Wendy's Wish

The pansies are going in this week but before the summer season is out of our minds completely, I wanted to tell you about some great plants to consider for your garden next season.

Wendy's Wish Salvia was a real surprise for me. It is one of those plants that when seen at the garden center you would hardly give a second glance to because it won't look like much in a 4" container. The small, deep rose colored, bell shaped flowers grow along a thin stem; the small leaves are not a big factor on this 24-36" plant. It never needs to be deadheaded and blooms continuously from spring to fall. In my 24" diameter containers I did find that if it wasn't pruned occasionally it got too tall. But, the combination of Big Red Judy Coleus (36" height), Snazzy Coleus (18") and Wendy's Wish was a "big" success. All three grew together in proper proportions. This plant should definitely be part of your garden beds where it can truly shine without having to be cut back. I think most folks are familiar with Big Red Judy Coleus with its large rosy red leaves; if not, check it out because it is one of the best sun coleus around. Snazzy Coleus was new for me and is another great sun coleus; the predominately green and yellow leaves even took on a bit of red as the summer went on. All three of these plants are Proven Winners so ask your local garden center about carrying them next year.

Last season the dahlias I used in the containers weren't big successes, but this year I used another PW selection called Eye Candy (18-24") and this one was a super success. Its larger size allowed it to compete better with the bigger plants I need in the big containers. All dahlias look better with regular deadheading but Eye Candy was better about keeping a tidy appearance even with spent blooms. The orange/red and yellow petals were a good match for Oranges & Lemon Gallardia. These two bloomed non-stop all summer and into fall; check out the hungry bees fighting for the last bits of pollen on a day in late October.

Ribbon Bush and Illusion Emerald Lace

As October nears its end, another summer season is being gently laid to rest and those bright, bawdy and brilliant annuals are putting out their all before the first frost finally silences their noisy colors. It was a sad moment when I had to pull out the lush begonias and throw them onto the compost heap. But as I was taking out the plants from some of the more tired containers around town, I found a few surprises.

At the beginning of the season I was given a number of Proven Winner selections to try. There were two in particular that in their "plug" stage were less than impressive so I was curious to see how they would grow up. An unusual character even in its maturity, Ribbon Bush (Hamalocladium platycladium) should definitely be included in your garden or container next year. It's quirky light green leaves and growth structure resemble a Christmas Cactus but there are no flowers to be had. In a container this plant adds height, ranging from 18"-36"; and great texture without becoming a thug. I put one plant in the garden and, while it did great there, it didn't have the same wow factor as it did in the container. Knowing how it performs, next season I would mix it with flowering plants. Also considered as a house plant, I've saved this one from the compost pile and will see how it does indoors.

Another plant that really had me giving it the one-eyed treatment when I first saw it was Illusion Emerald Lace (Ipomoea batatas). This sweet potato vine looks like the regular Margueritte which has been attacked by OCD slugs. The unique leaf form gives a much lacier appearance but has a more controlled growth habit. The plants I had went into a garden setting and I can definitely agree that, unlike its cousin, the brilliant lime green foliage stayed within sensible boundaries. I'm not sure if there just aren't any slugs (OCD or regular) in the area, but I saw no damage to the leaves either. Now that I know how well behaved this plant is, I'll be trying it in a container next season.


Both plants are worth having for use in your garden or containers. Let your favorite garden center know you are interested so they can be looking for them.

Time for a Change

Change....it is in the air and it is affecting everything. At long last the steamy humid days of summer are giving way to the crisp, blue sky days of fall, and it is time for Mother Nature to put on a new dress. Speaking of new dresses, I recently came back from a garden writing symposium so totally inspired to write, to garden, to mend my misorganized self.....to change! Besides learning so much from the different sessions about how to better pursue my writing career, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and variety of the gardens in the Raleigh, NC area. Over 1200 pictures were taken!! Lots of inspiration for upcoming containers and garden designs.

The first thing I did when I got back was to check out the City containers and the Scented Garden to see how the plants were looking. Were they anxious to take a much needed rest from putting forth all that glorious color? Some were definitely ready for a long winter's nap in the compost pile. But not those dragon wing begonias.....my gosh they are at their peak of beauty right now. Sadly, it is time for the fall color change out and, while the begonias will continue to thrive until the first frost, they must leave and make room for the winter color. Another winner that keeps on going is the Centaurea 'Colchester White'....I know I've raved about it before but it bears repeating. It is a must have in any container. Its companions this year were Verbena 'Blue Princess' and PW Supertunia 'Lavender Skies'. While Blue Princess took a rest from blooming, Lavender Skies never stopped; and was the perfect "socks and shoes" for the centaurea all summer long.

It will be a challenge to decide which evergreen plants will remain in the winter containers. Many are now outgrowing their home and will crowd out the annual color. It is nice to have the evergreens; they are permanent color, save money and easy to maintain. But, folks like to be "wowed". I see them walking the streets looking at the containers and, guess which ones they stop to look at? Right, the DW begonias, the Colchester White, the Rustic Orange coleus. The conifers and ivy will definitely remain since they are terrific backdrops and accents for the pansies. Time though for the Autumn ferns to move over to the Scented Garden. With their roots happily fertilized and watered all summer they've become small shrubs, which will be perfect for softening the brick walls in the Garden.

A trip to the nursery brought out the lust for plants again. This season has been particularly difficult for the growers -- lots of rain and not much sun -- so the pansies were not as robust as usual. Still, there were many to choose from. This year I'm going with more violas; they proved to be hardier and more showy. There will be a good representation of pansies in yellows, oranges and reds...gets the attention of drivers as they tour the town. Look for a new pansy in the pots: Amber Kiss....I loved the bright unusual color. You'll have to wait until next blog time to see photos!!

The changes in me have already started and I like the results: lots more energy and lots more finished projects. The changes in the containers will begin next week and should be finished before Halloween. Next time I check in I'll let you know how the Scented Garden is progressing. The cooler weather and rain has made that area lush, green and happy. The 'Tiny Princess' camellia is heavily budded and ready for showing off; and the tea olive is, of course, blooming and fragrant.


One of the most important things learned at the symposium is that everyone likes change, even though they complain about it. Some like change to come about slowly; some like the sudden whosh of a complete makeover. I, for one, am looking forward to the change in season and all that it brings to the garden and the summer weary containers.