Red Twig Dogwood Arctic Fire

Botanical Name: Cornus sericea "Farrow" ARCTIC FIRE
Common Name: Red Twig Dogwood
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Zone:  3-7
Growth Rate: Average
Height X Spread: 3-4’ H x 3-4’ W
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Description: Tiny white flowers
Foliage Description: Ovate medium green leaves 2-5" long
Soil:  Rich, moist, well-drained
Water: Average
Prune: Early Spring
Fertilizer: Hollytone
Fertilizing cycle: Late spring after flowering
Special Maintenance: Prune all stems to the ground every 2-3 years
Pests & Diseases: Leaf and twig blights

Notes: Farrow is an upright spreading dwarf red twig dogwood shrub that is primarily grown for its bright red winter stems. It typically grows 3-4’ tall and wide. Remove 25% of the oldest stems in early spring to promote new growth.  Prune all stems to the ground every 2-3 years for renewal. Medium green leaves become red/orange in fall.

Holiday Events for Gardeners in 2015

A Longwood Christmas
November 26 – January 10, 2016
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
"The spirit of the holiday season overflows during A Longwood Christmas with a fountain-inspired display. Blue and white twinkling lights, whirling fountain features, thousands of seasonal plants, and a bounty of trees with icicles and fountain-inspired glass ornaments fill the Conservatory."
www.longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/longwood-christmas

Fantasy In Lights
November 13 – January 2, 2016
Callaway Gardens
Pine Mountain, Georgia
"Callaway Gardens' Fantasy In Lights is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world's "Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights," as named by National Geographic Traveler."
www.callawaygardens.com/events/signature/fantasy-in-lights

Blossoms of Light
November 27 – January 2, 2016
Denver Botanic Gardens
"Blossoms of Light is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Denver Botanic Gardens is proud to host this annual family-friendly event that has become a tradition for people across Colorado. The 2015 event features new elements, including the return of the grand illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk and the Romantic Gardens. Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights throughout the Gardens, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses."
www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light

Great Gifts for Gardeners

Christmas is right around the corner. It's not too early to start brainstorming gift ideas.  Here are 4 suggestions for the gardener in your life:

BioMarker Plant Tags

Long lasting pressure sensitive labels make these garden markers a great gift for any gardener.

$29.95 for a pack of 15

www.cobrahead.com/biomarkers/

GardenScribe Plant Organizer

Help the gardener in your life get all of those plant tags and photos organized (and forgive us this shameless plug for our own product…we really do believe it makes a great gift).

$39.95

www.gardenscribe.com

Confetti Wind Spinner

Standing 6 feet high, this amazing garden attraction forms a beautiful flower when spinning and reminds us of a brightly colored peacock when stationary.

$79.95

www.plowhearth.com

Gift Card to a Local Nursery

Can’t decide? A gift card is always a great gift. 

Fall Is The Time To Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs

Fall is the best time to plant bulbs that bloom in the spring such as Tulips, Daffodils and Iris.

The ideal time to plant is at least six weeks before ground-freezing frost is expected in your area so that the bulb has time to root.  So how do you know when a hard frost is expected?  Here are two resources:

1) DavesGarden.com has a handy freeze/frost lookup tool. Just enter your zip code.

2) Your local Cooperative Extension office will be able to assist you. Use the USDA Partners and Extension Map to find the office nearest you.

But, what if December rolls around and you still haven't planted the bulbs?  As long as you can dig a hole in the ground, go ahead and plant them.  They'll probably rot if you leave them in the bag. At least they'll have a chance of blooming if you put them in the ground.

2015 Pumpkin Events - October

Harvest Fest & Pumpkin Patch
October 18
Queens Botanical Garden
Flushing, New York
718-886-3800
www.queensbotanical.org

Great Pumpkin Carving Contest
October 29
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, Georgia
404-876-5859
www.atlantabg.org

Living Pumpkin Arrangement Class
October 28
Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri
www.mobot.org

Pumpkin Festival
October 9-11
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Littleton, Colorado
720-865-3500
www.botanicgardens.org

Pumpkin Walk
October 24
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona
928-774-1442
www.thearb.org

10 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Looking for a natural way to keep the mosquitoes away?  Try some of these plants in your garden:
Marigold – great for borders.
Citronella  - perennial clumping grass.
Catnip – cats love it so skip this one if you don’t want to attract them.
Lavender – calm soothing scent.
Basil – delicious fresh herb.
Lemon Balm – easy to grow and hardy.
Peppermint – also works as an itch relief remedy.
Garlic – may also repel vampires.
Rosemary – attracts butterflies.
Geranium – works great in a hanging container.

2015 Gardening Events - February

Orchid Show
February 28 – April 19
New York Botanic Gardens
New York, New York
718-817-8700
www.nybg.org

Philadelphia Flower Show
February 28 – March 8
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
215-988-8800
www.theflowershow.com

Seed Swap
February 22
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, Illinois
847-835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org

Propagate Workshop
February 26
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-262-9300
www.garvangardens.org

Northwest Flower & Garden Show
February 11-15
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, Washington
253-238-3807
www.gardenshow.com

GreenPrints Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Congratulations to Pat Stone and everyone at GreenPrints on their 25th anniversary.

GreenPrints is not your average gardening magazine. Editor Pat Stone describes it this way..."GreenPrints shares the personal, not the how-to, side of gardening, with wonderful stories and beautiful art. It truly is a "Weeder's Digest," sharing hilarious, inspiring, consoling, frustrating, nurturing, heartwarming true garden experiences of gardeners all over the country (and the world!). It's twice been voted The Best Small Garden Magazine in America."

Click here to see their 100th issue.

Looking for holiday gift ideas for the gardener in your life?  How about a subscription to GreenPrints?  Mention our blog (GardenScribe's Gardener's Notebook) when you order (by phone--800-569-0602--or at www.greenprints.com) and get an extra (5th) issue added to your subscription!

American Made Holiday Gift Guide 2014

We’re pleased to announce that the GardenScribe Plant Organizer has been included in the 2014 American Made Holiday Gift Guide sponsored by MadeInUSAChallenge.com.

The average American spends over $700 annually on holiday shopping. If just 10% ($70) of this was spent on gifts made in USA, the economic impact would equate to the creation of over 200,000 American jobs.

The American Made Holiday Gift Guide from MadeInUSAChallenge.com offers a solution to the challenge of finding gifts made in USA. The guide provides the conscious consumer with a place to find items that support our economy, protect the environment and give back to your community. Featured items include toys, gifts for kids and babies, gifts for him and her, accessories, food and drink, seasonal products, gifts for the home, gift boxes, and more. In addition, weekly giveaways will run throughout the Holiday season giving readers a chance to win products featured in the guide.

Take the challenge this year and purchase products that are made right here in the USA!

Fall is a Great Time for Planting

If you're considering a new plant for your landscape, but feel that you should wait until next spring…don't wait.  Fall is an ideal time for planting.

Here are three great reasons to do your planting and transplanting in the fall:

1. Cooler temperatures mean less stress on the plant.
2. Increased rainfall help the plant's roots become well-established.
3. The soil is still warm in the fall (actually warmer than in spring) and allows roots to grow until the ground freezes.

Coleus for Color

Looking for an annual to add a little color to your shady beds?
Try Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides).  There are over 600 varieties of Coleus to choose from. 

The plant tag for this one didn’t list the variety.  Determined to figure out which one I have (so I can get it again next year) I’ve done some research and have decided that it’s most probably “Fireball”.

For more information on Coleus visit the Missouri Botanical Garden website.

Hydrangea Winter Dieback

Winter seemed to go on forever this year.  When spring finally arrived, we still had plenty of cold days mixed in with the warm days. The result of the crazy weather has been Hydrangea dieback.

This Bigleaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) has new growth at the base, but the stems are bare – a classic example of dieback.

If you’re seeing bare stems in mid-May, it’s ok to cut them all the way back to the base because they will not produce any flowers this year. The new stems should grow to the same height as the old stems. Hydrangeas that flower on new wood (H. paniculata) will still bloom this season.  Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood (H. macrophylla) may not bloom at all, or may have a few blooms but not until late summer.

For more information about Hydrangeas, visit the United States National Arboretum website.

2014 Gardening Events - February

Connecticut Flower & Garden Show
February 20-23
Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, Connecticut
860-844-8461
www.ctflowershow.com

New Jersey Flower & Garden Show
February 13-16
New Jersey Convention Center
Edison, New Jersey
732-449-4004
www.njflowershow.com

Garden Festival & Bonsai Show
February 22-23
Flamingo Gardens
Davie, Florida
954-473-2955
www.flamingogardens.org

Orchid Show
February 15 – March 16
Chicago Botanic Gardens
Glencoe, Illinois
847-835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org

Fruit Tree Pruning 101
February 22
Mendocino Coast Botanic Gardens
Fort Bragg, California
707-964-4352
www.gardenbythesea.org

5 Great Gifts for the Gardener

Here are 5 great gift ideas for the gardener in your life:

Thirsty Light

Never forget to water your houseplants again.  Thirsty Light will remind you. $9.94

Easy Bloom 

Make sure you’re planting in the right spot with the Easy Bloom Plant Sensor. $49.99

GardenScribe Mini Organizer

Keep track of all the plants in your garden with the GardenScribe Mini Organizer. Hand-made in the USA. $42.00   

Use coupon code GSGIFT2013 for a 10% discount (exp 12/31/13)

Mosaic Slate Garden Stepping Stones

Tip toe through the garden with these stepping stones from Plow & Hearth. $24.95

Puddle-Proof Field Bag

This rugged tote from Gardener’s Supply keeps tools and supplies organized and easy to carry. $39.95

The Gardens of Alcatraz

If you want to tour a unique garden setting in the San Francisco California area, visit the Gardens of Alcatraz for a memorable experience.

Victorian style gardens were originally planted in 1865 when the island was being used as a military prison. Over the years, the gardens were expanded to include hillside terraces, a rose garden, and a greenhouse.  In 1933 Alcatraz became a federal prison.  Inmates continued to maintain the gardens until the prison closed in 1963, at which point the gardens were abandoned.

It wasn't until 2003 that the Garden Conservancy, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the National Park Service partnered to restore the now overgrown gardens.

The award winning Gardens of Alcatraz are open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  The best time to visit is January through September.  There is no entrance fee, however there is a charge for the ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises.

For more information, visit the Gardens of Alcatraz website.

The Mystery of the African Violet

Why doesn’t my African violet bloom?

It’s a question that I’d asked myself for years.  No kidding...years.  I tried everything…

Moving it to various locations to make sure it was getting enough, but not too much, light…
Nothing

Carefully watering based on recommendations from my local nursery…
Nada

Using fertilizer specially made for African violets...
Not happening

Transplanting to a larger pot with improved soil...
Zip

Then I bought a Thirsty Light.  The reason for my purchase had nothing to do with the African violet saga. It just seemed like a great way to help me remember to water my houseplants. But, just weeks after adding a Thirsty Light to the pot, my African violet bloomed!   I’m still not entirely sure what was wrong with my watering routine. I’m just happy that Thirsty Light has made it right.

Mystery solved!

September/October Garden Care Check List

Here are some suggested tasks for your September through October garden to-do list:

> Core-aerate your lawn

> Re-seed and renovate your lawn

> Plant pansies

> Test soil PH levels in beds and lawn

> Plant spring flowering blubs

> Plant and transplant evergreen shrubs

> Trim off dead and broken branches but resist the urge to hard prune

Siberian Iris Caesar’s Brother

Botanical Name: Iris sibirica "Caesar’s Brother"
Common Name: Siberian Iris "Caesar’s Brother"
Plant Type: Perennial
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Zone: 4-9
Growth Rate: Fast
Height X Spread: 36" H x  24" W
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Description: Violet blue flowers
Foliage Description: Narrow green "lance" like foliage
Soil: Average to moist, slightly acidic (6.0-7.0)
Water: Regular, will tolerate wet soil
Prune: None
Tidy: Remove spent bloom stalks to prevent reseeding
Fertilizer: Balanced 10-10-10 or 14-14-14
Fertilizing cycle: Early spring and again after blooms fade
Special Maintenance: None
Propagation:  Division in spring
Pests & Diseases: Less susceptible to iris borer and soft rot than other varieties

Notes:  Siberian Iris is a low maintenance plant which has roots that grow deep into the ground allowing it to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun but will also grow in part shade.  Its elegant violet blue blooms last only 1-2 days but the grass like foliage will stay green into the fall.  Siberian Iris attracts butterflies and is resistant to deer.  It works well as a specimen or in mass plantings.

For more information visit the Society for Siberian Irises.

2013 Gardening Events - August

Tending the Perennial Garden in August
August 6
Merryspring Nature Center
Camden, Maine
207-236-2239
www.merryspring.org

Dahlia Show
August 24
Pond House at Elizabeth Park
Hartford, Connecticut
860-485-0326
www.ctdahlia.org

Annual Cactus and Succulent Show & Sale
August 3-4
Brookside Gardens
Silver Spring, Maryland
301-962-1400
www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside

Minnesota State Gladiolus Show
August 10-11
Civic Center
New Ulm, Minnesota
507-426-6011
www.gladworld.org

Water Wise Gardening
August 20
Descanso Gardens
La Canada Flintridge, California
818-949-4290
www.descansogardens.org

The Cloisters 75th Anniversary

The New York Cloisters Museum & Gardens will be celebrating their 75th anniversary on June 1, 2013.  The event program includes scheduled seminars throughout the day on topics such as:

• Medieval Fruits You Can Grow Today
• The Medieval Kitchen Garden
• Espaliers: Trees For Ornament And Fruit

Members of the horticultural staff will also be available throughout the day to answer questions and discuss aspects of gardening at The Cloisters. Reservations are not necessary, and all events are included with museum admission.

The Cloisters are located at:
99 Margaret Corbin Drive
Fort Tryon Park
New York, New York 10040

Read more about medieval plants and the gardens of The Cloisters on their blog at http://blog.metmuseum.org/cloistersgardens/