| Plant | Date(s) | Report |
|---|---|---|
| On June 3, 2023 | Transplanted Planted under front oak beside yellow rose but will need to be moved into more sun. |
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| On May 24, 2023 | Obtained plant | |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Galaxy White') | On April 25, 2023 | Plant emerged Overwintered on-site by back garage door and seems to be doing fine. Full height with no flowers by June 4 although we have had a hot May |
| Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) | On November 15, 2022 | Winterized the best time when to dig Calla Lilies is right after the frost has killed the foliage. This is going to ensure that your Calla Lilies have stored all the nutrients they are able to survive over winter. The next step to care Calla Lilies over winter is after you dig them up, you have to brush off any remaining dirt gently. Please do not wash the Calla Lilies rhizomes off because this will be able to cause the rhizomes to rot later on. After that, you have to cut off the foliage from the top of the rhizomes, leaving approximately 2 to 3 inches or 5-7.5 cm of the dead leaves. After this, you have to leave the rhizomes to dry in a warm and dry place to dry for 4 to 7 days. This is very crucial for Calla Lilies care in winter as it allows the outer skin of the rhizome to toughen up, and will assist it survive the winter. This is known as curing. After the Calla Lilies rhizomes have already dried, you are able to place them in a paper bag. Or you are also able to wrap them in newspaper. Please store them in a cool and dry place, somewhere that stays around 10 C (50 F). Of course, proper Calla Lilies winter care is very crucial to having those lovely flowers in your garden year after year. Great Way to Store Calla Lilies Over Winter Firstly, you have to cut back your Calla Lilies' inflorescences to 3 inches above the soil line by using garden shears after the first light frost yellows or damages the foliage. Loosen the soil 3 to 6 inches from the base of the callas by using a garden trowel. Please work the trowel around 6 inches under the Calla Lilies. Loosen the soil ball containing the rhizome and its roots by rocking it up and down. Then, lift the soil ball and the lilies from the ground. You need to pick away the big clumps of soil from the rhizomes and roots with a wood skewer or pencil. Please place the rhizomes under cool-running water to rinse away the soil. Now, you are able to space the Calla Lilies around 2-inches apart in a single layer on a table placed out of direct sunlight and shielded from the rain and wind. Let the Calla Lilies cure outside for 3 days to a week if the temperature remains between 60 and 70 degrees F. The next step is to scrape away any remaining soil from the rhizomes and roots by using a wood skewer or pencil. Please tag the inflorescences with a garden tag with the cultivar name written on it. Also, you are able to write the cultivar name on the rhizome with a permanent marker. You need to line the bottom of a vented plastic container with 1 to 2 inches of substrate like peat moss or vermiculite. Just space the Callas Lilies approximately 1-inch apart on the substrate. If you do not have a vented plastic container, you are able to use a cardboard box with some holes punched in the sides. Now, you have to cover the Calla Lilies with 1 or 2 inches of substrate. Ensure that you fill the spaces between them. Please place the container in a frost-free room with low humidity and a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees F until the danger of frost ends in spring. Look at the Calla Lilies every week or two over winter and check for drying and wrinkling. You need to spray the substrate several times with water from a spray bottle if your rhizomes look a bit dry. If needed, you are able to soak a utility knife in a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part all-purpose bleach for 15 minutes to sterilize it and then cut away any rotted or moldy portions of the rhizomes. Please replace any substrate which appears or smells rotten or moldy. |
| Cannas (Canna) | On November 15, 2022 | Winterized How Do I Dig Cannas For Overwintering? Use a digging fork to gently lever the clump out of the ground. As Cannas are shallowly rooted, this will be easier than you think! If you are storing Cannas grown in containers, you can either store the roots, container and all, or remove the clump from the container and proceed in the same way as with garden-grown Cannas, depending upon your storage space. Container-grown Cannas will need to be replanted in fresh soil next season for best results. Separate the rhizomes with your hands. Be gentle, but do not worry if they break. The fleshy roots will dry up during storage, so again, handle carefully, but don't worry too much about breakage. If they have been in garden soil, do not wash the rhizomes, as doing so invites disease problems during storage. Instead, remove the soil and lightly brush them off. However, if they were located in a boggy condition or in a water feature (Cannas make great pond plants!), cleaning off the muck and detritus from a long season is advised. Cut off the old foliage stalks 1-2 inches above the rhizome with a clean knife. Then, carefully inspect the rhizomes for rot or animal damage and discard those with signs of disease. If it's a large rhizome, you can use a clean knife to cut off rotten or damaged areas to clean, white flesh. Remember, different cultivars of Canna look the same naked. If you're digging several types at the same time, put them into large, labelled trugs (even if it's just a scrap piece of paper thrown in with them). Before you store them later, you can do a better job of labeling. How Do I Store Cannas For Overwintering? Now comes the easiest part of all – preparing them for storage. Traditional methods advocate placing them in containers or bags filled with slightly dampened peat moss or wood shavings, but for those short on time or either of those materials, Cannas can also be overwintered simply by placing the sorted rhizomes into heavy-duty garbage bags and storing in the correct conditions (see below). The garbage bags will help maintain a good level of humidity without adding extra moisture. However you decide to store them, make sure to label bags or pots of rhizomes carefully with tags. You can also use a Sharpie to write directly on the rhizome itself. You'll thank yourself when spring comes and those rhizomes start sprouting. Where Do I Store Cannas For Overwintering? Find a cool, dark space that stays above freezing but below 55 throughout the winter. Non-fluctuating temperatures are best as they prevent early sprouting. Some great storage places to consider are: Cellars Crawlspaces Unfinished basements Unheated garages Deep cold frames Avoid Outbuildings, barns, potting sheds, etc., as they often tend to fall below freezing in the deep winter. Directly after storing the rhizomes, and particularly during a warmer autumn, you may see a certain amount of early re-sprouting. It's safe to ignore this but means your temperatures need to be a bit cooler. If plants are continuing to re-sprout adjust the temperatures or store somewhere cooler, as this will eventually exhaust the rhizome's resources. When Can I Replant Cannas In The Garden? As temperatures increase and spring returns, re-inspect your rhizomes – throw away any that are rotten or diseased, and if some are beginning to sprout in storage, lightly dampen with water to replenish resources. Cannas are tropical warm-season plants. They will not only be harmed by planting them in the garden too early, but they will not grow vigorously until temperatures are warmer. At this point you have two choices: Either wait for the right time in the garden to plant, or force them into earlier strong growth using a cold frame or greenhouse. Whichever route you take, plant the rhizomes 3-4 inches deep in rich soil approximately 1' apart with a small amount of balanced fertilizer. Lay the rhizome horizontally in the soil with any bud swellings (eyes) or new shoots pointing up. Water well. Natural Timing For Canna Rhizomes Keep your storage areas cool, and when all danger of frost has past, re-plant outside or in containers in rich soil with a small amount of balanced fertilizer. Foliage will take a while to re-sprout, but will be ready for your summer garden. If you are planting in a water feature, make sure to cover the soil of the container with at least 2 inches of pea gravel to keep soil firmly in the pot. Forced Timing For Canna Rhizomes Approximately 4-5 weeks before the last frost, replant the rhizomes in small temporary containers (perhaps 2 per gallon pot), with fresh soil and a small amount of balanced fertilizer. Keep them protected in cold frames or an unheated greenhouse with plenty of light. As temperatures naturally warm outside, you will begin to see sprouting above the soil line. Keep them well watered and do not forget to check daytime temperatures in your cold frame or greenhouse. Temperatures can rise quickly and damage the emerging foliage. When all danger of frost is past, replant the Cannas in containers or garden beds at the same soil level they were in the pots. They should be well-leafed out and ready for the season ahead! |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Northern Star') | On November 1, 2022 | Winterized Wintering evergreen agapanthus Evergreens will need extra care. It'll need to be cut back in the summertime as soon as fall approaches. Do NOT wait until the cold comes. It's just an unnecessary risk to take, especially when grown in northern regions where it gets really cold. The plant needs to be cut back at the end of summer or early fall right before the cold begins. Check your forecast and look up your frost dates. Upon cutting back, you'll then dig up the roots next. The tubers should be cleaned. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush off soil that's stuck on them. Let them dry out after you clean them. The roots will likely have all sorts of dirty clumps stuck on them plus the moisture from prior waterings. Keep them somewhere dry, warm, and humid-free. You can wrap them in some paper while they dry out. Keep the light in the room minimal during this time. Store in a dark, dry, light-free environment. Aim for temperatures between 40-45F. When the spring comes, check for mold, fungus, or spores. If you see any, dispose of the bulb because it'll be useless. If everything's good to go, then you're ready to plant them again for the season. Evergreens are difficult to overwinter compared to deciduous. If you're in zones 6-8, you'll have a tough time getting them to stay outside during the cold. Zones that stay above 60F should be OK leaving them in the soil throughout the winter, but they also need full sun. So if the sun goes away with those shorter days, it'll suffer. But if temps are good, plus the sun is bright, you may get away doing nothing. Just water it once a week. Don't let it go dry. If temperatures fluctuate around that threshold, add some mulch. 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the root to help keep it nice and warm. Mini greenhouses, cold frames, or plant heaters are also good choices. Smaller agapanthus plants can be covered with a portable greenhouse, without disturbing the plant. Lastly, you can move your agapanthus into a container. If you set up a temporary housing area that has temperatures around 60F with 12 hours of sunlight per day, then you can keep your evergreen going through the winter. Use a grow light for plants if you don't have the sunlight to give it. When the spring comes, move it back to the original location. This is to be used as a last resort. It's not good for the plant to constantly move it. So avoid doing so if possible. One handy tip is to use containers to grow your evergreen agapanthus. This makes it a lot more convenient because you can simply move the container when the cold comes. You also don't need to uproot it and mess with the roots each time the cold comes. The pot can be brought inside your house when the winter comes. This saves you a ton of time plus reduces plant shock. Be sure to provide some light by placing agapanthus next to a window in your house. Don't fertilize during this time, but continue to water at a reduced rate. |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Galaxy White') | On November 1, 2022 | Winterized Wintering evergreen agapanthus Evergreens will need extra care. It'll need to be cut back in the summertime as soon as fall approaches. Do NOT wait until the cold comes. It's just an unnecessary risk to take, especially when grown in northern regions where it gets really cold. The plant needs to be cut back at the end of summer or early fall right before the cold begins. Check your forecast and look up your frost dates. Upon cutting back, you'll then dig up the roots next. The tubers should be cleaned. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush off soil that's stuck on them. Let them dry out after you clean them. The roots will likely have all sorts of dirty clumps stuck on them plus the moisture from prior waterings. Keep them somewhere dry, warm, and humid-free. You can wrap them in some paper while they dry out. Keep the light in the room minimal during this time. Store in a dark, dry, light-free environment. Aim for temperatures between 40-45F. When the spring comes, check for mold, fungus, or spores. If you see any, dispose of the bulb because it'll be useless. If everything's good to go, then you're ready to plant them again for the season. Evergreens are difficult to overwinter compared to deciduous. If you're in zones 6-8, you'll have a tough time getting them to stay outside during the cold. Zones that stay above 60F should be OK leaving them in the soil throughout the winter, but they also need full sun. So if the sun goes away with those shorter days, it'll suffer. But if temps are good, plus the sun is bright, you may get away doing nothing. Just water it once a week. Don't let it go dry. If temperatures fluctuate around that threshold, add some mulch. 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the root to help keep it nice and warm. Mini greenhouses, cold frames, or plant heaters are also good choices. Smaller agapanthus plants can be covered with a portable greenhouse, without disturbing the plant. Lastly, you can move your agapanthus into a container. If you set up a temporary housing area that has temperatures around 60F with 12 hours of sunlight per day, then you can keep your evergreen going through the winter. Use a grow light for plants if you don't have the sunlight to give it. When the spring comes, move it back to the original location. This is to be used as a last resort. It's not good for the plant to constantly move it. So avoid doing so if possible. One handy tip is to use containers to grow your evergreen agapanthus. This makes it a lot more convenient because you can simply move the container when the cold comes. You also don't need to uproot it and mess with the roots each time the cold comes. The pot can be brought inside your house when the winter comes. This saves you a ton of time plus reduces plant shock. Be sure to provide some light by placing agapanthus next to a window in your house. Don't fertilize during this time, but continue to water at a reduced rate. |
| Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus Graceful Grasses® Prince Tut™) | On November 1, 2022 | Winterized Be sure to bring your papyrus plant indoors where it will be warm and snug before temperatures in your area fall below 40 degrees F. (4 C.). Overwintering papyrus plants is easy if you can provide sufficient warmth, light, and moisture. Here's how: Move the plant into a container with a drainage hole in the bottom. Place the container inside a larger, water-filled pot with no drainage hole. A child's wading pool or a galvanized metal container works well if you have several papyrus plants. Be sure to keep at least a couple of inches (5 cm.) of water in the container at all times. You can also plant papyrus in a regular container filled with potting soil, but you'll need to water frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. Place the plant in bright sunlight. A south-facing window may provide sufficient light, but you may need to place the plant under a grow light. Papyrus is most likely to survive the winter if room temperatures are maintained between 60 and 65 degrees F. (16-18 C.). The plant may go dormant during the winter, but it will resume normal growth when the weather warms in spring. Withhold fertilizer during the winter months. Return to a regular feeding schedule after you move the plant outdoors in spring. |
| Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Little Quick Fire®) | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $10 |
| Coneflower (Echinacea Double Scoop™ Mandarin) | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $4 each. Purchased two plants. |
| Half-High Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Polaris') | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant |
| Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Caramia') | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $7 |
| Perennial Woodland Sage (Salvia nemorosa) | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant |
| Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Twinkle Toes') | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $5 |
| Meserve Hybrid Holly (Ilex Blue Princess) | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $5 |
| Hellebore (Helleborus Frostkiss™ Winter Moonbeam) | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $7 |
| Geranium Rozanne® | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $5 |
| Astilbe Mighty Chocolate Cherry | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $7 |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Blue Triumphator') | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $12 |
| Monkshood (Aconitum x bicolor) | On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $7 |
| On September 24, 2022 | Obtained plant $7 |
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| On September 23, 2022 | Obtained plant $7 |
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| Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata Ka-Pow® White Bicolor) | On July 1, 2022 | Obtained plant |
| On July 1, 2022 | Obtained plant | |
| Edible Fig (Ficus carica 'Stella') | On June 2, 2022 | Obtained plant |
| On June 8, 2021 | Obtained plant | |
| Bee Balm (Monarda 'Bee-Free') | On April 24, 2021 | Obtained plant $5 Cedar Rim |
| Hardy Geranium (Geranium sanguineum 'Max Frei') | On April 24, 2021 | Obtained plant Cedar Rim $5 |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Northern Star') | On April 24, 2021 | Obtained plant Cedar Rim $25 |
| Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant Country Garden |
| Fuchsia 'Dollar Princess' | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant Country Gardens |
| Fuchsia 'Sir Matt Busby' | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant Country Gardens |
| Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia 'Santa Claus') | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant $5 Country Gardens |
| On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant $5 Country Garden |
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| Fuchsia 'Delta's Sara' | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant $5 Country Gardens. Bought One for Rita as BD Gift. |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Galaxy White') | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant Country Gardens $20 |
| False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra Summer Sun) | On April 19, 2021 | Obtained plant Country Gardens |
| Fuchsia 'Army Nurse' | On April 25, 2008 | Obtained plant Ordered from the US-Monniers Country Gardens Woodburn Oregon. This has been hardy for for 12 winters. |
