for indoor arrangements. It blooms June through October and the flower is tan in color and grows upwards of 3' in height. Northern Sea Oats naturally grows along stream beds so it prefers a moist soil in full sun but once established it will survive drought type weather in partial shade and is self seeding so it could become invasive if left unchecked. Deer resistant.

Campanula-Bellflower

Propagating Campanula or Bellflower should be done every three years because the parent plant becomes woody and less productive so dig up the clump and separate the young from the old in the spring. Bellflower grows to a height of 1-3' depending on the variety and does better in a cool summer climate and blooms from June through September with colors ranging from blue, purple, pink and white and does well in full sun in well draining soil. It is deciduous.

Anchusa-Italian Bugloss

Propagating Anchusa or Bugloss can be done in the spring however be careful, their roots are tender and will break if you dig too closely to the plant and make certain you dig a deep hole and amend it when transplanting and slowly pack the soil around the roots and water well. Once established Bugloss will take drought conditions and will take full sun but in hotter climates afternoon shade is welcomed. Since bugloss grows to a height of 3'-5' it needs to be planted in a protected area away from wind otherwise stake the plant. Its blossom’s are blue and it will flower all summer if deadheaded. Honeybees enjoy the nectar and deer do not tolerate the plant and it is deciduous.

Hyacinthoides nonscripta-Bluebell

Propagating Hyacinthoides nonscripta or Bluebell involves digging up the bulbs in summer after the leaves go dormant, stake the area so you know where they are planted, hopefully deep, it is deciduous, and separating the bulbets from the parent and replant every 3-4 years, with bone meal. Bluebell prefers semi-shade but will do well in full sun in a slightly acidic soil, rich in leaf mold but will also do well in heavy clay. Flowers from early to late spring and the color ranges from blue to blue/purple depending on the source, it reaches a height of 12-15" and is deer resistant.

Brunnera-Bugloss

Propagating Brunnera or Bugloss can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the plant and dividing the roots. What is interesting about Bugloss are the leaves, heart shaped and veined generally white/silver and green with blue forget-me-not type flowers that bloom in the spring and the varieties grow upwards of 12" in height and do well in full to partial shade in a moist fertile, fertilize in spring and summer, humus rich well draining soil. Bugloss is deciduous and generally deer resistant.

Coronilla varia-Crown Vetch

Propagating Crown Vetch is simple because it grows by underground rhizomes and should be transplanted in the spring, however be forewarned, Crown Vetch is an invasive species so do not plant near a garden. Crown Vetch is the one plant that can be utilized to stabilize slopes to control erosion because it will take full sun and poor soil and its roots grow deep into the subsoil and normally planting is done by seeding an area without soil preparation. It is a hard plant to destroy. It blooms all summer to fall either white, pink or purple and grows to a height of 3'-5'. It is a legume so the plant affixes nitrogen from the air. Crown Vetch is deciduous and deer enjoy munching it.

Malva-Musk Mallow

Propagating Musk Mallow should be done in the spring however it doesn’t take transplanting easily, but alas it is an abundant self seeder so give it plenty of room. Deer will munch but rabbits will not and it will not stand up well to humidity. It is one of the few perennials that will flourish in sandy alkaline soil in full to mostly full sun. It blooms from June through September and colors range from white, pink and lavender and can grow to a height of 4', but 1-2' is the norm. It is deciduous. Deadhead the blooms about 2/3 down to obtain re-bloom, but no seeds. Musk Mallow attracts butterflies.

Mazus reptans-Cupflower

Propagating Cupflower is a cinch either in the spring or fall. Remove a plug from the established groundcover and insert in a new area. Simple. It only grows to a height of 3" and if you are seeking something to fill in between flagstones this is a plant that can take foot traffic in sun to half shade. It’s purple flowers will bloom from spring through summer in a well drained moist soil and in warmer zones it is evergreen and in Zone 5 it is best to mulch for winter, the coldest zone it will thrive in. It is also deer tolerant.

Dianthus-Carnation

Propagating Carnations can be done once they become established in the fall by separating the roots, however in drought conditions they need to be watered twice a week and fertilize with a general fertilizer once a month, but they don’t like humidity. Carnations can bloom from spring throughout the summer in white, pink, purple, or red and it is the national flower of Spain. Carnations prefer a slightly alkaline well drained soil and grow as tall as 18" and need full sun. They are deciduous and deer tend to ignore them.

Gaultheria-Wintergreen, Partridge Berry

Propagating Wintergreen is similar to Perwinkle, which is propagated when the branches send out runners that root at the plant node, so collecting 5-6 stems and then planting in a rooting medium of sandy loam and manure for at least 6 months before setting them in the garden bed. Wintergreen prefers a cool moist sandy soil, much like the forests it is native to with partial shade exposure. It’s height is only 6" and its flowers are white in June and July followed by red berries and the whole plant is used in producing wintergreen flavoring in the autumn. Deer generally dislike Wintergreen.

Helleborous-Lenton Rose

Propagating Lenton Rose is done by dividing the plant in the fall. It is evergreen in milder zones and flowers from late winter to spring, sometimes up to five months. Lenton Rose reaches a height of 24" in an array of colors: yellow, white, green, red, pink, maroon, primrose, and rose as well as mottled varieties. It is one plant that thrives in a moist well drained soil, think astible, fertilize in spring, that prefers shade but will take some sun and is wild animal resistant because the plant is poisonous.

Platycodon-Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower

Propagating Balloon Flower is done by division in either the spring or the fall however because it has fleshy tap roots one must be careful digging up the plant and separating the roots and when resetting the plant the crown should be placed one inch below the soil surface. Because balloon flowers and certain cultivars can get tall, 6-12" on average, they should be staked in windy and shady locations before flowering because the flowers will break off. Plants should be planted in a well drained soil in a pH range of 6.0-7.5 in either sun or shade with even moisture for its blue, white, pink flowers to bloom from July-August. Like Coreopsis balloon flowers are one of the last perennials to push through in the spring. The flowers attract honeybees and butterflies and is deciduous.

Saxafraga-Strawberry Geranium, Cobweb Saxifrage, Rockfoil

Propagating Saxafraga depends upon the variety either by division in the spring by lifting them out of the ground and separating the roots or by cutting the stolon which has rooted, and in milder climates Saxafraga are evergreen and are not hardy in Zone 4 or below, but generally are a cool climate perennial that prefers a loose sandy acidic well draining , but moist soil, not facing south, preferably in the shade and after flowering it is suggested to top dress with leaf mold and sand and they do not mind being stuffed into stone walls or rock crevices. Colors vary from purple, pink, white, yellow and reach a height varying from 4-30".

Delosperma-Hardy Ice Plant

Propagating the Hardy Ice Plant is best done in the spring by transplanting the rhizomes and it is one perennial that will do well in a sandy and well drained soil in full sun in any range of pH, but water well after transplanting. Depending on the zone, it can be evergreen, semi or deciduous and may die if the temperature goes below zero, and deer have a tendency to munch on the plant since it is a succulent. It grows to a height of 2" and does not want to be walked on. It blooms from late spring until frost and colors vary depending on the variety which can be yellow, purple, pink or white.

Centranthus ruber- Valarian, Jupiter’s Beard

Propagating of Jupiter’s Beard is done by root division in the spring however be aware their stems can become woody with age, but it is an aggressive self seeder, much like dandelion in poor alkaline but well draining soils in full sun so it can become invasive and will thrive in stone walls or in gravely soils. Jupiter’s Beard reaches a height of 2-3' and blooms June through frost with fragrant colors of white, pink, blue or red so honeybees and butterflies will enjoy their nectar. Jupiter’s Beard is not attractive to wildlife and is deciduous.

Gaillardia-Blanket Flower

Propagating Gaillardia can be done by root division in early spring after the plant starts growing from its winter dormant stage, deciduous, and grows to 2-3' in height and likes a well drained soil but will tolerate drought once the plants are established in full sun. The blooms of Gaillardia are multicolored of yellow, red and orange and appear in the early summer and will bloom up until frost if deadheaded. Butterflies are attracted to its blooms. Deer and rabbit generally ignore the plant.

Cerastium tomentosum-Snow-In-Summer

Propagating Snow-in-summer is accomplished by digging up the rhizomes that shoot off from the parent plant in either the spring or fall and in some circles are considered invasive because they grow in a well drained poor soil in full sun and are drought resistant so planting on rocky slopes is possible. Their silvery leaves are colorful once the white flowers fade, blooming from May to June and should be trimmed to be kept neat looking although it only reaches a height of 6" and is deer resistant as well as being evergreen.

Heuchera-Coral Bells, Alumroot

Propagating Coral Bells is done in the fall by digging up the plant and dividing the roots into how many plants are possible. Coral Bells prefers semi to full sun because shade will reduce the blooms and they come in white, pink or red colors and various variegated leaf varieties. They prefer an alkaline soil with good drainage, clay is a problem, and are often tolerant of drought. They are evergreen and although deer generally shy away from them they are a calling card for hummingbirds and butterflies but have a tendency to frost heave in northern climates, because they are shallow rooted and flower from late spring but deadheading will prolong their blooms through the summer and range from 1-3' in height.

Centaurea montana-Mountain Bluet, Perennial Bachelor Button, Cornflower

Centaurea montana is best propagated in the spring but the fall is also acceptable by cutting lose the rooted stolons and transplanting into another area of the garden bed. Centaurea montana can become invasive if planted in good rich soil so opt for poor alkaline but well drained soil in full to mostly sunny conditions, but will not tolerate humidity nor wet feet in winter. It reaches a height of 2-3' and blooms most of the growing season in wide ranging colors: blue, mauve, pink, crimson, white and yellow and may need to be staked in windy locations and can be cut back after blooming to refreshen the foliage to re-bloom and is evergreen, drought tolerant and deer resistant.

Lobelia-Cardinal Flower

There are annual and perennial varieties of Lobelia available so make certain you don’t buy a 4 or 6 pak at the local big box and assume it is a perennial. Lobelia can be propagated in the spring by separating the rosettes that form around the parent plant and transplant. Lobelia’s like a moist well drained clay soil, think Astible and subject to frost heaving, or Siberian Iris so if planting near the house plant near the downspout especially if it’s in a sunny location in northern climates, but they will also take full shade in southern climates. Lobelia’s bloom from summer until fall and reach a height of at least 2' and their colors are blue and red. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy their nectar and they are deciduous.

Hollyhock

Hollyhocks are easily propagated by self-seeding, much like Columbine which is also a biennial and the best time to move the seedlings is in the spring, that is of course if you have a good soil medium in your garden bed for seeds to germinate on their own. However Hollyhocks will re-bloom if you deadhead the original however forget seedlings the following spring. Hollyhocks are deciduous and grow as tall as 5-8' and rarely need staking unless grown in a windy location. It is one of the few plants that is tolerant of Black Walnut toxins and the hummingbirds and butterflies feed off of their nectar. Hollyhocks bloom throughout the summer and up until frost and the colors range from yellow, red, purple, pink, and white and prefer a rich well drained sandy soil in full sun but will take some shade but do not like wet feet, because rust can be a problem in high humidity areas.

Plumbago-Leadwort

Plumbago isn’t a perennial in CA or FL, it’s more of a woody plant and can be propagated by layering or by semi-ripe tip cuttings in summer. It can be trained as a goundcover or a vine and is evergreen and blooms except in winter and prefers a slightly acidic soil and the colors vary from white, blue, purple, red or pink. In colder climates it makes an excellent patio plant, if you have a spot to store it over the winter. When I saw the plants in CA I fell in love with them. Even if it gets frost bit it still might recover. It takes at least 4 hours of sun a day and is drought tolerant and produces flowers on the currant season’s growth so pruning will not stop the blooms and may need a shot of manganese sulfate if the leaves turn yellow and is a favorite of butterflies.

Doronicum-Leopard’s Bane

Leopard’s Bane is best propagated in the spring after it flowers, by root division, because it goes dormant in the summer and is best planted in the shade in the south because they are shallow rooted, like astible, and need a well drained soil and are used mainly for naturalizing and varieties can range in height from 1-2'. Blooms are yellow and the plant is deciduous and is deer resistant.

Laurentia fluviatilis-Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper is easily propagated in the spring or fall by transplanting the rhizomes that spread out beyond the parent plant. Depending on the zone it could be either evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous and since it only reaches 2" in height it is a plant that can be walked on lightly and would be a great filler between stepping stones. It prefers a morning sun in a fertile moist soil, not too wet, and its blue blooms will add color to the garden from late spring to early fall in a neutral pH.

Celebrate July 4th, the USA’s Independence Day

Let’s give thanks to those serving the USA in foreign lands that help keep us free from the tyranny that strikes people in less fortunate countries where democracy is only a dream, even though some in the USA complain about gas, food, or whatever irks their fancy. Just imagine if the whiners lived in a Third World country where complaints might bring prison or death, i.e. China. We live in a land where some tell us that our lives are no better today compared to 20 years ago, but imagine if we did not have the Armed Forces that we have, what life could have been like without our freedoms. It is up to the individual to improve their life not a government’s grand scheme to hand out taxpayer “gifts” to the whiners and /or law breakers, or why do we have men and women who at a moments notice are ready to protect our freedoms by giving up their lives. That’s what makes the USA so great. What other country would do it? Trying to help others into achieving the dream of independence, something that seems elusive, which does not happen overnight and it costs some more then they could imagine when they brought their child onto earth. Hooray for the USA!

Monarda-Bee Balm, Horsemint

Bee balm can be propagated by division, by lifting the plant out of the ground and discarding the older woody stems in the spring, which should be done every 3-4 years or by layering. Bee balm prefers full sun and a damp soil, but not chalky, however it will grow in partial shade but it will not bloom as profusely, however it will spread faster. The blooms range in color from red, pink, lavender, white, and purple and flower from mid summer until frost and although butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees like the pollen, deer generally dislike the plant and depending on the variety, bee balm can reach upwards of 4 feet in height and the leaves are used in potpourri and to make tea. Bee balm is deciduous.

Myosotis-Forget-me-not

Forget-me-nots are also propagated by self-seeding or by root division in the fall. They prefer a shaded moist rich well draining soil and bloom from spring until fall. Colors are blue, white and pick. They grow in height up to 12" and need mulch protection in colder zones. Another plant that will grow under shade trees where grass will not grow however they must remain moist. Generally deer resistant. Depending on the zone it could be evergreen or deciduous.

Viola tricolor-Johnny Jump Up, Banewort, Wild Pansy

Johnny Jump Ups are easily propagated because it is a self seeding, self fertile, creeping annual or perennial in warmer zones, when planted in a rich composted well drained soil. There is no work involved to keep this plant coming back, year after year once planted. They drop their seeds in the fall in a shaded environment and they will bloom all season especially when deadheaded. They have colorful blooms which vary from white, yellow, blue, maroon, orange, bronze and purple and grow to a height of 9", but in the south they become dormant in the heat but perk back when it becomes cooler. Use under shade trees where grass will not grow. Generally deer do not nibble.

Agastache-Hyssop, Hummingbird Mint

Agastache is grown in clumps which must be divided every three to four years so propagating means the parent plant must be dug up and the roots divided which is best accomplished in early spring or fall. As the common name indicates this plant attracts not only hummingbirds but butterflies and honeybees as well, but if you have good soil conditions the plant is a good self-seeder and the plant is deciduous. Agastache blooms June through fall and the colors vary from blue, orange, pink, lavender and is a plant that thrives in sun and well drained gravely soils, but needs deep but infrequent watering after their second growing season and are a good choice for patio containers and flower height can vary amongst varieties with some attaining 5'.

Houttuynia-Chameleon Plant

The chameleon plant is easily propagated by digging up the rhizomes that spread off the parent plant, but be aware it is very invasive and will show up in the most unexpected places. Planted in full sun the leaves are yellow, green, pale green, grey, cream and scarlet, but in shade they become green and cream and they have insignificant white flowers in July-August. They like a moist soil and do well in clay. In the Carolinas it is evergreen but deciduous in colder zones. Just be careful where you plant it because I know firsthand it will take over a garden bed in a flash and it grows up to 12" in height and has an off odor close up so I doubt the deer will come close.

Plant Nutrition-N-P-K & pH

Some things that students learned in Agronomy/Soil Sciences, while others learned by trial and error. Soil pH and nutrients. Soil pH ranges from 0-14 with a pH of 7 being neutral, anything lower the soil is acidic, anything higher the soil is alkaline. Plants thrive best in their pH, i.e., Azaleas, Kalmia, Rhododendrons, Blueberries, and Conifers prefer acidic soils, so for those who want to use urine in the garden, those are the plants to feed, approximately a pH of 5.0 while garden vegetables prefer a pH of 6.0. Generally clay soils are more acidic compared to sandy soils. The fall is the best time to apply lime, so it is absorbed by the soil for the coming season and pulverized works the fastest at raising the pH. Wood ashes can also be used to raise the pH because it contains potassium, phosphate and boron. Many woody plants, including Blueberry develop iron chlorosis when grown in alkaline soil and that is often confused with nitrogen deficiency(yellowing of the leaves), but the deficiency can be corrected by lowering the pH with either aluminum sulfate or sulpher which takes longer to reduce the pH because of the interaction of soil bacteria but don’t get either material on leaves and if you do hose the plants down. If you are raising acidic loving perennials and your garden bed in general is near a pH of 7.0 throw in a handful of aluminum sulfate, along with bone meal, when planting. Because of coal fired power plants most of the rain that falls in the USA is acidic. Now for the N-P-K, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium. If a bag of fertilizer says 10-10-10 then that is the percentage by weight of the nutrients in the bag, the rest is filler and phosphate will triple this year in price so stock up on fertilizer and own fertilizer stocks. Nitrogen primarily “greens up” the plants and affects vegetative growth. Nitrogen deficiency in plants occurs when the leaves turn yellow or the plant stops growing and excessive nitrogen is noticed by fast spindly growth with weak shoots. Phosphorus, bone meal, is important for healthy roots and the lack of phosphorus exhibits lack of blooms with lush green foliage. Potassium or potash is the key in the formation of cholorphyll and it is known to help with disease resistance and a potash deficiency occurs when fruits are small and sickly blooms. Remember nutrients work in the soil for plants when they are planted in the proper pH and any lack can affect the plants viability. Here are soil amendments: http://www.planetnatural.com/site/soil-amendments.html

Aruncus-Goatsbeard

Aruncus can be propagated by division in either the spring or fall by digging up the plant and its white or yellow blooms are similar to Astible however they are much taller, 5', and fuller because the plant itself reaches a height of 24". It prefers a well drained rocky moist soil and prefers either partial or full shade since its habitat is the deciduous forests of North Carolina and blooms from May until June. It is deer resistant and butterflies enjoys the flower’s nectar. It is deciduous and prune back the stalks in late winter.

Lysimachia(ly-si-MAK-ee-uh)nummularia “Aurea”-Creeping jenny, Moneywort

Creeping jenny is easily propagated because it spreads by rhizomes and can become invasive if allowed to spread unchecked and reaches a height of 2" and can be propagated either in the spring or autumn. This plant is also used in aquariums so it should not be planted near ponds, if not intended, and does not like dry soils. It thrives in sun or shade, but just make certain if planted in full sun that the soil is in a fertile well drained and moist. It flowers in late spring to mid summer with yellow blooms and this cultivar has bright yellow leaves so it could stand out in a shade garden, is a member of the primula family, and is deciduous.

Armeria-Sea Thrift, Sea Pinks

Armeria growth habit forms hammocks/clumps so it is propagated by root division which means digging up the plant in the spring and transplanting the numerous tap roots. This is an evergreen in Southern gardens, semi-evergreen in Northern climates and its habitat is along coastlines so it needs a well drained loamy infertile soil and is drought tolerant. Armeria blooms from late spring to fall and the floral varieties include white, pink, red, and lilac and deadheading will give a second burst of blooms and Armeria grows to a height of 6"-12" in full sun or part shade. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its blooms.

Update on "Crimson Sky"

Moving virus lab not just risky — costly, too
Report: Foot-and-mouth outbreak could top $4 billion at potential locations
The Associated Press
updated 3:58 p.m. ET, Fri., June. 20, 2008
WASHINGTON - An outbreak of one of the most contagious animal diseases from any of five locations the White House is considering for a new high-security research laboratory would be more devastating to the U.S. economy than from the isolated island laboratory where such research is now conducted, says a new report published Friday.

The 1,005-page Homeland Security Department report said chances of such an outbreak — with estimated loses of more than $4.2 billion — would be “extremely low” if the research lab were designed, constructed and operated according to government safety standards.

Still, it calculated that economic losses in an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease could surpass $4 billion if the lab were built near livestock herds in Kansas or Texas, two options the Bush administration is considering. That would be nearly $1 billion higher than the government’s estimate of losses blamed on a hypothetical outbreak from its existing laboratory on Plum Island, N.Y.

The administration is studying the safest place to move its research on such dangerous pathogens from Plum Island to the U.S. mainland near herds of livestock, raising concerns about a catastrophic outbreak. A final choice is expected by late fall. The foot-and-mouth virus does not infect humans but could devastate herds of cattle, swine, lambs and sheep.

5 potential locations
The five locations the U.S. is considering are Athens, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Butner, N.C.; San Antonio; and Flora, Miss. A sixth alternative, considered unlikely, would be construction of a new research lab on Plum Island.

Economic losses in an outbreak would exceed $3.3 billion if the new lab were built in Georgia, North Carolina or Mississippi, the report said.

The Homeland Security official in charge of the study, Jamie Johnson of the Office of National Laboratories, said it sought to identify specific risks to each candidate location.

"What the EIS (environmental impact statement) concludes is that the likelihood of release of foot-and-mouth disease is extremely low," she said. "However, in the event that foot-and-mouth does get out, what does that mean to these sites?"

The new study concludes that risk would be low to nonexistent that an accident or terrorist attack would result in the outbreak of a dangerous pathogen at any of the sites except in case of a fire and explosion. Such a fire and explosion would pose a moderate risk that virus or disease could spread to nearby livestock or wild animals.

The threat from fire and explosion would be diminished for the government’s isolated laboratory on Plum Island “due to the low likelihood of any disease getting off of the island,” the report said.

The new National Bio-and Agro-Defense Facility would replace the existing 840-acre research complex on Plum Island, which is about 100 miles northeast of New York City in the Long Island Sound and accessible only by ferry or helicopter. Besides foot-and-mouth disease, researchers also would study African swine fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever and the Hendra and Nipah viruses. Construction would begin in 2010 and take four years.

The new study expresses the government’s confidence it could avoid any outbreak. But it also cautioned that, “should a large release occur there is considerable opportunity for the virus to cause infections and become established in the environment beyond the facility boundary.”


A simulated outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease — part of an earlier U.S. government exercise called “Crimson Sky” — ended with fictional riots in the streets after the simulation’s National Guardsmen were ordered to kill tens of millions of farm animals, so many that troops ran out of bullets. In the exercise, the government said it would have been forced to dig a ditch in Kansas 25 miles long to bury carcasses.

The new study said U.S. economic losses from an outbreak could ultimately be higher than the $5 billion suffered by Britain in 2001, when an epidemic forced the government to slaughter 6 million sheep, cows and pigs.

Liatris-Gay Feather, Blazing Star

Liatris varieties can either be a fleshy corm, like Bearded Iris, but slower growers or a rhizome so either way it is an easy plant to propagate by transplanting the rooted rhizome or by dividing the corm in the spring. Butterflies and honeybees are attracted to the blooms throughout the summer, they can reach 5', and in the first year they prefer a moist soil to establish a strong root system but there after are almost drought resistant, fertilize in the spring, but they do not like a very rich moist soil or the blooms will have a tendency to be weak and topple and they come in white, blue, pink, or purple, planted preferably in full sun and are deciduous. What is unique about Liatris is that the flowers bloom from the top down so they are great for cut flowers or for drying, cut when the blooms are half open and hang upside down for three weeks or use silica-gel. They grow naturally in the tall grass prairies from North Dakota to Florida to Texas so when you are driving the Interstates in late summer to early autumn and wonder what that bluish/purplish flower is off in the distance it’s a good chance it is Liatris especially in Missouri. Generally Liatris is deer resistant.

Cuphea micropetala-Tall Cigar Plant, Candy Corn Plant

Cuphea micropetala can be propagated either by root division or by transplanting the rooted rhizomes. Cuphea is an unusual plant, as is a relative which is aptly named either Tiny Mice or Bat Faced, and they are only hardy in frost free zones, it grows freely in Mexico along stream beds, but it is one plant hummingbirds soak up, it is actually a magnet for them. They grow to a height of 3-4' and will bloom with as little a 5 hours of sun a day, but protected from the mid day sun and is evergreen in Zones 9 & 10, but dies down to the ground in Zone 8. Until the plant becomes established it needs a moist well drained soil, but later it will withstand some drought conditions. It blooms in late spring to autumn, depending on the zone and you can see by the picture it blooms in candy corn colors, its relative Cuphea lluvea is violet, purple and red, and both need monthly fertilizer applications. If you enjoy hummingbirds this is your plant. Aphids and white flies love this plant as well, but it is worthwhile starting from seed every year.

Aubrieta deltoidea-Aubrieta, False rockcress

Aubrieta or False rockcress can be propagated either after flowering and if it is too hot wait until the fall and its done by lifting the plant out of the ground and dividing the roots. Aubrieta grows between 2"-6" and will bloom late spring or early summer in light shade or full sun, but needs light draining soil and in hotter zones it is more biennial then perennial. Aubrieta is especially useful in rock gardens or for draping over walls and the various colors range from white, dark blue, purple, violet and pink, sometimes planted in place of creeping phlox, and it takes an average pH but will winterkill in heavy soil, however deer dislike the plant and is evergreen.

The making of a perennial garden

The first thing anyone should do when attempting to make a perennial garden bed is to determine how much sun the bed gets and at what time of day and that will determine what plants you can use. The best approach to accomplish this is on a weekend. Obtain some stakes and a blank piece of paper say attached to a clip board. Draw out the garden bed on paper. If the bed is in full sun or deep shade no need to do this, its only for those folks who have shade trees that will alter the sun’s rays. Remember if it is a sunny location and the bed backs up against the house it will get real hot so chose those plants wisely because moisture evaporates whether you see it or not. Also prepare the whole bed area in the beginning using a pitch fork to turn over the sod and break it down or if you prefer lasagna layering. Add as much compost or manure as possible and keep some wood chip mulch handy. It does not matter whether the garden bed is against a fence, building or out in the open, the height of the plants in the garden bed will depend on your viewing angle. If it surrounds a patio the taller plants will be in the back, but maybe the patio is surrounded by a retaining wall then the taller plants might butt up against the wall. Remember many perennials are deciduous so you might want to intersperse the garden bed with evergreen plants so it doesn’t look blah in the winter, like azalea, rhododendron, mountain laurel, andromeda, juniper, boxwood, yew, acuba, gardenia, dwarf spruces or pines or whatever evergreens are hardy in your zone. Actually some deciduous plants have great forms in the winter, especially the weeping/cascading types. Each perennial has a different growth habit, some spread by rhizomes and others are upright. Generally to obtain an effective show of color in the landscape the more upright type plants, that don’t spread, like astible or foxglove, you might want to plant in three’s to have their color pop out and the use of mainly green plants, like Artemsia, Russian Sage, Greek Oregano or Catmint, interspersed between groupings to break the color scheme. Hostas can get huge so one of those planted should be sufficient, but they could also hide the bare spot that Bleeding Hearts or Oriental Poppies leave. Propagating plants is just one part of having a successful blooming garden bed throughout the summer, another part is learning the habits and when plants bloom to have the continuity of bloom. Make certain the colors bounce off or compliment each other because you do not want to plant a red next to a pink or it will just wash, put a blue in between. Once the bed is planted spread some wood chip mulch so it brings all the plants together and don’t forget the bone meal. The garden bed may look scrawny the first year but you will be looking forward to the following spring all winter long. If you would like to add rocks make certain they are buried halfway in the soil. You can add hardscapes and a blog shows you how to make things: http://hypertufagardening.blogspot.com/

Anemone-Windflower, Pasque Flower

Anemone depending on the variety can be propagated in 4 different ways, root division in spring or fall, by transplanting rhizomes, dividing tubers or woody cuttings and grow to a height of 18". Its blooms vary in color from white, pink, blue, lilac, red and the plant dies back to the ground after blooming which is after the foliage emerges from the ground in the spring and into the summer. Anemones thrive in a moist sandy loam soil or any garden soil that is well drained in full sun to partial shade and is deer resistant because the plant is also toxic to animals and humans.

Sagina subulata-Irish Moss, Pearlwort

Irish moss is easily propagated by digging up a clump out of an established patch in the spring, then planting it in a bare section of moist soil and the spores will fill in the hole by the end of the season and remain evergreen all winter, however do not plant it close to grass because it is almost impossible to try to remove the grass from the moss. Its white blooms are profuse in late spring to early summer and the plant will tolerate light foot traffic and will survive in a pH range of 5.6-7.5 and takes full sun to partial shade, but dislikes dry soil and even though it might brown in summer it will green up with fall rains and reaches a height of 6".

Lamium-Deadnettle, Snowflake

Lamium can be propagated, depending on soil conditions, either by crown division because the plant forms mounds, or by trailing stems, rhizomes, that may have rooted as they crawl outward along the soil. It got its nickname because the plant’s leaves look similar to Stinging nettle( Urica dioica), but they do not sting, hence deadnettle. Bees are attracted to its flowers, so it sometimes is called Bee Nettle, and some people use the leaves in salads and more power to them. Flower varieties are either purple, pink, white and the plant reaches a height of 12" and is classified as a semi-evergreen goundcover which blooms from May to October and some varieties have variegated leaves which makes them an attractive addition to any garden bed. Lamium prefers partial to full shade and needs a moist and well drained composted soil, neutral ph, and is finicky so it will not tolerate any other conditions or it goes on strike.

Salvia officinalis-garden sage, common sage

Propagating salvia or garden sage should be done in the spring before new growth appears, and the new plants will have to be babied to survive by keeping the transplants moderately moist. As many know it is one of the most important culinary herbs and is used for many medicinal remedies and why many people use the plant in containers on balconies and patios besides in the garden bed. Salvia reaches a height of 24" and has many cultivars with blooms ranging from white to purple to pink besides variegated cultivars and needs to be pruned frequently to encourage more foliage, if used for culinary purposes, which keeps it from going to flower and Salvia needs to be replaced after 3-4 years because plants become woody and less productive. Salvia can also be propagated by layering, lay branch on the soil and not mulch, take a section of wire hanger and bend in half and insert above the branch pushing it against the soil, in the spring or fall and prefers full sun in an well drained humus alkaline soil, but it is not drought tolerant and flowers in mid summer and is evergreen.

Oxalis-Wood sorrel, Shamrock

Oxalis, depending on the cultivar can be propagated either by transplanting the rhizomes that root in the soil, in the spring or fall or by separating the bulbils from the parent plant in the spring, the most common procedure. Rhizomous plants are the easiest perennials to propagate and can be the most invasive perennials given the right conditions. Oxalis flowers from June until October and is deciduous and blooms range from pink, lavender, white, and yellow and it reaches a height of 6"-12". It is rumored to be the preferred habit of garden gnomes. It prefers part shade and will accept both dry or moist soil, preferring sandy or loamy conditions, alkaline soil that is well drained and is deciduous.

Artemisia -Artemisia, Wormwood, Mugwort

Artemsia cam be propagated either by dividing the roots or by transplanting the rhizomes that have rooted. Artemsia is not known for its bloom but rather for its contrasting and aromatic foliage which can grow up to 5' in height, but this is one herb that will take abuse, dry soil, but rich in nitrogen, and will take some shade, hence a plant that is hard to kill except by overwatering, but not invasive and deciduous, planted in a neutral pH. An cousin to the Sagebrush found out west.

Anthemis tinctoria-Golden Marguerite or Dyer’s Chamomile

Golden Marguerite should be propagated by division every two years, that will revitalize and keep it blooming at its peak, because it is a plant that needs at least 6 hours of sun, otherwise it becomes leggy and will flop over especially in very rich soil. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant and aggressively re-seeds itself if not deadheaded which will prolong the blooms throughout the summer starting in June. Its blooms are similar to a daisy and comes in white or yellow and grows 2-3 feet tall in a well drained but not overly rich soil. It is noted for its fine silvery/green fragrant foliage texture and when rubbed onto the skin it will relieve the sting from insect bites. Since its clumps are profuse rhizomes propagating by division can be done either in the spring or fall.

Adenophora-Ladybells

Propagating Ladybells by division is difficult because the plant has long fleshy roots so it is suggested to increase the plants in ones garden bed it’s best to plant from seed, or take basal cuttings in late spring, but if trying division it should be attempted in the fall digging a hole deep enough so that roots can be laid out and not crammed in. They are in the same family as the bellflower, campanula, and are preferred over them in Southern gardens and grow up to 24" and flower mid to late summer, in full sun to partial shade, however they need a well drained moist soil amended with compost or manure. They are self seeding and sometimes can be construed as invasive so to prevent re-seeding deadheading will extend the bluish blooms in mid summer but after blooming a second time it is recommended to cut the plant back to the base and they make a wonderful fragrant fresh flower bouquet.

Papaver orientale-Oriental poppy

Propagating Oriental poppy should be done in the fall when it starts to grow again after dying back in the spring after blooming by digging up the plant and dividing the roots and pips, however the plant takes two years after dividing/transplanting to re-bloom. This plant is deer resistant and has a tendency to flop over from the weight of its blooms, if planted in above average fertile soils, so it should be placed amongst other plants in the garden bed to keep it propped up and also to hide its early yellowing leaves even though the plant only reaches 18" in height in full sun. Oriental poppy is not tolerant of humidity and does well in average well drained soil conditions. It blooms in the spring, depending on the zone, with colors ranging from orange, red, white, pink to purple.

Perovskia atriolicifolia-Russian sage

Propagating Russian sage because it is more of a deciduous woody plant so it can be a long and slow process but a perennial as well and propagating by division is possible, better to attempt in the fall, so the alternative is to attempt cuttings of 3-4" long in late spring. It grows to a height of 3-5 feet on somewhat weak stems so it is best to plant it amongst studier taller perennials like Rubeckia to prevent ii from leaning and it stands out because its leaves are silvery-grey in contrast to the green of most perennials and blooms all summer which the honey bees enjoy with lavender-blue flowers which deer dislike. In tolerates full sun, alkaline, and dry but well draining soil and should be cut back in the spring.

Rudbeckia-Black-eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy

Depending on the variety generally Black-eyed Susan’s can be propagated either in the spring or fall by dividing the rhizomous clumps and can grow as tall a 3' so they belong in the back of the garden bed. In some instances the varieties can be either double, annual, biennial, or perennial and attract butterflies. The basic Rubeckia is yellow but there are orange, bronze, red, russet and mahogany blooming varieties as well. They prefer full sun in an average well draining composted soil and bloom through late summer and are relatively low maintenance and grow naturally in fields throughout the country except in the Southwest. An easy plant for the novice gardener.

Aster

Propagating Aster should be done every 3-4 years because it keeps them vigorous bloomers and division is done by popping the parent plant out of the ground and dividing the rhizimous clumps in the spring because asters attract butterflies, but it should be fertilized once a month to produce bountiful blooms. They prefer full sun with well drained amended soil and will withstand some drought however blooms will be curtailed if left dry for too long. Unlike a vast majority of perennials and there are over 600 species including annual and perennial, asters bloom from mid summer to late fall or to a hard freeze with color variations ranging lavender, purple, red, pink, white, but the annual asters offer a wider range of colors which include doubles, and normally grow from 12" to 36" in height and should be cut back in July to prevent the flower spikes from laying over in the wind when blooming.

Amsonia ciliata var. filifolia 'Georgia Pancake'-Creeping Blue Star

A unusual perennial, Creeping Blue Star, can be propagated by cuttings, if you want to live dangerously, in early summer, and this method is the best or if you can find seeds. Propagating by division is not practical because the woody rootstocks are nearly impossible to cut, but if you want to try, late fall is when you divide, but if you are lucky and have good soil Blue Star is inclined to self seed. Prune in late winter or early spring and it is a good groundcover to edge your garden beds or rock gardens and butterflies are attracted to the bluish blooms on 12" stems in May. It grows up to 5"but will spread up to 2' in full sun to partial shade and prefers a moist loamy soil.