E-newsletter
Perennials
Check out our perennial shade house packed with our extensive selection of hardy (zone 2 - 5) perennials. We grow over 200 varieties with the selection increasing each year.
For the shady garden, choose from 7 different varieties of Astilbe, blue flowered Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss), exotic looking, but easy Ligularia (Elephant Ears) and many more. This year we are growing 17 different varieties of the popular and reliable Hosta which will grow in the sun or shade.
We have plenty of heat tolerant and maintenance free perennials such as Achillea (Yarrow), 13 varieties of Daylily, Geranium, Heliopsis (False Sunflower) and many more that thrive in sandy soil and full sun.
We grow ground covers for the sun and shade such as pink Saponaria (Soapwort), drought tolerant Sedum, delicate looking but tough Galium (Sweet Woodruff) and Dark bronze Ajuga (Bugleweed). Fast spreading and easy maintenance.
Browse through our Ornamental Grass collection for many alternatives to flowering perennials. Our grasses are all hardy to zone 5 and easy to grow. Most are clump forming and not at all invasive (a common misconception). They can add terrific texture and presence to the garden. Not to be missed are Miscanthus varieties and the impressive variegated Arundo (Giant Reed Grass).
Varieties that flower all season are always popular. We have a good range of these. Choose from Tradescantia (Spiderwort) in 4 colours, Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower), Coreopsis (Tickseed), low growing Campanula (Bellflower) and several more.
We grow 2 Shrub Rose collections. The Explorer Series are named after Canadian Explorers and are bred specifically for our Canadian climate. Groundcover varieties are a little more unusual and - as the name suggests - will spread sideways rapidly. Both groups are vigorous, disease resistant and low maintenance.
Looking for plants that attract Butterflies, flower in the fall, love moisture or just something a little different - whatever your includements - we have the plant for you! We are pleased to offer help in planning your garden. Just let us know the approximate bed dimensions and exposure and we can give you an approximate number of plants included and help you in your choices.
Feel free to stroll around our perennial display gardens for inspiration!!
New for 2008:
Geranium ‘Rozanne’: Named 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. Easy to grow, with violet - blue saucer shaped flowers. Non stop flowering from spring to fall. Reported to be identical to Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’ which we also grow and is absolutely stunning!
Echinacea ‘Green Envy’ and ‘Razzmatazz’: 2 new Echinaceas (Cone Flowers) to add to our collection! ‘Green Envy’, as its name suggests is an unusual lime green colour and ‘Razzmatazz’ is a fully double purple - pink Cone Flower. Unique specimen plants!
Rudbeckia triloba: Not quite new, but we have had availability problems for the last few years. Rudbeckia triloba belongs to the Black Eyed Susan family, but is a lot different from the more common Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’. It is tall and branching with many small yellow Daisy flowers. It flowers in the fall, when it provides a mass of long lasting colour.
Asiatic Lily ‘Cappuccino’ and ‘Honey Bee’: 2 new hybrid Lilies with large, exotic looking speckled blooms. ‘Cappuccino’ is cream with maroon speckles and ‘Honey Bee’ is yellow with maroon speckles. Easy to grow in full sun.
Gaura ‘Stratosphere White’: A new selection from plant breeders Proven Winners. Loose, delicate sprays of white flowers are held on upright plants. Named ‘Butterfly Gaura’ by some, the flowers move constantly in a breeze, looking like a cloud of small butterflies. Plants bloom continuously from spring to fall. A real gem!
Newsletter Articles
The following plant information is taken from back issues of our E-newsletters. Enjoy
Geranium Rozanne
2008 Perennial Plant of the Year
March 2008
The Perennial Plant Association has awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year to Geranium Rozanne. This hardy Geranium was discovered in a garden in Somerset, England in 1989 but was not brought to North America until recently. It has 2.5" wide, iridescent violet-blue saucer shaped flowers with purple-violet veins and white centres. The flowers last nonstop from spring to fall and require no deadheading. It is reported to be identical to Geranium Jolly Bee which we also grow and is absolutely stunning!
Plants awarded the honour of the Perennial Plant of the Year are a definite must in your garden! Previous winners are listed on the Perennial Plant Associations website at www.perennialplant.org and we grow most of them too.
Leucanthemum Broadway Lights
A Daisy with a difference!
May 2008
Shasta Daisies have long been enjoyed as reliable, showy perennials. This year we are growing the brand new Broadway Lights and it is a little different than other Daisies. The flowers on this gorgeous Shasta Daisy open bright yellow, lighten to a soft butter shade, then turn white when mature. Since Broadway Lights is such a profuse bloomer, the plants are constantly covered with blooms in 3 different colours. It grows 18 - 24" and flowers mid summer. Plant in full or part sun and enjoy this unique beauty.
Astilbe Vision in Red
Long lasting colour for the shade
May 2008
This fabulous Astilbe is one of my favourite perennials! Long lasting, upright, fluffy dark red flowers are very striking and last for 6 to 8 weeks in July and August. When the flowers are finished, the glossy foliage remains fresh and full and the seed heads are interesting into the fall. Vision in Red will grow better in some shade, but unlike most other Astilbes can also withstand some drought and tolerate sun. It grows 15 - 20" tall and is absolutely stunning planted in a group of 3 or more. The photo shows a group of Astilbe Vision in Red plants still in bud, combined with Ligularia Desdemona, Yew, Ladies Mantle and Hydrangea Annabelle.
Ornamental Grass
Calamagrostis Karl Foerster
June 2008
I am a huge fan of ornamental grasses. Not only do they provide interesting structure and texture in the garden, but they are easy to grow, drought tolerant and low maintenance. Calamagrostis Karl Foerster or Feather Reed Grass was named the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2001 and is an amazing find.
It grows in sun or shade and has an upright habit, reaching 4-5 feet by the end of the summer. Golden flowers appear in August and remain attractive well into winter. Roots do not spread underground like some invasive grasses, instead the plant grows slowly outward to create an easily controlled clump. The only maintenance required is to cut down dead stems in the Spring. Karl Foerster looks fantastic in groups of 3 or massed in larger groups and makes a stunning show against a house wall or nestled into a corner.
Asiatic Lilies Cappuccino & Honey Bee
Easy to grow and very unique flowers!
June 2008
These two new unique Asiatic Lilies we have grown this year are now flowering and look absolutely stunning! Cappuccino flowers are cream with purple speckles and Honey Bee are bright yellow with purple speckles. They definitely add an exotic and unusual touch to the garden. Both varieties are tall, reaching 30 - 48" in height. Flowers are held on top of strong stems. The plants need no special treatment - after flowering, deadhead and let the foliage continue to grow, then trim down in the fall as with other perennials. Over the years, the bulbs will increase and more stems will be sent up. They are also gorgeous as cut flowers - I have had a couple of broken stems in a vase now for a week and they still look great!
Nepeta Walker's Low
2007 Perennial Plant of the Year
March 2007
We are so excited about this fantastic new perennial Catmint. Nepeta Walker's Low is easy to grow with a long blooming period. Flowers are gorgeous blue-violet and scented foliage is grey-green. Growing 30 to 36 inches wide and tall, it is taller than the more common edging selections of Catmint. (The name is not related to plant size!!) It attracts bees and butterflies, but is deer and rabbit resistant. Plant in full or partial sun for enjoyment all season.
Plants awarded the honour of the Perennial Plant of the Year are a definite must in your garden! Previous winners are listed on the Perennial Plant Associations website at www.perennialplant.org and we grow most of them too.
Pansys and Primulas
Create a Happy Spring Planting at your Door!
April 2007
Spruce up those sad looking winter planters with some colourful Spring beauties for a fresh new look! Simply combine some hardy Pansys and Primulas with those leftover evergreen boughs and Dogwood sticks. This year we are growing Panolas, a cross between a Pansy and a Viola. They combine the flower colour and size of Pansys with the hardiness and heat tolerance of Violas. We are also growing blue, pink and yellow Primula. Both Pansys and Primulas have fantastic cold tolerance and will take a heavy frost, making them a perfect choice for a colourful early spring planting.
Heuchera Creme Brule & Mocha Mint
Stunning New Perennials
April 2007
New this year are 2 gorgeous Heucheras (Coral Bells), bred by the Proven Winners people. Both grow to a height of 12", love full sun or part shade and are hardy to zone 4. Creme Brule features unusual, ruffled amber - gold foliage (image below). Mocha Mint is equally as stunning with green foliage overlaid with a wash of silver. Although grown primarily for their foliage, coral pink flowers add a nice touch. Foliage colour and texture is so important in the perennial garden, these unique little beauties deserve a place up front!
Oriental Lily Brazilia
Avening Women's Institute Centennial Lily
May 2007
2007 is the 100th anniversary of the Avening Women's Institute. In order to mark this historic event and honour the members of the local W.I. we are growing a special Centennial Lily. Brazilia features gorgeous white flowers with rose edges and speckles in the centre. It is easy to grow, reaching about 3 feet and of course is beautifully scented, as all Oriental Lilies are. On Saturday 5 May, at their Centennial Celebrations, Katie presented a Brazilia Lily to each of the members of the Avening W.I. We have grown plenty of extra plants, available for purchase at the farm. These Lilies are real beauties and would make a lovely Mothers Day gift!
Sedum Garnet Brocade
New for 2007!
May 2007
This exciting new perennial Sedum Garnet Brocade is not to be missed! Throughout the spring and early summer a mound of burgundy foliage will form, gradually growing 12 - 18" in height. Burgundy flowers bloom from August to October and seed heads remain interesting throughout the winter. Garnet Brocade is very easy to care for and extremely drought tolerant. If you are a fan of the much more common Sedum Autumn Beauty this new variety will complement it nicely. If you are new to gardening, this plant is a no fail easy perennial!
Geranium Jolly Bee
Continuous colour!
June 2007
Geraniums are such beautiful perennials, but their flowering period is usually only a couple of months. Geranium Jolly Bee is a new perennial Geranium that flowers from May to October. It also has very 'well behaved' foliage that stays low and mounded and does not become big and leggy. Flowers are mid blue and require no deadheading. As with other perennials, I always recommend planting in 3s for the best effect. Sounds too good to be true?? Stop by and see for yourself!!
Scabiosa Butterfly Blue
Pincushion Flower
September 2007
This hardy perennial was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2000. It is easy to grow, likes full sun and flowers virtually all season long with a copious display of lavender blue 'Pincushion' flowers. Butterfly Blue looks fantastic planted in groups and Butterflies love them. Attractive lacy foliage is grey - green.
They look magnificent!
