Window Dressing

Window boxes or container gardens are not like planting a landscape. Think of it like growing a crop - maximum impact within a very short season. The best examples of these petite flower arrangements are those that receive constant care and nurturing. While you may have some difficulty with certain exposed conditions, i.e., wind, salt, and dry, you cannot forgo the maintenance. If you really want a splash of color and vibrancy, clipping, snipping and attention should not be limited to whenever you get to it. However, here are a few tips to assist with a low-maintenance regime.

1) Use a fertilizer like fish emulsion with every other watering.

2) In very dry conditions, add a small amount of Terra-Sorb or an equivalent product that is a moisture retentive polymer gel. Follow the directions and only use what is necessary.

3) If it is extremely dry and an exposed, windy location, avoid plants that are tall to prevent breakage.

4) For a bulletproof plant list, you can also check into what is used on green roof systems as these locations are also exposed to difficult conditions. http://www.greenroofplants.com/ recommends sedums, which is a perfect solution for exposed window boxes.

Here are some hardy annuals and perennials for challenging conditions or limited resources. The list can go on but just to get you headed in the right direction.

Sedums (see link above but there are many varieties to choose from)
Hens and Chickens
Snapdragons
Succulents (offer green/blue tones)
Marigolds
Salvia
Geraniums
Wax Begonias
Ice Plant
Portulaca (Annie’s Favorite Annual)
Ornamental grasses (Blue Fescue, Blue Oat Grass, Dwarf Fountain Grass)
Ornamental Peppers
Mint
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage

All of these require minimum water, can handle full sun, wind and salt exposure and still provide a varied arrangement of color if done correctly. Shop your local nurseries and pick your plants wisely. Use a little imagination and by all means, do not be afraid to fail. Of course, there are always plastic flowers if you just can’t get it to click.

Today’s post ends with a bit of inspirational wisdom from Gertrude Jekyll, the famous English horticulturist, designer, writer and artist. “There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, that cannot be tamed into such a state as may give an impression of beauty and delight.” Thanks to Brenda for her question. Hope this helps everyone with those pesky window dressings. If you need additional ideas, always feel free to post your comments and questions. Enjoy the day! Annie

An early planting of Succulents (These can be overwintered)
Photo by Greg Bilowz

Tuesdays with Annie 05 04 10

Langston Hughes expresses my sentiment on this beautiful spring morning. "I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face." Everything is in bloom along with all the pollen. The best remedy for allergies is to just get outdoors and enjoy it. And while you are planning your calendar for the next couple of weekends, let’s make a rundown of some happening events. Yesterday’s blog offered a great option to explore a specialty nursery for the next two weekends but let’s hope you can squeeze in Greg’s two-day course at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, RI.

‘Creating Your Own Oasis’ gives you hands-on experience with designing your own private space. You can find all the details at http://www.blithewold.org/event/show/77 where you can register for this two-day class on Saturday, May 15, 2:00 - 4:00 pm & Monday, May 17, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. For all my regular blog readers, this is a great opportunity to take all the things you enjoy about ‘Annie’s Gardening Corner’ and tie it in with the guy who provides me with most of my technical expertise, Greg Bilowz. Enjoy a beautiful arboretum while learning the how-to’s of applying design principles to your own garden in a fun and interactive environment. If you live a distance, plan on making a three-day weekend experience: you can attend the lecture and explore the phenomenal wineries, coastline and nurseries in this area. At the very least, make Blithewold a destination. It’s a real botanical treat and a must-see for garden lovers. W. Earl Hall expresses it best for our inspirational thought. "Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." Hope to see you at Blithewold in May.

An early morning image taken by Greg Bilowz of Hellebores in our garden

Monday Morning Brain Teasers 05 03 10

Due to the high humidity, our brains may not be functioning up to snuff. The hot weather is too fast, too soon so it’s a miss today on the Monday morning brain teasers. Let’s go back to last summer’s July 27th, 2009 blog; it may have been just as hot. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2009/07/how-to-expand-your-plant-palette.html Mentioned in this post was a favorite shade perennial, Epimediums as well as a local specialty grower that propagated and sold the most extensive collection in the United States. Situated outside the center of Hubbardston, MA is Garden Vision Epimediums run by Karen Probst. Two weekends in the spring, this little gem of a nursery, which is strictly mail-order throughout the year, has open nursery weekends. If you live within a 100-mile radius of this small town, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see first-hand the extensive collection of Epimediums in bloom. Make no excuses. This is the last year for this event to be held and while many of the plants are for sale, you should call ahead for any special varieties. We are fortunate to have accumulated a collection of Epimediums from Garden Vision over the years. It’s one of the spring highlights in our shade garden.

Plant enthusiasts are always looking for the unusual. If you want to become enthusiastic about Epimediums, experience them firsthand. Visit Garden Vision and catch them in bloom. Terri Guillemets states it best. “If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.”

Epimedium Photo taken by Greg Bilowz

For additional photos of Epimediums taken in our garden, you can visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bilowz-Associates-Inc-Our-Blog-Annies-Gardening-Corner/325316334444 and become a fan.

Here’s the skinny for Garden Vision Epimediums Open House Nursery Weekends:

Fri- Sun. May 7-9; 10AM-4PM
Fri- Sun. May 14-16; 10AM -4PM
Located at 63 Williamsville Rd, Hubbardston, MA
Website – home.earthlink.net/~darrellpro
Phone – (978) 249-3863