The Romance of the Peony
By Leslie Cox; Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Sensuous flush, dainty frills, a radiant centre and alluring foliage – such is the romance of the peony. With names such as Necklace with Precious Pearls (‘Ying Luo Bao Zhu’), Invitation to Abundant Pleasure (‘Horakumon’), Lotus that Shines in the Sun (‘He Hua Ying Ri’), ‘Chiffon Parfait’ and ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ who can resist the seduction?
Their history is a long one – some say as far back as the period following the last Ice Age. But their presence in the garden really began in China around the early part of the 7th century. Peonies were very popular with the Imperial Rulers during the Tang Dynasty (618-906 A.D.) and were under their protection. Even back then, favourite varieties commanded high prices, often being included in a young girl’s dowry settlement.
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Did You Know?
By Leslie Cox; Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Did you know something about radishes?
In Greek and Roman times, the radish was very different from the ones we grow today.
The radish was grown for winter storage back in those days and often weighed 50 – 100 lb (22 – 45 kg) each! They were either eaten raw or cooked and seasoned with honey and vinegar.
That would be a very big radish!
Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’
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Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’ Family: Caprifoliaceae |
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Description: A deciduous shrub with an upright growth habit. Purple-black leaves are deeply cut, lending the plant the exotic look of a Japanese maple. Masses of showy cream-pink flowers appear in summer followed by dark, purple-black berries in late summer.
Special Notes: Native to Europe. Foliage holds its colour well, even in full sun. Plant benefits from an initial hard pruning in late winter or early spring if a fuller shape is desired. If garden space dictates keeping this shrub within boundaries, prune on a two or three year cycle as flowers are born on two year old stems. Berries are edible. Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
Great Plant Pick 2010; Sambucus genus – Herb of the Year 2013
Posted on May 12, 2013 |
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Sambucus canadensis ‘Aurea’
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Sambucus canadensis ‘Aurea’ Family: Caprifoliaceae Common name: golden American elderberry |
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Description: Description: A deciduous shrub with an upright growth habit. Foliage is yellow to yellow-green. Masses of creamy white flowers appear in late spring or early summer followed by red berries in late summer. Berries are edible if cooked.
Special Notes: Native to eastern North America. Foliage will be more yellow in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Plant benefits from an initial hard pruning in late winter or early spring if a fuller shape is desired. If garden space dictates keeping this shrub within boundaries, prune on a two or three year cycle as flowers are born on two year old stems. Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer; hardwood cuttings in late winter.
Sambucus genus – Herb of the Year 2013
Posted on May 12, 2013 |
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Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
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Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’ Family: Lamiaceae Common name: golden oregano |
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Description: An herbaceous perennial with a spreading habit. Small, fragrant, ovate leaves are a bright golden-yellow colour. Small, tubular, pink to lavender-coloured flowers appear above the foliage in early to late summer.
Special Notes: Culinary herb; use same as species. Golden colour holds best in cooler weather. Less scorching on the leaves if given partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Clip back hard in late June or early July to maintain its low, creeping habit. Drought tolerant once established. Deer resistant. Propagation by division in early spring or autumn; basal cuttings in late spring.
RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993
Posted on May 10, 2013 |
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