Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Technical Difficulties

Bruce is fine but due to technical difficulties with live shows at 105.1 Ed FM, the Open-Line Garden Show will be back in its regular time slot next week, December 22, 2012 from 8 am - 9 am.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

The Open-Line Garden WILL be back!

Due to a medical emergency, Bruce will not be on-air for the Open-Line Garden Show, Saturday, Dec 8, 2012

He will be back on the air, Saturday, December 15, 2012

The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation -- Book Review

 

The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation by Michael A. Dirr & Charles W. Heuser, Jr is a reference book for any student of Horticulture, Ecosystem Restoration or any avid home gardener.  As usual any reference book by or with Michael A. Dirr is a source of information that needs to be considered an accurate and to the point book on that aspect of horticulture. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation is no exception to that rule.
If your plant is to be propagated from seed, cuttings, grafting, budding, it is explained in The Reference of Woody Plant Propagation.  It also covers tissue culture.  This is not common practice except by professional laboratories.  This section  is good but if you are using the tissue culture method you will have and use many other sources for your references.  That being said The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation covers 1100 species, varieties and cultivars.
The section on Magnolia is a good indicator of the detail tho which this book is written.  It is just incredible.  A book worth it's cost even if you only use it twice!

New David Austin Roses for Spring 2013

Wollerton Old Hall (Ausblanket)
David Austin Roses 2013 USA Intro

 Wollerton Old Hall (Musk Hybrid)
‘Wollerton Old Hall’ is the most fragrant new variety and, indeed, one of the most fragrant of all English Roses. Its distinctive strong myrrh scent has a delicious citrus element. Plump buds, with attractive flashes of red, open to form beautiful chalice-shaped blooms of soft apricot, eventually paling to cream. It forms a particularly healthy and bushy shrub with few thorns. Position this rose where its fragrance can be appreciated. In areas where heat can be intense, position the bush out of afternoon sun. In warm areas, ‘Wollerton Old Hall’ can be expected to grow taller and may be better suited to use as a climber. Approximately 43 petals per flower. Grows to 5-ft tall x 3-ft wide or 8-ft as a climber. (David Austin 2011, Ausblanket). USDA Zones 5-9.
Naming notes: Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, not far from the David Austin Nursery, has one of the most beautiful private gardens in the UK. The gardens are set around a 16th Century house and feature roses in creative plant combinations, including many of Austin’s English Roses. Wollerton Old Hall is open to the public on selected days throughout the summer.

Lady Salisbury (Auscezed)
David Austin Roses USA 2013 Intro

Lady Salisbury (Old Rose Hybrid)
‘Lady Salisbury’ exhibits great Old Rose charm, with some of the character of the Alba Roses. Rich rose pink buds open to reveal pure pink flowers, which gradually become a softer shade as the flowers age. The blooms have an informal rosette shape. At first there is a button eye in the center but eventually a cluster of stamens is just visible in the middle. There is a light fragrance. ‘Lady Salisbury’ flowers with remarkable continuity from early summer on. The matte green leaves and bushy growth are very much in the style of the Old Roses. This rose, like many other English Roses, works wonderfully well when planted amongst the true Old Roses, having the very great advantage of a much longer flowering season. ‘Lady Salisbury’ would also be excellent in a mixed border with perennials. Approximately 70 petals per flower. Grows to 4-ft tall x 3-ft wide. (David Austin 2011, Auscezed). USDA zones 5-9.
Naming notes: Rosa ‘Lady Salisbury’ was named in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, UK, the home of Lady Salisbury. Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury, built the house in 1611. The gardens at Hatfield are very well known and loved, featuring a great many roses. The current Lady Salisbury is a passionate gardener and has planted the new rose in her West Garden.

Fighting Temeraire (Austrava)
David Austin Roses USA 2013 Intro

Fighting Temeraire (Leander Hybrid)
‘Fighting Temeraire’ is a very different English Rose. The fully open flowers are very large at 4” to 5" across, each with only 12 petals. The flowers are a rich apricot color with an area of yellow behind the stamens which later pales to a soft yellow-apricot. The tips of the buds are red, as is the young foliage. Its rounded shrub is particularly healthy and vigorous and blooms abundantly. Its many stems produce a mass of flowers held in large heads. The fragrance is medium to strong, very fruity with a strong element of lemon zest. This is a very good choice for a mixed border, where the rich color will create a focal point. In warmer areas, ‘Fighting Temeraire’ is expected to grow taller and so be more suited to growing as a climber. Awarded first prize for both fragrance and landscaping at the Barcelona Trials 2012. Approximately 12 petals per flower. Grows to 5-ft tall x 4-ft wide or up to 8-ft as a climber (David Austin 2011, Austrava). USDA zones 5-9.
Naming notes: ‘Fighting Temeraire’ is a painting from 1839 by the famous landscape painter, watercolorist and printmaker, JMW Turner. This rose was named for the Turner Contemporary Gallery on Margate’s seafront in Kent, UK.

England's Rose (Auslounge)
David Austin Roses: USA 2013 Intro

England’s Rose (Old Rose Hybrid)
‘England’s Rose’ is a particularly tough and reliable variety. Deep glowing pink flowers are held in large clusters, the outer petals eventually reflexing back to reveal an attractive button eye. The medium-sized blooms are produced almost continuously from early summer right through to the first frosts. This is a healthy, particularly rain-resistant rose. It will form an attractive, bushy shrub, ideal for a rose border or for mixing with perennials. The bush is expected to stay compact even in warmer areas. Its strong scent is a particularly fine Old Rose fragrance with a warm and spicy character. Approximately 42 petals per flower. Grows to 4-ft tall x 3-ft wide. (David Austin 2010, Auslounge). USDA zones 5-9.

The Lady's Blush (Ausoscar)
David Austin Roses 2013 USA Intro

The Lady’s Blush (Alba Hybrid)
‘The Lady’s Blush’ is a charming semi-double variety with delicate natural beauty. The flowers start as elegant pointed buds and develop into rounded cups in pure soft pink with a creamy white eye and often a white stripe. As with all semi-double roses, the central group of stamens is a very important feature. The stamens of ‘The Lady’s Blush’ are a beautiful soft yellow color with highlights of golden-yellow pollen. Where the stamens join the rose center, they have a prominent red ring. The overall impression is of freshness and grace. A strong healthy variety, it will grow into an attractive rounded bushy plant. The bush is expected to stay compact even in warmer areas. Approximately 16 petals per flower. Grows to 4-ft tall x 3-ft wide. (David Austin 2010, Ausoscar). USDA zones 5-9.
Naming notes: Named for the 125th anniversary of The Lady magazine, which is the oldest British weekly magazine for women. 

Queen Anne (Austruck)
David Austin Roses USA 2013 Intro

Queen Anne (Old Rose Hybrid)
‘Queen Anne’ is a rose of classic Old Rose beauty, but rather more in the direction of the Centifolias or Bourbons. The medium-sized flowers are pure rose pink, the outer petals only slightly paler than the central ones. In habit, ‘Queen Anne’ is quite upright and bushy, with few thorns. It could be used very effectively in beds where more formal roses are required. It will also look equally at home in more informal surroundings, whether planted with other roses or mixed in with perennials. ‘Queen Anne’ has a lovely fragrance laced with hints of pear drop that evolves to a most attractive, full-bodied Old Rose scent. Approximately 45 petals per flower. Grows to 3 ½- ft tall x 3-ft wide (David Austin 2011, Austruck). USDA zones 5-9.
Naming notes: The ‘Queen Anne’ rose was named to celebrate the tercentenary of Ascot Racecourse in the UK. The world’s most famous racecourse, it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711.

Paper Garden -- Book Review

   

Molly Peacock narrates the life of Mary Delany who in her old age created a whole new art form -- mixed media collage.  Full of gorgeous botanical pictures done by Delany you can see first hand the exquisite detail and minute attention to accuracy.  The pieces look like painting instead of cut paper.  Peacock also draws connections between her artistic journey and Delany's deftly weaving an interesting narrative about Delany's life and her flowers.
--
Daughter #1

What's Blooming in the Garden in October?

So what's blooming in the garden in October for Thanksgiving?

This hardy cyclamen is what Bruce calls a Volunteer.  It self-seeded itself beside the pool.  Bruce likes free plants.

This sunshine impatien is Mango.  I love the colour & it is still blooming!!

Another container plant that's blooming is the new fuschia.  This one is a day-neutral fuschia from PC Garden Centres.  Day-neutral meaning is does not depend on the length of day to bloom.  Has been blooming all of the summer!











Another day-neutral Fuschia from PC Garden Centres.  This one has been blooming all summer as well.

This is verbena & calibrachoa which was bought as a ready-made container.  It was ok this summer.  I prefer more colour!

I love this clematis.  It is planted in a container & are winter hardy if they are heeled into the garden before the ground freezes up.  They have bloomed most of the summer.

This echinacea is one of the sunrises.  Cannot remember the exact name.  Echinacea's are ok.

I do like this combination of plants against the south side of our house.  The snapdragons in the background are volunteers as well.  They are here when we bought the house, we got rid of them & have had them ever since.

Potentilla 'Spring Beauty Pink'

Lovely miniature rose.

Another part of the garden I really love.  The 7-8 foot side gate has variegated Hedera colchica growing over it. 

More hardy cyclamen, this time growing up between English ivy.

PC Zonal Geraniums in a container.

PC Hibiscus Tricolour with the twisted braided stem.  Has been blooming most of the summer & beautiful large blooms. 

Another view of the PC Hibiscus Tricolour. 

Suncatcher Pink Lemonade Petunia.  Bruce likes these.  The jury is still out for me.  I still think they look chloritic but they are growing on me.

Hardy Orange tree.  It has been in our backyard facing south for the past 23 years & is about 10-12 feet across and 12 feet tall.  Definitely not small.

The last of our tomatoes Golden Honey Bunch from PC Garden Centres.  Nice cherry tomatoes that when you have consistent moisture do not crack. 












--
Juleigh

President's Choice, Stokes Seeds Annual Vegetable Preview

Bruce was invited to the The President's Choice, Stokes Seeds Annual Vegetable Preview on August 23, 2012 along with other garden writers.  It was a really hard assignment, eating your way through the trial garden to help decide what would be the best vegetables for the PC Gigantico series of vegetable plants for next year.

 Here are some of the samples of the tomatoes & peppers grown by Stokes Seeds

Man Sentenced to 30 Days for Catching Rain Water on Own Property Enters Jail

Man Sentenced to 30 Days for Catching Rain Water on Own Property Enters Jail

Gary Harrington, the Oregon man convicted of collecting rainwater and snow runoff on his rural property surrendered Wednesday morning to begin serving his 30-day, jail sentence in Medford, Ore.

WHAT?????

Read more: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/man-sentenced-30-days-catching-rain-water-own-property-enters-jail

The Open-Line Garden Show WILL be back!

Due to technical difficulties experienced at 105.1 Ed FM, the Open-Line Garden Show will be back in its regular time slot next week, August 4, 2012 from 8 am - 9 am.

Illegal Front Yard Garden! -- Check Your Local Bylaws First!

Illegal Front Yard Garden: Canadian Couple's Kitchen Garden Targeted by Authorities

Take a look at Josée Landry and Michel Beauchamp's gorgeous front yard kitchen garden in Drummondville, Quebec. The cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchinis, beets, onions, and brussels sprouts and other vegetables grown by the couple helped Beauchamp lose 75 pounds, and Landry 25.

The only problem? It's illegal.

Read more:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/illegal-kitchen-garden_n_1687558.html

Check your local bylaws first!

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens is also on the Buffalo Garden Walk.  As I walked up the central walkway it took me back to a stormy February day at Kew Gardens with my future wife.  The house design is from the the same period, shape and style, whitewash and all.

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens Entrance

Looking from the Entrance back to the road

Buffalo Garden Walk Mini-Tour Weekend

Last weekend Bruce & Ken Brown went to Buffalo for a mini-tour of the Buffalo Garden Walk that takes place on the weekend of July 28-29, 2012.  Wow!! did they have a jam packed mini-tour, just like Bruce likes.  You have to drag him out of the garden but only for great food.

Julia Child Rose in the  Olmsted's Delaware Park Rose Garden

Here's were they went Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, the Erie Basin Marina Trial Gardens, Olmsted's Delaware Park Rose Garden and Japanese Garden--at the History Museum, National Garden Festival's Front Yard contest--Crowley Ave & a whirlwind mini-tour tour of the Buffalo Garden Walk.

Olmsted's Delaware Park Rose showing fountain

Stone Walkway in the Japanese Garden at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Museum

Islands in Japanese Garden at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Museum

Erie Basin Marina Trial Gardens

Erie Basin Marina Trial Gardens

Ball Seed Co. selections in Erie Basin Marina Trial Gardens

Ball selections in Erie Basin Marina Trial Gardens

 

 

 

Fiskars Cut+More Scissors

Fiskars is a global supplier of consumer products.  The company was started in 1649, so when I say I like reliable, dependable, practical and long lasting, I am not just talking about their tools, it is the company as well.  One of the many Fiskars tools that impress me is their new garden scissors.  There is no gardener in the world that would not find a practical use for the Cut+More Scissors.  First they come apart for easy cleaning and sharpening.  The single coated side of these scissor acts as a knife or a pointed awl.  Whether separate or assembled with its other half it has a twine cutter.  The coated blade is a knife on one side which at the handle end is serrated, the other side of the black side is a curved scissor blade, that when put together captures and cuts woodier stems.  These scissors also contain a wire cutter and tape cutter.  It also has the all important bottle opener for when I sit back with a Stella and admire my handy work.  Should you ever dull the stainless steel blades it comes with its own sharpener built into its black protective sheath.  The thought and design of the Fiskars Cut+More Scissors is indicative of why this company has been around so long and will continue to do so.

--
Bruce