Showing posts with label in the garden now. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in the garden now. Show all posts

In the Garden Now: Indian Plum

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Indian Plum
Bird Cherry or Oso Berry

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

When I first learned that the common name for this shrub or small tree was “Indian Plum” it brought a touch of excitement and wonder about the plant to me. I’ve always been interested in plants associated with our Northwest Native American cultures. When I researched this shrub I found that native peoples ate the fruit fresh, dried or cooked and found medicinal uses for various parts of the plant as well. The fruit resembles small dark cherries with large pits and remains bitter even when fully ripe. The fruit is eaten by birds, squirrels, coyotes, deer as well as bear. The name ‘Oso’ which is Spanish for ‘Bear’ was assigned to the plant by Spanish priests and explorers who noted that bear were eating the berries in the wild.

In late winter and early spring fragrant white flower clusters decorate the plants. They appear at about the same time as upright lime green leaves. The leaves smell a bit like cucumber when crushed. Over time plants reach about 8 feet tall and are fairly upright in their growth pattern so they’re easy to tuck into a garden bed. This plant is seldom bothered by insects or disease. Once established it is quite drought tolerant and holds its own with natural rainfall alone even in the dry shade beneath Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar trees.

Hummingbirds and insects are frequently seen visiting the flowers of Indian Plum in search of nectar. This year in my garden the first Indian Plum flowered in mid to late January and the last has just about finished.

This early blooming native is an easy to grow plant that could be the perfect addition to your shady woodland garden or to a pot in a shady area. Just remember to place the plant where you will be able to see it in the cool months of later winter. Add an elegant touch of light to your garden with this lovely native shrub.

(Botanical Name:  Oemleria cerasiformis )

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In the Garden Now: Wanda Wanda is my name...

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Wanda English Primrose

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Wanda the English Primrose is back! She's been welcoming spring in our garden for over 20 years. She was a "pass along plant" from a gardening neighbor all those years ago. When I see Wanda in the garden I think of my neighbor Mary who was such a generous and inspirational gardener.

If you are of a certain age you might remember Wunda Wunda, an early children’s television series that aired in Seattle between 1953 and 1972. Wunda Wunda's closing theme song for each show went like this:

“Wunda Wunda is my name.
Oh boys and girls, I'm glad you came.
We'll have fun and we'll play games.
Won't you come again?”


Each spring when I see Wanda the Primrose in the garden this theme song flashes through my head! Call me crazy but I can’t separate the two! Just another example of how gardening has infiltrated my thinking at every level. And I am glad that Wanda the English Primrose does come again each year!

Besides her association with a catchy tune, Wanda has many endearing qualities in the garden. She is an easy going, reliably perennial, plant who makes a bright and pretty addition to the garden. Wanda is able to mix it up with her garden cohorts but could never be called aggressive. She’s a real team player!

The Wanda strain of primroses has been around for a long time and has always been popular. Wanda produces rich magenta purple flowers with yellow centers over a long bloom season. The attractive foliage has a bronze cast to it. Plants are low growing, typically no more than five or six inches high. They grow well under shrubs and taller perennials at the front of the border. I’ve included them in pots as well since they offer a hit of color at what can be a rainy grey time of year and are usually evergreen in our gardens.

Wanda may be in bloom anytime from December through late spring depending on the weather. I’ve even seen her push through the snow to show those intensely colored flowers. That’s a welcome surprise on a snowy day!

You probably won’t experience the “Wunda Wunda” phenomena that I do when you see this plant in bloom in your garden so why not give it a go? It’s an easy to grow beauty that will not disappoint and in a few years you could have a plant or two to “pass along!”

(Botanical Name: Primula Wanda)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years. 



Read more...

In The Garden Now ... Zig Zag Contorted Camellia ... Dragon in the Clouds Camellia

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Camillia Unryu closeup

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

If you like something a little different you might like growing this special camellia in a container or a garden bed. Camellia ‘Unryu’ originated in Japan and its Japanese name means “Dragon in the Clouds” suggesting the twisting of a dragon as it climbs to the sky. I love the name and the distinctive growth pattern of this small shrub!

This is an unusual camellia variety because the plant has such a twisted or contorted growth pattern. Branches make a zig zag pattern of crisscrossing branches from top to bottom. This is an upright small to medium size camellia growing to a linear 6 feet tall. Many camellia varieties are notorious for becoming great hulking masses that are not very attractive for much of the year. Because of its smaller size and unusual branching pattern this plant can become a focal point in the garden rather than a problem plant.

A Dragon in the Clouds
 

I really do like red flowers and there are quite a few red camellias out there. In fact you might have read the article about the Yuletide Camellia that I wrote in December. This one is a little different…. with nodding rose red flowers, a contorted shape and a later bloom time.

I’ve been growing my Zig Zag Camellia in a container perched on a stump in a shady garden area for about five years now. The plant is about four feet tall and has some side branches to four feet wide but still has a very open growth pattern.

It took several years for my plant to get settled. The first three or four years it just sort of sat there looking okay but not wonderful. A few flowers were produced each year, but nothing spectacular. Last year only two flowers opened. The buds were hit by an early frost the previous fall and were lost or damaged. This year there are 15 open flowers on my plant at this time with at least 15 more to come. This makes me happy!

Zig Zag Camillia
 
This single shrub planted in a pot near your front door could brighten your world year round. Even when it’s not sporting its striking bell shaped red flowers, the deep green leaves and the distinctive silhouette are eye catching. How about a “Climbing Dragon” for your garden?

(Botanical Name: Camellia japonica ‘Unryu’ )

~~~
Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In the Garden Now: Gold Dust Plant

Monday, February 1, 2016



Gold Dust Plant, Japanese Aucuba, Spotted Laurel or Variegated Aucuba
Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Japanese Aucuba makes a statement in the garden. With those gold spotted leaves it’s got to be saying “Don’t miss me!” The dark green shiny foliage of this plant looks like it’s been spattered with yellow paint from a loaded brush. Years ago when I saw my first Aucuba ‘Variegata’ I thought that it must be exotic and hard to grow. It looked like it belonged in a distant jungle. Boy was I wrong!

In our area this is an easy to grow shrub. It likes full to part shade and regular water while it’s getting established but is quite drought tolerant once it’s been growing in a good spot in the garden for a few years. I like the fact that Aucuba will grow just about anywhere in the shade including tucked under larger shrubs and tall evergreen trees. It even competes well with tree roots. The colorful foliage adds light and texture to the garden year round and is especially welcome on dull winter days.

Picturata

I’ve planted both the species and a named variety called ‘Picturata’ in my garden. ‘Picturata’ sports a gold patch down the center of spotted leaves. Like many variegated plants, this variety is “not stable” which means it could lose its special variegation and revert to the species. For a few years ‘Picturata’ maintained its unique variegated pattern. Eventually a few branches and leaves began to revert to just spotted leaves with no gold patch. If the gardener is diligent and acts when the species leaves and branches appear they can be removed to stem the tide of reversion. I got distracted and did not do this so my ‘Picturata’ has lost almost all of its gold patches on the leaves.

Picturata reverting to species

You can see the resulting plant in my photo. There are a few ‘Picturata’ leaves towards the base of the plant. The rest of the plant has reverted to the species. I still like the plant and it’s a good example of the reversion of a variegated plant so it’s welcome in the shady south border of my garden where it adds color throughout the year.

Aucuba shrubs are slow growing and typically reach 6 feet high and wide over time. They may be pruned to keep them more compact. They’ve been a healthy addition to my garden with little or no maintenance. If they are grown in too much sun the leaves may scorch and burn, so look for a shady spot for this fine shrub!

Aucuba can be grown in a garden bed, as an evergreen tub plant or even as a houseplant if you’re so inclined. Consider a place for one in your world!

Botanical Name:  Aucuba ‘Variegata’

Note: All parts of Aucuba plants are poisonous if eaten so plant away from children and pet play areas. Explain to your children when they can understand that this plant is to look at not to eat. If you would like more information about plant toxicity check out the Washington Poison Center website.

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden design company specializing in redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens for over 20 years.


Read more...

In The Garden Now … Christmas Camellia

Friday, December 25, 2015

‘Yuletide’ Camellia
Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Here’s a plant that screams “Holiday Season!”  It flowers in November and December just in time for holiday decorating and gift giving. The bright red single flowers coordinate perfectly with the red and green holiday color scheme seen everywhere this time of year. And the name Yuletide certainly makes the connection.

‘Yuletide Camellia’ produces a plethora of small, single, bright red flowers with gold centers on a dense, compact upright shrub in late fall or early winter. The plant is hardy in Northwest Gardens but flowers are sometimes damaged by winter frost. Grow in a somewhat sheltered location if possible. More flowers will be produced if the plant has a sunny place in the garden during the summer months. Yuletide, like most Sasanqua Camellia, tolerates sun and can actually thrive in full sun with the proper soil and enough water. Camellias like acid soil and growing conditions similar to that of azaleas and rhododendrons.

‘Pink-a-Boo’ Camellia

If the intense red blossoms of Yuletide are too harsh for your taste you just might enjoy ‘Pink-a-Boo’ -- a newer variety that is essentially a pink Yuletide. While Yuletide is somewhat fragrant, Pink-a-Boo is very fragrant … a bonus that can truly be appreciated in the winter garden.

The other day, while standing between Yuletide and Pink-a-Boo Camellias, I was buzzed by several very concerned hummingbirds. I think they thought I was after their nectar stash! I got out of their way and watched for quite a while as the tiny birds darted from flower to flower. The single flowers with such easy access to nectar were irresistible to the little guys!

Consider bringing a bit of Winter Cheer and a hummingbird or two into your garden with ‘Yuletide’ or ‘Pink-a-Boo’ Camellia!

Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ or Camellia x vernalis ‘Yuletide’ and Camellia sasanqua ‘Pink-a-Boo'.

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now … Heavenly Bamboo

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Sacred Bamboo

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

When people hear that the common name for this plant is ‘Heavenly Bamboo’ they sometimes shriek in horror, “Not bamboo!” Bamboo has a well-earned reputation as a thug in the garden. It’s been known to spread relentlessly and to be very difficult to eradicate. This is not that bamboo. This is Nandina domestica, a completely different, well-mannered shrub that just happens to have “Bamboo” in its common name because it resembles bamboo.

The Heavenly Bamboo pictured here is one I bought as a species plant many years ago so it’s not a named variety. It’s been growing in a large decorative pot in my garden for about 10 years. I’m sure it’s root bound, but it still looks healthy and produces white flowers in spring followed by red berries in fall and winter so it can stay there a bit longer. I hate to disturb a plant that’s doing well.

I’ve found that some plants actually flower and berry better if they’re under a certain amount of stress such as minimal water or being root bound. I think it may be true in this case.

This evergreen shrub is about 5 feet high and 4 feet wide. Grown directly in the ground it would probably grow larger. On this and most other nandina varieties, new foliage is a shade of red or orange, turning to green later in spring and summer. Foliage changes from green to shades of red as the weather cools in fall. A sunnier spot in the garden usually means more colorful foliage.

There are many varieties of heavenly bamboo available for northwest gardens. They range in size from compact to large shrubs. Foliage color and growth habit differ among varieties. Some will survive colder temperatures than others. Check out the details before you make a choice.

Why not bring a bit of heaven into your life with the addition of Heavenly Bamboo to your garden?

(Botanical Name: Nandina domestica)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now …. Japanese Fatsia

Monday, November 30, 2015

Japanese Aralia

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

You may not be headed for the warmth and sunshine of a tropical paradise this winter, but you could grow this exotic looking plant in your northwest garden. It really does look like an escapee from some equatorial jungle but, it is actually native to southern Japan and South Korea.

Japanese Fatsia sports shiny evergreen leaves. The leaves may measure 16 inches or more at their widest. In fall, showy clusters of white flowers appear above the foliage. Flowers are followed by black berries which are often eaten by the birds.

This plant makes a dramatic addition to the shade garden where it is usually happiest. If grown in too much sun or in windy conditions the foliage will burn or become damaged. Young plants require moisture to look their best. Once established, I’ve found that they are quite drought tolerant and even grow well under tall trees in full shade with little irrigation.

Large containers can provide a good home for Japanese Aralia. However, during a particularly cold winter roots might freeze and the plant could die. If room is available indoors they make good houseplants. You may see them used in commercial settings as potted plants in the courtyards and lobbies of large office buildings.

This time of year I’m thankful for anything that is flowering in my garden. It is a serious bonus when the flowers are large, showy, and followed by berries. Dramatic tropical looking evergreen foliage doesn’t hurt either. This one’s a winner!

(Botanical Name:  Fatsia japonica)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now…..A Very Small Crop

Tuesday, November 17, 2015


Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland
Photos taken in the Shoreline Garden of Kim and Diane Brumble


This is a really lovely garden vignette … no doubt about it! But take a close look at the upright plant growing towards the back of the container.  If you’ve ever grown a vegetable garden you just might recognize this one. Look familiar?  That’s right … It’s a corn plant!

This plant has been growing in such an ideal location that it has actually put on silks and produced a small ear of corn.  And besides that it looks great in the pot!



Homeowner Kim Brumble likes to feed the wildlife that visit his garden. Each morning he spreads a handful of grain on a rock across from the kitchen window so that he can enjoy the antics of his hungry visitors. It appears that last spring one of his little guests took it upon herself to stash a tasty kernel of corn in a nearby pot. Given a sunny spot in the garden, plenty of water, and an especially hot summer the kernel grew into a small but healthy corn plant! Who would have thought?

You never know what Mother Nature might bring your way! Be thankful for her many offerings.

Botanical Name:  Poaceae

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now …. Staghorn Sumac

Friday, November 6, 2015

Sumac Leaves and Seed Clusters or Drupes
Rhus typhina
Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland
Photos taken in the Lake Forest Park garden of Mark and Leanne Gallison

Staghorn Sumac is a rather exotic looking shrub or small tree. It looks like it might have emerged from some tropical forest. Not so! Staghorn Sumac is native to the Northeastern US and Canada.

This plant will grow just about anywhere and actually thrives in extreme heat and cold. It does need well drained soil and sun. I remember seeing sumac growing near the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Visitors Center at Vantage in eastern Washington when we stopped there on family road trips. While no other ornamental plants were in sight, the sumac was thriving in that extreme climate with minimal water.

Sumac seed head drupes velvet covered branches

The ‘Staghorn’ moniker comes from the branches of this shrub being covered with velvety brown or rust colored hairs resembling that found on deer antlers in fall and winter. The branching pattern also looks a little like the typical antler forking pattern. The overall silhouette of this Sumac is attractive against the winter sky as well with upright reddish brown ‘drupes’ or seed clusters poised at the end of branches like burnished candles.

Year round this is an interesting plant. It has large showy green leaves made up of up to 31 leaflets. It produces petite greenish flowers in late spring. In late summer reddish clusters of fuzzy fruit appear. The fruit often decorates the branches through winter and into spring. Fall color is spectacular in shades of red, orange and yellow.

Sumac Tree

This is a very fast growing deciduous shrub or small tree often reaching 10 feet high in 5 or 6 years. It often ‘suckers’ forming large clumps or sends rhizomes into neighboring garden beds where young plants pop up. It’s great for erosion control on sunny slopes. It’s not the best choice for the smaller garden. Where space is limited or where suckering needs to be controlled it can be grown in a large container such as a half wine barrel where it will stay put and grow more slowly. It’s worth considering if you like the unique look of this plant.

If you see a burst of fall color in the distance it might well be a Staghorn Sumac. Take a closer look! It’s a fun plant to enjoy in the neighborhood or safely contained in your own garden.

 (Botanical Name:  Rhus typhina)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now …. The Halloween Ghost Plant

Friday, October 30, 2015


Corokia, Wire-Netting Bush

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

What’s this? There seems to be something tangled up in one of my favorite plants …. Is it? Could it be? Yes! It’s The Halloween Witch perched in my favorite Corokia shrub.

Corokia is the one plant that always gets a reaction when visitors discover it in the garden. People either love it because it’s so bizarre looking with its tortured black branches or hate it because they think it looks like it’s dead or dying. I love this twisted little shrub!

In the garden

This odd fellow looks as if it was designed specifically for the Halloween season. Known as The Ghost Plant in its native New Zealand its black zig-zagging branches stand out against flickering green and grey leaves when blown by the wind. Tiny yellow star shaped scented flowers appear on skeletal black branches before fresh grey green paddle shaped leaves unfold in spring. Red berries follow the flowers although berries have been sparse in my NW garden. On a snowy winter day the contorted structure of this plant stands out against the snow.

In a pot in the garden

Because corokia requires good drainage it’s the perfect ‘container plant.’ Grown in heavy clay soil it’s likely to die … I’ve been growing one Corokia shrub in a series of ever larger pots for over 20 years. It’s been very happy with minimal attention as it migrated from place to place in my garden. For at least ten years the plant greeted visitors on my north side front porch. It moved to a sheltered patio a few years ago.

Close up
Even after all these years my potted corokia is less than seven feet tall. I’ve only nipped a branch here and there if it’s gotten out of hand. If space is tight Corokia can be pruned quite heavily to keep it more compact

Dare to be different … add a bit of the weird and wonderful to your garden. There’s really nothing tricky about growing this plant. Treat yourself to a bootiful Corokia shrub now and enjoy its unique presence throughout the year!

(Botanical Name: Cotoneaster corokia)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In the Garden Now: The Other Lantern

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Chinese Lantern

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Chinese Lantern, Ground Cherry

Mother Nature hit the Autumn Jackpot with this creation: pumpkin orange flowers in the shape of lanterns! Chinese Lanterns usually precede and always compliment that other garden lantern, Jack-o’-Lantern, splendidly! And what could better enhance the rich earthy color scheme that is fall?

These orange lanterns are not what you expect to find in a typical NW perennial flower bed. They look a lot like tomatillos to whom they are related.  The papery covering or calyxes start out green as they form in late summer over an orange fruit that develops from a small white flower. If left on the plant through winter the orange flower pods will skeletonize to form a lacy winter decoration.  
  
This unusual fall bloomer grows to about two feet high and tends to tilt especially if grown in a shadier garden. It needs some kind of support unless there are garden plants nearby that it can lean against. This is not a compact grower in any sense of the word so if you’re a tidy gardener and crave order in the garden this probably isn’t the plant for you. Cut flower stems dry beautifully with lanterns maintaining their intense orange color for months. 

Chinese Lantern Plant Skeletonizing Physalis alkek 

If the plant is “too happy” it can become invasive. For 20 years I grew it in a dry, part sun border near the street that got minimal attention. I have never had a problem with it spreading. An occasional rhizome would head out horizontally and pop up in an adjacent bed, but it was easily removed from my sandy loam. Grown under ideal conditions there could well be a problem.

Salute the autumn season! Add a sprinkling of orange to your garden with a clump or two of Chinese Lantern Plant contained in a pot or in a garden bed. If you don’t have room in the garden for your own plant you may find these fall favorites as cut flowers at farmer’s markets, florists or craft stores.  

Note:  Unripe berries and leaves of the Chinese lantern plant are poisonous if eaten, so plant away from children and pet play areas. Explain to your children when they can understand that the Chinese lantern plant is to look at not to eat.

If you would like more information about plant toxicity check out the Washington Poison Center website or call the office at 1-800-222-1222.

(Botanical Name:  Physalis alkekengi ) 

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years. 



Read more...

In The Garden Now …. Don’t Pick the Flowers!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Gladwin Iris or Coral Iris
Photo by Victoria Gilleland

By Victoria Gilleland

We usually think of iris as perennials with showy spring flowers that grow beautifully in sunny gardens and then they’re done. But, here’s an iris that goes beyond flowers to a stunning fall berry display.

Gladwin Iris puts on a spectacular fall color display if flowers produced by this evergreen plant are left in place. Come fall each flower will produce a large pod filled with orange red seeds. Spring blooming mauve colored flowers are interesting in a subtle reserved way, but the intense orange berries are fabulous in late summer. So, resist cutting them for arrangements! With its evergreen foliage, mauve flowers, and orange red berries, this is a true year round garden performer!

Gladwin Iris or Coral Iris - leaning in
Photo by Victoria Gilleland

The seed heads are stunning in the garden or in flower arrangements. Berry clusters are quite heavy so they sometimes lean into other plants in the garden and in flower arrangements. Once cut, seed heads dry and hold their bright orange color for many months.

This iris will grow almost anywhere and is drought tolerant once established. I’ve been growing trouble free Gladwin Iris in dry shade for years. Plants have sword-like evergreen leaves that are typically 18 – 24 inches long. Over time attractive evergreen clumps form. If seed heads are allowed to dry on the plant you’ll probably find iris babies in your garden. They are easily plucked for sharing.

Surprise your family and friends with an autumn show of orange berries by growing Gladwin Iris. Most people won’t have a clue that those berries are being produced by an unassuming little iris plant.

Botanical Name: Iris foetidissima

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years. vjgilleland@yahoo.com



Read more...

In The Garden Now …. ‘Red Heart’ Hibiscus

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Rose of Sharon Shrub

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

When you hear the name hibiscus you might first think of Hawaii and the beautiful leis that are created out of colorful tropical flowers. But there are fabulous hibiscus varieties that thrive in the Pacific Northwest … Hibiscus syriacus or Rose of Sharon is one of those. Rose of Sharon starts blooming in midsummer and continues until the last blossoms are taken by frost in fall.  This is a welcome bloom time since so few plants are in flower at this time of year.    

My favorite variety is ‘Red Heart’ which sports large white four inch trumpet shaped flowers with scarlet eyes. I particularly like the white flowers of this variety because they show up so well against green foliage in the garden as well as brightening the garden as it moves towards winter. If you prefer a different colored flower there are many other varieties available including those with purple, lavender, blue, pink or red flowers.  

Shrubs typically grow 8 - 10 feet high and 6 – 8 feet wide. The plant can be pruned to make it more tree like so that other plants can be grown more easily beneath it. ‘Red Heart’ has been growing in my garden for at least 20 years. It had gotten larger than I wanted so I cut it to the ground late last winter. It’s on its way back now and is already two and a half feet high. Next year it will probably grow another three feet and produce a bumper crop of flowers once again. 

In the Seattle area Rose of Sharon thrives in full sun to part shade. It produces plenty of flowers in either aspect. Be on the lookout for this gorgeous flowering shrub in your neighborhood. I bet there’s one in glorious bloom nearby! 

 Botanical Name:  Hibiscus syriacus ’Red Heart’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.  vjgilleland@yahoo.com



Read more...

In The Garden Now ... Going To Pot - for summer color, that is

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Adding a splash of color with some planted pots is a great way to brighten an area where you can’t or don’t want to plant a garden bed.

Container plantings are wonderful on decks, patios and porches as well as along sidewalks and paths and even within a planted garden area. Containers often elevate special plantings so that they are closer to eye level where they are more easily seen and enjoyed. 

I’m often asked to share my favorite container plant combinations. The truth is no two years are the same. I’m always experimenting with new plants, containers, and locations in the garden.

For the past several years I’ve enjoyed incorporating various begonia varieties in my container gardens so I guess I’d have to say they’re my favorites right now. Some have fabulous variegated and textured foliage that becomes more interesting as the season progresses. Many of the Rex Begonias make good houseplants through winter and can be returned to the outdoors when the weather warms in spring.  

My planted garden pots are sometimes featured alone but more often in groups of three or more along with a decorative item to make a cohesive design statement. The pots are often of different sizes, shapes and colors. Plants included are usually a mix of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees. Many plants are destined for other locations in the garden after a season or two growing in pots.

The planting above is actually made up of 6 different containers with different plants in each … Dragon Wing Pink Begonia, Variegated Swedish Ivy, Variegated Rex Begonia, Carex ‘Everillo’ a mounding grass, Golden Creeping Jenny, ‘Plum Crazy’ Oxalis, a dwarf hosta along with some miniature ferns. Japanese Forest Grass is peeking out of the pot on the left. 

Placement in the garden is very important because I depend on background plants, as well as hardscape items to compliment the design. The large tropical looking leaves above the Milk Can belong to a Japanese Aralia shrub which has been growing in the garden for years. The tumbled Pennsylvania Bluestone with moss growing between the stones along with the wood chip path add texture. The weathered red Milk Can made its way to our garden from an estate sale on Whidbey Island.  

Don’t be afraid to mix it up when you’re putting together a container garden. Combine a variety of plants with an interesting found object for a true garden surprise. Keep on having fun while you garden!

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now…..Echinacea ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’ Purple Cone Flower

Text and Photo by Victoria Gilleland

Many people take Echinacea as an herbal supplement. But did you know that Echinacea commonly called ‘Purple Cone Flower’ is a beautiful flowering perennial that produces large daisy-like flowers all summer? 

One of my favorite varieties is ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’ Coneflower. This perennial produces dozens of brilliantly colored rose-purple flowers with orange center cones. There are additional varieties in the ‘Pow Wow’ series but I’ve noticed that those with pink or purplish flowers do better and are more reliable as returning perennials than those with more other colors. Flowers attract bees and butterflies in summer. Let flowers go to seed at the end of summer for fall and winter food for our feathered friends. 

‘Wild Berry’ starts blooming early in the season and produces dozens of flowers throughout summer. It typically reaches 2 to 3 feet high and 1 to 1 ½ feet wide. Over time it will produce a larger clump.

In my shady LFP garden lots of flowers are produced in early summer with fewer later when the sun is blocked by tall evergreen trees. The blossoms are very showy and make good cut flowers fresh or dried. If you have limited flower bed space plant this purple cone flower in a large garden pot. It’s hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add a fabulous splash of vivid color to any sunny garden with ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry Coneflower!” 

Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In The Garden Now…..Pistachio Hydrangea

Monday, August 10, 2015

‘Pistachio’ Mophead Hydrangea

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

New hydrangea varieties arrive in the garden centers each year, but they’re not likely to top Hydrangea ‘Pistachio’ for bold flower color. In fact many people don’t recognize this plant as a hydrangea because of the unusual, ever-changing flower color. It’s very different from the old fashioned blue mophead hydrangeas grown in Grandma’s garden.  

Double flowers, 5 inches in diameter, open lime green and gradually develop raspberry centers with a small blue eye. Blossoms in an amazing assortment of colors are displayed on the plant all at the same time.  

This compact shrub typically matures at 3- 4 feet high x 4 feet wide and would prefer morning sun and some afternoon shade. If spent blossoms are removed, flowers will be produced well into fall.   Because it’s a smaller hydrangea, ‘Pistachio’ can be grown successfully in either containers or flower beds….just be sure it gets enough water.    

For a wallop of startling color in your garden try a little ‘Pistachio’… Hydrangea that is!

(Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Horwack’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.

See other articles in this series by clicking on In the Garden Now under the Features section on the main webpage.



Read more...

In The Garden Now …. Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Clematis: Queen of the Flowering Vines

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Clematis: Queen of The Flowering Vines … A perfect name for this truly stunning family of climbers. Clematis flowers come in an amazing array of colors including white, cream, red, blue, purple, pink and multicolored combinations of these colors.

The flowers are just as varied in size as they are in color ... and can be anywhere from less than an inch in diameter to six inches across. The vines climb anywhere from a few feet to 40 feet or more. There are clematis varieties available to bloom throughout the year. 

The deep purple flowers of Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ are a standout in the garden especially when grown along with another climbing clematis or climbing rose with contrasting flowers. In my photo this outstanding clematis is clambering up a large trellis along with Kiftsgate Rambling Rose. They put on quite an impressive show when they come into bloom at the same time each spring or early summer. An added bonus is a second round of blooms in late summer or fall. 

Clematis Etoile Violette is an easy to grow climber that is very forgiving in its cultural requirements. In my garden it blooms happily in part sun to shade and has been quite drought tolerant once established. Unlike most plants where the recommendation is to plant at the same level they were growing in their nursery pots, clematis flourish when planted several inches deeper. I typically plant mine two or three inches deeper and they've done very well. It is recommended that the roots be in shade. This clematis blooms on the current year’s growth so you can cut it back in spring and still have a bountiful flower show. 

Add some color to your garden with this long lived easy to grow climbing vine. Climb it on fences, trellises, lampposts and even through shrubs and trees. You won't be disappointed with the fabulous color added to your garden!

(Botanical Name: Clematis viticella ‘Etoile Violette’ )

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in The Northwest for over 20 years.

  

Read more...

In The Garden Now ….. Climbing Dortmund Rose

Friday, June 5, 2015

Rosa Dortmund


A Red, Red Rose…..

By Robert Burns

My love is like a red, red rose 
That's newly sprung in June: 
My love is like the melody 
That's sweetly played in tune.

How fair art thou, my bonnie lass, 
So deep in love am I; 
And I will love thee still, my dear, 
Till all the seas gang dry.

Till all the seas gang dry, my dear, 
And the rocks melt with the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear, 
While the sands of life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love. 
And fare thee weel awhile! 
And I will come again, my love, 
Though it were ten thousand mile.”


Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

From Opening Buds to Winter Rose Hips .... a year round performer

Whenever I see the first red rose of the season I think of my Scottish mother and her favorite poem, Robert Burn’s ode to “A Red, Red Rose.” I'm very fortunate to have discovered a red rose that I can grow beautifully in my shady garden! Dortmund is a gorgeous single seriously red rose with just one layer of ruffled petals that overlap each other.

For the past 20 years, this rose has done exceptionally well in a street side border. I originally planted it near the street to cover the stump of a Big Leaf Maple tree. The rose along with a Huckleberry Bush completely covers the stump in spite of the fact that growing conditions are not ideal and water has been hard to come by in the area. Because the rose is planted near the street and there aren't so many trees nearby, it enjoys several hours of morning sun which is a real plus. Although this is a “climbing rose,” I’m not growing it on an upright arch or trellis but spread parallel to the ground close to eye level. This promotes lots of spurs or upright canes on which flowers form and puts the flowers at the perfect level for viewing.

Rose hips in winter

We enjoy dozens of large red flowers for many weeks each summer. The first bloom time in spring or early summer brings on the most blossoms in our garden. An added bonus is lovely red rose hips that form at the end of summer to decorate the plant through winter. This is an easy to grow drought tolerant plant that provides garden color and interest for many months of the year.

If you're looking for color in the late spring and summer garden and might enjoy rose hips in winter watch for showy bright red Dortmund Climbing Rose! It’s a knockout!

Botanical Name: Rosa Dortmund

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...

In the Garden Now - Weigela

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Weigela ‘Polka’

Weigela ‘Polka’, ‘Variegata’,  ‘Rubidor’, ‘Wine and Roses’ and ‘Midnight Wine’

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

How can I possibly ignore a family of shrubs so beautiful and easy to grow in Northwest gardens?   Four of these gorgeous shrubs are blooming their hearts out in my garden this spring. Weigela are very easy to grow healthy deciduous flowering shrubs which come in a variety of sizes and in many different flower and leaf colors. They bloom most profusely when grown in full to part sun. If grown in shade they tend to have a looser growth habit and to produce fewer flowers.

These plants are a draw for wildlife. Hummingbirds and other pollinators spend a great deal of time at the brightly colored funnel shaped flowers of Weigela.

Weigela ‘Polka’ is a fairly compact variety with bright pink flowers and green leaves and typically reaches 4 x 4 feet.  I'm amazed at the number of flowers produced on this small shrub in my part shade garden.

Weigela ‘Variegata’

Weigela ‘Variegata’ nana has lovely irregularly variegated foliage with flowers that range from pink to white.  The shrub reaches 4 x 4 feet and stays more compact in sun.  The colorful foliage is great with the solid green of so many other shrubs and perennials. It’s a standout in the shade garden as well with or without flowers because of its lively variegated foliage.

Weigela 'Rubidor'

Weigela ‘Rubidor’ has golden yellow foliage and ruby red flowers and may reach 6 x 6 feet high and wide.  Even without its red flowers the foliage is spectacular and energizes the garden.  When the flowers are out in force this plant is stunning!  I prune ‘Rubidor’ heavily right after flowering to keep it a smaller shrub.  If you happen to look for this plant in a nursery you may find it named as Weigela ‘Rubidor’, Weigela ‘Briant Rubidor’ or as Weigela ‘Olympiad’……a good example of the ever changing names of plants.

Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’ and ‘Midnight Wine’

Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’ and ‘Midnight Wine’ have burgundy foliage and dark pink flowers. The foliage is more of a bronze or dark green in shade.  ‘Wine and Roses’ may reach 5 x 5 feet or more.  ‘Midnight Wine’ is a dwarf variety similar in color to ‘Wine and Roses’ and typically 2 x 2 feet that fits well in containers or smaller spaces.  

There are many other Weigela varieties available that would make fine additions to the garden.  All of them can be trimmed back right after flowering to keep them more compact.  Enjoy Weigela in local gardens now or plant one in your garden for a splash of spring flower color and colorful foliage throughout the growing season.

 (Botanical Name:  Weigela hybrids  )

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.   



Read more...

In The Garden Now….Snowballs In May

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Common Snowball Bush
Photo by Victoria Gilleland

By Victoria Gilleland

They're out there right now ... Snowballs hanging on the branches of shrubs all over the area! Of course they aren't really snowballs but they certainly look like them.
  
This showy shrub is a member of the viburnum family which includes dozens of plants that grow well in the Pacific Northwest. The snowball-like flower clusters are typically 2 to 2 1/2 inches across. Shrubs can reach anywhere from 8 to 14 feet high and wide. Branches tend to weep when the heavy flower clusters are in full bloom and particularly so when it rains.

If you didn't notice this year, watch next year to see the flowers of this shrub start out lime green and gradually turn to bright white. Another of Mother Nature’s clever tricks!

My Snowball Bush is near the street, growing under some tall Douglas fir trees. It only gets a few hours of morning sun, but that seems to be enough to produce plenty of blossoms. 

If pruned right after blooming, the Snowball Bush will have time to set buds for next year’s flowering. Flowers form on the previous year’s growth. 

You'll probably find one of these showy shrubs in your neighborhood. Take time to enjoy the unique flower show offered.

Botanical Name:  Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP