Pittsgrove Farms - Plant Dirt

Fall Cleanup--More Than Anticipated

2011-11-04T11:42:00.016-04:00

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!

2011-06-26T20:56:00.028-04:00

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

2011-06-20T08:06:00.010-04:00

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.

The Founding Gardeners---A Gift for John

2011-06-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

Jeremy and Garrett are always asking for ideas for gifts for their dad, who is often not easy to buy for since he is usually content to wear the same clothes over and over while pursuing what he loves best--working outdoors.

This time I have what should be the perfect Father's Day gift as it combines his love of gardening, history, and politics. Recently released in the US, The Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf, discusses George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison and their absolute passion for planting which matched their passion for founding a new country. Long before Michelle Obama, John Adams was the first White House gardener, who planted his garden there in 1800. All of these presidents shared a passion for planting which surely would have made them soul mates for John.

I know he will be delighted to receive this book and now it's just a question of which son gets to buy it first.

Happy Gardening!
Cheryl

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

My thoughts today are for those who served with my dad, uncles and father in law in WWII, with John during Viet Nam, and with Garrett in the Middle East and did not return. May they rest in peace and never be forgotten. We should all be thankful for the ultimate sacrifice they made in service to their country. God bless each and every one.

Please remember them.
Cheryl

Carol Ann Moyer Iris Garden-Delaware Valley College

2011-05-20T11:05:00.020-04:00

What would you expect iris growers to do in their spare time, but visit other iris growers. What a delightful visit John and I made to the Carol Ann Moyer Iris Garden at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. For many of you, The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are too far away to make an easy day trip, but Carol's beautiful display may be within your reach.

Mme. Chereau

Silent Wings

She has lovingly created a garden that would make Monet whip out his brushes. Historic iris, such as Mme. Chereau 1844, up to the newer introductions such as Silent Wings 2001 have found a home here.There are petite Amethyst Flare 1975 to wild Ziggy 1977-something for every iris lover's taste.

Amethyst Flare

The garden is part of an arboretum, is free (something we all appreciate in these economic times), and will be in various stages of bloom for the next few weeks. So if you want to get off your knees pulling weeds in your own garden, go visit Carol's. It's an easy find right on Rt. 202 in Doylestown which is also a lovely place to visit, and within a short ride to Peddler's Village,New Hope, and Lambertville, NJ.

Ziggy

See, I've given you a great idea for day out in some gorgeous countryside. The weeds can wait 'til another day.

A recent view of the garden

Happy Gardening!

Cheryl

Dig It-Happy New Year!

2011-05-16T10:12:00.006-04:00

Happy New Year (Byers 1989)

As I stated in my last post, John and I are like little kids on Christmas morning when a new variety (for us) comes into bloom. This morning's gift was a tall bearded iris named Happy New Year and was certainly cause for celebrating.

Happy New Year (Byers 1989) grows to 2 1/2-3' tall and is a re-bloomer. We know some of you prefer solid tone iris, which are certainly beautiful, but a variety such as this adds excitement to our garden beds. We are waiting for more surprises as more and more iris that we have never grown before come into bloom. I'll keep you posted!

Happy Gardening! Cheryl

Iris---Slowly But Surely

2011-05-14T10:44:00.019-04:00

Spring has definitely arrived, but is certainly taking it's time as I sit here writing wearing a long sleeved flannel shirt on May 14th! But the birds have returned, the bird houses are filled with new occupants, and the robins have started a new brood. Our dwarf bearded are in full bloom with our intermediates popping open each day, but the peonies are still in bud and should be opening with some additional sunshine, which may not be too forthcoming.Florentina-1500
Last fall we planted a number of iris that Presby Memo rial Iris Gardens gave us to propagate and to serve as a back up in case their beds are vandalized as they were a few years back when a number of their historic iris were ripped from the ground and strewn about the property. A few of those iris have begun opening such as King Christian and Florentia and while they are interesting, they do not have the same impact that the newer varieties exhibit. But, as always, John and I are always excited to see a flower for the first time and each week a new surprise awaits us here at the farm.King Christian-Intermediate 1901
We did find Blue Boy to be an attractive early bloomer and are anxious to see what other surprises are in store.
Blue Boy-Intermediate 1913

Happy Gardening!
Cheryl

Presby and Pittsgrove-Growing Together

2011-05-05T19:51:00.011-04:00

For those of you who have followed our blog, you will recall that a couple of years ago we partnered with Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in Montclair, NJ to help support these magnificent gardens. We have supplied the gardens with plants for their annual Mother's Day plant sale in what has proven to be a successful fund raiser for this worthy organization.

We are happy to announce that this year Pittsgrove is returning a good number of Presby's iris back to them to be sold at the sale. After bloom time in 2010, we took divisions from the gardens and propagated them here at the farm. Available for sale this weekend will be some historic iris such as King Christian, Blue Boy, and Fiorentina. Other varieties will become ready for sale in weeks to come, both at Presby and here at Pittsgrove.
All profits from the Presby sale go to the operations of the gardens. If you are in the area, please consider picking up something for your garden or for that special mom in your life to help preserve the beauty of this New Jersey gem.

The sale is this Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7 from 10:00-5:00. And if you are interested in coming to Pittsgrove, we are open by appointment. So give us a call and come for a visit. Hunterdon County is a beautiful area especially in the spring.

Happy Gardening and Happy Mother's Day!
Cheryl

WhileThe Tractor Was Idle

2011-05-02T08:17:00.007-04:00

There has been so much rain this spring that it has been impossible for John to take the tractor out to the field for fear of sinking it in the mud. He knew it had been ages since he had it parked in front of the barn, but was made acutely aware of that fact when he noticed something very unusual on the rear tire. Evidently, although the tractor was idle, one of our many robins was not. Don't worry, there were no eggs as yet and I removed the nest before Mama could settle in, for surely the sun will shine and the tractor will soon be put into service.
Happy Gardening!Cheryl

There's An App,Oops---Iris For That!

2011-04-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

Tall bearded iris

You may have heard a commercial where they repeat the phrase "There's an app for that." In case you don't know, app is short for application used in computer software designed to help a user perform a specific task and most recently for iPhones and iPads. At Pittsgrove, John and I often hear people say "I love iris, but my property is too wet" or in other cases, "too dry" or "too shady". Well, we have an iris for that!

Bearded iris are perfect for those full sun, very dry areas and range in size from border friendly Lilliput dwarf to background size tall bearded, all of which are available in a wide array of colors.
Dwarf bearded iris with friends

Moisture loving Louisiana and Japanese can be ideal for those areas where you may have difficulty growing plants due to periodic wet conditions. Louisiana, pseudacorus, and versicolor can actually sit in water.
Iris laevigata and pseudacorus

Siberian iris flourish in most common garden areas, blooming well in both full sun and part shade and have grassy foliage that looks attractive even when not in bloom.
Siberians on display

Really short on sun, then iris cristata may be just what you are looking for since these jaunty little, rapidly spreading iris are well-suited for that shady glade on your property.
Iris Cristata

John and I know nothing about apps, but we do know iris and with so many options available, there is sure to be the perfect iris awaiting a home in your garden. And for those of you who are tech savvy, I'm sure there's an app for that!

Happy Spring!
Cheryl

Baby Blessed and Blessed with a Baby

2011-04-05T14:07:00.012-04:00

Baby Blessed Dwarf Bearded

Baby Blessed is the dwarf bearded iris that I have written about before and is a sturdy, beautiful little plant that we should be seeing in bloom within the next few weeks.

Just as iris continue to grow at Pittsgrove, our family is also expanding with the addition of a beautiful grand daughter on March 31. Jeremy and his wife, Christina, are the proud, first-time parents and all of us were thrilled to have a new family member who will one day play in the dirt with us. No, we don't expect her to join the family business, but what child doesn't like getting as dirty as possible outdoors. As I have nicknames for her cousins the Fairy Princess and Vehicle Boy, this sweet baby, whose name is derived from the Greek word helios for sun, will be known in this and future blogs as Sunshine.
Sunray Reflections-tall bearded

Along with the Baby Blessed that we gave Jeremy to plant at their house, we gave him Sunray Reflections, since Sunshine has brightened our lives and is a reflection of the love Jeremy and Christina have for one another.

Think Spring!
Cheryl

DIG IT--Trajectory SDB

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

It is now official, we have entered the spring season although our forecast for today and later this week calls for snow showers here at Pittsgrove. What can you expect, it is still March and anyone who has lived in Jersey knows that March is anything but predictable as far as weather is concerned.
We did have nice enough weather to allow us to get caught up on lots of outdoor tasks last week and the sunshine and fresh air sure were welcome. Most of the beds look pretty good and our first daffodil bloomed yesterday morning. I am now anticipating the arrival of our first iris blooms, but will have to be patient for a few more weeks.

One that has had a good, past track record is Trajectory, a standard dwarf bearded (SDB). It ranges in height from 12-13" and is slightly fragrant. It was and AIS Honorable Mention in 1999 and Award of Merit winner in 2003. It makes a nice addition to a rock garden or in a border planting.

Happy Spring!!!
Cheryl

Is Spring in the Air?

2011-03-15T15:05:00.015-04:00

Well, finally a day at Pittsgrove spent entirely outdoors working in the sunshine. John was certainly in his element today and some much needed cleanup was done by both of us. Have you ever noticed that no matter how much fall cleanup you do in the garden beds, when spring comes rolling along there is still plenty more to attend to before the beds really look good again.
We were happy to see hellebores nicely budded and all varieties of perennials are beginning to peak out from beneath the soil.
Overall the perennials and bulbs seem to have survived this past winter fairly well. The trees and shrubs are showing the most trauma, from both the heat and drought of the summer, and the snow and blasting winds during the winter. I have a great deal of pruning to do, some plants to dig up, and branches and trees that have to be taken down. That last bit will not be by me! We had more deer damage this year than ever before with all the snow cover we sustained. However, on the bright side, John told me that the chewed branches will make it that much easier for me to shape the shrubs. It's nice being married to an optimist. He also keeps weather records from year to year and pointed out that we are getting a jump on things compared to last year.

I hope the rest of you gardeners have had the opportunity to get down on your knees and play in the dirt. If you haven't, get out there soon. The muscles may get sore, but your mind and disposition will surely be rejuvenated.

Happy gardening! Cheryl

Floriculture and Horticulture-The Next Generation

2011-03-07T12:12:00.018-05:00

Years ago when we were running a garden center at full steam, an acquaintance of ours walked into the shop with a shy young teenager in tow and stated "She needs a job!" The mother went on to say that she thought working outdoors with plants was just the right fit for Lei, the still mute girl in bib overalls standing behind her. Lei finally said she thought she would like working with plants and that she went to school right up the road from the garden center.

We agreed to take her on a trial basis a couple days after school and a few hours on weekends, but didn't expect her to last long as, unfortunately, a number of teenagers brought in by their parents rarely lasted more than a week or two. However, Lei not only lasted longer than a few weeks, but worked part time through her entire high school career. She earned a scholarship from one of the local garden clubs, and went on to major in horticulture at Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania.This shy, awkward teen blossomed (pun intended) into a confident, knowledgeable, young woman now working for a large perennial grower.

I mention Lei since I recently came across an article in the Eastern Edition of Country Folks Growers regarding scholarship money available for floriculture/horticulture students. The deadline is May 1 for 20 separate scholarships offered by the American Floral Endowment (AFE). Look online for a complete description of each AFE scholarship offered, requirements, and an application.

If you know of a young person who could benefit from this information, please pass it along. We like to think we played a small part in Lei achieving her dream and hope by writing about this scholarship, we may be helping some other young person do the same.

A reminder that the Philadelphia International Flower Show is open now through March 13 at the Convention Center with this year's theme being "Springtime in Paris".

Think Spring!
Cheryl

Two Bluebirds and a Butterfly

2011-02-19T10:17:00.005-05:00

After the one-two (3,4,5,6,?) punch winter has given our country this year, all of us are longing for warmer, milder weather. We got a taste of that here this week when the sun came out and temperatures rose into the 60's here at Pittsgrove finally melting away most of the several inches of snow that had accumulated for weeks.
I spent a good part of the day collecting and breaking up the branches that have fallen from some of the extremely windy days that we have been experiencing. I wandered the property to get a guesstimate on how well our beds held up over the winter. Snow cover is actually quite beneficial for most plants in providing insulation from harsh temperatures, but it also means that deer, so prevalent in much of our area, are deprived of primary food sources in fields and woods. This year they ate a good portion of our Manhattan Euonymous that they have never touched in the 20 or so years of its existence next to our well. The rest of the gardens seem to have held up pretty well so far, but the truth will come out when spring finally arrives and we see what survived.
During the next spate of mild weather, get out and examine your gardens. Push back any plants that may have heaved, clean up any debris that you didn't get to in the fall, and you'll be a step ahead of the game.
The other day I saw two bluebirds and a butterfly. Can Spring be far behind?

Think Spring!
Cheryl

This Too Shall Pass

2011-02-02T10:23:00.019-05:00

John and I were recently interviewed about what we do during the winter and although he would much rather be lolling on a beach in Kauai since he's developed an extreme distaste for winter, I rather look forward to each season with winter being no exception. I may have to amend that at the end of this winter if we continue to be walloped with one storm after another.

In winters past, John and I have been able to get out on milder days to putter around in the garden beds, cutting back perennials that we didn't get to in the fall. This year, however, the beds have remained under a blanket of snow. Instead of working in the hoop house cleaning up plants and checking inventory, we have had to remove layers of snow to keep the plastic from collapsing.Weathermen often seem dumbfounded as to what the weather is going to bring next until the event actually occurs. A "light dusting" has translated into 5 inches, leaving them to scratch their heads wondering why that happened. Now that we have just entered into what is normally our snowiest month, there is no telling what is in store for us next. As I write this, branches are crackling as the wind blows against their ice laden branches and plenty of fresh kindling for our wood stove has fallen to the ground. We lost well-established trees, shrubs and perennials over the hot dry summer and know there will be many more we have lost that will have to be removed come spring.
Deer have eaten the Manhattan Euonymus next to our well for the first time since we planted it decades ago (on the bright side, it needed a good pruning anyway). Mice have feasted on a number of plants in our hoop house and we have had to wage a war against them.
Please don't view these as complaints, merely observations. Others are far worse off and we have contended with Mother Nature numerous times over the years. The one thing I am sure of, we will plant anew to replace beloved plants that we lost and even though she is showing her wrath now, Mother Nature will bless us with her beauty once again in the spring.

Think Spring!
Cheryl

Pittsgrove Farms Year End Thanks

2010-12-30T20:39:00.004-05:00

As 2010 comes to a close, I wanted to make sure to send our thanks to all of you who have found our web site, read our blog, and visited us here at the farm. We appreciate your interest in us and the plants we grow. We love what we do and enjoy sharing that love of gardening with all of you and hope to continue doing so for long into the future. We're going to kick back for awhile until it is time to start preparing for spring and another flower-filled season.

May all of you be blessed in the coming year with good health, happiness, and gardens without weeds!

Happy New Year!
The Gulish Family
Pittsgrove Farms

Peonies-Transplanting and Dividing

2010-09-20T20:34:00.019-04:00

Butter Bowl Before Division
One of the most enjoyable aspects of running a nursery is the interaction John and I have with the folks who come to Pittsgrove. Some are longtime gardeners like us who swap gardening successes and failures, tell of their favorite plants, and of plants they had to leave behind in a move, etc. Other visitors are those who are new to gardening or just to the world of iris or peonies and are seeking an education on where or how to grow them. All make for lively discussions and we love imparting any knowledge we have in order to make "playing in the dirt" fun for one and all.

Questions about peonies arise often. "When can I plant them?" Potted peonies can be planted starting in spring as early as the ground can be worked and continue until late fall. Some people have the misconception that peonies can only be planted in the fall, but potted plants may be put in the ground throughout the growing season.

"When can I transplant or divide peonies?" Now the answer to that question is only in the fall and doing so is easy enough for the average gardener.

Cutting Back Foliage
Before digging, cut the stalks back to approximately 3-4" above the ground. Using a sharp shovel or spade, dig around the peony 6-8"from the stalks depending on how large the plant is and trying to break as few roots as possible.
Butter Bowl After Being Dug
If just moving to another garden area, make sure the new area is well-drained with no less than a half day sun. The spot should be well prepared and the peony should be planted with a rich mix of new soil as the plant should be able to flourish for twenty years or more. A critical point to remember is to plant the peony at the same level it was at originally as planting too deep will cause the plant not to bloom. The only exception to this is if the plant had been planted too deep in the first location and was not blooming, then just raise the plant slightly to promote future blooms. If you put a lot of loose soil in the bottom of the hole, plant the peony a little higher to allow for settling. Plant Soaking To Remove Excess Soil
If your peony has become quite large and you want to divide it, then after digging it up remove as much soil as possible from the roots using a hose or soaking in a tub or child's wading pool. Next study the plant looking down between the stalks for the pink or white eyes (similar to potato eyes) about the size of the tip of your pinky. For a good division, you want 5-7 eyes.

Looking Down At Peony Eyes

Further study the root structure to make a division using a bow saw or heavy duty clippers to divide the plant doing the least damage and retaining heavy roots which are the food storage for the coming year. Show caution in handling not to damage the eyes as they will provide the new leaves and flowers. Cutting Between Stalks
Prepare the new location as for transplanting, planting higher to compensate for settling and cover with 3-4 inches of mulch to prevent winter heaving the first year. Remove the mulch in the spring. In both cases, water in well after planting is done.

Five Divisions Each With Several Eyes

Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Happy Gardening!
Cheryl

In Memoriam

2010-09-11T08:35:00.002-04:00

Immortality

There has been so much animosity, derision, finger pointing, holier than thou attitudes, them versus us feelings taking place. For this one date can all of us just perform at least one random act of kindness. I think that would honor those who were lost more than anything.

Hot in Jersey

2010-09-02T14:37:00.020-04:00

Pittgrove feeling high and dry

While sipping coffee on the patio this AM, listening to the persistent rapping of a red bellied woodpecker on our maple, I read in the Star Ledger that we have just experienced the hottest summer on record in New Jersey. This is after we dragged ourselves through the hottest spring in Jersey in 116 years. Besides the heat, statewide our rainfall was down 65%.

Last year folks complained about how wet a year we were having and at times it seemed as though we should have switched from growing iris, peonies and daylilies to the cultivation of rice and cranberries. This spring areas of our property that never dried out in 2009 as they normally would, became dry as a bone and remain that way.Blue Mist Caryopteris

Since we depend on well water, John and I have been very judicious on how much watering we do. All our potted iris, peonies, daylilies and various perennials are watered regularly, along with our vegetable garden. But with the amount of plantings we have, all we can do is cross our fingers that most will survive. Some like our cypress have already bit the dust and we will have numerous gaps to fill come spring. Other plants like the Blue Mist Caryopteris look absolutely heavenly and you would never realize they had been so moisture deprived. Our pond which was overflowing its banks last year is down a good 3' in water level and the poor fish must be in stiff competition for oxygen. Pittsgrove in wetter days
After 40 years here, we have seen our share of drought and bone soaking rain. We have learned to adapt ourselves to whatever Mother Nature presents us, knowing it will always be a challenge but one certainly worth it in the end.
Happy Gardening!
Cheryl

She's Baaaack! Pittsgrove Blogs Again

2010-08-12T13:45:00.017-04:00

Knockout

I know, I know, I know! It has been ridiculously long since I have contributed to this blog. As our son, Garrett, learned when he messed up in the military, the only acceptable response is: "No excuse,sir/mam". John and I ended up with more on our plates this year than anticipated. We dealt with what was most pressing and set aside the rest for another day, so blogging went on the shelf along with dusting and washing windows.

Anyway, our lives have reached a degree of normalcy and I've decided I can write again---dusting and windows still have to wait awhile longer.

Lilac Plants
John decided to try his hand at growing varieties of lilac including the newly introduced spring and fall rebloomer. Being a skeptic, he is holding off telling people they are rebloomers until the proof is in the pudding and we actually see it happen. Sometimes plants are introduced into the market with lots of wonderful claims, but reblooming, low maintenance, etc. take place only under the most ideal conditions leaving the average gardener filled with disappointment when the plants do not measure up to expectations. That is why John and I like to grow the plants ourselves before backing up such claims.
Knockout
Plants that have lived up to the hype, are the the Knock Out roses and their cousins the Drift Roses, both developed and produced by Star Roses. We have grown Knock Out roses for a number of years and grew our first Drift Rose last year when a plant broker friend gave us one to plant on a trial basis. It performed well despite the very wet season of 2009. This year we planted several more in new beds (John is determined to eliminate all our lawn areas and replace them with garden beds!).
Drift
While on vacation for two weeks, the temperature here at Pittsgrove hit 104 degrees and although a friend came and watered our potted plants, the beds were not watered at all. Even though some of our well-established plants (viburnum and cypress) suffered from the intense heat and arid conditions, the roses looked terrific upon our return. We'll see how they do over the long term, but certainly would recommend them for an attractive, low maintenance addition to that sunny garden spot.

Happy Gardening!
Cheryl

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Plant Sale

2010-05-05T21:09:00.021-04:00

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens When In Full Bloom

Our collaboration with the wonderful folks at the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens continues this year and we have been gratified to play a small role in the continuance of this national treasure.

Many of you are aware that the gardens were in dire financial straits a few years back and in jeopardy of having to close altogether. The hard work of many dedicated people kept that from happening and thankfully the gardens are now under the wing of the Essex County Park System , thus assuring Presby will continue to delight visitors for generations to come.

This weekend, May 7-9 the annual plant sale will be held to raise funds for the maintenance and expansion of the gardens. Besides multiple varieties of iris, peonies, daylilies, and very unusual deer resistant perennials will be available. Additional information regarding the gardens and this weekend's sale may be found on the Presby web site.
Just a sample of what is available this weekend
If you are in the area, stop in, make a purchase and know you are aiding this jewel that helps keep "garden" in our motto "The Garden State". We encourage any of you who have not had the opportunity to visit Presby to make the trip, especially in mid-May when the gardens are in all their glory. Everyone we have sent has been awestruck by the beauty of this natural rainbow of color. Go see for yourself!

Happy Gardening!
Cheryl

Iris Cristata-Dwarf Crested Iris

2010-03-30T16:24:00.012-04:00

In the past, a number of people have asked us if iris grow in the shade and we have always answered that all of the iris we were growing required sun, that is until now. This year at Pittsgrove, we are trying our hand at Iris cristata also known as dwarf crested iris. These prefer shade to part shade, grow 6 to 8 inches high, and spread very nicely without becoming invasive.
The cristata are native to America and grow all over the mid-Atlantic states, but are not seen in New Jersey very often. The flowers are white, or come in shades of blue/lavender. These little plants need a well-drained location in rich, loose soil and will form dense clumps. Their roots are very shallow, therefore require just a pinch of mulch..
These iris are great for that shady spot, rock garden, along walks and or a path in the woods.

Gardening with Mickey and Minnie

2010-03-17T09:36:00.025-04:00

When planning our family vacation to Disney World (something Pop Gulish had been urging since the Fairy Princess was born 5 1/2 years ago!) we did not realize it would also become somewhat a bus man's holiday as it happened to coincide with the 17th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Throughout Epcot, whimsical topiaries and sculpted gardens developed by various landscaping and gardening groups provided eye candy for young and old alike. We particularly enjoyed seeing the myriad of Disney characters from swashbuckling Peter Pan, to waltzing Cinderella, to fanciful ostrich ballerinas. Naturally, John and I had to be photographed in front of farmers Mickey and Minnie. The favorite of our Fairy Princess

Vehicle Boy was delighted to watch the trains at Germany's garden railroad. (Watch for a future blog post regarding garden railways when I discuss a new venture of our friend, Jim Shepard of microscaping.com). Our boy was quite content to view the miniature village while the rest of the family wandered the shops.

The Living Wall was an example of gardening that is starting to pop up in hotels and malls across the nation and something you are likely to see more of in the future.All of us were fascinated by the fruits and veggies being grown experimentally in the greenhouses at "The Land", especially pumpkins growing in air rather than on the ground. Seeing all the wonderful produce made us look forward to harvesting our own in the hopefully not too distant future.
Splashes of color everywhere and the sweet fragrance of roses and violas make our family anxious to see spring arrive back home. We thankfully were not affected by the horrendous storm that hit this past weekend, March 13 & 14, which caused so much damage in flooding and downed trees throughout the Northeast. Jeremy and Christina had a tree come down, but luckily it only damaged some wires, not the house. The 15" of snow we left behind when we began our vacation has now been replaced by sunshine and clear skies, so it looks like we'll be out in the gardens for the next few days. Hope that's where you are too!
Think spring!
Cheryl