Wednesday, August 12, 2009
PLANTS THAT ARE FLOURISHING IN AUGUST HEAT
 posted by Carol at 15:02 || under Gardening
This time of year it’s not uncommon for the phone to ring and the caller asks “Is there anything blooming right now?” Of course we are delighted to tell the caller “Yes, lots of things are blooming!!”
Last Friday I went out with my trusty camera and shot some photos of the plants that are not only blooming but are thriving in this dry summer and 105 degrees. Specifically I wanted to take pictures of the perennials that Lee Ann and the staff have planted and nurtured.
 A plant that Clark Gardens is well known for are our cannas. I’m not sure how many varieties we have but I do know that Max hand dug and cleaned about 20,000 rhizomes this winter. Many were sold at the Neil Sperry Show in Arlington in early spring. Our cannas are planted in the West Garden and give that ...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
GARDENING FOR THE WILDER SIDE OF LIFE
posted by Carol at 12:19 || under Wildlife
 Clark Gardens works to provide an environment for our wildlife. This year Lee Ann Nave, Director of Horticulture at Clark Gardens, has planted three areas, one for butterflies, one for hummingbirds and one for bees. Each area is planted to provide an environment for the healthy development of each of these species. Lets take a look at what it takes to have a successful butterfly garden. According to The Outdoor Campus' Guide: How to Build a Butterfly Garden you should consider the following: - Locate the garden in a sunny area with protection from the wind. Butterflies and most butterfly-attracting plants require bright sunlight.
- Plant nectar-producing flowers. Butterflies visit flowers in search of nectar; a sugary fluid, to eat. Many native butterflies seem to prefer purple, yellow, orange, and red-colored blossoms. Clusters of short, tubular flowers or flat-topped blossoms provide the idea shapes for butterflies to easily land and feed.
- Plan for continuous ...
>> full...
|
