Barrenworts (Epimedium spp.) are a collection of ground cover species mostly from Asia and Europe. None are native to North America, but most thrive in gardens in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). There are currently 21 known species worldwide. Also called Bishop’s hat, barrenworts are one of our finest groundcovers for part sun to part shade areas. Some are […]
Archive for the ‘Garden Maintenance’ Category
“It’s Wort…not Wart”
Posted by Hugh on November 25th, 2010
Posted in Barrenwort (Epimedium), Ground cover, Perennials, seeding lawn, Shade Gardening, Southern Appalachian Region, Uncategorized 
Comments Off on “It’s Wort…not Wart”Brighten Up a Drab Corner in Your Garden
Posted by Hugh on November 20th, 2010
Crippsii falsecypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’) is one tall 20-25 foot high evergreen shrub (or small tree). Its lacy golden evergreen foliage catches your attention almost any season of the year. Unfortunately, Crippsii is rarely seen in landscapes because few landscape architects and designers know it or can not find it in the nursery trade. Ten years ago a credit union near my home […]
Posted in Evergreens, Pests, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs, Uncategorized, watering evergreens Comments Off on Brighten Up a Drab Corner in Your GardenDoghobble for Shady Landscape Areas
Posted by Hugh on November 11th, 2010
Drooping doghobble or fetterbush (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is native to woodland areas in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Doghobble is a tall ground cover, averaging 3 – 4 feet in height. The long gently arching evergreen branches display a rambling nature, best reined in with hand pruning as needed. White fragrant flowers, […]
Be Careful What You’re Cutting Back
Posted by Hugh on November 4th, 2010
Halfway through the autumn season, new plants have come to life, while most are retiring for a long winter’s nap (dormancy). About 4-5 weeks back, the leafy growth (vegetative) stage of the surprise lily (Lycoris radiata), also called “resurrection lily or “naked ladies”, appeared (left and center photos). When last seen in late July and August, brightly colored stalks of lycoris flowers had popped through with no leaves present. […]
Posted in acidic soil, compost, Flowering Bulb, Ground cover, Perennials, Shade Gardening 2 Comments »Hardy Camellias Re-Awaken the Autumn Season
Posted by Hugh on November 1st, 2010
‘Winter Star’ camellia (pale pink- photo on left) is the first camellia to bloom in the Conlon garden this fall season. My 8 year-old camellia has 50 or more flowers currently opened and promises to continue blooming through most of November. Other hardy fall blooming cultivars are heavily budded and will open thru mid- December, weather permitting. A few […]
Posted in Camellia, Flowering, plant nutrition, Pruning Comments Off on Hardy Camellias Re-Awaken the Autumn SeasonArkansas Bluestar Great In Spring, Summer and Fall
Posted by Hugh on October 27th, 2010
Blue star (Amsonia hubrichtii) exhibits one of nature’s finest autumn foliar displays. This Arkansas native is a long-lived perennial and prospers here in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). After its initial year in the garden, amsonia exhibits good heat and drought tolerances. Its fine textured needle -like foliage is very soft and airy. In the […]
Posted in Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Heat Tolerance, Perennials, Planting tips, Pruning, Spring flowering, watering tips Comments Off on Arkansas Bluestar Great In Spring, Summer and FallGinkgo -Sex Education 101
Posted by Hugh on October 22nd, 2010
Surviving an autumn season with a heavily fruited ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) tree is a foul smelling experience. The odorous yellow fleshy fruits ripen in October and drop onto public streets and home lawns. Several times I have witnessed the Jonesborough Tennessee Fire Department raking up fallen fruit and hosing down a sidewalk too treacherous to walk […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Autumn foliage color, Deer resistant, Gardenia, Ginkgo biloba, Large Shade trees, Propagation (Seed), Propagation(grafting), Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter bark, winter hardiness Comments Off on Ginkgo -Sex Education 101Deadline Approaching for Seeding/Renovating Lawns
Posted by Hugh on October 12th, 2010
Early fall is the “spring-time” for establishing a new lawn or renovating a tired weed infested turf. In the fall most of the weed infestation, particularly from annual pest grasses like crab and goose-grasses, is over. You have another week (until October 20th) to wind up this chore. To completely seed a sunny area, choose a quality blend (two or […]
Posted in Garden Maintenance, seeding lawn Comments Off on Deadline Approaching for Seeding/Renovating LawnsGoldenrod –Set Off Some Fireworks This Fall
Posted by Hugh on October 6th, 2010
Rough-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) grows in low woods, meadows and bogs in the eastern half of North America. ‘Fireworks’ (USDA zones 4–8) has a more compact plant habit than the species. This early blooming cultivar provides a long floral display starting in mid-August and lasting through Thanksgiving, weather permitting. Flowers spikes are numerous and held in […]
Posted in Autumn flowering, deadheading, Goldenrod (Solidago), Native Plant, Perennials, Southern Appalachian Region Comments Off on Goldenrod –Set Off Some Fireworks This FallTruly, Fall Is For Planting
Posted by Hugh on September 22nd, 2010
The seasonal theme at garden centers is “Fall is for Planting”. Plant sales are everywhere. If you have recentlypurchased a home and your budget is tight, buy yourself an early, but practicable holiday gift- a deciduous shade tree planted on the southwest side of the home. In a few short years, this tree will reward […]
