One of the milestones in the annual routine for gardeners is the arrival of fall catalogues. I just received my first in the mail today. I couldn't wait to get my 2-year-old to her nap, so I could peruse is peace. While I love looking at wonderful pictures, letting my imagination run wild, I've made some observations about catalogues that I will share in my next post. Stay tuned.
There is a general perception that spring is the best time to plant new goodies. But, for many plants early fall is the best time. It gives root systems a good long time to get established before hard winter sets in . . . come springtime they've got a jump start to perform much better for you in spring and summer.
So, I've ordered several things from www.bluestoneperennials.com. Bluestone's got a great reputation on websites like www.davesgarden.com, but this will be my first ordering experience with them. One of the perennials I'm hoping will be a success is a groundcover under the Latin name geranium macrorrhizum (not one of the annual geraniums used often in containers). This perennial geranium will hopefully be THE panacea for all my garden problems. A tough plant; it has a good rep as a weed proof barrier loving both wet and dry conditions as well as sun and shade. If only there were such a plant! Wet, dry, light, shade . . . I usually call these weeds . . . or ivy if you've read any previous posts! So the verdict is out on the wonderplant for now. Unlike preciously mentioned daughter who will jump from the stairs into my arms with wild abandon and absolute trust in my willingness and ability to catch her, I'm cautiously optimistic.
Since I'm on the genus species, geranium rozanne is the Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year for 2008. I've planted two in the front yard. It has bloomed all summer! With beautiful purple-blue flowers, it's sprawling. I'm going to buy more, and try it in different locations. Check out past PPA winners on their website, www.perennialplant.org. I've got several past winners in my garden, and each is well-chosen.
I feel jealous of my friends' well-manicured hands, while mine are rough, cut up, dirty . . . wait, I've changed my mind. Go get some dirt therapy.
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