Fall Cleanup--More Than Anticipated

Fall is always cleanup time at Pittsgrove, but this year it involved more than just cutting back iris and peonies and raking leaves. The unprecedented snow storm that hit much of the Northeast caused branches to snap, crackle and pop right off the trees, but fortunately for us without affecting power or causing damage to our house or gardens. That was not the case for many other homeowners in our area, nor our family in Morris County who lost power for nearly a week.
While we just have to figure out what to do with all the limbs and branches that we have piled up for removal, our son and his wife face the task of throwing out spoiled food for the second time (power was also lost for an extended period after Hurricane Irene) and whether they should invest in a generator before the next outage occurs.
Many of the trees in Jersey are at the peak of their leaf color which proved so devastating when the heavy, moisture laden snow fell. Someone described it as having a book placed in your outstretched hand, then having someone else toss three more on top--only the strongest will bear the weight. Mother Nature painted a pretty picture of autumn splendor, then maliciously sought to destroy her work. Who ticked her off???
I'll be heading back outdoors to continue preparing the beds for winter, but staying well enough away from the trees as branches are still dangling precariously in upper portions and I don't plan on having my head targeted.
Hoping all is well in your neck of the woods,
Cheryl

Pittsgrove Daylilies-Inside Jersey!

Inside Jersey Photo by Patti Sapone

A year ago, we received a call from Valerie Sudol at Inside Jersey magazine requesting permission to send a photographer to Pittsgrove to take pictures of our daylilies for an article that would be published in 2011. She was looking for a Jersey farm that had more than just Stella d' Oro in bloom. We welcome photographers and artists to the gardens, so readily agreed.

Sassy with Mini Stella

Photographer, Patti Sapone spent quite some time taking numerous shots throughout the property. She told us our plants would be featured in whatever article Valerie wrote and we should expect a credit in the photos.

Little Grapette

John and I were pleasantly surprised when our July 2011 issue arrived with our Star Ledger (which has been a staple in my home since I was a child!) and not only did we get photo credit, but John was quoted in the article along with a box insert (?) naming Pittsgrove Farms and Miller's Garden Designs in York, PA as sources for daylilies to purchase.

Red Ribbons

Our daylilies are popping into bloom everywhere and people are amazed that so many varieties exist. Hyperion at 44" towers over 10" Eenie Weenie. Flowers range in size from the multiple 2" blossoms of Little Grapette to those like Inwood and Mary's Gold that span 6-7" across. The color range and combinations amaze folks who never knew how exotic-looking these hardy plants can be. The spidery appearance of Red Ribbons and Kindly Light contrast greatly to the rounded shape of Lauren Leah. Solid yellow Bitsy is oh so different from dramatic Malaysian Monarch and Spiritual Corridor.

Lauren Leah

As Valerie states in her article, the nearly indestructible daylily has one enemy---deer think they're candy! If you have a deer problem, we recommend spraying or planting in a fenced area.
They are great for summer color around a pool.




Bitsy

Our thanks to Valerie and Patti for the great job on the article and informing people about what great additions daylilies will make to your garden.

Spiritual Corridor

Interested in seeing just how diverse daylilies are, get in touch with us to check on when we're here and we'll be happy to introduce you these reliable perennials.

Happy Summer!!!
Cheryl

Dig It-Tall Bearded Skywalker

Skywalker-Schreiner '96

One of our regulars was visiting Pittsgrove recently when she looked out over our bloomed out bearded iris beds and asked "What is that still in bloom?" pointing to a patch of blue in the distance. Surprisingly, a new iris (for us) was still putting out numerous blossoms amongst bed upon bed of flowerless swords. Whether we will see the same abundance next year is yet to be determined (we have learned that Mother Nature has her own quirks about what occurs in the garden beds) but this year the quite handsome "Skywalker" really impressed.

Photo Credit-Schreiner

The love of Star Wars has been passed on to the next generation as our "Vehicle Boy" is following in his dad's footsteps with his embrace of all things "in a galaxy far, far away". As a child, Garrett was upset with me for days after I told him we had thought of Luke as a first name for him before he was born. He bemoaned the fact that he was not named for his idol, but say Luke Gulish and you realize it sounds like something is caught in your throat!

Standing alone in the afternoon mist

Vehicle Boy was thrilled to see his idol standing so tall and fearless in the field. Skywalker (Schreiner '96) is a cross between Honky Tonk Blues and Altruist and has shown just how vigorous a plant it is with its excellent blooming habit. The flowers are nicely ruffled with an interesting blending of color. I promised our grandson that when his family moves into their new house, I will plant a nice Skywalker in their garden to ward off the Storm Troopers. And I think now that Garrett is all grown up he is glad he doesn't have to introduce himself while sounding like he is gagging.