Gabriel's Garden Notes

These Pansies are anything but wimpy!

October in the Northwest brings grey skies, drizzly rain and shorter and shorter days but that doesn't mean you have to give up on having flowers blooming in your containers.  Winter Pansies and annual Viola's come in dozens of colors that are sure to delight and compliment every garden.  Pictured here is Delta Red Winter Pansy with a charming Ivy, and Heuchera "Peach Melba". I add the white Pansy to contrast and bring out the other colors in the combination.

Winter Pansies are inexpensive and will flower consistently up until the time you pull them out in May and replace with a spring/summer combo.  To keep pansies happy plant them where they will get atleast 6 hours of sunlight, water consistently, and pinch off spent flowers.  Slugs and snails do really love the taste of pansies so be sure to regularly sprinkle a bit of slug bait near them or you will find that your flowers have been eaten!  I use Sluggo slug bait which is labeled as not being harmful to children or pets.

When you go shopping for winter pansies at your favorite local nursery you will also find other winter hardy plants to add to your containers.  A simple combination would include 2 to 3 colors of Winter Pansy and/or Viola with an Ivy or Vinca to grow over the edge and an evergreen plant such Heuchera, Hebe, Heath, Carex or Euonymus.  If you prefer edibles you can make a great combo with Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Viola's for color.  Another simple rule to follow when creating a container planting is to plant in odd numbers.  In the above photo I have 3 red pansy, 3 white pansy, 1 Ivy, and 3 Heuchera.  Nurseries still have plenty of plant material to choose from so don't leave those containers bare this year.

Long hot summer

The heat is blistering this year in the Puget Sound, in fact it is currently the driest summer on record and we still have about 2 months to go.  This is a great opportunity to evaluate your plantings.  The plants we have that made it through the deep freeze and wet snows of the winter and continue to thrive through this summer are ones to take note of now!  Those are the ones we need to rely on.  The wimps that froze or are stressed due to the heat and dry are ones we should edit out. 

Plants that I like that seem to be survivors include Euonymus 'Cholipo' and Choisya ternata 'Sundance'.  I use these plants quite a bit in the landscape because of their gold colored foliage and hardiness.  They also look great in the border and accent seasonal plantings of bright colored annuals and perennials like Dahlias, Cosmo's, Calendula and Zinnia's.

The veggie garden is still producing lots of delicious produce.  The lettuce has all been used or pulled out and I have planted out some second sowings of carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.  Tomatoes are just starting to ripen now and the squash is becoming to get a bit overwhelming. 

Over the next few days I will really need to stay up on the watering to keep plants from getting stressed out beyond repair.  Hopefully temps will get back down to 70's soon.

Pictured here squash, tomatoes, ground cherry, blueberries, and green beans.

Summertime and the livings easy!

Summer is here and boy is it warm and dry here in the Northwest. 

Gardens that are getting adequate water are looking fabulous.  Those that aren't are fading fast.  Lawns are drying up, which isn't too much of a problem if your lawn is already healthy.  An already weak lawn may be more susceptible to having an invasion of weeds take over! 

My goal for both lawns and gardens is to get them as healthy as possible.  This starts with planting plants in the right place.  The "right place" means with an adequate space to grow to near full size so that the plant will not need to be pruned excessively.  The location should match the plants cultural needs if it requires full sun that means no less than 6 hours a day.  If you don't follow this rule you will end up with an uphappy weak plant that may attract pests.  Last make sure to water the plant regularly during its first 2 to 3 years in the garden.  If the plant is drought tolerant you can plan to pull back on regular watering after it is well established.

For the health of the garden and lawn overall I try to improve the health of the soil.  I start by using organic fertilizers as needed, using a quality top dressing of compost each year and to stop use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.  Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides I feel do not help encourage the natural systems in our landscapes.  Many people pull out the bug spray when they see some aphids on their roses.  What they may not consider is that they will also be killing any lady bugs that are there feeding on those aphids as well.  By killing off the enemy of the pests in the garden you have now taken on a job that you cannot do on your own!  My system for dealing with aphids and white flies?  Squish them, rinse the infected plant with water and in some cases remove the plant that seems to attract too many bugs. 

Healthy plants do fend off insects pests so if a plant is attracting bugs consider its overall health.  Is it planted in the right location, is it getting adequate water, are you over fertilizing it, was it stressed from drought last year?  If you aren't sure whats wrong, call me, or call the Natural Garden Hotline and get some free advice on how to deal with problems in your garden before grabbing the spray, the lady bugs will appreciate your new strategy.

Veggie garden update-Still harvesting lots of lettuce and am now watching the summer squash grow.  I have been harvesting peas, Bok choy, Arugala, Broccoli and Cauliflower as well.  I pulled out a few potatoes, the main harvest is still a month or more away. 

SUN, SUN, SUN

The sun has been shining for almost 3 weeks here in the Puget Sound area.  This is very rare for May and the result-beautiful gardens.  We often get a lot of spring rain which shortens the life of Rhododendron and Lilac blooms.  And after our coldest winter in 70 years I think both the human and plant residents in the area are all experiencing a type of ecstasy I would describe as bumble bees intoxicated by pollen.

I still have not set out all my Tomato starts though they are very lush and growing happily in 1 gallon pots in the greenhouse.   And am still working to find spots in the garden to place all the wonderful varieties of squash and cucumbers I started this year.  I have been harvesting lettuce for a few weeks now and will probably donate some to the local food bank as well as share some with friends and neighbors.  My peas are finally starting to flower so it won't be long till the delicious sweet pods can be harvested.

Pictured here the garden and greenhouse a few days ago.

All 6 of my rain barrels are empty already so I am actually hoping for a bit of rain soon.  Though this week the forecast is for more sun and will be nearly 80 today.   I enjoy using the water harvested off the roof to hand water the pots in the greenhouse and the starts that are set out in the garden.

I am waiting with anticipation for my Mock Orange's to bloom.  The blossoms are swelling and soon they will burst open with a scent so sweet that it knocks me over.  Old fashioned Mock Orange/Philadelphus coranarius is not a very attractive plant, kind of tall and leggy and much too large for most city gardens.  I prefer to use the gold leaved variety Philadelphus coranareus 'Aurea' pictured here.  Gold foliage plants really brighten up the garden though this plant does tend to lose its vibrancy later in the summer.  Mock Orange is also a fairly drought tolerant plant once established so is a good choice for Puget Sound gardens especially if you like fragrant plants.

HARVEST

May started cool with lots of rain and night temps in the low 40's.  As we passed mid-May the temps finally started to climb and now it is May 25th and the soil is warm and finally ready for warm season veggies.

Memorial Day weekend and many are out barbecuing, enjoying Folk Life or perhaps hiking in the Cascades or Olympics.  I am here in my own little bit of paradise finishing up soil prep.  One bed left to go.  I had to harvest 7 head of Pak Choi today as it it beginning to bolt with this hot water.  Bolting is the end of a cool season annual vegetables growth.  The plant starts to go into "I must procreate mode" and start to go to seed.  If you don't harvest when this starts leafy vegetable such as lettuce, spinach and asian greens will taste bitter and eventually become nearly unedible.

Since I have harvested much of the Pak Choi I can next now plant some squash that I started from seed 4 weeks ago.  Today I squeezed in three Delicata Squash starts and 3 Jaune et Verte.  Pictured here Bok Choy that will need to be harvested soon with lettuce.  Tucked between the Bok Choy is the Delicata Squash which won't be harvested till October.

I will need to start eating or giving away of lettuce soon.  I started Basil rather late but I think it will have to time to mature and I will have good timing for when the garlic is ready to make tons of pesto.

Breakfast this morning-fresh chicken eggs from friends with goat cheese, wild crafted Oyster Mushrooms, Spinach and Garlic from the backyard.

Pictured here Pak Choi

Now back to work lots of watering to do.

Abundance

Puget Sound gardens are alive with a rainbow of colors brought with the abundance of spring blooming trees and shrubs.  Our native Dogwoog, Cornus nuttalii has been blooming for a few weeks as have the pink flowering Cornus florida and other cultivars.  Many gardens still have Narcissus (Daffodils) and tulips in a vast array of color.  Pictured here tulips are used in containers (design by Anne Wambauch) in a stunning display.  Tulips are not usually long lived in our wet climate, they prefer a dry summer and a very well draining soil.  They do well in pots and are easy to remove when changing to summer color.  One can often see the signs of tulips planted in previous years every spring, a few green leaves and no flowers.  If they don't flower, dig out the old bulbs and toss!

Many of the spring flowering shrubs are also very fragrant.  A local favorite is Daphne odora 'Aureo-marginata, plant this medium growing shrub near a walkway or outside the front door so you can be sure to enjoy its sweet scent.

Lesser known fragrant shrubs are the Viburnums.  Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' is a deciduous shrub with tiny fragrant flowers that blooms in late winter before its leaves emerge.  Viburnum burkwoodi is one of my favorites and it is rarely seen in gardens in the northwest.  It has glossy deep green evergreen foliage and white fragrant flowers in the spring.  A mature specimen is pictured here.

Another one of my favorite flowering shrubs is Exchorda x macrantha 'The Bride', it is also rarely used and so stunning to come across when in full bloom.  It is perfect for a "white" garden or in English style garden.  It is a medium grower, under 4' so is good for a small garden.  In this garden it is paired with a low growing evergreen Lonicera, Pieris, Double File Viburnum and White Icicle Flowering Current.

Not flowering this spring is your dead Rosemary plants.  All over Seattle I am still seeing these pathetic dead Rosemarys that did not survive our worst winter in 70 years.  It is time to rip them out and replace!!  The spring rainy season is a great time to add new plants so head on down to your favorite local nursery today.

Spring comes late to the northwest.

Have you noticed that trees and shrubs that usually start blooming in late February or early March are just beginning to bloom?  Well I certainly have.  Forsythia and Flowering Plum are just now blooming and no wonder as it is still so cool out there.  I have been keeping my fingers crossed that my tender little veggie seedling wouldn't be damaged by the cool night time temps we had the last few weeks. Luckily I haven't lost any yet and my greenhouse is now brimming with succulent little lettuce, kale, pac choy, tat soi and sweet pea's. 

I am planning to sell a lot of these starts at the Northwest Perennial Alliance spring plant sale on April 19th at North Seattle Community College. I should have plenty left over for my own garden as well as to sell or trade with friends.

My garden is currently under water from the rainfall we had last night and today.  As I walked through the garden today I enjoyed watching my ducks who always take advantage of their personal duck pond.

 

A grass I have in many spots in my yard is Acorus gramineus 'Ogon', also known as Sweet Flag.  This is a lovely grass that lots of people use in their gardens.  It is evergreen and has a lovely bright gold variegation that really brightens a shady corner.  What I have noticed though is that this grass looks its best when it gets a lot of water.  I have pulled it out of numerous gardens where it just never managed to thrive.  Here it is in my garden where I planted them just 2 or 3 years ago and they have quadrupled in size.  As you can see from the photo they are practically surrounded by water this time of year, and very happy indeed.  So if you have tried to grow this plant and failed, it was probably due to lack of water.

Grasses are great in the ornamental garden, just remember to make sure you place them in a spot that they will thrive in. 

Winter flowers

Signs of spring are starting to pop up all around the Northwest.  Winter flowers are so wonderful.  Yesterday I worked in a garden on Lake Washington where the scents of Sweet Box/Sarcococca and Winter Daphne wafted in the breeze.  Early blooming Crocus have been up for weeks.  Planting early bloomers provides needed food for bees and other pollinators.          

Another sign of spring is swelling buds on deciduous trees and shrubs.  Some trees have very distinctive buds that make them easy to identify.  Magnolia's for example have a lovely  soft fuzz on their nice plump flower buds.  Beeches have very slender pointy buds.   

A well designed garden will have something in bloom nearly the entire year.  It will also have plants with intersting foliage that may change color in the winter.  Bergenia is a perennial that is evergreen.  Some varieties of Bergenia have leaves that turn a nice reddish color during winter, in spring this is followed by a spike of flowers in white or pink hues.   

Other plants with year round interest include, Rosemary, Hebe's, many Grasses and Conifers.

A fun way to add some cheer to your lawn is to add English Lawn Daisies to it.  Bees will visit these little charmers so if you like to walk barefoot through your lawn this may not be a good option for you. 

Off to a Good Start

When I looked out the window yesterday morning I was startled to see my garden once again covered in snow.  There was less than inch but I guess I am thinking about spring so much that I had forgotten that we still have at least 6 weeks of winter left to go. 

It may be to early to be planting most veggies out in the garden, but it is time to start some seeds indoors.  Here in the Puget Sound area we need to start long season edibles such as squash, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes indoors.  Starting seeds indoors is not very hard or time consuming but does take some special equipment.

First you need a seed starting mat to keep the soil at optimal temperature for seed germination.  These are found in all quality garden centers or through most seed catalogs and cost about $30.00.  Next, once your seeds sprout they need light to continue to develop properly.  There are many different options for lighting.  The least expensive is to use fluorescent bulbs.  Use one cool bulb and one warm bulb which will provide the full spectrum that your seedlings will need to photosynthesize.

For some it may be easier to purchase starts from your local garden center.  If you are growing on a fairly small scale and are just starting to experiment with growing your produce that may be the best option for you.  The advantage of starting your own seeds is that you will have a lot wider array of vegetables in the form of seeds available to you. 

Here are a few of the types of tomatoes that I will be starting from seed at the end of February:

Wapsipinicon Peach Tomato-Heavy producer of 2” peach-shaped fuzzy yellow fruits. Sweet excellent flavor.  A favorite from Dennis Schlicht, named after the Waspipinicon River in northeast Iowa.  Winner of Seed Saver’s Exchange 2006 Heirloom Tomato Tasting. Indeterminate, 80 days from transplant.

Tommy Toe Tomato-Extremely vigorous plant yields hundreds of 1” apricot-sized fruits, produces non-stop over an extended season. Superb flavor, hard to beat. Won an Australian taste test with 100 other varieties. Indeterminate, 70 days from transplant.

Tasty Evergreen Tomato- A favorite, originally introduced by Glecklers Seed Company in 1956. Skin ripens from green to light yellow-brown. Flesh and gel remain green inside when ripe. Luscious and tender, strong sweet flavor. Medium-large fruits, very productive.  Indeterminate, 75 days from transplant.

Stupice Tomato- Czechoslovakian tomato.  Potato – leaf 4’ plants loaded with 2 ½” by 2” diameter fruits borne in clusters.  Extremely early, great flavor.  Heavy yields all season.  Indeterminate, 55-70 days from transplant.

There many books, classes and seminars that go into the details of starting seeds so I will not elaborate further.  I would encourage those who have been gardening for a few years to invest in the supplies needed for seed starting.  If you are like me you get quite antsy to get your garden growing long before winter is over.  Starting your own seeds keeps you busy and it is quite enthralling to watch those little seeds pop through the soil mix without danger of slugs decimating them.

For those gardening in the Puget Sound area Seattle Tilth is a great resource.  They offer many classes ranging from one day workshops to their Comprehensive Organic Gardening class which is taught over several weeks.  They also have an edible plant sale every year where those who aren't growing their own starts yet can purchase quality veggie starts.  This years sale will be May 2nd and 3rd and will be held at the Good Shepard Center in Wallingford.  Put it on your calendar now and plan to get there early on the 2nd for the best selection.

Snow!

It is winter here in the Pacific Northwest and what a winter it is.  People call us wimps because of our lack of expertise in dealing with snow.  I for one have not driven my pickup truck in almost a week.  My excuse is that my truck doesn't handle well in snow.  It has been kind of nice being stuck home.  I have kept the bird feeder filled with seed and the hummingbird feeder defrosted.  On the coldest of days I would spot a hummingbird at the feeder filling up in the morning and just before dusk.  He actually perched on the feeder for 10 minutes.  I had never seen this before but figured this was to keep him going through the long cold night.

As the snow started to fall I sent an email to all of my gardening clients to advise them about brushing snow of some types of plants.  Snow can act as a great insulator on many low growing plants, but can damage our hedges.  It is very had to repair a plant damaged by being laden down with a heavy layer of snow.  Boxwood, Arborvitae, Evergreen Magnolia's and other evergreen hedge material are most badly effected.  Simply knocking the snow off with a broom or shaking the limbs with a gloved hand can save a lot of work in the spring.

Besides feeding the birds, making pots of homemade soup and walking the dogs I don't have much to do besides read all the seed catalogs that are now arriving in the mailbox.  I love perusing the pages full of colorful flowers and vegetables choosing new varieties to try next year.  Until then, stay warm and safe!