E-newsletter
Perennials
In our Perennial House you will discover an extensive selection of hardy (zone 2 to 5) perennials. Each variety has been carefully researched and chosen by Katie for its outstanding qualities. We grow over 200 varieties of perennials from seed, cuttings and roots, including many of the premium Proven Winner perennials.
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 13 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), 10 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 hardy Calamagrostis varieties (Feather Reed Grasses).
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.
Attract Butterfiles to your Garden
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!!
Tree Peonies: A real plant collector’s gem! Choose from 4 different colours including a stunning yellow. Plants form a bushy shrub and bloom earlier than regular varieties. Prefers some shade. Must be seen!
Rudbeckia triloba: 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.
Clematis: We grow 6 different Clematis varieties, ranging from deep purple Jackmanii to yellow Tangutica. Looking to cover a fence or a wall, whether you have sun or shade, we have a variety for you.
Irish & Scotch Moss: These moss plants can be planted in between flagstone cracks and will quickly spread to form a low carpet. Irish is dark green, whereas Scotch is lime green. Both are covered with tiny white flowers in the summer. Great for softening the look of stone and helping keep weeds out of the cracks.
Newsletter Articles
The following plant information about our Perennials is taken from back issues of our E newsletters. If you are not yet signed up to receive our regular e newsletters throughout the season, you can subscribe here.
Polemonium Heavenly Habit
Jacob's Ladder - a hit of colour for the shady garden
June 2011
Jacob's Ladder is a much underused perennial which performs beautifully in full or part shade or even full sun if not in too hot a location. Green fern like foliage emerges in early spring and grows upwards about 12 to 15". Medium blue flowers with a yellow centre are produced in early to mid summer and are held in spires on the upright stems. There are various variegated leafed forms, but I find that the green foliage forms always perform better. Heavenly Habit is also shorter than other types and I find it to be just the perfect height for the front of a bed. It is a very reliable perennial, returning without trouble each year and also hardy, being rated as a zone 3 - so no special winter treatment required. As with most perennials, I recommend planting in groups of 3 or more for the best effect. If you have not discovered Jacob's Ladder yet, find a spot for one in your garden - or if you happen to have a Jacob in your family, this one's a must!!
Rudbeckia Varieties
Black Eyed Susans
June 2011
Black Eyed Susan - fantastic colour for summer and fall Rudbeckia, more commonly known as Black Eyed Susan are bright yellow daisy flowers that grow beautifully in our climate and soils. These hardy perennials add a bright burst of colour to the late summer and fall garden and are easy to grow. Rudbeckia Goldsturm is the most commonly grown variety of Black Eyed Susan, growing about 24" tall. This year we have grown a new dwarf variety of Rudbeckia, known as City Garden. This selection grows only 12" in height, so is perfectly suited to small gardens or planting close to the front of the bed. Both varieties produce masses of large golden yellow daisy flowers with a distinct dark brown central cone. They provide bright and cheery colour from mid summer until October. The plants have a sturdy, upright habit and spread to form a large patch fairly quickly. They love full sun and are fairly drought tolerant. All in all, a must for every garden!
Brunnera
True blue for spring!
May 2011
Brunnera or Siberian Bugloss is one of my favourite all time perennials. It is fairly uncommon and deserves to be planted a lot more than it is! It is a reliable, easy care perennial and once established will pop up year after year. Low clumps of heart shaped leaves grow to about 12" and produce upright, airy sprays of true blue forget-me-not type flowers. One of the great features of this plant is that it will grow in a variety of conditions, from full shade, part shade to full sun, although I find it does do better in a little shade. It flowers from May to July, although the foliage mounds look great all year. Brunnera comes either with plain green foliage or in variegated forms - such as Jack Frost, shown in the photo or Hadspen Cream. The variegated types are really stunning, with green and silver patterned foliage - ensure you plant them at the front of the bed where they will be seen. Plant in groups of 3 or more for the best effect. Drop by soon to check out our stunning Brunnera collection!
Poppy Summer Breeze
Bright and cheery early blooms
April 2011
This beautiful little perennial poppy really is difficult to resist! Bright orange, simple papery flowers wave on wiry stems above the foliage. Flowers are smaller than the more common oriental poppy but the blooming period is longer. Summer Breeze grows to about 12" tall, prefers full sun but will tolerate dappled shade and will help attract hummingbirds and bees to your garden. For the best effect, plant in groups of 3 or more and scatter throughout the garden. It flowers in early summer and is a great filler between the early bulbs and Peonies and the midsummer bloomers such as Daisies and Daylilies. Stop by soon to check out these happy little beauties!
Primula Pacific hybrids
Great in the garden or in spring container plantings
April 2011
One of the things I remember about growing up in the UK is the abundance of spring blooming Primroses and Polyanthas and consequently I still have a soft spot for them. They even grow wild in hedgerows over there (well used to...!!) While not quite such vigorous growers here in Ontario, they are still easy to grow and are a delight in both the spring garden or in containers. I'd love to see Primulas used more in our parks and city plantings in addition to the impressive range of Pansies and Violas that are more commonly planted. Primula Pacific Hybrids form a low mound of foliage with large colourful flowers in the spring. Colours include yellow, maroon, lavender, white, pink and violet, most with eyes of contrasting colours. In the garden, they are a hardy zone 3 perennial that loves shade or part shade. Plant where they will receive as much moisture as possible. They also look fantastic in spring container plantings, along with Violas and Pansies - just plant out into the ground in June. Available in 3.5" or 1 gallon pots.
Helleborus Pink Frost
Lenten Roses are a real gem in the spring garden
April 2011
I have never seen a Helleborus flower that didn't make me stop in my tracks! These early spring bloomers are absolutely magnificent and new varieties are much sought after by perennial enthusiasts. There are two main types available in this area, Christmas Rose, (H. niger), and Lenten Rose, (H. orientalis hybrids). The Lenten Rose is generally considered easier to please than the Christmas Rose, thriving in shade or part shade. Our Lenten Rose Pink Frost is brand new this year and comes from a breeding project in Germany. Plants form vigorous clumps of evergreen leaves, about 12" in height with a silvery sheen and red stems. Flower stalks appear in early spring with abundant 2-3" nodding light rose blossoms which age to burgundy.
Helleborus is a zone 5 plant, so a sheltered location and a winter mulch of loose leaves is a good idea. Plants require moisture early in the spring, but later in the summer will tolerate moderate drought - great in this area! The only maintenance required is to cut off the old leaves in late winter before the buds appear. Drop by soon to see this incredible flower - I'm definitely reserving a few for my own gardens!
Rudbeckia Triloba
Black Eyed Susan with a twist!
June 2010
Most gardeners are familiar with the popular garden perennial Rudbeckia or Black Eyed Susan with its dazzling displays of bright yellow flowers in late summer and fall. The most commonly grown variety is 'Goldsturm' which has large flowers. Rudbeckia triloba is a more unusual type of perennial Black Eyed Susan. It grows taller than Goldsturm - about 4 feet in height and forms a large, upright bush. In summer and fall, hundreds of small flowers are produced all over, giving the plant a bright, airy appearance. The flowers are the traditional yellow daisies with black centres, but are only about 1" in size. Rudbeckia triloba is quite drought tolerant and prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade too. I grew it in my old perennial gardens which I never watered and had some afternoon shade from trees. They provided a lovely blast of colour from mid summer on. Rudbeckia triloba will often self seed, creating a casual, country feel and forming a lovely patch over a few years, but don't worry, they are easily kept under control and are not invasive. Try planting with other fall flowering plants such as Sedum, Aster or Russian Sage.
Irish and Scotch Moss
Gorgeous in flagstone cracks
June 2010
We've been planting Irish and Scotch Moss for years at many of our landscape jobs. After Chris has installed a flagstone patio or pathway, I will come along behind and fill in the cracks with moss. The moss creates a flat carpet over the stone, softening the harshness of the stone and is fine to walk on too. Irish Moss is a dark, rich green, whereas Scotch Moss is a brighter lime green / yellow. Both produce tiny white flowers from time to time through the season and will spread quite fast. The plants can be squeezed into cracks as small as an inch wide, but don't forget to dig out the gravel first and replace with topsoil. It's a lovely detail to finish off a pathway or patio and of course the moss can always be allowed to grow in the garden too. Some gardeners are even using these mosses and low spreading thymes as a lawn replacement - no more grass cutting!
Echinacea Sundown & Sunrise
Unique orange and yellow Coneflowers!
May 2010
In recent years, plant breeders have been working to breed various colours and forms of Echinaceas (Purple Cone Flowers) and now there are several to choose from. These two Echinaceas are my favourites of the new breeding and are real must haves for plant collectors! Like their purple cousins, Echinacea Sundown and Sunrise are vigorous and hardy, with strong stems and produce single daisy like flowers mid to late summer. But wait until you see the gorgeous colours…Sundown has with beautiful fragrant orange flowers with a brown cone. Sunrise is also fragrant, but with soft citron yellow flowers with the central cone starting out green and turning gold. Both types grow 30 - 36" in height and require full sun. Our plants this year look amazing. They are bushy and in bud right now and are looking for homes!!
Clematis
Stunning blooms in sun or shade
April 2010
Clematis vines are a fantastic group of plants offering bold seasonal colour. At the farm, we grow a range of types that can be divided into 2 broad groups - the beautiful large flowered hybrids and the more subtle but still stunning smaller flowered species types. Both types can be grown on a trellis against a wall or can be trained to ramble over rocks or stumps. The larger flowered hybrid types prefer full or partial sun and produce plenty of bright colourful blooms.
The old gardening saying that 'Clematis likes its head in the sun and its roots in the cool' is very true, so try to plant another perennial at its base or mulch the soil to keep the roots cool. The small flowered species types will grow in any light conditions, ranging from full sun to full shade. They are very vigorous and quick growers and make more, but smaller flowers than the hybrid types. I am particularly fond of the less common yellow Clematis tanguitina, but we also grow Blue Dancer and Pink Flamingo in the species types. In hybrid types, choose from the popular deep purple Jackmannii or red Ville de Lyon.
Bleeding Heart - Dicentra spectabilis
A 'must have' spring perennial
April 2010
An oldie but a goodie, Dicentra spectabilis would have been found in your Grandmother's garden and is still a popular perennial today. This gorgeous spring bloomer is one of the first perennials to bloom and seems to grow as you watch it, often reaching heights of 3 feet tall and wide. Bleeding Heart prefers shade or part shade, but I have grown many in full sun too. The pink 'bleeding hearts' hang down from long stems, giving the whole plant a delicate feel. This plant, however is far from delicate and once established will persist and spread in your garden for years. Once the warm weather arrives in July, the plant will die down naturally, so ensure that you plant another bushy summer or fall flowering perennial like a Daylily or Black Eyed Susan in front of it to hide the dying stems. Our crop this year is magnificent - come and see for yourself!
Heliopsis Tuscan Sun
Perennial Sunflower
June 2009
This perennial Sunflower Heliopsis Tuscan Sun is an easy perennial which will reward you in summer with beautiful rich yellow - orange daisy flowers. Tuscan Sun is shorter than most other Heliopsis varieties, making it useful in the middle or nearer the front of the garden. It grows 16 - 20" in height, forming a bushy clump. It is reasonably drought tolerant, requiring full sun and needing no special soil. Plant in a group of three for a professional effect! Beautiful combined with blue Catmint in front and Ornamental Grasses behind. For a treat, cut some flowers and brighten up your kitchen table with a bouquet of Tuscan Sun!
Gaura Stratosphere White & Pink Picotee
Non stop blooms all season!
June 2009
These lovely Gauras are absolutely stunning! Bred by the plant breeding experts at Proven Winners, they are sure to be winners in your garden. Masses of small 'butterfly' like flowers are held above the foliage and dance around in the wind, bringing graceful motion to your garden. However, these beauties are far from delicate - they thrive in full sun and are heat and drought tolerant with non stop blooms all season. We grew Stratosphere White last year for the first time and sold out fast, so this year also grew Stratosphere Pink Picotee. Plants grow approx 12 - 16" in height and look great in the garden or containers. The only thing to remember with these plants is that they are rated as hardiness zone 5, so to help them through the winter, plant in a sheltered location, protect with mulch or leaves in the fall and hope for the best! (Even if they don't make it through the winter, you will not be disappointed!)
Ligularia Desdemona
Create a dramatic tropical effect!!
May 2009
Ligularia Desdemona is one of my favourite perennials! Its beautiful large dark green - purple foliage can create a bold tropical effect in the garden. (Bring out the Margarittas!!) The yellow Daisy flowers rise above the foliage, blooming late summer and fall, offering excellent colour at a time of year that often needs a colour lift. Ligularia Desdemona is very easy to grow, reaching a height of about 3 feet and forming a large bushy clump over the years of about 2 - 3 feet width. It thrives in full to part shade but will also do fine in full sun if given enough moisture. When it is 'happy' it will seed freely and you will have some babies to replant or leave to fill out the patch. Don't worry, it will not become invasive!! Beautiful planted singly as a specimen, but better in a group of 3 or more...
Tiarella Stargazer 'Mercury'
May 2009
This lovely little perennial Foamflower is new from 'Proven Winners' plant breeders and looks beautiful right now. Foamflowers are one of the less common perennials and make a gorgeous addition to a shaded or semi shaded garden. They are closely related to Coral Bells and form a similar low clump of leaves with airy sprays of light pink or white flowers in late Spring and early Summer. The species are woodland plants, native to North America, but several hybrid forms have been developed in recent years. Stargazer Mercury likes shade or part shade and grows 8 - 12" in height. The foliage is star shaped and strongly marked with red and green. A profusion of light pink fluffy flower spikes rise above the foliage, giving a delicate, wispy appearance. They look fantastic at the front of a bed or massed in a group.
Hakonechloa macra Aureola
2009 Perennial of the Year
April 2009
Unless you are fluent in Latin, Hakonechloa is a bit of a mouthful, so let's just call this beautiful ornamental grass by its common name Hakone Grass! This Japanese grass has been selected by the Perennial Plant Association as the 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year and is well worth trying in your garden. The bright foliage is variegated yellow and green, turning reddish pink in the fall. It grows 12 - 18" in height and will grow in full sun, but prefers partial shade. Try as a ground cover, a front of the garden specimen, a mass planting or in a container.
Other plants awarded the honour of the Perennial Plant of the Year are listed on the Perennial Plant Association's website at perennialplant.org. All are excellent selections and we grow most of them. Why not start a collection in your garden of these must have perennials?
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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!
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!
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.
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