Gateway Gardener THE
JULY /AUGUST 2016
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Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes
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Drought-Proof Perennials Shrubs for Small Spaces Glorious Native Lilies JULY/AUGUST 2016
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Gateway Gardener THE
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Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes
JULY/AUGUST 2016 Volume 12, Number 6
Founded in 2005 by Joyce Bruno & Robert Weaver Publisher and Editor Robert Weaver Columnists
Barbara Perry Lawton Garden Book Author and Garden Writer Connie Alwood Master Gardener Diane Brueckman Rosarian Joyce Driemeyer Master Gardener Molly Rockamann EarthDance Farms Steffie Littlefield Nursery Professional Abby Lapides Elliott Nursery Professional Jennifer Schamber Nursery Professional Scott Woodbury Native Plant Specialist Printing: Breese Publishing, Breese, IL The Gateway Gardener® is published 9 times/year by Double Dig Communications, Inc. to promote enjoyable, successful gardening and livable landscapes in the St. Louis greater metropolitan area. The magazine is distributed free to the public at designated garden centers, nurseries, garden gift shops, lawn equipment rental, repair and sales establishments, and other locations supporting sound gardening, lawn and landscaping practices. Please send letters-to-the-editor, questions, event announcements, editorial suggestions and contributions, photos, advertising inquiries and materials, and any other correspondence to: The Gateway Gardener Magazine® PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122 Phone: (314) 968-3740
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JULY/AUGUST 2016
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From the Editor
pruning, they are largely carefree. Even the pruning can be minimized if one considers the mature size of the plant, and selects accordingly. Steffie Littlefield provides us with a beginner’s list of smaller shrubs (page 8) that will beautify, but never engulf neighbors in smaller garden settings. There are even some roses!
s regular readers will know, my family and I live in the home I grew up in, and that being the case, there are several plants here, there and around the landscape that were my late mother’s doing. Two of them are pink hybrid tea roses. Save for the single shrub rose on the other side of the house, these two pink roses are alone in representing their species among their garden neighbors.
In the years between the time we moved into the house until the time I finally acquired a little gardening knowledge, those two pink roses nearly expired from extreme neglect. After I learned they required some amount of attention in terms of feeding and spraying, they responded admirably, but understand, I am not the type of gardener who dotes on plants. So, while I now know their requirements, some seasons still pass without the provision of such. I forget to spray until the plants are nearly denuded by black spot, the leaves that remain are skeletonized by rose slugs, then Japanese beetles, for which I choose not to spray, and the overall vigor suggests some of Diane Brueckman’s “Chicken Soup” would be in order. I wonder if my mother would
notice, watching critically from above, if I were to replace those old roses with one of the newer generation of roses Diane writes about on page 12. These roses are, as are many of the rose industry’s newer introductions, much less reliant on the crutch of fungicide application. They’re also hardier without extreme regimens of mulch protection. And as a bonus, many have the pleasing fragrance virtually bred out of roses in recent years. They might be just right for laissez-faire gardeners like me. Shrubs are another welcome addition to the forgetful (or lazy) gardener’s plant inventory. They absorb a lot of space in the garden and don’t have the maintenance requirements of many perennials; except for some occasional
On the Cover...
There’s a new breed of roses coming to the garden, more giving of fragrance along with beauty, and less demanding of constant disease control strategies. For more about them, including the beautiful ‘Savannah’ Parfuma Series rose from Kordes pictured here, see page 12. (Photo courtesy Newflora LLC).
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Finally, especially in a summer as we’ve experienced so far, any plants that can survive with less water not only are a salvation for the lazy gardener, but the frugal and sustainable ones as well! Abby Lapides Elliott seeks out her favorite drought-tolerant colorful perennials to recommend on page 4. And Scott Woodbury visits the world of native lilies (page 6), which are, like many natives when planted in the right conditions, drought and neglect tolerant. So, let it be, sang Paul McArtney. In these dog days of summer, let it be. The right choice of plants can make that an easier task.
Good Gardening!
IN THIS ISSUE 4 6 8 9 10 10 11 12 14
Give Your Hose a Break Glorious Native Lilies Shrubs for Small Spaces Know the Pros July/August Harvest List Home Grown Tour Dig This New Roses Upcoming Events
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Give Your Hose a Break By Abby Lapides Elliott
Sedum ‘Angelina’
I love hardy succulents because they thrive in our hottest and driest spots. The steel blue foliage of ‘Blue Elf’ Sedoro sedum has particularly struck my eye. It is a tight groundcover about 6” tall and 1 ½’ wide that in summer blooms magenta pink flowers that smell like grape soda! In addition to being extremely low maintenance— basically just plant this puppy and walk away—it is also deer and rabbit resistant and attracts butterflies. What more can you want from a plant?
Sedoro ‘Blue Elf’
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Another excellent succulent that keeps the party in your garden going all year long is ‘Rock N’ Roll Rosette’ Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum). Gorgeous red and orange ground-hugging rosettes with an apple green flush at the base draw the eye in spring. As summer wears on, the entire plant turns a deep forest
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green with rose-pink flowers. In fall, the evergreen leaves again return to a deep red, making a bold statement all winter long. The iconic blue flowers and unforgettable scent makes Lavender a must-have in any sunny garden. They require well-drained soil and prefer to be watered only after the soil has completely dried out, making them ideal for spots that the hose just won’t quite reach. The newer variety ‘Super Blue’
Sempervivum ‘Rock n Roll Rosette’ is reliably hardy in St. Louis and known to thrive in our humid summers. Long-blooming,
sun-loving
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ummer is here and with it can comes hot days and little rain. Let your hose take the day off with these beautiful, drought tolerant perennials.
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Tickseed Coreopsis puts on a big show all summer until frost. Their large root system means they are extremely drought tolerant once established, needing little to no supplemental water during dry summers. One of my favorites, ‘Red Satin’, gets masses of star-shaped cranberry colored flowers that dance in the wind. To get the
ranging from pink to yellow to orange. The heart-shaped foliage emerges a rosy-red, slowing fading to green. Added bonus—deer and rabbits also tend to stay away.
Epimedium ‘Lilafee’
Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’
Trees can be very waterdemanding and their thick foliage tends to keep the rain away from their understory. Don’t fear—there are shade loving perennials that can thrive under these water-hoarders even in hot, dry summers.
Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium) most out of your Tickseeds, give makes an excellent groundcover them a little haircut after they in dry shady areas—especially initially bloom to encourage around tree roots. Once more flowering. established, they need almost Have a shady spot you can’t no care. In spring, small orchidseem to keep well-watered? like flowers bloom in colors Abby Lapides Elliott is owner and a speaker at Sugar Creek Gardens Nursery. She has degrees from the University of Missouri, and is a member of the Landscape and Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis. You can reach her at (314) 965-3070.
The Missouri native Crested Iris (Iris cristata) is a perfect transitional groundcover from the garden to pathway. Small dagger-shaped leaves slightly arch out from the center of a clump looking like a wave about to hit the beach. In spring lilacblue flowers cover the thick mat of foliage. Its other outstanding attributes include being deer and rabbit resistant and dependably drought tolerant. Crested Iris also handles excessive water well, making it great in a rain garden or where there are erosion issues.
red stems that come straight out of the ground. Green leaves with white edging dance up slightly arching stems. In spring white bell shaped flowers
Polygonatum ‘Variegatum’ dangle underneath the leaves. This plant thrives in shade, making large patches in the garden. Once established, all you’ll need to do is cut it back in winter.
Lastly, Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum) thrives in dry situations and looks great while With these dazzlers you can doing it! I particularly love the have a beautiful garden and a variegated variety with 2’ tall beautiful water bill.
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5
Naturally Natives Glorious Lilies by Scott Woodbury
Michigan lilies at Whitmire Garden
L
ike children, the summer lilies in the native garden are painfully slow to grow. That’s why when we finally produced a lovely show of flowers, it gave a sense of accomplishment, like when our son began using the words please and thank you, oh the relief. We have been nurturing patches of Michigan lily, Lilium
A Grow Native! Top 10 List Featured Category:
Top 10 NaTive lilies aNd compaNioN plaNTs Showy Blooms in June/July • Attractive to Pollinators and other Beneficial Animals
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Native PlaNt Name
HeigHt
ligHt
American aloe (Manfreda virginica) Bunchflower lily (Melanthium virginicum) Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Hoary skullcap (Scutellaria incana) Michigan lily (Lilium michiganense) Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) Slender mountain mint
6'
Sun/ Pt. Shade Sun/ Pt. Shade Sun/ Pt. Shade
Yellow-green fragrant flowers. Moth pollinated. Creamy white flowers. Slow growing. Orange flowers in early summer. Monarch caterpillar host.
2-3'
Pt. Shade
Drought tolerant. Bee pollinated.
3-4'
Sun/ Pt. Shade
Orange flowers. Slow growing.
2-3'
Pt. Shade
1'
2-3'
Sun/ Pt. Shade Sun/ Pt. Shade Sun/ Pt. Shade
3-4'
Sun
(Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
Star tickseed (Coreopsis pubescens) Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
3-4' 18-20"
18"
michiganense and bunchflower lily, Melanthium virginicum for over a decade in the Whitmire Garden. In recent years they have become glorious. The Michigan lily was grown from bulbs and bulb scales propagated by division thanks to lily-gardener friend and Wild Ones member Kathy Bildner who has the most impressive patch of lilies in town. Expect plants to bloom in three to five years when grown from scales. Scales are like cloves on a head of garlic. The thin outer-edge pieces are the scales. The heftier center is the bulb. Michigan lily is happy growing in a half-day of full sun with no deer. Lilies are a deer’s best friend and so deer are excluded from our garden by a 9-foot tall fence. Bunchflower lily, Melanthium virginicum came to us by seed collected in a wet prairie in Rosati, Missouri. From seed it takes about five years to begin flowering and more years to flower well. In the first three years the seedlings look like weedy grass and so
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This list was created by Scott Woodbury, based on his many years of experience and observations as the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve. This list is not in ranked order.
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The Gateway Gardener™ JULY/AUGUST 2016
Tips and Resources for Growing and Landscaping with Sustainable Native Plants
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
care must be given to keep the weeds out. Once you have flowering plants I recommend leaving them alone. Though you can divide decade-old clumps, division will set them back years. Leaves are like bold-textured bows tied to the earth. The creamy-white flowers are densely bunched on the tops of four-foot stalks. The late Cindy Gilberg described the scent of the flowers to me once. Cindy was an equestrian and so easily picked up the subtle resemblance to wet horses. Memories and scents form tight bonds and if I forget all else, this memory will surely stay with me. Into the Woods, a favorite movie of mine, reminds me of two other lilies, great Solomon’s seal, Polygonatum caniculatum and Solomon’s plume, Maianthemum virginicum. Both grow in woodlands and are as immune to deer browse as Bissinger’s chocolate is immune to my wife. It is deer candy. At Shaw Nature Reserve I find both species growing on the steepest slopes at the edge of the Meramec River where deer prefer not to trek. Solomon’s seal blooms Solomon’s Great in May but fruits in summer. A Plume less common name is dropberry which adequately describes the hidden round purple fruits that dangle beneath horizontal stems and leaves like earrings on an African queen. Seedlings take many years to mature and so plants are typically grown by rhizome division. Plants spread moderately into substantial colonies with stalks three feet tall. The bold-textured wide leaves stand out in the woodland garden.
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Solomon’s plume, which is also called false Solomon’s seal, differs by having flowers in spring and berries in summer clustered at the end of 18-inch stalks. Bright red berries are showy, visible, and edible. In some years the foliage is riddled with holes, no doubt the result of an abundant hatch of a sawfly or moth species. My loss in the native garden is the gain to a clutch of fat and sassy baby birds. That is, after all, who I am gardening for. Happy gardening! photos by Scott Woodbury, except as noted Horticulturist Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, where he has worked with native plant propagation, design, and education for more than 20 years. He is also an advisor to the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s GrowNative! program.
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Shrubs for Small Spaces By Steffie Littlefield
catkins in the early spring and amazing bright-colored foliage in the fall. I have a real soft spot for lilacs but not all gardens have room for this large robust plant. However, the charming dwarf lilac varieties ‘Palibin’, ‘Bloomarang’ or ‘Tinkerbell’ all offer fragrant spring flowers and charming heart-shaped leaves on sturdy reliable shrubs. The new ‘Double Play’ series Deutzia of spirea offer lots of bright flowers. ‘Artisan’ has bright ‘Chardonnay Pearls’ pink flowers and ‘Big Bang’ or most homeowners looking attractive. Shrubs on a glows orange as it leafs out the most efficient way whole are also more reliable to in spring and later in fall with to create a pleasing and come back year after year and massive pink flowers on small low maintenance landscape is require less dividing and dead mounding plants. to use shrubs. Blooming shrubs heading. For seasonal color, offer spring and summer color choose a combination of shrubs Another great small shrub is the and evergreens add interest and that change from bud to bloom colorful deutzia ‘Chardonnay coverage during the fall and to fruit and fall color at different Pearls’, covered in fresh limecolored leaves in spring with winter months. The ultimate times of the year. dangling pearl-like buds that size of the mature shrub is an In sunny beds for spring open into bright white flowers. important aspect to consider the forsythia ‘Gold Tide’ is Its compact size and abundant when choosing different smaller than the old fashioned flowers make this a special varieties. There are many favorite but still provides the addition to the garden. Other new shrubs for small spaces outstanding yellow flowers in new favorites include ‘Tiny that can be used in traditional early spring. Another small Wine’ ninebark with light perennial beds but with much spring blooming shrub is the pink flowers and burgundy less attention required than ’Gro-Low’ sumac with yellow foliage and ‘Spilled Wine’ most perennials to keep them and ‘Midnight Wine’ weigelas provide burgundy to purple leaves and fuschia flowers in early summer.
Spirea ‘Big Bang’
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Know The Pros!
Green-Industry Experts You Should Meet! Each month, we are introducing readers to one of our area’s green-industry professional individuals or businesses. In this issue, we invite you to get to know...
‘Popcorn’ Drift Rose
Co-Owner / General Manager – Jamie Granger 1257 St. Peters Cottleville Rd Cottleville, MO 63376 636.447.9000 website: pottedplant.net Facebook: Thepottedplantgc
A Little History…
Boxwood ‘Golden Dream’ Summer-blooming shrubs now include dwarf crape myrtles in a variety of colors. Many dwarf hydrangeas have been created like ‘Lil Annie’, ‘Cotton Candy’, ‘Little Lime’, ‘Little Quick Fire’ and ‘Tiny Tuff Stuff’. I cannot forget to mention my love for small rose bushes, and Drift Roses are the best yet! ‘Popcorn’, ‘Coral Drift’, and ‘Red Drift’ all have lots of lovely colors and are known as easy to care for plants. The ‘Lo and Behold’ dwarf butterfly bush really steals the show with its blue flowers, and its small growth habit makes this a perfect plant for small gardens. The bright and cheerful ‘Golden Dream’ boxwood, nandina ‘Firepower’, ‘Skallywag’
Hydrangea ‘Lil Annie’ holly and ‘Otto Luyken’ skip laurel add life and color to the fall and winter garden with their evergreen foliage. Others include golden dwarf Hinoki cypress, ‘Golden Globe’ dwarf arborvitae and ‘Blue Star’ junipers, all great additions to any garden. There is always room for some of the best reblooming perennials in any garden, but the use of dwarf shrubs can make the garden less maintenance and add lots of color and durability to the plantings. Photo credits Deutzia, Spireas and Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’ courtesy Proven Winners. Boxwood and Hydrangea ‘Lil Annie’ courtesy Garden Debut. ‘Popcorn’ Drift rose courtesy Star Roses and Plants.
Steffie Littlefield is a horticulturist and garden designer at Garden Heights Nursery and part-owner of Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard. She has degrees from St. Louis Community College at Meramec and Southeast Missouri State and is a member of Gateway Professional Horticultural Association and past president of the Horticulture Co-op of Metropolitan St. Louis. JULY/AUGUST 2016
The Gateway Gardener™
Jamie began his career in the nursery garden center industry in the early 90s. His passion for landscaping, design, perennials and colorful annuals combined with his instinctive creativity for creating eye catching gardens and planters have contributed to his success. After working for one of the premier garden centers in West St. Louis County for years, Jamie began his own perennial farm, becoming an expert in growing top quality perennials. Jamie took his experience working as a grower, landscaper, designer, buyer, and merchandiser to open his own garden center and gift shop. In March of 2016, the doors to The Potted Plant opened.
You’ve GOT to See…
...this unique garden center and gift shop inspired by nature. The Potted Plant’s mission to “recycle, repurpose, reuse and revive” – is used to create displays and eye-catching presentations for plants and home & garden decor. Recycled cable spools provide benching, repurposed pallets serve as tables and are transformed into creative DIY type solutions for plants, hanging baskets, trees, shrubs, tropicals, pottery and various home décor items. Jamie’s commitment and dedication are evident throughout the garden center. Come see the custom planters and displays and browse the 5,000+ perennials grown on site and enjoy the colorful annuals, from local growers.
What’s New for 2016?
This fall the garden center will be converted to a holiday decorators’ must. Classes will be available on how to create your own holiday arrangements from fresh greens and plants that you may have in your back yard. The Potted Plant’s model includes grab-and-go solutions for spring, summer, fall and winter. From colorful planters, wreaths, and holiday porch pots, Jamie’s passion for plants, nature and decor comes through in all seasons.
Looking for professional help for your garden, lawn and landscape?
StLouisLandscape.org
Search our website’s membership directory or look for the LNAGSL logo in members’ ads in The Gateway Gardener.
9
The Cornucopia Corner
Tips for Growing, Buying and Cooking Fresh, Locally Sourced Food for Your Table July/August Harvest
Here are some fruits and veggies you might find in the garden or your local farmers’ market this month: Vegetables
Asparagus Beets Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Herbs Horseradish Kohlrabi Leeks Lettuce Okra Onions Peas Radishes Rhubarb
Raspberry Smoothie™ Althea Hibiscus syriacus ‘DS03RS’ PPAF
Spinach Squash (summer) Sweet Corn Tomatoes Turnips
Fruits
Apples Apricots Blackberries Blueberries Canteloupe Cherries Gooseberries Nectarines Peaches Plums Raspberries Strawberries Watermelon
Strawberry Smoothie™ Althea Hibiscus syriacus ‘DS02SS’
Washington County Home Grown Farm Tour and Field Dinner August 27th, 2016
E
xplore farm country and celebrate the growing season in historic Washington County during the 7th Annual Home Grown Farm Tour and Field Dinner. The event kicks off at the Washington County Courthouse Farmer’s Market in Potosi, MO with an information booth, and local craft displays along side market delights of produce, homemade jams, breads and honey. Set out from the Courthouse Square with your farm tour maps on the free, self-guided tour featuring 13 venues highlighting the diversity of local farms and nearly 250 years of history in Washington County. Also available are 3-hour van tours for $10 to selected sites. Visit a Goat Farm, get lost in a corn maze, experience an Ozark hiking Trail, explore a local vineyard and winery, discover ancient Indian artifacts, visit a working cattle ranch or shop for antiques, local crafts and fresh produce. The farmer’s market opens at 8 a.m. and most farms are ready for visitors by 10 a.m.
Enjoy lunch while benefitting the Farm Tour Agriculture Scholarship by purchasing a locally-sourced BLT or pork loin box lunch at the Courthouse or sample some B&B cuisine in Caledonia. Both lunches are $12 each and first come, first served. Call 573-438-8555 to reserve a box lunch. End the afternoon Saturday with the Harvest Field Dinner showcasing locally produced foods. This event features appetizers, local wine and a leisurely four-course farm dinner set on a vintage farm and beautiful vineyard at EdgClif Farms & Vineyard, Potosi, MO. Enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers while you browse the offerings on the silent auction table. Tickets are $60/ person and proceeds benefit the Washington County Farm Tour Scholarship and Grant Fund. To reserve your seat at the table, call (573) 438-8555. Visit www.homegrownfarmtour. com for more details about the tour and dinner.
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Blueberry Smoothie™ Althea Hibiscus syriacus ‘DS01BS’ PP26662
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Dig This!
Gateway Gardeners and Businesses in the News Pollinator Partners Honored
County Program, earning a certificate as a “Pollinator Pantry Professional and CEO (Chief Example for Others) for his efforts in including the program’s tenets in the Children’s Garden Club programs that frequently meets at Left to right, MaryAnn Fink, Doug the garden center. Wolter, and David Sherwood of Another Sherwood Sherwood’s Forest Nursery and employee, John Garden Center. Patrick, will also be recognized at an upcoming event.
Jason Sonderman of Rolling Ridge, left, and Doug Wolter.
“Beautiful Towns” of Eastern Missouri
The St. Louis County Parks Department kicked off its Project Pollinator program this spring to encourage county municipalities, businesses and organizations to plant pollinator gardens in public spaces, while also encouraging homeowners to do the same in their own landscapes. To further this goal, County Parks Horticulture Supervisor Doug Wolter and MaryAnn Fink, a St. Louis Master Gardener and the County program’s “Butterfly Ambassador”, have been recognizing garden centers for their roles in educating the public and promoting pollinator friendly plants and gardening.
Left to right, MaryAnn Fink, and from Hillermann’s, Tyler King, Sandi Garden Centers can Hillermann and Patty Lynch. qualify for recognition by meeting the criteria established by the County program involving promotion of the Pollinator Pantry plants and tenets.To date, area garden centers that have been recognized as Pollinator Pantry Providers include Rolling Ridge Nursery in Webster Groves, and Hillermann Nursery & Florist in Washington. Sugar Creek Gardens in Home-Grown Kirkwood and Greenscape Sun Perennials Gardens in Manchester also are scheduled to be Shade Perennials recognized, and others ButterflyBush are completing the various And Hostas facets for recognition at a later date. David Sherwood of Sherwood’s Forest Nursery and Garden Center in Manchester was also recognized by the JULY/AUGUST 2016
1021 W. Delmar Ave. Godfrey, IL 62035 (618) 466-8475 Closed Wed. in Summer
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Rural Missouri magazine recently compiled its “Best of Rural Missouri” roundup, and recognized several towns in our region. 1st Place in the “Beautiful Town” category went to Hermann, Missouri, recognizing its “historic architecture, world-class wineries, bed & breakfasts and fun festivals.” The 1st runner up was the French colonial settlement of Ste. Genevieve, and Washington, Missouri, was named the “Editor’s Choice” in the category. We like to think Washington’s annual participation in the America in Bloom community beautification program, with strong support from our friends at Hillermann Nursery & Florist, had much to do with this “beautiful” recognition. Congratulations to all three cities for beautifully representing The Gateway Gardener side of the state!
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News from the Rose Front More Fragrance, Less Spraying by Diane Brueckman
‘Dark Desire’ Parfuma
K
ordes is not a household name to the rose growing public in the United States, yet, they have produced some of the best known roses that we grow. Who hasn’t heard of ‘Iceberg’ (1958), ‘Westerland’ (1969), and ‘Sunsprite’ (1977)? Wilhelm Kordes, age 22, founded a nursery for the production of rose plants in Elmshorn, Germany in 1867. Later Wilhelm was joined by sons, Wilhelm II and Herman,. They moved to Sparrieshoop in 1918 where Kordes remains today. Herman handled the production and marketing while Wilhelm started a rose breeding program in 1920. The company flourished and by the 30s they were distributing over 1 million plants.
in the implementation of the ADR testing program; health, hardiness and vigor first. The AGRS testing program started here 2 years ago is based in part on the ADR test program. Kordes was the only breeder to use all rose types in their breeding program thereby having greater diversity in genetic material. In the 1990s, the 4th generation of Kordes family ceased using all fungicides in their test fields, greatly upsetting the 3rd generation. What looked like a disaster in their test fields has become the new standard for rose breeders. The roses left standing became the breeding stock for a new generation of roses of all classes.
ADR or Allgemeine Deutsche Rosenneuheitenprufung is a 3year trial for new varieties that One of the crosses was an is conducted in 11 locations East Asian species, Rosa throughout Germany. This is an wichuriana, with the Japanese endurance test with no winter Rosa rugosa resulting in Rosa protection and no fungicides kordesii (1952). Rosa kordesii used in the harsh Northern was used to bring winter European climate. There have hardiness to roses and it also been 102 winners since 2000 gave us the dark green glossy and 42 were bred by Kordes. foliage we see in so many of the This year alone there were 9 modern roses. As early as the winners from Kordes. 50s, Kordes was concerned with health and vigor in their roses. The Fairy Tale Series of shrub Wilhelm II was instrumental roses came out 16 years ago and 12
‘Golden Fairy Tale’ remains a favorite of mine. The bed of ‘Golden Fairy Tale’ at the Missouri Botanical Garden was a show-stopper. I grow ‘Lions Fairy Tale’ in my garden with no spray and no protection and it is the biggest and one of the healthiest roses in my garden. The blooms are creamy white and very old fashioned. The Fairy Tale Series is a great addition to an informal garden or cottage style garden with their full blooms in soft colors. I also have one of the Vigorosa roses in my perennial border. The Vigorosa Series is very similar to the Drift Series by Star with
the same great health, vigor and bloom power. Rosey Acres sold a Vigorosa called ‘Innocencia’ a pure white groundcover rose. It was one of those roses that sold so fast I didn’t get to keep one. Kordes has Hybrid Teas, Floribundas and Large Flowered Climbers all highly disease resistant. The Parfuma Series includes Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses that are fragrant, healthy and beautiful. This series is ground breaking because it brings all the most sought after traits fragrance, health and beauty to a rose that
Kills All Types of Weeds and Grasses KILL-ZALL® Weed and Grass Killer • Use on patios, walkways and driveways, in flower beds and vegetable gardens, around shrubs and trees, along fences and foundations, edging around lawns, for lawn replacement/ renovation, and for garden plot preparation. • Convenient RTU or Super Concentrate Look for these and other Hy-Yield products at your favorite independent nurseries and garden centers.
For plant care and information on over 8,000 plants, visit www.fertilome.com
The Gateway Gardener™ JULY/AUGUST 2016
‘Quicksilver’ Arborose can be cut for bouquets. Four of the five in the Parfuma Series have won ADR designations. ‘Savannah’ won best HT, Most Fragrant and Best Rose at the Biltmore last year. Others to look for are ‘Earth Angel’, ‘First Crush’ and ‘Summer Romance’. They have a Series called Arborose which consists of climbers that grow well on fences and have the same health, vigor and beauty as their other classes of roses. These climbers are on their own roots and grow well on small or 5’ – 6’ fences.
They bloom all summer on new wood with flexible canes making them easier to work with in our smaller gardens. The Arborose Series only now is becoming readily available in the United States. I am hoping to carry a selection of these remarkable roses next year. Kordes is now in the capable hands of the 5th generation of the Kordes family since the untimely death of Wilhelm III early this year. photos courtesy Newflora LLC.
Diane Brueckman is a retired rosarian with Missouri Botanical Garden, and currently owns Rosey Acres in Baldwin, Illinois. You can reach her at (618) 785-3011 or droseyacres@ egyptian.net.
EVERLASTING SUMMER Large selection of flowering shrubs providing color through the summer heat.
GARDEN & HOME :: LANDSCAPING :: IRRIGATION :: MAINTENANCE 550 HIGHWAY F DEFIANCE, MO 63341 636.798.2555 ::::: FRISELLANURSERY.COM
JULY/AUGUST 2016
The Gateway Gardener™
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Upcoming Events Meetings, Classes, Entertainment and More!
Updates to this information are often posted on our online events calendar at GatewayGardener. com, so check there for the latest details. Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it to our website and include it in our next issue. Deadline for printing in October issue is September 1st. How to reach us: Mail: PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122 Email: info@gatewaygardener. com
Garden Clubs and Plant Society Meetings Interested in Joining a Garden Club or Plant Society? We have meeting dates, locations and contact information on more than 50 area garden clubs on our website at www.GatewayGardener.com. Don’t have access to the internet? Just call us at (314) 968-3740, or write us at PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122, and we’ll get the information to you. So share your joy for gardening and join a garden club or favorite plant society today!
Fun For Kids July 2nd 11am-2pm—Hillermann’s First Saturdays for Kids. Bring the kids to make a FREE pair of binoculars and choice of painting a rock (paperweight) or a terra cotta pot. Hillermann Nursery & Florist. RSVP to sign up at 636-239-6729, Hillerman.com. July 6 20 , and 27 10-11am—Summer Kids’ Camp. Make a Floral Arrangement (July 7th), HyperTuffa & Leaf Making Part 1 (July 20th), and Part 2 (July 27th). $10.00 supply fee per child per event. Please call 636-239-6729 to sign up. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, www.hillermann.com. th
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July 9th 9 am-Children’s Garden Club. Fun in the Garden. FREE. Chesterfield Valley Nursery, 16825 N. Outer Rd., Chesterfield. Hosted by St. Louis County Parks and Recreation.
Spaces. Learn about the ideal shrubs, trees and perennials, along with ideas to create a sense of uniqueness for your small spaces. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070.
July 16th and Aug. 20th 10:30-11:30am and 1:30-2:30pm— Great Green Ad-ventures: Sculptures in the Garden (July) and Wonderful Waterlilies (Aug). For children ages 6 to 12 with an adult. Great Green Adventures are held the third Saturday of every month. Walk-ins welcome. Meet at the Missouri Botanical Garden Children’s Garden Ticket Fort. $3 per child. Visit www.mobot.org for more information.
July 14th 1-4 pm—Native Plant School: Monarch Gardening. Learn why monarchs have declined and how we can act to help them by planting more milkweed and other plants they depend on for nectar. Session includes hands-on tours and demonstrations. Audience participation encouraged. $15 ($12 Garden members). Joseph H. Bascom House at Shaw Nature Reserve. For reservations or more information, call (636) 451-3512 ext. 0 or visit www.shawnature.org.
Aug. 6th 9 am- Children’s Garden Club. Polinator Project—Bees. FREE. Greenscape Gardens, 2832 Barrett Station Rd. Call 314-821-2440, GreenscapeGardens.com.
Classes, Lectures and Events July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, Aug. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 10am-Noon—Herbs & Heirlooms Tuesdays. Connect with some of the oldest friends of mankind: herbs. Drop in to explore the culinary, sensory, beauty and uses for the herb featured each week. The first 150 participants will pot an herb to take home and receive a plant profile sheet with care tips and ways to use your new plant. Missouri Botanical Garden in the Herb Garden, weather permitting. Included with Garden Admission. No registration is required. For more information, visit www. mobot.org. July 9th 9-10am–Youth Garden Leader Prof. Dev. Workshop: Connecting to the Curriculum. Learn how to use the school garden in a way that supports the whole curriculum, giving the students hands-on experiential learning opportunity right in the schoolyard. FREE. The Carriage House, 3815 Bell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. http://www. gatewaygreening.org/events/ 10am—High Impact for Small
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July 15th 11am-noon--What’s Fresh with Cut Flowers. Lara Trudell of Fleurette discusses trends in cut flower design and how to incorporate cut flowers throughout our homes. Workshop includes materials to create your own arrangement. $20. Reservations required. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery.com/ events, 636.798.2555. July 16th 10-11am – Compost Bin Construction Workshop. Come and learn how Gateway Greening builds the 3-bin composters they award to gardens with this handson workshop. Participants will receive a copy of the compost bin construction plants that Gateway Greening uses. FREE. The Carriage House, 3815 Bell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. http://www. gatewaygreening.org/events/ 10-noon – Perfect Picks: Fall Planting Workshop. Ever wonder how to maximize the yield and variety in your vegetable & herb garden? Learn the fundamentals of 3 season organic garden planning and care. Using the ‘Perfect Pick’ plants as a focus we will cover the fall garden in detail! FREE. St. Louis Science Center 6424 Center Ct, St. Louis, MO 63116 http:// www.gatewaygreening.org/events/ July 16th and 30th 10am—Maintaining
Perennials
The Gateway Gardener™ JULY/AUGUST 2016
and Rejuvenating Your Summer Garden. Learn aggressive pruning techniques that will help you achieve strong, more compact plants and many more blooms in your garden. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070.
Aug. 5th-9th Washington Town and Country Fair. Join Hillermann’s at their booth at the fair. Ask gardening and landscaping questions and check out the latest gardening items. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636239-6729, www.hillermann.com.
July 18th & August 20th 10am—Forest ReLeaf Arboretum Tour. Free, arboretum and nursery tours featuring over 25,000 trees, demonstration rain garden, wild flower garden, greenhouse and arboretum with over 150 native species and cultivars. Forest ReLeaf’s CommuniTree Gardens nursery, 2194 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Creve Coeur Park, Maryland Heights. To learn more about Forest ReLeaf go to moreleaf.org.
Aug. 6th 10am—To Prune or Not to Prune. Learn the correct timing and techniques to prune the various hydrangea cultivars and other shrubs for maximum blooming. Rejuvenating tired old shrubs will also be discussed.Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 9653070.
July 20th 6:30-7:30pm – Pints ‘n’ Plants Lecture Series: Missouri Natives: Presented by Simon Barker with Native Landscape Solutions and Grow Native. FREE. Urban Chestnut Bier Hall – the Grove, 4465 Manchester Ave, St. Louis 63110. http://www. gatewaygreening.org/events/ July 23rd 11am-noon—General Care for Flowering Trees & Shrubs. When to trim flowering trees and shrubs is one of the most frequently asked questions by both the new and experienced gardener. Joe Kueper, resident Certified Arborist, will discuss not only general guidelines for many of the common garden plants, but also go into detail on the care and maintenance of some of our more unusual trees and shrubs. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery. com/events, 636.798.2555. July 24th 9am-5pm—Henry Shaw’s Birthday. Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw’s 214th birthday celebration. Admission is free for all visitors. Missouri Botanical Garden. July 30th 11am – noon – Tomato Tasting. FREE. Bell Community & Demonstration Garden, 3871 Bell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. http://www.gatewaygreening.org/ events/
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Aug. 6th-7th 9am-5pm—Greater St. Louis Iris Society Show and Sale. New cultivars and old favorites are shown by the area’s top growers, who are on hand to give plant care advice and share information about their organization. Missouri Botanical Garden, Ridgway Visitor Center. Included with Garden admission. www.mobot.org. Aug. 12th 10am—Pollinator Pantry, Gardening for Pollinators. Learn the plants butterflies love, along with the different butterflies that will call your garden home. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070. August 13th 10am—Mini-Garden Make-NTake Workshop. Mini Gardens are a fun way to create a miniature landscape in a container. Create your own Mini Garden to take home. $30.00 supply fee. Please call to register. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www. hillermann.com.
each year. Get tips on planning and maintaining your edible garden throughout the fall season. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery.com/ events, 636.798.2555 August 14th Noon-5pm—The Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Annual Orchid Auction. Missouri Botanical Garden in the Beaumont Room. Hundreds of orchids at great prices. Silent auctions and sale tables. Free parking. For more information, please contact Tom & Judy Evans at 314.878.4055 or tom@judyandtomevans.com. Aug. 20th 9am-5pm—Missouri Botanical Garden Daylily Association Sale. Choose from a wide array of new cultivars and old favorites from the area’s top growers, who will be on hand to give plant care advice and share information about their organization. Proceeds benefit the Missouri Botanical Garden. 10am—Best Fall Gardening Tips. Discover which varieties are flowering along with the garden practices that will produce the longest-blooming, heaviest producing plants and more. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070. Customer Appreciation Day. Food Free Samples, Raffle, Vendors. Seed ad on page 4 for FREE t-shirt. Worms Way, 1225 N Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122. 800-285-9676. 11am-Noon—The Science of Good Soil. Dr. Bill Sadler, renowned for his work in the field of organics will discuss
Celebrate the
The Gateway Gardener™
Aug. 27th 6-10pm—Night Blooms – Music in the Garden. Join staff after hours for Night Blooms on the patio, featuring local musician Terrance Wafer. Café Angelina will be open and serving wine, beer and light fare. Frisella Nursery, f r i s e l l a n u r s e r y. c o m / e v e n t s , 636.798.2555. 10am—Secret Fixes for Your Worst Plant Challenges. Are deer and bunnies eating all your hard work? Has disease turned your Phlox into a crumpled mess? Learn about the plants that we have found work in these tough situations. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070. 11am-noon—Fall Seeding & Lawn Renovation. Fall is an important time to add the necessary organic matter needed for your lawn to endure the stresses it will encounter next year. Learn the various steps for a fall maintenance program that will help create a lush lawn in spring. Frisella Nursery, f r i s e l l a n u r s e r y. c o m / e v e n t s , 636.798.2555. Washington County Home Grown Farm Tour and Field Dinner. See article on page 10 for details.
Beauty of University City! A Plein Air Art Competition & Fundraiser
10am—Monarch Mania Gardening for Wildlife. Learn about the Missouri natives and others plants that wildlife find irresistible. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070. 11-am-noon—The Edible Fall Garden. Planting fall edibles are a great way to extend the harvest
general soil composition for the St. Louis area, and address ways to keep its many micronutrients in the necessary proportions to enhance the life of your plants and lawn. Soil testing is available for a fee. Please call for details. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery. com/events, 636.798.2555.
Sunday,
September 18, 2016
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Artists create in Heman Park, Lewis Park and Civic Plaza 4 p.m. Judging in Centennial Commons, 7210 Olive 6 p.m. U. City in Bloom Fundraising Reception: Meet artists, silent auction, light buffet and cocktails. Ticket sales begin Aug. 1.
In Lois’s Garden, Plein Air Painting by Jo Seltzer
Artists’ Call: Register at www.ucityinbloom.org or call 314-725-8243.
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Compost can reduce water consumption and add nutrients to your soil!
Visit St. Louis Composting’s six area locations for the largest selection of STA-certified Compost, Mulch Products and Soil Blends VALLEY PARK, MO
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ENRICHING THE SOIL NATURALLY SINCE 1992