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…..Enkianthus

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

‘Red Bells’ Enkianthus

 Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

I can't help but think my Enkianthus is showing off this year! 

It's produced way more flowers than usual. 

There are hundreds and hundreds of these creamy bell shaped flowers with intense red veins. So beautiful!

This gorgeous spring blooming shrub is native to Japan. 

It likes our acidic soils and essentially the same growing conditions as rhododendrons and azaleas. 

A slow grower, it can be trained into an upright small tree.

The red striped flowers are spectacular in spring while fall color is impressive even in a fair amount of shade. Autumn leaves turn an intense red, deep orange and/or a rich yellow depending on temperatures and sun exposure.

Enkianthus foliage


If you’re looking for a good container plant Enkianthus could be the one. Mine flourished in a midsize pot for several years while I developed the area in which it would eventually take up residence.

Enkianthus is one of those old fashioned garden plants I wouldn’t be without. You might enjoy one in your garden!

(Botanical Name: Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Red Bells’)

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 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com)




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In The Garden Now…..Vanilla Leaf

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Deer’s Foot or Sweet After Death 



Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Vanilla Leaf is a strikingly elegant Northwest native plant that is at its best right now. Its white bottle brush flowers are held above large showy leaves. A stunning addition to the shade garden!

The Sweet After Death common name for the plant refers to the fact that when leaves are dried and crushed ‘dead’ they smell like vanilla. Some Northwest native tribes as well as European settlers hung vanilla leaf sachets to give their homes a sweet fresh scent. The folded leaf somewhat resembles a Deer’s Foot (or hoof) so that nickname is a little more predictable.

Vanilla Leaf is native to woodland areas from British Columbia to Northern California.

It produces dainty white bottle brush flowers that stand above fan shaped leaves in spring. Plants typically reach 12-18 inches high and spread as a tall groundcover over time. They are typically found growing in soils rich in organic material shed to the forest floor.

Some of my gardening friends have said that this plant is very difficult to grow successfully in a home garden bed. I have not tried that. My plant has been in a pot for about four years and was planted in a mix of potting soil with woodchips added to lighten the mix. It’s in full shade.

It has been under planted with groundcovers and ferns over the years so it has proven it can succeed with root competition. It sailed through our recent cold snowy winter and was one of the first plants to break ground when it started to warm. In fact it has flourished since the day I planted it!

When I first saw this plant I loved the foliage. I wanted to grow it in a pot so that the foliage would be closer to eye level. I didn’t know that it might be difficult to grow in a home garden. I didn’t know it would do well in a pot. I was just plain lucky that it liked growing in that container, with the soil I mixed, in that location, in my garden. It was a happy accident!

Gardening is made up of lots of happy accidents, trial and error, good and bad luck. It’s a difficult world for those who relish predictability and lean towards perfectionism.

So based on my experience and what my fellow gardeners have said… if you were going to add a Vanilla Leaf plant to your garden I would recommend growing it in a good sized pot for a few years. 

Enjoy those beautiful leaves close up. I think your chances of success would be greater than planting directly in a garden bed. The plant can always be moved to an in ground location when you’re ready to relocate it and perhaps take a chance on its well-being!

The bottom line may be that we’ve found another great plant for the container garden. That’s a good thing!

(Botanical Name: Achlys tryphylla)

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 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com)



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In The Garden Now…..Mouse Plant

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Mouse Tail Plant

Text and Photos by Victoria Gilleland

The lowly mouse has a pretty unsavory reputation. But most people would admit that the little critters themselves are kind of cute.

Well here’s a chance to add a whole colony of mice to your garden that will never be pests! 

The flowers of the well behaved Mouse Plant look a lot like small mice…. long bare tail and all. 

They come up in early spring and fade away into dormancy by the end of August. 

This growth cycle makes them a good candidate for planting near Hardy Cyclamen which come up in late summer or early fall and go dormant in spring. 

Leaves of the Mouse Tail plant

Handsome, shiny, arrow shaped leaves emerge in late winter and are followed by maroon and white mouse-like flowers. You may actually have to get down on your knees to see the ‘mice’ that are tucked under the low growing leaves. It’s worth the effort to see these garden cuties!

Native to southern Europe, including Italy and Spain, this is a truly unique little plant that is part of the Arisarum family. Jack in the Pulpit is a larger cousin to this plant and one of the better known family members.

Mouse Plant flourishes in part sun to shade, is drought tolerant and easy to grow. How about adding a clump of these well behaved, easy care ‘pets’ to your gardening world?

(Botanical Name: Arisarum proboscideum)

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 25 years. ( vjgilleland@yahoo.com )



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In The Garden Now…..Three-Leaf Cardamine

Monday, April 15, 2019

Cardamine
Text and Photo 
by Victoria Gilleland 

This is one of my favorite European impThree-Leaf Cardamine is a dainty looking evergreen groundcover that flourishes in shade. 

Tiny white flowers dance above the foliage in spring and may bloom again in summer if plants have had ample summer water. 

As far as wildlife goes bees and other pollinators love this plant and deer tend to leave it alone. Woo Who! 

Plants typically form a neat circular clump about a foot across and six inches high. 

The white cup shaped flowers are held on wiry stems above the foliage. Cardamine grows happily in clay or sandy soils and is quite drought tolerant once established. 

A shady woodland garden is the perfect place to grow this little gem. If you could use a good looking easy care ground cover for that shady spot in the garden don’t pass this one up!

(Botanical Name: Cardamine trifolia)

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 25 years. ( vjgilleland@yahoo.com )



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In The Garden Now….. Go Native!

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Mahonia aquifolium Tall Oregon Grape


Text and Photo by Victoria Gilleland

When Tall Oregon Grape begins to bloom it’s early spring!

Clusters of intense yellow flowers surrounded by glossy green leaves illuminate the garden. 

The fragrant flowers attract pollinators and are followed by dark blue or sometimes red berries that some of our wildlife friends enjoy.

Since 1899 Oregon Grape has been the official state flower of the state of Oregon. 

What an appropriate honor for a wonderful native plant!

Tall Oregon Grape is an easy to grow evergreen shrub that is good looking year round, disease resistant and will grow just about anywhere on the west side of the Cascade Mountains. Minimal water is required to keep plants healthy.

Plants are upright and often grow to 6 feet or more. Colonies form with spreading underground stems so they can be useful for stabilizing sloping terrain. Height and shape are easily controlled with pruning right after bloom time. Although the foliage resembles English Holly it is softer and not nearly so stiff and prickly.

Ever the resourceful homemaker, my sister-in-law collected the tart Oregon grape berries and turned them into jelly for the family to enjoy. This is just one of the many ways she used the food resources offered by the Oregon forests she loved and explored with my brother.

For garden success “Go Native!” Tall Oregon Grape is evergreen, blooms reliably, produces edible berries, supports wildlife, and is not fussy about location or sun exposure. It’s okay with drought and fits right into a mixed garden border. What’s not to like?

(Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium )

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 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com) 




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In The Garden Now…..Pink Ice and Cream Primroses

Monday, April 8, 2019

Belarina Double Primroses
Text and Photo 
by Victoria Gilleland 

What could be more elegant and delicate looking than these gorgeous primroses? 

It’s hard to believe that they were subjected to frigid temperatures and buried in 18 inches of snow a few short weeks ago.

These are some very hardy, resilient little plants. Just goes to show once again that looks can be deceiving.

Pink Ice blossoms start out blush white and transition into shades of pink. 

Both Pink Ice and Cream produce long lasting double flowers that are sweetly fragrant and displayed over crinkly bright green foliage.

They bloom heavily from early to late spring.

The plants pictured here have been growing along a shady path in my woodland garden for the last five years or so. They’ve been beautiful, dependable, trouble free plants from day one.

They don’t seem to mind cold winters, hot dry summers, or being trampled on by small children and dogs. They have been disease free and untouched by garden pests including deer and rabbits. They’ve even been divided and moved around the garden from time to time with no ill effect.

Add a little ‘Spring Bling’ to your garden with these showy Belarina Primroses!

(Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris Belarina Pink Ice & Cream)

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 25 years. ( vjgilleland@yahoo.com )



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In The Garden Now…..Spike Winter Hazel

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Winter Hazel
Text and photos 
by Victoria Gilleland

Spike Winter Hazel is a member of the witch hazel family and is native to Japan and China.

It produces bright clear yellow fragrant flowers in later winter or early spring around the time many popular witch hazel varieties have just finished blooming. 

Flowers are born in pendant clusters before bluish green pleated leaves appear. 

Leaves turn bright yellow in fall.

This shrub can be grown in full to part sun. In full sun it will stay more compact. 

My Spike Winter Hazel is growing in part sun and reaches 8’ x 8’ regularly. 

Right after bloom I “Renewal Prune” my plant by chopping it to the ground when it overreaches the space I’ve allotted it in the garden. It quickly grows back in an open vase shaped form and blooms the next year. 

Neighboring Spike Hazel
Our neighbor has a very old Spike Winter Hazel shrub that has not been pruned in many years.

This one reaches over our fence and into our garden. We’re okay with that since we get to enjoy those fragrant yellow flowers. 

That shrub is like a small tree and must be at least 14 feet tall and 16 feet wide. 

Like most shrubs and trees they’ll grow bigger and bigger given opportunity and the time.

For some early spring color and a bit of fragrance think about adding a Spike Winter Hazel to your garden.

Botanical Name: Corylopsis spicata

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 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com )


 

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In The Garden Now…..Red Hellebore ‘Ice N Roses’

Thursday, January 31, 2019

‘Ice N’ Roses Red’ Lenten Rose
Text and photo 
by Victoria Gilleland 

About this time of year we’re all starved for garden color. On a recent trip to Sky Nursery I discovered a wonderful display of blooming hellebores.

While many were quite beguiling, the one that beckoned to me was a dark maroon variety named ‘Red.’ 

This little beauty is said to be an unusually long bloomer, flowering from early winter into spring. 

Of course bloom time is dependent on weather and growing conditions in a particular garden.

‘Red’ holds forward facing or slightly up-tilted flowers on stems 12 to 16 inches tall. This is an improvement over many hellebores that have downward facing or nodding flowers that are difficult to see in the garden

Placement of hellebores in the garden is important. They bloom in the coldest months when we are least likely to be in the garden. So they won’t be missed, plants are often placed near paths and entries where people walk. Alternatively they might go into a container or garden bed that can easily be seen from a house window. The photo above was taken with the plant positioned against a large blue pot which provides a wonderful contrasting background for the dark blossoms.

Since our Northwest soils tend to be acidic and hellebores like neutral to alkaline soil it’s a good idea to apply garden lime yearly to keep hellebores happy and healthy. As with other hellebores, old and damaged leaves can be cut to keep plants looking neat and clean. They can be grown in shade to sun, are drought resistant, deer resistant and available for pollinators in the coldest months of the year.

All parts of the plant are poisonous so keep pets and children away from them.

Take a look around your place and see where you might find a spot for one of these winter charmers. If you aren’t a fan of red or maroon, hellebores are available in an array of colors including white, ivory, pink, purple, chartreuse and multi colored blossoms. There’s probably one that you would love to have in your garden!

(Botanical Name: Helleborus x glandorfensis The Helleborus Gold Collection Ice ‘N Roses Series “Red”)

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 25 years.


She can be reached at vjgilleland@yahoo.com



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In The Garden Now…..Nurse Log

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Arborist's Term : Nurse Log

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland


I rounded the corner and there she was
in repose.... a fallen tree, 
moss covered, 
home to insects and other creatures, 
red huckleberry just as nature planned. 

What a treasure!



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.




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In The Garden Now…..”Variety’s the spice of life…..”

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Vinca minor ‘Illumination’

Variegated Plants in the Winter Garden

“Variety’s the spice of life,

That gives it all its flavor.”

From ‘The Task
A poem by 
William Cowpers, 1785

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Aralia japonica ‘Camouflage
And so it is in the garden. We gardeners strive to have variety in our gardens and to make them interesting and inviting year round.

The addition of ‘ever colorful’ variegated plants is a sure fire way to spice up the interest level throughout the gardening year but especially in the winter months when ‘50 Shades of Grey’ pretty much describes our weather.

Variegated plants display color in veining, splashes, marbling and mottling.

Foliage may be combined shades of green, yellow, white or red and be subtle or bright.

Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’
Variegated plants can brighten dark corners, echo and pull together the colors of adjoining plants and provide light and texture where otherwise there would have been a mass of dull green.

Some of my favorite variegated plants currently growing in the garden are pictured and described here.

All could be grown in containers when young and in garden beds later. These plants are reliably evergreen through typical northwest winters.

Chamaecyparis obtusa
Aralia japonica ‘Camouflage: Variegated Japanese Aralia has stunning foliage with overlapping colors of yellow, lime and green and may reach 5’ to 8’. White blossoms appear in fall and often persist into winter.

Carex morrowii ‘Variegata’: Variegated Japanese Sedge. Adds movement and linear texture to the container.

Daphne odora ‘Maejima’: ‘Maejima’ Variegated Daphne. Fragrant white flowers adorn the plant in later winter to early spring. 

Plant it and leave it in place. Daphne often die when transplanted.

Many Daphne that I have moved to new locations in my garden have made an early exit to the compost bin.

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Saffron Spray’: This dwarf Hinoki Cypress sports Green foliage splashed with yellow. Mine has grown very slowly in a pot for the last four years and is currently about 2 ‘tall and wide.

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’: ‘Rainbow’ Leucothoe or Fetterbush provides colorful marbled foliage year round and drooping clusters of white flowers in spring. Plants may reach 5’ tall and wide over time.

Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’: ‘Little Heath’ is a Dwarf Variegated Lily of the Valley shrub. Pink buds open to fragrant white flowers in late winter or early spring.

Daphne odora ‘Maejima’
Vinca minor ‘Illumination’: This variegated green and gold spiller cascades over the edge of pots or may be used as a ground cover in shade to part shade gardens. Blue flowers provide stunning contrast to the foliage in spring.

Brighten the gloomiest of winter days with the simple addition of a few colorful evergreen variegated plants.

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.

She can be reached at vjgilleland@yahoo.com





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In the Garden Now…..Seeing Red

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Disanthus cercidifolius Red Bud Hazel

Japanese Maples, Burning Bush, Barberry, and Red Bud Hazel that is!

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

There are numerous trees and shrubs with amazing red foliage for us to enjoy in our Pacific Northwest Gardens. Here are a few easy to grow favorites that are looking particularly attractive right now.

Shaina Japanese Maple

The three Japanese Maples featured in this article sport varying shades of red throughout the growing season. Here they are in their Autumn Reds!

‘Shaina Japanese’ Maple is a dwarf tree with small red congested leaves. It grows very slowly eventually reaching 6-8 feet tall and wide. My ‘Shaina’ is 5’ high and 3’ wide after 8 years growing in my garden.

Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

‘Crimson Queen’ Japanese Maple may reach 10‘ high and wide. Mine is growing under Douglas Fir trees competing with roots for water and nutrition. It’s been in place for 5 years and is now about 4’ high and 5’ wide. I expect it to grow very slowly and stay more compact under these difficult growing conditions than might be expected otherwise.

Red Spider Japanese Maple

‘Red Spider’ Japanese Maple has reddish orange finely cut foliage that from a distance looks a lot like bamboo. Close up the individual leaves really do look like Red Spiders! The tree is described as ‘semi-dwarf and upright.’ My tree is a new addition to the garden and is currently growing in a large container. I would expect it to reach 10-12 feet or more in ten years.

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Three additional red foliage shrubs follow.

Crimson Pygmy Barberry is a deciduous compact prickly plant with small yellow flowers in spring and reddish foliage throughout the growing season. It may be 3’ by 3’ or larger over time.

Red Bud Hazel is a deciduous shrub with heart shaped leaves. One of its finest virtues is that it grows well in dry shade where it produces fabulous fall color. My plant has been growing under a western red cedar for the past 10 years and has stayed a compact 5’ by 5’ with very light pruning. Given more water and better growing conditions experts say it could reach 10’ by 10’ or larger. I’m very happy with my petite version!

Burning Bush

Compact Burning Bush starts spring with fresh new dark green leaves which turn rich red in fall. Give it a sunny spot and it’s very easy to grow. It’s often seen in commercial plantings. This is the ‘Compact’ variety, but it is not a small plant. Compact Burning Bush can easily reach 8’ by 8’. The species may be 15’ by 15’ or larger. Don’t be beguiled by that showy red fall color. These are fast growing large plants! An established plant may be pruned heavily to reduce size overall with no ill effect. But, before either is planted in the garden consider the ultimate size and space available.

I hope you’re seeing at least a little red as you enjoy our glorious fall!

(Note: Thanks to Leanne and Mark Gallison for letting me photograph the beautiful Burning Bush and Red Pygmy Barberry in their garden.)

Botanical Name:
Acer palmatum ‘Shaina Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum ‘Red Spider’ Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’ Japanese Maple
Berberis thunbergia ‘Red Pygmy’ Barberry
Disanthus cercidifolius Red Bud Hazel
Euonymus alata ‘Compacta’ Burning Bush

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage GardenDesigns, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years.



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In The Garden Now….. A Handful of Hydrangeas

Friday, September 14, 2018

‘Double Delight Star Gazer’

‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Double Delight Star Gazer’ and ‘Zorro’ 
‘Sweet Summer’ and ‘Plum Passion’ 

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Over the last several years I’ve been adding hydrangeas to our garden borders. These easy to grow summer bloomers come in an array of colors, sizes and types. Hydrangeas bloom from late spring through summer and often into fall.

The one thing that all hydrangeas need is ample water…… at least as they are becoming established. Once they’ve developed a substantial root system many thrive with little additional water.

Grouping hydrangeas in one area of the garden will make it easier to keep them watered in the hottest driest months. You could designate a certain bed or area of your garden as ‘Hydrangea Heaven’ so that watering tasks are consolidated. 

Many of these beauties will thrive in containers for years and usually stay smaller than if grown in a garden bed. Most like part sun to part shade although many will thrive in full sun given enough water.

Endless Summer
When it comes to predicted size for a particular hydrangea don’t be fooled when the tag or label suggests the shrub will be 4’ x 4’. Many hydrangeas will soon outgrow their “tagged” size. I have one hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’ which is supposed to be a compact 4’ x 4’. 

After 8 years mine is at least 6’ high by 10’ wide. It has been pruned annually but it always ends up a large shrub! The blossoms are plentiful and gorgeous so it stays in the garden although I’ve had to move some other plants out of the way so this one can have the space it needs. I have another bully on my hands!

Double Delight Star Gazer
The showiest of the Hydrangeas I’ve added to our garden recently is ‘Double Delight Star Gazer’. It has gorgeous blue and white variegated double flowers. In neutral soil the blossoms may be pink and white. 

I’m told this shrub will be a compact 4’ x 4’. Time will tell! It may be more compact than some. Blooms are produced on both old and new wood so no worries about pruning.

Zorro
I’m a sucker for an interesting plant name. I was attracted to ‘Zorro’ initially because of the name. This striking Hydrangea sports shiny black stems and intense deep blue lace cap flowers in our acidic soil. 

Mine grew very nicely in a large pot for the first two years of its residence, the advantage being that those unique black stems and gorgeous blue flowers were lifted to eye level in the pot. 

I decided to move 'Zorro’ into a garden bed when it became evident that this guy was going to be quite tall. The flowers were being carried well above eye level in the large pot. Zorro is currently quite upright, about 5 feet tall and still reaching for the sky. 

Since I pruned it last winter it has sent up the expected shiny black canes 4-5’ tall. In a sunnier garden Zorro would probably stay more compact. 

Sweet Summer
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sweet Summer’ is one of my favorite whites. Dense flower blossoms start off green, turn white and then shades of pink as summer turns to fall. 

The shrub blooms profusely and may be wider than it is tall. At three years my plant is currently 5 feet wide and 4 feet tall and has done well in partial sun.

Plum Passion
Hydrangea ‘Plum Passion’ is an aspera hydrangea. It has a purple under leaf as well as purple tinted upper leaf surfaces if grown in enough sun. 

Be warned that Plum Passion is a fast grower and wants to be a large hydrangea. It’s offered as a shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. That’s a conservative estimate! 

We moved one 5’ bush that had outgrown its place in the garden to the west slope in back of our house. Within two days it had been chopped down to 12 inches by one of our resident mountain beaver. 

We thought that was a “Sign from the Animal Gods” so we moved it again to another location…… away from the slope, and saw it rapidly regrow to nearly 5’ in a year’s time. There are lots of blossoms on the newly recovered bush and no further assault by our beaver neighbors. I guess we just need to stay out of their territory!

Any of these five long blooming beauties could add months of glamour to your garden. Give one a try!

Botanical Name:

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Double Delights Star Gazer’
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Zorro’
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sweet Summer’
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Plum Passion’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage GardenDesigns, a Garden Design company specializing in redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years. vjgilleland@yahoo.com



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In The Garden Now….. Bear Sighting

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Chocolate Bear 


Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

With his nest finished it looks like ‘Bear’ is considering planting more tennis balls. If you asked him I’m sure he would tell you that it’s not possible to have too many of those fine delicacies!

There’s nothing like a gardening friend of the canine persuasion to lighten the load.

Bear’s nest is surrounded by Japanese Forest Grass, Winter Blooming Daphne, Dwarf English Boxwood, and Corsican Hellebore. A Basalt Basin holds water for our bird friends. When Bear vacates the nest most everything in this garden will continue to grow and spring back into position. If it doesn’t I’ll cut it back and watch it regrow.

The garden is changed once Bear makes a nest. A few plants are crushed, broken or even destroyed. That’s all part of being a “Pet Parent.” Having Bear in the garden adds a sense of pure enthusiasm, mischief and joy.

Official name: Chocolate Labrador Retriever

Plants in the Photo with Bear:
  • Hakonechloa Japanese Forest Grass
  • Daphne odora Winter Blooming Daphne
  • Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ Dwarf English Boxwood 
  • Helleborus argutifolius Corsican Hellebore

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 25 years. 


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In The Garden Now…..'Little Lime’ Hydrangea

Thursday, August 9, 2018

‘Little Lime’ paniculata Hydrangea
Text and Photo 
by Victoria Gilleland

There are hundreds of hydrangea cultivars. They range in size from one foot shrubs to 80 foot climbers.

From spring through fall flowers are produced in an array of colors including white, pink, red, blue, purple and combinations of these hues. 

 Many of those flowers transition from their original color to pink or purplish tints come fall.

I love plants with white or chartreuse tinted blossoms in the garden. They brighten and lighten the areas in which they are grown. Some summers back I saw a wonderful light chartreuse flowered hydrangea blooming at an estate garden. This was the gorgeous ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea. There were several plants lined up in a row, each being at least 7’x 7’. With their light lime colored flowers they were a wonderful addition to that summer garden, but even one plant of this size would have been difficult to fit into the average home garden.

Then, along came ’Little Lime!’ Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’ is a dwarf variety that typically stays under 4’ high and wide. Greenish tinted blossoms open in late spring and lighten as summer progresses. As fall approaches and the weather cools flowers take on pinkish to burgundy tones. Plants should be pruned in early spring or late winter since flowers are produced on the current year’s growth.

Most home gardens could accommodate a plant of this size. ‘Little Lime’ flourishes in sun to part sun and has even produced tons of blossoms in our shady Lake Forest Park garden under tall evergreen trees. Like most hydrangeas this one does like water but seems to be more drought tolerant than many.

Where could you use a splash of light in your garden? You just might have the perfect spot for this ever changing compact flowering shrub. It could even be grown in a large pot for a year or two and then planted in a garden bed. This one’s a winner!

Botanical Name:  Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime ’

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 25 years. 



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In The Garden Now… Container Gardening in Garden Beds

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Planted Containers in Garden Beds 

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

When we consider container gardens we usually think of those placed on decks, patios, porches or other hard surfaces. 

They add color and structure that would be hard to duplicate in another way in those locations.

One of the best ways to bring additional interest and color to the garden is to place a planted container in the actual garden bed.

The purple pot pictured is sitting on a stump, and is nestled among shrubs and trees.

The pot itself is colorful year round and the container planting has year round interest considering the winter structure and texture offered by the Full Moon Maple and the Soft Shield Ferns.

It’s important to make sure that plants in the container work well with those planted in the garden.

In the combination pictured the ‘Full Moon’ Maple foliage picks up the color of the ‘Golden’ Japanese Barberry.

The ‘Pink Elf’ Hydrangea color echoes the undertones of the Purple Pot. The Royal Purple smoke bush leaves are very close to the hue of the pot. 

For contrast in texture and color consider the variegated hosta, ferns and ‘Blue Surprise’ Port Orford Cedar. This has turned out to be one of my favorite year round garden beds…. in large part due to the addition of that planted purple pot.

If you’d like to give this concept a try start with a container you already own. Plant it and try it out in a garden bed.

One of the beauties of container planting is that it’s easy to make changes. If you don’t like one location try another. If there’s a plant or plants you don’t like growing in the container swap them for others. Don’t be afraid to combine annuals with perennials, shrubs and trees. The possibilities are endless.

Go ahead. Give Container Planting In Garden a try!

In Container
  • Acer shirasawanum aureum Full Moon Maple 
  • Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield Fern 
  • Hosta mediovariegata Variegated Hosta

In Ground
  • Berberis thunbergia ‘Aurea’ Golden Japanese Barberry 
  • Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana ‘Blue Surprise’ Blue Surprise Port Orford Cedar 
  • Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ Royal Purple Smoke Bush 
  • Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’ or ‘Pink Elf’ Pia French Hydrangea 
  • Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Little Lamb’ Little Lamb Hydrangea 
  • Polstichum munitum Western Sword Fern 
  • Rhododendron ponticum Ponticum Variegated Rhododendron 

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 25 years.



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In The Garden Now…..Red, White & Beautiful!

Friday, April 27, 2018

‘Drumline’ Tulip and Red Persian Buttercup
Photo by Sarah Campbell-Teis

By Victoria Gilleland

Tulips and Ranunculus are a winning combination in any sunny spring garden. This particular combination caught my eye because of the gorgeous peony like red and white flowers of ‘Drumline’ Tulip against the crisp Red Asiatic Ranunculus.

Drumline is a double late blooming tulip that will reach about 20 inches tall. It makes a lasting cut flower with strong stems. Bees, butterflies and birds are attracted to the flowers. Drumline’ will grow happily in a garden bed or large container.

Asiatic Ranunculus are intensely colored spring flowers with compact tightly packed round flower heads. They are typically 1-2 feet in height. Flowers come in red, pink, purple, yellow and white. Tubers may be planted in early spring a few weeks before the last frost, which is typically the end of March in the Seattle area. 

Each tuber may produce several dozen flowers so pick as many flowers as you want to encourage re blooming. Tubers left in the garden may make it through winter to bloom the next year but no guarantee on that. Ranunculus plants are usually available in spring at local nurseries, so that’s another source of this striking plant.

If you can find a spot for these stunning spring bloomers in a pot or in a garden bed you’ll love them!

(Botanical Name: Tulipa ‘Drumline” and Ranunculus asiaticus ‘Red’ )

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



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In The Garden Now….Bear’s Paw Hellebore

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Bear’s Foot or Stinking Hellebore
Text and photos 
by Victoria Gilleland

Dozens of hellebore varieties are in bloom right now or soon will be. 

I’ve been waiting all season for one of my favorites to come into its full glory. 

In my world of plants, those named after animals always pique my interest. Bear’s Foot Hellebore is no exception.

I’m very fond of chartreuse flowers. The waxy bell shaped flowers that adorn this compact evergreen plant will stand out in any shade to part shade garden in the area. Plants are typically 2 to 2 ½ feet high and wide with flower clusters carried above the narrow leathery green leaves.

If plant parts are crushed or bruised they may be a bit on the stinky side ...thus the “foetidus” descriptive name. However, I’ve never noticed a strong scent associated with the plant even when flowers, leaves or stems were cut or crushed.

All parts of the plant are toxic so keep children and pets from consuming them.

Bear’s Foot or Stinking Hellebore
Bear’s Foot Hellebore tends to be drought tolerant and easy to grow in Northwest gardens. Even if they’re neglected they seem to persevere. I’ve grown them in pots and in the ground with great success.

Think about where you might grow this plant. Not only does it need to be grown in the right soil and light, but it needs to be placed in a position in the garden where it can be seen and enjoyed from a window or a well-traveled path in the middle of winter.

I have one growing about eight feet from the main entry to our house where it can easily be enjoyed in winter.

With the rising wildlife population in our area I’m always on the lookout for plants that rabbits and deer don’t bother. So far so good with Bear Paw! 

But keep in mind that what was once on the ‘inedible list’ can suddenly appear on the ‘gourmet dining list’ for our animal friends.

‘Bear Paw’ Hellebore is a beautiful evergreen perennial that would surely brighten your garden on some of its darkest days. Enjoy it in a container or in a garden bed.

Botanical Name: Helleborus foetidus

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 25 years.



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In The Garden Now…. Belarina Double Primrose

Monday, February 5, 2018

Belarina Cobalt Blue
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Hundreds of varieties of these lovely spring blooming plants make up the genus ‘Primula.’ 

Some of the most colorful and flamboyant in flower form are the Belarina varieties that bear intensely colored, double, carnation like flowers. ‘Cobalt Blue’ and ‘Nectarine’ are two of my favorites.

These Primroses are hardy in our area and do well in damp shady gardens where other plants struggle.

They also make terrific container plants and are very attractive in pots near an entry where they will be viewed regularly and close up.

‘Nectarine’ Primrose
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
The plants put on quite a show in spring, are easy to grow, compact and bloom for weeks. Over time larger mounds are formed and do best if divided every few years in late summer…. perfect pass along plants!

An added bonus is that deer and rabbits tend to leave them alone. But, no guarantee on that!

Give these splendid little perennials a chance in your garden! They’re available now in local nurseries.

Botanical Name: Primula Belarina ‘Cobalt Blue’ and ‘Nectarine’

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 25 years.



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In The Garden Now….. Amaryllis

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

‘Minerva’ Amaryllis
with Rex begonia
Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Houseplants really aren’t my thing. But I have to admit I truly enjoy having one very special plant in my house each winter… Amaryllis.

They’re available in a wide range of colors including white, red, pink, salmon, yellow/green and orange with either solid or variegated blossoms.

In fact there are at least 500 different Amaryllis varieties that come in all different flower shapes, sizes and colors. 

Amaryllis are sold just about everywhere. Of course they’re available at local nurseries where you may have a particularly good selection from which to choose.

But they also can be found at a host of other local retailers including drug stores, the big box stores, grocery stores, a variety of discount stores, and online.
   
This blossom has more white
These lovelies are typically sold as a kit which includes a small plastic pot, planting mix and a single large bulb. Prices range from $5 to $15 dollars or more depending on the variety, size of the bulb and where they’re purchased.

Follow the very simple directions on the box and in a few short weeks you will be the proud owner of a lovely flowering indoor plant.

I hit the jackpot with my purchase this year. My ‘Minerva’ Amaryllis has produced five huge strikingly beautiful flowers! Previous plants have produced no more than four blossoms.

The flowers have unfurled gradually over a four week period. Each blossom has a white star center, veining, and is surrounded by an intense rich red color.

This blossom has a rich, red color
The flowers all sport the same basic colors, but may be patterned quite differently from each other. Strap-like leaves follow the flower stalks.
 
Enjoy a burst of amazing color on the dreariest of winter days! Amaryllis are easy to grow, drought tolerant, and bloom reliably indoors. What’s not to like?  I highly recommend!

(Botanical Name: Hippeastrum Amaryllis ‘Minerva’ )

(Note: The green leaves at the base of the amaryllis plant pictured belong to a Rex Begonia that I’m over wintering indoors. Begonias are gorgeous outdoor garden plants that thrive outdoors for the warmer part of the year. Most won’t make it through our typical winters unless moved indoors.  My Rex Begonia will be returning to a container garden outdoors come spring. )

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 25 years. 



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In The Garden Now…..Winter Gold

Monday, December 11, 2017

‘Zebrina Extra Gold’ Western Arborvitae
Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

The holiday lights and color are wonderful this time of year, but the garden could most certainly use a color boost as winter draws closer and daylight hours become shorter.

One of my favorite ways to add light to the winter garden is to use shrubs and trees with a hint of gold, or a lot of it, in their foliage.

Gold splashed foliage plays well with green foliage plants, reflects the light of the sun and any artificial light in the area, as well as providing a contrast to the bare branches of nearby trees and shrubs.

Zebrina Extra Gold is a fast growing variety of Western Red Cedar with striking golden variegation.

This tree is a close relative of ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae which is a very popular screening plant with solid green foliage. The lively variegated foliage of this plant lights up the garden. While some trees and shrubs become leggy in the shade, Zebrina stays compact and colorful.

‘Zebrina Extra Gold’ Western Arborvitae
In 10 years Zebrina may reach 10 or more feet high and 4 feet wide. It will grow in full sun to shade and can be grown in a container for several years.

It could be used as a screen or windbreak at the back of the border or pruned to keep it more compact in a mixed border. Cut branches make great additions to wreaths, swags or table decorations for the holiday season.

If you haven’t gotten your “Holiday Bush” yet how about choosing Zebrina or another tree or shrub with gold foliage? It’s a great way to bring a spot of gold into your world.

Botanical name: Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina Extra Gold’

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.



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