Summer Gardens

The next few posts will be articles I wrote for the North Star Monthly, a Danville, Vermont journal first published starting in 1807 and reestablished in 1989. I love the paper and you will too. info@northstarmonthly.com.

Summer Gardens

It’s a beautiful morning at the flower farm. The sun is already bright, the sky is cloudless and the birds are everywhere. The Winooski River parallels the south side of the flower farm fields and it serves as a direct flyway from Lake Champlain and everything in between. Each day we are gifted with birds of all types and sizes and our visitors are able to see birds they have never seen before. Guaranteed! The retail areas around our office building are decorated with hanging baskets and now that other summer flowers are in bloom, hummingbirds and all sorts of butterflies, moths and other pollinators are plentiful and fun to see.

The period of time from when spring ephemerals fade and early summer blooms arrive is a colorful transition that gardeners love. The colors of daylilies, ironweeds, garden phlox, the asclepias and the various helianthus and heleniums are just a few perennials that welcome us each year. This timeframe has lots to see and it is always a perfect time to evaluate your gardens and decide if there are colors, heights, or leaf textures you are missing. A trip to a nursery or botanical garden is a way to see what others are growing and what might work well in your gardens.

At our flower farm we grow about 600 different hostas and 700 daylilies. June and early July are when hostas are in their glory and daylilies are beginning to bring smiles to all gardeners. We specialize in these perennials and are always happy to share our experience. Our hosta display garden has mature specimens of almost every hosta we sell and this offers you an opportunity to verify how much space you need to leave so your garden will look balanced as surrounding plants mature too. We point out the hosta display garden to all visitors but remember to feel comfortable asking us for a tour if you wish. We always explain how to plant hostas so they will grow well and we explain that although water is the best fertilizer for hostas (not a problem this year!!) we use Epsom salts/magnesium sulfate (2 cups to 4.5 gallons of water) liberally on all our perennials, hostas included!  This salt encourages root growth and for perennials such as hosta, more roots means more leaves in less time. Give it a try.

This morning as I write, primulas are like garden lights that have turned on here and there in the gardens. Some early varieties are going by but Japanese primroses are growing taller each day with 4 or 5 circular tiers of color that look so nice among the hosta leaves, the yellows of Ninebark ‘Nugget” and popping up in the middle of the 6” dwarf  Korean Solomon Seal, Polygonatum humile. The Siberian iris, in various stages from buds to “almost bloom” are short on bloom time but long on color and they surprise many gardeners in their adaptability to damp or dry conditions and little care. Baptisia is a plant that hybridizers have been very successful with in recent years and each year we offer 4 or 5 varieties we have not offered before. Unlike the older varieties that grew and grew and grew, the modern hybrids exhibit more self-control and their height seems to hold at 34”-36” and they do not spread “for miles” like the first blues we might remember. Although their spreading habits have come under control, the depth their roots grow to strongly suggests that as gardeners we should decide where we want to plant them so we are not forced into extreme labor to move them later on. Moving any baptisia is like moving a nine year old peony or a 5 year old Hosta Empress Wu. Stretching exercises and sometimes the recruitment of strong friends is a prerequisite!

Gardens are a welcome therapy to a world that offers daily challenges. There is a peace to viewing what we have accomplished and a sense of quiet that is nice too! If you have not tried flower gardening yet, stop by and ask for some advice, get some questions answered and see what perennials grow well in Vermont. Our flower farm is located at 2263 US 2, just half a mile west of Marshfield village. We are open 9-5 every day until mid-October. Bring a friend!

A Cold, White November

I was in Burlington today, late morning into early afternoon. The wind was biting hard at times and the parking was terrible because the snow hasn't been cleaned up yet. There was no shortage of traffic any place I went. Naturally, Lake Champlain is not even thinking about freezing so the humidity and occasional blasts of snow flurries were all lake induced....and it was really cold!!

I just read the latest USDA plant zone chart. One of those easy, plug-in your zip code charts. Obviously, I have to read up on these new charts as some of this makes no sense. I live in Marshfield Vermont and that finds us in a zone 4B in the 20-25 below zero range. This week we have already been below zero here (the season is still Fall!) and this past winter we were in the 30 below for days in a row and for several other days in the 26-29 below range. I remember one time when it was so cold the tractor finally started with the glow plug in advance but the hydraulic fluid wouldn't move enough to do anything. I covered the whole tractor with a tarp and let it run an hour and it still wouldn't budge. Not good as there were a couple feet of fresh snow on the ground and "no tractor" meant not going anywhere. 

Plug in your zip code and see what this means for plant hardiness. Do the plants you like to grow make sense for what zone you live in?

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

Writing from the mountain above Peacham Pond where it will still be a while before ice covers the pond.

Be well!

George Africa

The Vermont Gardener

Writing on Facebook as Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens and also as George Africa.

New Video Tour

VERMONT FLOWER FARM

VIDEO TOUR

Here is a really special video tour of Vermont Flower Farm that was prepared by Trevor Audet from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Vermont has a diversity of agricultural endeavors and the Agency is doing a special job producing media coverage so Vermonters and others know what we do here.

We are proud of our work and enjoy sharing this latest look for your review. Share it with friends and come visit with friends, neighbors, garden club members and an out of state visitors who might want to learn more about the most beautiful state in New England. And remember: "We're always here to help you grow your green thumb!"

Vermont Flower Farm

Click on the link and then enlarge for best viewing!

Have questions? Call us at 802-426-3506 or write at vermontflowerfarm@outlook.com

Come Visit!

COME VISIT!

Monday, August 5, 2019

This is the time to stop by Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens and walk the fields and gardens with us. The daylilies are at peak right now but because of the spring rains, scape production was so bountiful that daylilies that might be halfway finished blooming have two or more weeks left. There are about one-quarter of all the daylilies we grow that have not started to bloom yet. That translates to a continuing show that will knock your socks off! The late bloomers that Gail has been working on is another story all by itself.

The hosta display garden still brings lots of compliments for the outstanding garden that it is but I am embarrassed I have not been able to care for it as I should. 2.5 worker bees (Gail, Alex and me) caring for +4 acres of gardens means some things lose priority as other--such as the daylilies--take over.  Come visit and make your own decision. If you take any pictures, share them on Facebook and other social media formats so others can see too. Many thanks!

George Africa
Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens
2263 US Route 2
Marshfield, Vermont 05658

Dahlias

Dahlias

This is the time of summer when dahlias begin to show buds and and make us reach for shears or a garden knife to cut bunches of colorful stems for a vase.  The American Dahlia Society is a wonderful resource to use to learn more about growing dahlias. I am growing a few dozen dahlias for the first time in over twenty years.  I'll keep you posted on how I make out. The first blooms began today at the flower farm. Stop by and see how we are doing.

American Dahlia Society

https://dahlia.org

Hydrangeas

HYDRANGEAS

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Vermont Flower Farm has the largest collection of hydrangeas in Vermont with 25 varieties for sale and many more on display in our fields and gardens. These are all New England hardy plants that will grow well in your gardens. They are coming into bloom now. 

Here are pictures of Incrediball, the very large flowered hydrangea some gardeners grow, Bobo (my favorite) just coming into bloom, Quickfire growing in our daylily display garden, and Incredibelle Spirit, a wonderful plant with a color that draws attention from afar. Stop by and see the rest. Have questions about how to plant and care for hydrangeas? We're happy to explain how easy they are to grow.

Visit us at 2263 US Route 2, Marshfield, Vermont. Open 9-5 seven days weekly through October. Call us at 802-426-3506. Visit us on Facebook at our Like page, Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens and learn about gardening in the north at my personal George Africa page. If you garden, I know you will find something of interest. Want to walk the fields with us? Call ahead and schedule a time.

Post Bloom Peony Care

Post Bloom Peony Care

Many, many thanks to the dozens and dozens of gardeners who stopped by to purchase peonies this spring. We grew +50 varieties and still have a good assortment which can be planted in your gardens any time between now and mid-October. Stop by and discuss availability with Gail. No blooms left of course but Gail has good pictures and descriptions for planning color and garden height. There are two Bartzella left for those who want a very nice yellow. Yellows are more expensive but are not always available at nurseries as a result.

Hollingsworth Peonies in Missouri has been in business for a long time. They most always have peonies you have been looking for. They just posted this piece about post-bloom care which is worth reading. Larger plants and bountiful blooms next year means good care now. Read on. #peonies; #bartzella; #vtflowerfarm;

"Summer Care of Peonies

Summer! We are now in the later part of the growing season for peonies. Maintaining healthy leaves not only provides for attractive “foliage plants” in your garden, they give structure and dimension to the flower bed and serve as a backdrop for other flowering perennials and annuals. Summer is a critical time during which peonies accumulate food reserves in form of complex sugars (starch) to be used in the fall and early spring to grow new roots, a larger crown and if successful more stems and flowers. Here are some tips to ensure your peony plants will grow and prosper for years to come.

Foliage - Maintain your foliage as long as possible and don't cut it off unless it is badly infected with mildew or has started to turn brown. Some peony varieties actually go dormant early especially the species hybrids. The Itoh hybrids and most lactiflora hybrids maintain their foliage until the end of the growing season. The longer you can maintain healthy foliage the more food the peony plants can store in their roots. The more food stored the better.

Water - During the first year and to some degree also in the second year after planting check your young peonies frequently. Peonies have coarse and thick foliage. The stems are stiff. For the untrained eye it is difficult to observe wilting. Use your fingers to test the soil. Moist soil is usually darker and clings to your skin. Dry soil is grayish in color, dusty and does not cling to the skin of your finger. Observe companion plants and if they wilt your peonies should also get water. When irrigating, water deep, provide an ample amount of moisture that penetrates deeply into the soil. Always irrigate in the morning so the foliage can dry off during the day. Moisture during the night is an invitation for fungal disease such as mildew.

Dead head - Spent flowers and seed pods should be cut off. Many peony varieties are quite fertile and will produce seed. This seed, if allowed to fall to the ground, may sprout. New seedlings will start growing and over time compete with your original peonies. It is not uncommon for open pollinated seedlings to be more vigorous and stronger growers then their parents. We sometimes get Email from people wondering why their pink double flower form peonies are all white (single flower form). That’s the reason why. Most peonies grown from seed are quite different from their parents - often not very attractive.

Mildew - If you have mildew problems get rid of the dead foliage and burn it. If your area does not allow burning put it into the trash. Don't put sick material into the compost since the spores will survive there until next year. All infested material (including any nearby plants) should be removed off-site or burned. It doesn't take a lot of dead leaves for spores to find a winter refuge. If you have a lot of problems contact your Extension Service, they can point out fungicides approved for your state. The Master Gardeners in your area can be a great resource as well. "

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Back around 2007 when the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden was finishing up construction, I paid special attention to how they planted masses of the same flower near the parking lot lights and carried the use of mass plantings through the entire garden. At the time I was trying to figure out the piece of swampy land that would become our hosta display garden/shade plant garden. After I drained the area and removed the cattails and alders, I added lindens, yellow locusts and half a dozen hybrid maples. That's when it became obvious that planting 6 different daylilies in masses between each tree along the edge of the garden would give a great look from Route 2. I planted 25-30 daylilies between each set of trees as you can see from this picture of Daylily Lemon Lollypop. Over time we sold out popular daylilies such as Wayside King Royale but the timing was consistent with the growth of the trees and the extra shade they provided which was more than the daylilies preferred. Today the shade opportunities are more conducive to hostas and since the +600 hostas has maxed out the initial planting area, the new space is working well. If you stop by you'll see how the mass of daylilies works and also see the new hostas we are adding to the understory. If you are contemplating a new or restored garden, keep these thoughts in mind. If you need help with a garden design, Gail does excellent design. Don't expect to come away with a CAD presentation, expect a garden design with plants that are low maintenance and Vermont hardy. Give Gail a call at 802-426-3506 or email at vermontflowerfarm@outlook.com and she'll set up a time for you. #hostadisplaygarden; #shadegardens; #massplantings; #vtflowerfarm;

George Africa
Vermont Flower Farm
2263 US 2
Marshfield Vermont 05658

http://vermontflowerfarm.com
On Facebook as George Africa and also as Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens

LILY OF THE VALLEY

Lily of the Valley

Another soggy morning here at the flower farm after another 2.4" of rain over the past 30 hours. This time the Winooski River did not come over the banks but the ground is wet just the same. I just dug 50 holes for sunflowers which I have postponed planting for as long as I dare wait. I am hoping that the wet soil and a couple 80 degree days coming this Sunday and Monday might push them along. I plant hills of the giant flower types just as attention getters but plant the Pro-Cut series in different colors for cut flowers. I always buy my seed from Johnnys in Maine but the way spring has been in the East this Spring, it might still take more than great seed to get nice flowers.

I am writing a quick note this morning after having the fourth person stop here in three days asking for Lily of the Valley. When I was a kid I remember my Dad picking bouquets for my mother as soon as they bloomed. She loved the fragrance and loved to have little vases here and there around the house. When we moved to Vermont in the early 50s I remember my Dad shoveled clumps into cardboard boxes and brought them along. They are probably still doing well up on Church Hill Road in Woodstock where we lived.

My point in writing about them today is to remind everyone that Lily of the Valley (Muguet de Bois), is in the top 5 list of poisonous plants in the east. They have beautiful little white or pink bells and wonderful fragrance, but they are poisonous and will cause spontaneous trouble leading to death. On top of that, they are on the invasive list in many states and over a short time will take over your gardens. People use them as a ground cover but I ask that you consider the less favorable attributes before planting them. Please. If you have children, think again about growing them.

Writing from Vermont Flower Farm where summer is welcomed but a few days of warmer weather would be nice. Come visit us at 2263 US 2, Marshfield Vermont. We are here 7 days a week through October.

George Africa

The Vermont Gardener

Spring Arrives Differently

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Spring arrives differently depending upon where you live. I always read the latest home and garden notes from the University of Connecticut's newsletter because Connecticut is just far enough from Vermont that it often lends encouragement that spring really is coming soon. Here's the URL for that blog.

 https://uconnladybug.wordpress.com/2019/04/20/yellows-of-spring-and-a-few-other-colors

This has been a terrible winter in Vermont, unless I suppose, you like outdoor winter sports. The snow totals this winter were exceptional and even after fours days of warm weather and heavy rains, our highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield, still has over 100 inches of snow at the top. As I write, many places in Vermont are flooded as Lake Champlain surpassed it's 100 foot flood stage yesterday and the main rivers that flow into it including Otter Creek, the Winooski River, the Lamoille River and the Missisquoi have flooded roads, homes and businesses in many locations. Emergency management folks and insurance adjusters will be busy for some time. 

Just the same, better weather is coming and the spring ephemerals will make us feel happier. The Connecticut Home and Garden Newsletter mentions some flowers and shrubs that are flowering down there but it will be a month in some parts of Vermont before we see the same colors. Across the Winooski River at our flower farm, there are 4 feet of snow on the ground and the river itself is less than  1.5 feet from coming over the banks. Down the road from us only a half mile, the fields have been flooded for two days. The fields have become waterfowl habitat which represents the fun part of watching those floods. All sorts of ducks, Canada geese, and Great Blue Heron are common. Two days ago I spotted a mature Balf Eagle fly by as I drove across the flat entering Plainfield from the west. I have never been that close to an eagle in Vermont.

Bloodroots, both single and double flowered are a favorite of mine. They are often found along the banks of rivers where soil tends to be moist and alluvial with a seasonal replenishment of organic material thanks to the high waters. They are one of many spring flowers that will show color in coming weeks. If you get a chance when this rain passes, get out and about and witness the beauty of spring. If you pass Vermont Flower Farm and the gates are open, stop by and say hello. We don't open until Mothers Day but we're happy to discuss flowers and answer questions any day.

Writing from the mountain above Peacham Pond where the fog is forming and the temperatures are decreasing. Be well and Happy Easter!

George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens
2263 US 2
Marshfield VT 05658

I write regularly on Facebook as George Africa and also on a Like Page, Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens. I write monthly on some aspect of gardening for The North Star Monthly and follow gardening media from around the world. If you have questions, write me at vermontflowerfarm@outlook.com or call at 1-802-426-3505.

Impatiens Downy Mildew

Friday, March 29, 2019

During the past year and especially last spring when gardeners were thinking about what annuals they usually grow or purchase for their gardens, I mentioned that progress was being made with Impatiens Downy Mildew which in previous years knocked out impatiens in much of the East Coast but also in many points worldwide. I mentioned how the plant industry was recommending many other plants as substitutes which like impatiens could tolerate some shade. New Guinea Impatiens were recommended as were various seed begonias and coleus.

I am offering this research update because I don't want to leave folks thinking that the problems are gone and impatiens purchases will be completely fine this year. Obviously, there is a wide chain of seed and there is always the possibility that seed that grew plants that were susceptible to IDM is still out there and might be used. 

This article from one of Ball Seed's publications says that things are looking better in the research arena but final research and testing, eventual seed production, growing and testing, are still required. I was interested to see mentioned that the disease was in the soil for a long time but only in very recent years did it begin to multiply. I will never be a scientist but I do know that half a degree in temperature change has taught me how quickly new insects make their way to Vermont and invasive plants or plants we never before saw as invasive are suddenly overtaking areas where we previously planted them intentionally after purchasing them from dependable nurseries and greenhouses we had used for years. 

Check out the news release and keep a good eye on all your plants!

https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=23505

George Africa

The Vermont Gardener