The first flower of the season…snowdrops on February 12, exactly the same date as the past two years!
The early days of February more than made up for the dismal gloom of January! There were 22 glorious, sunny days that not only lifted spirits, but energized the body and got the blood flowing! Although some days were still more than a bit chilly, some outdoor work was accomplished. Late last fall I was able to replace the rotten boards in any of the beds in the potager that needed replacing, but the rains and bad weather came before I was able to haul them away. They cluttered the paths and just generally annoyed me, so that was the first job on my list as soon as the ground was dry enough to take the golf cart out. Of course, all the nails and screws had to be removed before they were hauled to the pile back in the woods but it was pleasant work on a sunny day.
The dead stalks and debris were intentionally left to harbor pollinators overwinter.
The next job was to begin trimming and tidying the potager’s beds and borders. I’d intentionally left all the gardens behind the house, the potager and its borders, Addition Garden, Cutting Garden and back rows untrimmed for insects and their eggs that winter in the leaves and stems of dead plants. But it will soon be time to plant the ranunculus and set up the low tunnels so all the tall stalks in the raised beds had to go. It was still a bit early, so rather than throw stems on the compost pile, I propped them up at the edge of the woods and hopefully any hibernating good bugs will still be able to complete their cycles. It was nice to see the potager looking a bit tidier.
Lots of hellebores on the Fairy Slope. I need to get those old leaves trimmed off and do some tidying there!
One sunny day was spent cleaning and tidying the greenhouse, preparing it for the plants that were moved from the basement. A lot of flats and inserts were hauled to the basement, partly because they were needed there for seeding and up-potting, and partly just to create space in the greenhouse.
I love the early morning light on the snow. Front Island.
Of course, just as I was getting overly excited about starting the outdoor job list, Mother Nature reminded us that it was still winter with a lovely 6″ snowfall on February 16. No complaints here though, since this was the first real snow of the entire season. Snow brings a lot of nitrogen from the atmosphere to the soil, as well as adding much needed moisture. I sure wish we’d had that insulating blanket to help protect the perennials and shrubs back a few weeks when the temperatures were below zero and the winds were howling. It’s already apparent that some perennials have been lost. We enjoyed the snow while it lasted and I actually spent some time just reading by the fire, making soup, and looking at the beautiful view from our windows.
Sweet peas and larkspur in their toilet paper “pots” growing in the gazebo.
The seeding and transplanting continued on schedule throughout the month, ramping up as we move closer and closer to our last frost date, which is usually about May 10. Both light stands are filled to capacity, the big bench is full and 3/4 of the newly commandeered table is covered in plants. Just as soon as the weather allows, plants will be moved to the greenhouse. There’s still the long folding table set up in the unfinished basement bathroom, but until I get better lighting in there it’s for emergency use only. Naturally, watering takes just a little bit longer each week as the number of seedlings increases. The photo above shows jugs of sweet peas and larkspur that went into the gazebo to harden off and grow mid-month. They were the first seedlings moved outside. I’ve not used the gazebo as a plant space before, but after all the trouble with the raccoons turning over and dumping out the jugs on the patio last year, this seemed like a good solution. The number of varieties seeded in February was 83, and the number of plants transplanted in February was 1437, bringing the grand totals so far this year to 152 and 2,425 respectively. Of course, the number of plants is much larger when all the soil block seedlings (about 1,000) and the flats and flats of seedlings in rows still to be transplanted are included.
The final job for February was to put out new deer repellent canisters. Last year I waited too long, and the deer had a lovely late night snack on most of the tulips in the Front Island and several in the potager’s exterior border so no dawdling this year! It gave me a good opportunity to walk about and make a mental list of things that need to be done before I get busy picking daffodils and delivering bouquets.
The potager at the end of the month with the grass beginning to green up again.
So, that was February, which was a delightful month with all the sunshine and the first of the flowers to appear (snowdrops, primulas, hellebores, crocus, Iris reticulata.) Winter may not be quite over officially or non-officially but spring is definitely in the air.
The Front Garden at the end of February, all tidy and colorful! The plants seem certain that Spring in on the way!
I hope your February was filled with good fun, maybe a Valentine and candy, and that you are seeing signs of spring in your gardens as well. And now it’s March! Hurrah!
Orchid “Carolee”, still alive after 11 weeks, a new record!
Happy Saturday to each and every one of you gentle readers! As you can see, winter came back overnight with one of those lovely snows that frosts each and every surface and makes the landscape clean and beautiful again. I’m starting with today’s photo of Orchid “Carolee” because I’ve had some inquiries about her. Yes, she’s still alive and not only that, seems to actually be thriving because she’s put on several more buds and has 4 new open flowers. I think she likes her new location in front of the kitchen window. I’d always thought a west window would be too bright, but apparently not. And she seems to enjoy sitting on a pile of pebbles covered in water. I’ve put a small mister beside her, and try to remember to use it once or twice a day as well. She’s right over a heating vent, so I’m fearful she’ll dry out to much, but so far so good. Eleven weeks is a new record for me with orchid survival!
“Cream Beauty” crocus
Yesterday it was full sun and sweatshirt weather, a bit cooler than it had been earlier in the week but still lovely to be outdoors for a walkabout, tempting one to think/hope that Spring was on its way. HA! Nevertheless, I was out looking for positive indications that winter might be nearly over. There were a few crocus in the Front Garden that the chipmunks and voles apparently missed, but so far not the hundreds that were there last year. These are “Cream Beauty.”
Iris reticulata
These striking blue Iris reticulata are always the first ones to bloom, which puzzles me because they are in full shade in the Blue Garden. There are many others around the gardens that get lots of sun, so one would think those would warm up earlier and thus bloom earlier, but that’s not the case. These love their dry conditions, are seldom if ever covered in snow or get rain because they are under an overhang. I can’t explain it, but they are obviously happy there. I recall last year putting “divide the crowded iris reticulata in BG” on my job list, but apparently I never got around to it, so it goes back on the list again. These are getting too thick, so I will lift them next fall, divide and replant.
Unknown variety of pink hellebore
Another member of the “Blue Garden” even though it is not blue is this pretty pink hellebore, which is just about to open. I’d think it would need more water than it gets here, but it’s been happy for several years. It does throw LOTS of seeds, so I always worry that maybe it senses that there’s trouble there but so far she seems okay.
The first primula to bloom for 2024!
Back along the Primrose Path, behind the Lady Cottage I found this white primrose in bloom, although looking a little worse for wear with dirt on her face and some brown leaves here and there. Brave little soul, as none of the other primroses even have buds. There were lots of other indications that plants are up and growing, but no more flowers so the sixth photo must be another indoor shot.
The second Amaryllis “Picotee”
I think I posted a photo of the first Amaryllis Picotee several weeks ago, and said it had been disappointing because the blooms were small and there was barely a hint of red along the outer edges. This is the second bulb, and the flowers are quite a bit larger and the red a bit more pronounced and there will be more blooms. I’ll mark its label and try to have it bloom closer to Christmas next year.
So there you have it! The first “Six on Saturday” post for 2024. I’m looking forward to seeing what other folks have to offer. Of course gardeners in warmer zones already have daffodils and lots more blooms, but up here we’re still dealing with those “now it’s winter, now it’s not” days that get so frustrating because we are itching to plant seedlings and seeds in the gardens proper, not just tend them in the basement or on windowsills. So post those photos, and be sure to link them to the “SOS” meme .
It’s time to start the ranunculus here in Zone 5b/6a. This will be my third year growing these flowers, and I can say it has been a learning curve. First of all, those of you who follow a lot of Instagram, YouTube, etc. will notice that these blooms are not the huge, million-petaled flowers that others show off. I love ranunculus because it is one of the essential “May Gap” fillers here in central Indiana, especially if one doesn’t have peonies (and I don’t.) Keep in mind that I grow flowers to give away. I’m not growing for profit anymore. Those showy, usually Italian or cloned varieties are many dollars per corm (like 3 for $24!) so I can’t afford to put several in one bouquet. That’s just not in my budget since I need lots, so I grow the less expensive, but still pretty varieties. Secondly, please note if I were picking ranunculus for bouquets, they should have been picked much sooner than those in the photograph, which are fully opened with the dark center already fully exposed. That’s too late for long vase life.
The pickings are slim in May….orange ranunculus on the right back bucket.
Ranunculus can be grown from seed, but they are normally grown from corms. For a comparison of some of the most common sources that I’ve used, you may want to read last year’s post “Corm Comparison.” Different growing zones can use differing methods. Those living in warmer zones can leave the corms in the ground overwinter from year to year, some areas can plant safely in the autumn to harvest in very early spring. I accidentally left a corm in the ground, and it grew up again in the coolness of autumn so I’m leaving it to see if by chance it survives and blooms again, or if it disappears. However, it is recommended for our zone to plant early in the spring, partly because we usually have frozen soil for months and partly because our soil tends to be heavy clay that holds moisture too long causing corms to rot. Another problem is that our spring is often short, and quickly turns into summer. Ranunculus hates temperatures over 78 degrees F, and will shut-down, draw all the nutrients from the leaves into the corm for storage and go into hibernation mode. Last year we hit 90 degrees the second week of May! Ugh! The ranunculus didn’t have much time to draw in those nutrients, and I noticed when dug the corms had not gained much size at all. I’m not sure how well my saved corms will do, so I ordered several more as insurance. (Plus I can never have too many flowers!)
White ranunculus on the left, orange ranunculus on the right. Sweet peas, bachelor buttons, Lace Perfume dianthus, gold yarrow, nigella, dames rocket, mint, purple stock, May Queen shastas, yellow snapdragons.
To get a long enough growing season, I pre-sprout the corms. The first step is to soak the corms in water for about 3 hours. I change the water each hour to help keep oxygen levels up. Some people use a bubbler, but I haven’t had any problems without one.
Ranunculus corms soaking…for 3 hours, and they will double in size
While the corms are soaking, I put two inches of moistened potting soil into trays with drainage holes and make variety labels. I also usually have to clear a space on the shelves in the cool, dark room where my dahlia tubers are also being stored. When the soaking time is up, I place each corm, which looks like an octopus, tentacles pointed down in the tray leaving about half an inch between corms all around. Once the tray is filled and the label is added, it goes onto the shelves in the dark room. They don’t need light at this stage. I do check them every few days to ensure that the soil remains moist (but NOT WET!) I’ve also learned to keep a mouse trap or two set because they love to dig the corms out willy-nilly, and may nibble on them as well. We don’t normally have mice in our basement, but once in a while they find a way in so prevention is wise.
Sprouts are barely visible, but now they go under lights.
In a week but usually two, depending upon temperature and the strength of the corms, white pointed tips poke through the soil that becomes green growth, and at that point the trays need to go under lights. I have two rooms in the basement for growing, one warm and one cool and the ranunculus goes into the cooler room where the top grows slowly but the roots grow chunky.
Batch 1, currently growing nicely…almost ready to start hardening off, or to go into low tunnels if weather co-operates.
What happens next depends upon the weather. The tender plants need to be gradually exposed to real sunlight and wind, which is called “hardening off.” The first year the trays were moved outdoors on mild, cloudy days and back in if temperatures dropped. That’s a lot of hassle, even if there are only two or three trays. I also learned the hard way that the rabbits will hop up on a 3′ tall table to eat anything green after a long winter. The second year there were several more flats to lug in and out so I needed a new plan. Simply opening the greenhouse door and turning on the fan to simulate wind is a lot easier than moving the trays in and out, and there’s no danger of rabbit raids, and as I get older I am more tempted to use the greenhouse. However, my very inefficient greenhouse is really not capable of keeping plants very warm if temperatures get in the teens even with the heater on, and I hate to have to plug in the heater so early in the year. So last year, I skipped that hardening off period and just planted directly into the raised beds under low tunnels of heavy frost covering. If the long-term forecast is decent (not extended periods of below 28 degrees) that’s the preferred plan. If the weather doesn’t cooperate I leave them in the flat, but the longer they are there the more the roots intertwine and get crowded. Also remember that we have a narrow window of cool spring and the set-back plants get from roots being torn and broken is sometimes just too much, as I found out in year one. Last year I did a mixture of both direct from flat planting, and up-potting. The first batch went directly into the beds March 3rd. But then winter returned with a vengeance. We had a very late, cold, wet spring and many of the plants already in the beds rotted. The ones in 4” pots in the greenhouse that were set into beds a few weeks later actually fared much better, so I’ll probably do some of both this year to hedge my bets.
Ranunculus under low tunnel, end of March
When set into the beds, already enriched with compost, the plants are spaced 6″ apart and the corms about 3″ deep even if that covers up some leaves. Planting deep helps keep the roots cooler. Once in the ground, mulching well will also help keep roots cool. I didn’t do that the first year, but I do it now. I use a low tunnel with a double layer of Agribon Plus, open whenever possible, closed if temps drop below 30. If an extended period of rain is forecast, this year I’ll put a layer of plastic over the hoops as well in an attempt to keep the soil a bit drier to avoid rot. I expect/hope to harvest the second week of May or maybe a week earlier, if Mother Nature co-operates.
In addition to the 125 “saved” corms (Telecote Salmon, Telecote Orange & Red Shades, French Peony Mix, Telecote Pastel Mix) from years past, here are the new additions:
Tomer Purple and Purple Picotee
Several of the corms were purchased from Longfield Gardens, like the purple ones above. The Tomer series has more petals than the Telecote, if judged by the photos. 100 of these, and since many of my bouquet recipients love purple, I think these will be a hit. In addition, there will be 100 of the Tomer Pink & White Mix.
Tomer Pink and White Ranunculus…photo by Longfields
And, to round out the Tomer group, there’s 125 of the Tomer Mix.
Tomer Mixed Ranunculus…aren’t they lovely? Photo by Longfields
I decided to give the Aviv Series a try, but since they are more expensive only 25 of these Aviv Picotee were ordered. We’ll see if they are worth the extra cost.
Do they really look that much different than the Tomers?
I’ve always been happy with the corms from Van Engelen, so there 100 of their Giant Mix just now poking through the soil after their pre-soak.
Jewel tones….I can’t wait!
And just because I’m crossing my fingers (and toes) that there will be ranunculus for Mother’s Day, I’ve added another 60 Pastel Peony Mix from Holland Bulb Farms. This is probably wishful thinking, because Mother’s Day is early this year…
I doubt there will be as many petals per flower as in this photo, but the colors are right. They will be more like the blooms in the very first photo of this post.
Can you tell that I’m excited about this year’s ranunculus? Wouldn’t it be lovely if the 80-90 degree temps held off until the last of May? We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. The life of a gardener/farmer is always a gamble, isn’t it?
The potager is lovely….if you like clutter and shades of brown and beige!
The above photo of the potager was taken on one of the very few (only 6!) sunny days in the entire dismal, gloomy month of January. It was a fairly quiet month, with fewer meetings than usual. Mother only had one appointment so there was less travel required, which was good because several mornings it was so foggy the schools were closed or on a delay. We did attend a lovely retirement party for one of David’s friends (on a minus 2 degree day with bone-chilling winds) and met some other friends for lunch to celebrate our January birthdays later in the month. Our little gourmet group also met (I made salad) and our program committee for garden club met a couple of times, once in person and once on ZOOM. It was my month to lead the discussion for book club, so I had some prep work as I read “American Dirt.” It was difficult to get motivated to do much with the cold, the damp, the fog, the lack of sunshine, and the lack of snow, but I managed to stay on schedule with seeding.
If you have really good eyes, you might be able to spot some lisianthus in those soil blocks! In case you are wondering, my heat mat is actually a 4′ by 2′ agricultural heat mat designed for baby piglets that my dad gave me probably 40 years ago. It is plugged into a thermostat.
The highlight of each day was running downstairs to check on the seedlings. Some of the lisianthus seeded in mid-December did really, really well (Advantage Series and Roseanne Series). Some of the others did okay but have been extremely sporadic in their germination. Some of the “Super Magic” are over a month old, and some are just breaking their seed coat! Three varieties (Orange Flash, Falda and Solo) have had super poor germination, which has been disappointing but I’ll take whatever I can get when it comes to lisianthus. I seeded some lemon grass for the garden club plant sale and was amazed that every seed germinated and they are proving quite robust. I also did the monthly check on the dahlia tubers and was happy to see they still look firm and plump. In all, forty-one varieties were seeded in January (plus the 28 varieties started in December) for a total of sixty-nine.
While I’ve watched sports, nearly 1,000 bottles have been cut for vases for the Growing Kindness Project. It’s a good feeling to have that all done and ready for use as soon as the daffodils are ready. The amaryllis parade continued, with “Orange Desire” being the champion for having two bloom stalks with EIGHT huge blooms on each stalk! I’ve never had 8 blooms on one stalk before! That sure helped lift my spirits. AND, the orchid named for me is proving to be a tough cookie, and still thrives despite my attention. In fact it has two new blooms and fourteen new buds!
Yep! That one shelf still sags! Comes in handy for taller seedlings!
Mid-month some seedlings were big enough to transplant into plug flats and very quickly the light stand was filled with 930 happy babies by month’s end. The second, cooler grow room was brought into use, because it was time to soak and pre-sprout the ranunculus and anemones. More info on the ranunculus in an upcoming post, but 268 were started in January and 50 anemones.
All the Christmas decor was packed away as the month ended, and there were no tears shed as we tore January off the wall calendar. I’m confident February will better an improvement in terms of sunshine, there will certainly be lots more interesting seeds to start, and there are some fun events on the calendar. Hopefully there will be some nice days, so I can get all the rotted boards that I replaced out of the potager and get the greenhouse tidied to be ready for plants! Exciting days ahead!
The amaryllis parade has continued non-stop, and since most of them were posted during last year’s parade, I haven’t bothered to include them here. However, this is one I was really looking forward to “lifting the gloom” just after the holidays. I thought I’d timed starting it right so it would bloom just after Christmas Day, because it was appropriately named “White Christmas”! Not only did it bloom a month later than anticipated, but it doesn’t resemble anything close to white! It was certainly labeled “White Christmas,” and listed on the invoice as such, but for some reason, I’m skeptical!
Happy Saturday! I hope you are able to stay indoors where it’s warm! It was 1 degree F this morning at 8am. Thankfully, I have no where to go and can stay in and enjoy the unusual sunshine. As I watered plants on the windowsill and viewed the snow, I could hear my grandfather’s gruff voice saying, “It’s too darn cold to swallow and too windy to spit!” as he would stomp the snow off his boots by the back door. I don’t know why that memory was triggered.
When I looked at all the tracks in the snow, I thought, “Well, looks like there were lots of reindeer games being played here last night!” Not sure why they were so busy there. Usually they are down under the trees eating the black walnut husks but there isn’t anything good to eat in that area. Who knows?
Amaryllis “Orange Desire”
But however bleak the landscape, there are flowers to enjoy indoors. Just as the last amaryllis finished, “Orange Desire” began to open. The first bloom stalk is going to have 6 huge flowers! Four are opened, and they are a brilliant orange…not quite as red as they look in the photo, so I am happy. There are two more large buds just beginning to show color. I don’t think I’ve ever had 6 blooms on one stalk before. And the second bloom stalk looks just as large.
The forecast is for temps to drop to negative teens this night, very cold tomorrow and then a week of rain, rain, rain. I’d planned to finish taking the tree down today…all that’s left are the lights. But with another dreary week ahead, maybe I’ll just leave those colorful lights to click on at dusk and lift my spirits. Ancient lore tells as long as all Christmas decor is removed from the house before February 1, all is well. Leave it out after than and one tempts ill fate!
Stay warm and safe. January will eventually slide away, and hopefully there will be crocuses in February! Blessings, Carolee
Buckets of lissies heading to the basement to condition.
The lisianthus seeds are already sown, sprouted and growing down in the basement under lights. They are always the very first seeds planted for the upcoming year because they are such slow growers. Since I wrote so much about these wonderful flowers as my #2 Top Performer, I won’t go over growing details here. For more information on their culture, click this Lisianthus post.
I will add a couple of notes and updates from 2023. The Gavotte Yellow were lovely, perfect with Isabellini zinnias, but as a group 3-4 they did bloom a bit late and TOO late to provide a second flush here in my Zone 5b (now 6a?) garden. For all the time they require, and the cost of their seed that second harvest is important. I’ve also learned that as a prairie plant (native to Texas) lisianthus has an extremely strong, long tap root designed to reach far down into the ground in search of water and therefore is one of those plants that really resents root disturbance. I did not have the good germination rates last year as in my first year, probably because I was overconfident, had increased my entire plant production too high so they didn’t get the attention they needed, and a mouse ate some of the first seeds. I was late in moving some of them into larger plugs and pots when the weather didn’t cooperate so those did get rootbound. We had a very wet spring that delayed planting out, and later some of the transplants rotted from incessant rains even though they were in raised beds. That said, there were still hundreds of blooms over the span of several weeks.
Lovely lavender and rose lissies with zinnias, statice, lemon monarda, hyssop
As I mentioned in an earlier post, this year I’m growing fewer types of plants, but more of the ones that are top performers, like lisianthus so for 2024 the list is longer. I also wanted to trial some new varieties for comparison. Here are the 10 varieties planted:
ABC 1 and ABC 2, which were covered in the Lisisanthus post linked above. These are both doubles in a variety of colors but mainly in the white/pink/purple range with a few yellow. ABC 3 was dropped for the same reason Gavotte Yellow was dropped, too slow to bloom and definitely TOO late to provide a second harvest. ABC 1 was in my first seeding group.
Lisianthus Advantage Pink
I wanted to try some other mixes this year, with the plan to order separate colors of those I like best for next year. Advantage “Mix” was unavailable, but I was able to get 100 “Pink” and I’m glad I did because it was the very first lissie to germinate, days ahead of the other 2 sown that date (Dec. 20) with 99% of the seeds sprouting. It seems to be a vigorous grower, so if all other aspects are as pleasing, I’m certainly going to order more colors for next year.
Advantage “Pink” babies, a month since seeding, the size of a grain of rice!
They are growing nicely well ahead of the other varieties (Super Magic, ABC 1) that were planted the same day in the same way and are just now sprouting! All three varieties were pelleted seed, but interestingly the two that are much slower sprouting were both MUCH cheaper seed. All three are group 1-2. Some of the most productive dahlias, snapdragons and zinnias for this coming year will be pink and rose, so there should be lots of pink-toned bouquets for all those adorable little ladies who are/were Barbie fans.
Lisianthus Super Magic Mix
I was able to get a mix of “Super Magic”, also a group 1-2 with double 3″ flowers in Apricot, Blue picotee, Champagne, Deep Blue, Green, Lilac, White, Rose and Yellow. We’ll see if I get all those colors. Crossing fingers, but so far not much germination on these.
The second group were planted Dec. 30, ten days later than the first because I wanted to make sure conditions were right for germination before I risked another batch. The first of these was Soiree Orange Flash, a variety that has done very well and even overwintered for me, but sadly I did not take a photo, and I did not find a photo on-line that looked like those I grew… fringed cream 3″ semi-double with a peachy-apricot edge. I hope it does well this year because it looks so nice with some of the Celway and Crystal Beauty Celosias, and the Sheffield mums. It’s early, with a strong rebloom in September and the plants that overwintered last year produced very well in their second year as well.
Roseanne Mix…photo by Edenbrothers
Although the blooms aren’t as large as some other lissies, the colors in the Roseanne Series just aren’t found anywhere else. A pollen-free variety, they are some of the longest lasting blooms of all lissies. I’ve only grown the “Brown” before, although actually there were a few “green” seeds along with them and I loved both, finding them so versatile, strong stemmed, and easy to combine with so many other flowers. I wouldn’t actually describe them as brown, but a dusty rose color, very antique in tone. The third color of the mix is “Black Pearl,” a deep, deep purple. Haven’t seen it in person, so I’m filled with anticipation. Roseanne is a strong grower, with excellent germination rates and was the first of this planting batch to sprout. The final two in that second planting were ABC 2, and a new mix “Solo” which is a group 2, also pollen free, semi-double in the white/pink/blue picotee/pink picotee/violet range. Sorry, no photo available.
Falda, a light apricot-salmon
The third seeding took place on Jan. 3rd. ”Falda” is new to me, the bloom-time group wasn’t listed but it said “early.” Hopefully it’s a fringed, frilly single that will be different enough from “Orange Flash” and the other doubles and highly doubles to make for interesting bouquets. I just couldn’t resist the color, because I know I’ll have lots of other flowers that will look fantastic with it and somehow the “simplicity” if you can call such an elegant flower that, just appealed to me.
Shallot Green
Another ‘newbie’, “Shallot Green” doesn’t appear to be as vibrant a green as Roseanne Green, but I’ve had these slightly tinged green blooms in the past in other mixes and found them very useful. They seem less inclined to beige-out as the whites sometimes do. Shallot Green is a group 3, so I may find that it is also too late but I’m willing to try. And the final member of the final group is
Voyage “Champagne”
I love the Voyage Series, but they are almost too big for the size bouquets I make, and the seeds are expensive. The flower heads are also so heavy that they require lots of support. Highly fringed, highly double with multiple blooms per stem, the Voyage are just super luscious, and this “Champagne” is in the realm of the Pantone color of the year, “Peach Fuzz.” I’m purposefully heavy on the apricot tones because they go so very well with some of the dahlias that perform best for me…and personally, I love that color! Only 50 seeds of these.
If they would all grow, which I certainly don’t expect, there would be 950! Since each plant produces many, many stems of flowers that’s way more than I could possibly harvest. But, based on my experience I assume there will be losses for one reason or another because they are so very slow-growing and require TLC all along the way. Even half would be more than I’ve ever had before, and probably more than I’ll have room for in the potager. Like the amaryllis that keep me going during the bleak days of winter, the magical blooms of lisianthus keep me smiling as I’m running out of steam during late summer into autumn.
Have you grown lisianthus? If so, what’s your favorite variety? If not, what flower especially keeps you going? I’d love to hear your response! Blessings, Carolee
As for many of you, the exuberant flowers of amaryllis really lift my spirits during these dreary, gloomy days. I’ve amassed quite a collection over the years, and since they keep producing baby bulbs the number keeps increasing. Just as the first blooms of “Luna” were fading, “Picotee” began to open. ”Picotee” is a new one for me. The flowers are slightly smaller than many others I grow but she’s a pretty one to view up close. At a distance those pencil-thin red edges don’t really show.
Orchid “Carolee”!!
At Christmas, our friends who own New Vision Orchids brought this new hybrid they developed as a hostess gift. I’ve known Russ for over thirty years, and was Anita’s matron of honor when they married so we have a long history. They met through an orchid growers organization and have been happily growing and hybridizing orchids, judging orchid shows, winning grand prizes, and traveling as far away as New Zealand to visit orchid events and growers. So, I was honored when they announced that this new orchid will be named for me! However, my history with orchids can be summed up in one word…Disastrous. Every orchid Russ has bestowed on me has been doomed from the start. He has given me lessons, culture sheets, encouragement, and still they suffer a lingering death. When “Carolee” arrived, she had three bloom stalks. One was fully opened flowers, one had 6 buds of varying sizes, and one had tiny baby buds. Within days, 5 of the 6 buds on one stalk dropped to the table. I can see that she is not happy, despite my talking kindly, misting the area occasionally, adding a tray filled with marbles and water under her pot. She’s in a good light situation for orchids. I just don’t have that magic skill that orchids must require. So, I’ll enjoy her flowers til the last one drops and then take it on a mercy trip back to Russ for R&R. I’m sticking with amaryllis as my winter cure!
One of my favorite tulips in 2023 will be coming again!
Since I did such a poor job record-keeping on the tulip production last spring, and failed to take many photos of the bouquets containing tulips, I’m taking a scatter gun approach to the tulips for 2024. I’ve ordered many more varieties, but fewer numbers of each for the most part so I can see which I like best, how they hold up, when they bloom, and how their colors blend with the other flowers available from the gardens at the time. Let’s start in the order I suspect/hope/want them to bloom!
“Exotic Emperor”…one of my favorites!
The absolute very first tulip to bloom here (April 10, 2023) is “Exotic Emperor,” a creamy white double with sturdy stems and these interesting green-edged outer (sepals?) layer that add a bit of texture and contrast. While a bit shorter than many tulips for cutting, EE works just fine in the bouquets I make in cut-off plastic water bottles. The fact that they bloom early first brought them to my attention, and I planted some in the Front Island a few years ago. I absolutely love them! They return nicely, except for the darned voles and chipmunks devouring them some years. I’ve added more for cutting, because they combine well with ANY other flower that blooms at that early time…namely daffodils of any color and style
“Salmon Prince”
I’m just guessing that the “Prince Series” will be the next to bloom, because they are classified as “Single Early.” This group is known for strong stems that can stand up to the wind and rain that often occurs in early spring, around mid-April, and for being excellent cut flowers. I couldn’t resist this lovely color, that could pair well with a lot of the daffodils that have a salmon cup if they happen to bloom at the same time. Or, they will look great with the white hellebores. 16-18″
“Candy Prince”
Trying to think of what candy is pale lavender, but none come to mind. However, this pale lavender beauty has the name “Candy Prince” and it is apparently a seedling from two famous Princes, Sunny Prince and Purple Prince. Again, a Single Early known for strong single cups that can stand up to inclement weather. 16″
“White Prince”
The third member of the clan, “White Prince” takes little explanation, because white plays well with any other color, so I’m sure I’ll find it useful. There are other colors in the “Prince” series (Purple, Sunny and Red) and if the ones I’ve ordered prove useful I may add them next fall. 16″ I’ve also ordered “Clearwater” which is a Single-Late group, pure white to provide a white late in the tulip season. I’ve grown it in the Front Island and the Deck Garden, and loved it for its classic shape, durability and late bloom. Felt no need to add yet another photo of a white tulip so similar to White Prince.
“Akebono”
So many bloggers rave about “Akebono” that I had to give it a try. Actually, I tried to order it for spring 2023 blooms, but everyone had sold out before I ordered. ”Akebono” is a “Giant Darwin” so it should also bloom mid-April into May. Said to be a fragrant, semi-double it is a camellia type bloom in primrose yellow with pencil thin red edges, and a slight rosy blush on the outer petal bottoms. The Darwins are said to be the best at returning, but so far other Darwin types I’ve planted haven’t returned again….could be the chipmunks…20-22″.
Tulip “Slawa”
This one is a Triumph type, and should bloom later April into May. Triumphs are a cross between the Early Single and the Darwin types, noted for strong stems and a wide range of colors and bi-colors. I haven’t grown Triumphs before, so this should be fun. I picked Slawa because of its striking apricot edging on deep burgundy petals, hoping it will compliment my burgundy hellebores and maybe some of the later daffodils. Some photos show the edging to be more of a pale rose/pink, which apparently occurs as the blooms age, and eventually the edge becomes nearly ivory. Should be interesting to watch. 18-20″
Tulip “Lasting Love”
I don’t normally grow red flowers, but I grew “Lasting Love” last year for cutting, and had to grow it again. Although it is a Lily-flowered type which normally bloom later, LL bloomed around April 18 last year and gave an eye-pop of color when combined with yellow daffodils. Bouquet recipients loved it! And what I loved was that after cutting the main central stem, a few days later two or three secondary, smaller blooms appeared that were also useful in bouquets! An unexpected bonus! 22″ on the first stem, 12″ or so on the seconds.
“Purple Elegance”
Now with “Purple Elegance” I expect to see side blooms because it is actually a “Multi-flowering or Bouquet” type tulip. Should bloom in May and have four full-sized flowers per stem. Many bouquet recipients love purple, so I’ve attempted to add more of that color this year throughout the growing season. I’m expecting these to pair with lilacs and the burgundy hellebores and maybe some of the late creamy-yellow or white daffodils. 18-20″
“Blue Spectacle”
Of course it’s not really blue, but at some stages “Blue Spectacle” does have a slightly blue cast. I grew this one last year, and it was a hit, blooming May 8th. Fully double, this Peony-Flowered (or Double Late) tulip is gorgeous and combined well with all the very late daffodils. The Peony-flowered tulips are valuable because they are long-lasting, and unlike the singles if they lose a petal or two they don’t look gap-toothed. I’ve got 100 of these!
Miranda
Another peony-flowered tulip called “Miranda.” This one was in a mixture I grew last year and it was definitely a hit, so I ordered them separately for this year, along with it’s bright yellow sister, “Yellow Pomponette.” Both are voluptuous, brilliantly saturated colors that just make a bouquet scream “Pick me!”
Tulip “Danceline”
A bit more subtle, “Danceline” is a big ivory peony-type flower with a light pink glow and burgundy streaks on many petals. I think it will look great with some of the other tulips, and with the burgundy hellebores. 20-22″
“Black Hero”
Yet another Peony-flowered tulip, “Black Hero” is a sport of the famous “Queen of the Night” tulip that is flying off the shelves. Hoping it goes with hellebores and maybe lilacs, and possibly purple or lavender anemones. We’ll have to wait to see because I haven’t grown it before. I’m not sure my mostly elderly recipients will like these moody blooms, so I only ordered 10 as a trial. Said to bloom a bit later than most of this group. 22″
“Apricot Parrot”
I keep seeing Parrot tulips on other posts, but I’ve never grown them. Apparently they are excellent cut flowers, so I’m giving some a try but only 10 of each. Not sure when they will actually bloom, but supposedly in May. ”Apricot” is an award-winning, fragrant tulip in soft apricot with tinges of cream, salmon, pink and green. 20″
“Black Parrot”
Another award-winner, striking “Black Parrot” is a velvety, purple-black. 20″
My favorite from last year, “Sonnet”
You may have noticed “Sonnet” in the very first photo of this post. It’s one of the few pix I took of bouquets with tulips included! I just found “Sonnet” to be so very versatile and long-lasting. The gold edge meant it worked well with any of the late daffodils. The burgundy (some sites say brick red) petals echoed the burgundy hellebores, and it seemed to bloom at a time when there were no other tulips at that moment. ”Sonnet” is one of the large family of Lily-flowered tulips, which generally bloom in mid-late May here. 20″
“ “Fire Wings”
Another Lily-flowering tulip that I grew last year that was a favorite with recipients, “Fire Wings” is brilliant fire-engine red with wide bright yellow edges. Definitely incendiary! Obviously combines will with any yellow daffodil, and I made dozens of bouquets with that combination. Planted 100 of these! 20″
Tulip ‘Claudia”
The final lily-flowering tulip is “Claudia” said to be a deep rose or sometimes leaning toward purple bloom with a white edge. I’d love it if it blooms late enough to go with the purple and pink ranunculus I’ll be planting, but if not it will pair with hellebores. Part of my effort to grow more pink…18-20″
Tulip “Lambada”
The last group to bloom for me were the fringed tulips. ”Lambada” was one I picked to plant in my Front Garden, along the sidewalk where any visitor could see it, and that I would walk by often because I knew I’d love the color, and I did! I was surprised at how long they lasted and did cut a few when I was desperate for a couple of special bouquets and the daffodils were all gone. They looked terrific with the very first orange and salmon ranunculus, so I knew I wanted more for this year. ”Lambada” is an award-winner, hard to describe the luscious colors because they blend from one to another but it’s “false eyelash” fringe makes it outstanding! 20″
“Brest”
Because I was so happy with the bloom time of “Lambada,” I decided to add more fringed tulips this year. ”Brest” is a rosy-red with a white fringe. The fringing is not as elaborate as that of “Lambada,” but it still is eye-catching.
“Aussie Fringed Mix”
I decided to take a gamble on a mixture of fringed tulips when they went on deep discount at Easy-To-Grow. I’ve ordered ranunculus corms from them before and was happy with their product, so I’m not really worried. If the flowers are similar to the photo on their website, shown above, I think I’ll be happy, and I have no doubts that anyone who gets them in their bouquet will be pleased as well.
“China Town Mix”
While I was on their website, I decided to order this mixture as well. I wasn’t happy with most of the mixes from K. Van B last year, so had thought I’d steer clear of mixes, but this one was just too tempting with it’s variegated leaves. I also felt that I was short on Pink tulips, and white are always useful so with the sale price, they were added to the list. Not sure when they will bloom…maybe a lot earlier than I have them placed here since they appear to have shorter stems. I’ll let you know!
“Atlantis”
“Atlantis” is new to me, a Single Late tulip so it should bloom about when “Dordogne,” “Clearwater” and “Blushing Lady” bloom, which is usually after the peony-flowered ones are finished. A soft purple with ivory edges and strong stems I think it will be popular. 20″
“Queen of the Night”
And the final offering is the much-touted, award winning “Queen of the Night” reported to be the last tulip to bloom in many gardens. It’s been much-loved since 1944, so I’m giving 10 a try. I’m waiting to see if it is last to bloom here in central Indiana. Of course it will largely depend on weather, and if the chipmunks don’t find it first!
That’s it! That’s the line-up for cutting in 2024. You can see I’ve added more burgundy, red, pink and purple than ever before in response to what my bouquet recipients chose. I maybe should have looked for a late pink, but the budget is spent for now and it’s likely the ground will soon freeze. I’m also looking at them and wondering if any of those blooming at the same time will actually look good with one another! I was so worried about combining them with other things that I didn’t really contemplate using them together. Oh well, hopefully it will all work out. And, hopefully there’s always next year to get it right! Blessings! Carolee
Yes, I know I said I wouldn’t be planting any additional daffodils, because 4,000 ought to be enough! However, it is REALLY hard to resist temptation so just a few new ones will be appearing in the gardens come Spring. Daffodils (Narcissi, Jonquils) are the nearly perfect flower. A hardy perennial that is resistant to nearly all critters, diseases, and insect problems, grows in almost any location (except soggy sites) without any effort beyond initial planting, and returns to flower for decades. Breeders have done magical things to offer us a huge variety of sizes, shapes, forms, colors, and color combinations. There are very early spring through very late spring varieties, so I can have daffodils for weeks and weeks. They are an excellent cut flower. Just remember after picking, preferably at the “Gooseneck” stage, put them in cool water for at least 3 hours so the sap leaches out before mixing daffodils with any other flowers in a bouquet. Here’s what I planted last November, and why!
“Stainless”
In making bouquets last spring, I kept wishing I had more pure white blooms to add a bit of contrast. I have “Thalia” which is an adorable white gem, but she’s shorter and more dainty than I desired. So “Stainless” was the first name on the order form for Van Engelen’s. ”Stainless” is pure white with a green eye, said to reach 4″ across, so it should be a stunner! Reputed to be “Late,” I’m hoping it will combine well with some of the earliest tulips, but if not it will be a great addition to the abundant late blooming “Hillcrest” and “Falconette” daffys which both have multiple smaller flowers on a single stem. I found that late in the season the majority of the blooms were those types (like Sir Winston Churchill) and the bouquets needed a larger bloom or two as focal flowers. Fifty of these.
Daffodil “Lemon Beauty”
Another You-Tube grower I love to watch for her informative content is Danielle from Northlawn Flower Farm. In one of her spring offerings, she showed “Lemon Beauty” and said it was one of the latest to bloom in her Pennsylvania gardens. Since I’m really trying to get some daffodils to bloom with my tulips and even possibly with the early ranunculus, it was worth a try. I’m also interested because in my experience, the split-cups are generally quite early to flower for me. Regardless of when she blooms, I think she will be quite useful for her pretty white outer petals and bright yellow star center. Fifty of these as well.
“Chromacolor”…photo by Tonya
When winter arrives, and there is time to sit in front of the computer and visit fellow gardeners’ websites, it is almost more fun than basketball! One of my favorite flower growers is Tonya, from FreshCutKy…obviously growing in the neighboring state to the south so a bit warmer, but I love her accent and her knowledge of growing. She often does an in-depth review of a specific crop, and her Daffodil episode is such a treat, not only because of the photographs she displays on her blog or You-Tube channel but because of the breadth of the information she gives. I’ve found her extensive list of the varieties she grows delightful, but even more useful is that she presents them in the order they bloomed on her farm! Now, that is helpful! So, when I’m looking to extend my season with earlier or later blooms than what I already have, I turn to Tonya. Fifty of these, too.
“Le Torch”
Our Garden Club took a field trip last June to Newfields in Indianapolis to see 200,000 spring bulbs blooming and visit the “Monet Experience” that was showing at the Museum of Art there. One of the daffodils that so impressed me was “Le Torch” which was just beginning to be in bloom on June______! And Newfields is an hour south of me, and in the city where temperatures are generally a bit warmer so spring bulbs and trees bloom a bit earlier. ”Le Torch” reminds me a bit of “Dolly” or “Tahiti” both of which I’ve had for years, but they bloom earlier than mid June, so needless to say I’m hoping by adding this one, I’ll have those stunning brilliant yellow double flowers with bright orange tufts of color to go with salmon, orange and yellow ranunculus this year! Fifty, also.
“Dialogs” just tempted me beyond resistance!
Talk about temptation! I just couldn’t resist this photo of “Dialogs” and it won’t be appearing in any bouquets, because I grew this one just for me, and only ordered 10 of these pricey bulbs. I sure hope she’s as pretty in person as in the photo!
“Precocious”
Long-time readers know that I love orange in all it’s many shades, and when I saw Tonya’s “Precocious” on her FreshCutKy YouTube, I knew I had to have it. The super frilly edges of the bright orange cup just captured me, and those pure white outer petals just set the cup off perfectly. I’ve been waiting for the price to come down, and finally found some on sale at Easy To Grow Bulbs. Only 10 of these as well.
“Bell Song”….luscious pink cups!
I chose “Bell Song” for it’s white petals and large pink cup. Pink cups are becoming more common now, but I don’t have many since pink is not really in my realm. However, so many of the recipients of the GKP bouquets choose pink first, I decided to add a few more, and Bell Song seemed like the perfect choice. Reputed to be a “late” bloomer, so maybe it will follow the other pink cupped “Accent” that I’ve had for several years. Only ten.
And, lastly there is no photo but our garden club had an excellent speaker from the Indiana Daffodil Society who told us about the group’s bulb sales. So, of course I had to support them by purchasing several bags of “mixed heirloom” varieties which I am excited to see if any bloom this coming spring. The bulbs were quite small compared to those I normally purchase from the wholesale companies, so I’m not holding my breath. On the other hand, many of the early heirloom varieties were smaller, tough little things that were the forerunners/forebears of the large bulbs that are familiar to us today. Time will tell.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my early spring gardens, and what may be included in some of the “Growing Kindness Project” bouquets. Tune in for the next episode, which will be the tulips planted for 2024. Blessings, Carolee
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