The "Arbor Farm" Report

Deb

Deb has been a seasonal staff member for 6 years.  She has experience with both shade and sun gardening at her own home, and has taken landscaping courses at Ivy Tech.  Previously she was a librarian at Allen County Public Library for 21 years.

Garden style:  Lawn-free, and easy care.  Plants are selected for ability to withstand wind and for their drought tolerance.  My current yard is in the middle of an open field near Churubusco.  Before moving there I gardened near Parkview hospital in nearly full shade.  I had a “rain garden” before they were popular, and was in the process of filling every foot of my yard with perennials.  In the following picture you can see Black Lace Elderberry, Juniper, Cotoneaster and Penstemon…all tough plants.

Tough plants for full sun

Favorite Tree:  Columnar European Hornbeam because the one that I own is nearly pest and disease free, takes no maintenance and is attractive in all seasons.  But…I love Hawthorns and Serviceberries too.

Columnar Hornbeam

Favorite Flower:  It’s difficult to pick a favorite because I have so many.  Baptisia is very high on the list.  The flowers are gorgeous, but the foliage is also beautiful with interesting seed pods later in the year.  It’s a tough, drought-tolerant plant that does well in my dry prairie garden.  I also love Sedums for their interesting textures and ability to survive in dry, hot sun.  I have my eye on a newer type called ‘Thundercloud.’

Sedum 'Thundercloud'

Plant Wish List:  We have a new color of Baptisia called “Solar Flare” that I might need to plant.  I’ve also been trying to find a place for Persian Ironwood.  The fall color looks spectacular.

Baptisia Solar Flare

Sawflies may be a pest that we will see often this year.  The mild winter allowed the insect to survive in abundance, and the warmer spring weather has caused them to be active fairly early.  Sawflies often attack Mugo Pines and Scotch Pines.  Look for defoliated branches (often the new growth on the tips of the branches go untouched) as an indicator of sawfly damage then look for the pesky caterpillar.  Spray with a general insecticide like Malathion to easily kill the pests.

Sawfly on Mugo Pine

When planning your landscape beds and borders, it is a good idea to choose plants that bloom at different times so that you always have something blooming. You can also add seasonal interest with a variety of leaf colors and textures.

Coralburst Crabapple blossoms

Some spring-blooming trees are: ornamental pear, weeping cherry, crabapple, serviceberry and magnolia.

Herbert Azalea

There are many shrubs that bloom in early to late spring, including forsythia, lilac, azaleas, rhododendrons and viburnum.

Double Knockout

For summer blooms, you cannot beat roses for a sunny spot and hydrangeas for a shady area.

When deciding on perennials; creeping phlox, iris, catmint, salvia, dianthus and daylilies all bloom quite early and some can be deadheaded for reblooming.

Goldsturm Black-eyed Susan

Rudbekia is a long blooming summer favorite, as is garden phlox, which is available in a variety of colors.

Cone Flower

Echinacea, or coneflower is now available in many varieties and is one of the most versatile and long lasting of perennials.

If you browse nurseries often, you are able to see what is in bloom at any given time. Check labels to see if the plant needs dry or moist conditions, sun or shade. We have a knowlegeable staff who would be happy to help you with your selections.

April has lived up to its name, and we have had above normal rainfall for the month.

Moisture, combined with cooler temperatures, creates conditions that are favorable for fungal diseases.

A fungicide applied early and, as needed, will help to control this problem. It is also wise to give plants a dose of all-purpose fertilizer, especially if leaves are turning yellow, a common sign of too much water.

Now is a good time to check for poor drainage in your landscape. If you have areas with standing water, those would not be good areas for plants that require well-drained soil, such as spruce, roses, fruit trees, etc. Instead look for trees, shrubs, or perennials that will tolerate or even prefer a little more moisture.

Bloomerang Lilac

A revolutionary new kind of lilac, the Bloomerang blooms in spring and again in midsummer. The fragrant, lavender flowers, which continue until frost, attract butterflies and are good for cutting. The bright green foliage is resistant to powdery mildew and deer!

Growing to approximately 48″-60″T x 48″-60″W, with a tidy mounding habit, this variety is a good fit for any garden and a classic addition to foundation plantings and mixed borders. Remove spent blooms and prune to shape promptly after flowering, to encourage reblooming.
The Bloomerang requires full sun and well-drained soil. Apply a controlled release fertilizer.