A MONARCH AMONG BULBS

Standing an impressive 3 feet tall and wearing a crown of yellow and orange flowers, Fritallaria imperialis, or crown imperial, nobly rules the April garden for 2 weeks.

Named after the imperial gardens in Vienna, the Fritallaria may not be a  favorite when it comes to fragrance -it smells like overly ripe garlic.  P-yew!  But the rodents, deer and rabbits don't like it and I think it's majestic beauty more than makes up for its stinky smell.  Actually its the bulb itself that smells and once planted I haven't detected an obnoxious odor.

It now comes in a stunning red but thus far I haven't seen any at the garden center so I may have to order them on-line.  The bulbs are not cheap-fetching $8 and $9 each but they are reliably hardy.

Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved

BIXBY'S IN BLOOM

I love this azalea which is blooming in my garden now.  Not only is it's color unique, but it is so low to the ground it appears to be a groundcover.

This hardy azalea was developed by renown hybridizer Peter J. Mezzitt, he of the PJM fame and one of America's greatest.  It is a cross between the Korean 'poukhanense ' and another variety.






Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved

AN AZALEA FOR CHICAGO

Rhododendron 'poukhanense '

A lot of Chicago gardeners have given up trying to grow rhododendrons and azaleas in their gardens because the winters here are harsh and many, especially  the elepidote,  or large leafed type, don't fare well.

That's why I introduce the Korean azalea 'poukhanense ' to potential buyers.  Not only does it survive, but its waterfall-like habit is unique and the flowers are  pale lilac, large and tubular.  It  is an ideal specimen for a  woodland or Asian-themed garden.   This hardy azalea is named for the Poukhan mountain area in Korea where it grows without any assistance from mankind.

The Korean azalea gets quite large -3 to 4 feet round and tall but now comes in a compact size for smaller gardens.  It's bloom time is also ideal as it follows the early blooming PJM and Olga Mezzitt .


 

Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved

IT HAD TO BE YEW, WONDERFUL YEW

Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved

Taxus media 'densiforma '

The poor, much-maligned yew. Does my love and defense of them come from being the "underdog " or middle child? 

 The general public's dislike of yews no doubt comes from the overgrown, untended foundation shrubs that dot so many landscapes.  When I recommend them to shoppers at the garden center they turn up their noses and most say they'd just finished ripping some out.

I've found that when customers see the yews with their fresh, minty-lime color growth in the Spring they can't recognize it .  And then I tell them that if they let them grow to their full potential  ( 4 ' tall x 6' wide ) they need very little maintenance and look very natural.  

I attended a lecture by renown garden designer John Brookes in which he said that Americans don't use the Yew enough in their gardens, and don't seem to know how to.  Who said that yews have to be lined up like soldiers ?  I saw a lot of designers roll their eyes in disdain but I smiled in agreement. 

In winter its lush, deep green brightens the bleakness, and each Spring I marvel as it dons its chartreuse coat that dazzles the eye and delights the heart.

GARDEN BLOGGERS' MUSE DAY

Playing with Paintbrush

Can't believe I created this with a mouse!

You must wake and call me early Mother dear

Tomorrow will be the happiest time of the year, of all the glad new year

Of all the glad new year, Mother, the maddest, merriest day

For I'm to be the Queen o' the May, Mother,

I'm to be the Queen o' the May

-Alfred Lord Tennyson

And in honor of her Majesty's birthday she has selected the King of the May, born on the very same day, to honor her with his beautiful new song.  Happy Birthday to me and to King Tim :-)  Happy Muse Day and Happy May Day.