[PLANT PROFILE] CORNFLOWER

April 23, 2025 Karen Logan

CORNFLOWER

Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor Buttons)

******************************

Late Spring Blues

There’s something magical about walking through the garden in late spring and catching flashes of brilliant cobalt blue dancing in the breeze. That’s the unmistakable charm of Cornflower, also known as Bachelor Buttons, a beloved classic that never goes out of style. Here at Vineyard Gardens, we celebrate this beauty in all its hues: the traditional electric blue, soft pinks and deep purples. As part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, Cornflower was sown in December to encourage strong root development, and are now ready to be transplanted into your garden.

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a true multitasker. It’s stunning in the garden, a joy in a vase, and secretly useful in more ways than one—from herbal tea to bath salts to everlasting bouquets.

******************************

Why You'll Love

Growing Cornflower

They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and bloom abundantly in late spring and early summer.

Easy to grow – Even beginning gardeners will find these flowers rewarding.
Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies love them.
Versatile beauty – Ideal for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, borders, and containers.
Reseed readily – A delightful thing about cornflowers is they reseed themselves in your garden year after year. Plants that reseed are a gardener’s dream—they pop up at just the right time, fill in bare spots, and help tie the garden together beautifully. Cornflowers, along with larkspur and foxgloves, are excellent reseeders that bring a touch of spontaneity and charm to any garden space.

The blooms grow thigh-high on slender stems and create a whimsical, meadow-like effect when planted in mass.

******************************

Varieties Available

at Vineyard Gardens

We carry a colorful selection of Centaurea cyanus to brighten up your garden beds and bouquets:

Blue Boy – The classic brilliant blue that never disappoints
Select Ultraviolet – A moody, rich purple variety
Lady Mauve – Soft and romantic in pink tones

******************************

Harvesting for

Cut Flowers

Cornflowers make wonderful cut flowers, especially for rustic, natural-style arrangements.

Cut early in the morning, just as the flower is starting to open.
Strip the lower leaves before placing in water.
Change the water every other day to extend vase life.

Cornflowers last around 5–7 days in a vase and pair beautifully with other cottage garden favorites like yarrow, snapdragons, and larkspur.

******************************

Ready to

Grow Your Own?

Whether you're filling a wildflower border or planting for pollinators, cornflowers are the perfect addition to your late spring palette.

Don’t forget to tag us in your cornflower creations. We’d love to see your gardens, bouquets, and dried flower projects!

******************************

Learn About : LARKSPUR

Learn About : SPRING BLOOMS & POLLINATORS

[PLANT PROFILE] AMMI

April 16, 2025 Karen Logan

Ammi and Cosmos ‘Double Click Cranberries”

A Touch of Whimsy

If you've ever wanted your garden to feel like illustrations from a romantic storybook, Ammi is your flower.

Ammi brings a soft, graceful texture to garden beds and bouquets with its lacy, delicate blooms and feathery foliage. It’s like nature’s lace—light, elegant, and full of charm.

At Vineyard Gardens, we’re proud to be part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, and that means we’ve got strong, healthy Ammi plants just waiting to bring their magic to your garden. These were sown in December, a technique that allows their roots to develop deeply and ensures robust, resilient plants that bloom beautifully in the months ahead

******************************

Ammi Varieties

at Vineyard Gardens

✧ Ammi majus ‘Select White’: Pure white, delicate blooms that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace. They bring a lightness and airiness to garden beds and are breathtaking in wedding bouquets or wildflower-style arrangements.

✧ Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’: Soft green-tinted white blooms with a fuller, denser flower head. The perfect filler flower, Green Mist adds a gentle, misty quality to both borders and floral work. Known for its vigorous growth, it can spread easily in the right conditions—great for some gardens, but it might be a bit too assertive in more managed spaces.

******************************

Why Grow Ammi?

Ethereal beauty – Soft, lace-like blooms
Cut Flowers – A must-have for garden-style floral arrangements
Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies adore them
Cold-hardy annuals – Early sowing leads to early blooming!

Ammi bridges the gap between structure and softness—perfect for cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings, and cutting gardens.

******************************

How to Grow

Ammi in Your Garden

Now is the perfect time to plant our winter-sown Ammi —strong and rooted thanks to winter sowing.

Location: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained, average garden soil
Spacing: 9–12 inches apart to allow for their airy shape
Watering: Keep moist during establishment, then water during dry spells

Once established these low maintenance beauties will reward you with tall, graceful stems topped with dreamy blooms from late spring into summer.

******************************

Cut Flower Magic

Ammi’s doily lace form adds movement and softness to any bouquet.

Harvest when about 80% of the tiny flowers in the head have opened.
Cut early in the morning for longest vase life.
Strip lower leaves before placing in water.
Pair with peonies, snapdragons, cosmos, or roses for a garden-gathered look.

Digitalis purpurea, Antirrhinum Potomac Dark Pink with Ammi majus and Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’

******************************

What You

Can Do Now

Stop by our nursery to pick up Vineyard Gardens winter sown Ammi
Prep your garden beds for easy transplanting
Tag us in your bouquet and garden photos—we love seeing your Ammi in action!

Fill your garden with the soft lace of Ammi. You'll be amazed how much beauty can come from something so delicate.

******************************

Learn About : SNAPDRAGONS

APRIL GARDENING TIPS

SPRING COLOR AND POLLINATORS

April 10, 2025 Karen Logan

Spring Magic

Color & Pollinators in Harmony

(March through Early May)

Are you envisioning bursts of color in your garden this spring, or are you planning with pollinators in mind? The good news is—you don’t have to choose. Early spring is a crucial time for pollinators, and your garden can be both a vibrant visual experience and a vital food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. With the right mix of native and non-native perennials, you can bring beauty to your space and provide essential early-season nectar and pollen.

Why Early Blooms Matter

Even if your clients (or you!) don’t step into the garden until June, early bloomers are doing essential behind the scenes work long before then. These plants—ephemerals, bulbs, and early perennials—are more than just fleeting spring accents. They are the backbone of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. From the delicate flicker of hoverflies to the gentle hum of bumblebees, many pollinators rely on early nectar and pollen sources to fuel their life cycles. Without these plants, we lose more than just spring color—we lose critical support for wildlife. When designing a garden, striking a balance between beauty and biodiversity is not optional—it’s essential.

Design Tip:

Layer in the Life

Think beyond just blooms. Consider foliage texture, seasonal transitions, and habitat value. Want a shade-loving beauty with staying power? Try Pulmonaria—its silver-spotted leaves and early blooms check both the beauty and biodiversity boxes. Need structure and evergreen interest? Hellebores deliver year-round presence and are among the first to feed waking pollinators.

***Dodecatheon meadia (***Shooting Star)

**Arisaema triphyllum** *(Jack-in-the-Pulpit)*

******************************

Spring Pollinator

Favorites

Tried-and-true choices from March to early May

Whether you're designing woodland nooks or sunny borders, these native and non-native favorites offer the perfect mix of early-season color and pollinator appeal:

Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) – mysterious woodland intrigue
Bergenia (Pigsqueak) – bold leaves and bright blooms in early spring
Crocus – one of the earliest nectar sources
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) – romantic blooms with pollinator appeal
Epimedium (Barrenwort) – dainty blooms and drought-tolerant leaves
Galanthus (Snowdrops) – delicate, essential, and deer-resistant
Helleborus (Hellebores) – evergreen, long-lived, early blooming elegance
Phlox stolonifera (Woodland Creeping Phlox) – low-growing and fragrant
Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox) – sun-loving groundcover with vivid blooms
Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal) – native shade lover with graceful arches for woodland charm
Pulmonaria (Lungwort) – speckled foliage, nectar-rich flowers
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) – native woodland wildflower that brings ephemeral beauty to early spring gardens
Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) – native shade lover with soft texture
Trillium – iconic native wildflower for shady spaces
Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander) – native powerhouse for native bees

Whether you're designing for pollinators, planting for beauty, or (ideally) both—early spring is a season full of potential. These plants bring life and color when we need it most, and they quietly support the ecosystems that sustain our gardens all year long.

******************************

Spring Steps

Take Action in Your Garden This Spring

Want to make the most of early spring? Here are a few simple steps to support pollinators and boost your garden’s beauty:

Plant in layers – Combine bulbs, perennials, and groundcovers to extend bloom time and visual interest.
Mix natives with non-natives – Many ornamental plants are valuable, but native species are often essential for local pollinators.
Leave the leaves – Delaying cleanup in early spring gives overwintering insects a chance to emerge safely.
Start small, plant thoughtfully – Even a few additions can make a big difference for early-season pollinators.
Observe and adjust – Watch which plants attract the most activity and build on those magnets next season.

Early spring might feel like a quiet season, but beneath the surface, your garden can be buzzing with life. With just a few intentional choices, you can turn your garden into a seasonal sanctuary—bursting with color, alive with movement, and full of purpose.

What will you

plant this spring?

******************************

Learn About : Polinator Friendly Perennials

Learn About : OUR SPRING SALE

[PLANT PROFILE] LARKSPUR

April 7, 2025 Karen Logan

LARKSPUR

Delphinium consolida

******************************

A Late Spring Spark

Why Hardy Annual Larkspur Deserves a Spot in Your Garden

There’s a certain kind of magic in plants that rely on the cold to gift us beauty just as the world is warming again. Hardy annual larkspur (Delphinium consolida) is one of those graceful gifts. With its feathery foliage, towering spires, and an almost ethereal range of blues, pinks, purples, and whites, larkspur is a must-have for anyone who loves cut flowers or wants to bring a touch of cottage garden charm to their late spring landscape.

******************************

An Annual That

Can Handle A Chill

Unlike many annuals that must wait until after the last frost, larkspur thrives in the early season—it actually needs a cold period to break seed dormancy. As part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, larkspur was sown in December to encourage strong root development, and those plants are now ready to be transplanted into your garden.

Once established, larkspur sends up strong, straight stems topped with layered blooms that almost look too delicate to be real. But don’t be fooled—these plants are workhorses. Hardy to around 20°, they’ll shrug off chilly spring nights while other flowers are still in their seed trays.

Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Papaver ‘Amazing Grey’

******************************

Elegance

in the Garden

Hardy annual larkspur is one of those old-soul flowers that rewards a little planning with a lot of beauty. They’re a graceful, low-fuss way to add vertical interest and early color. It thrives in garden beds, wildflower meadows and acts as a natural pollinator magnet. In a world that sometimes feels rushed, there’s something satisfying about planting a flower that asks you to think ahead and to trust the process.

And did we mention color? While larkspur’s deep indigo blues are the most iconic, they also come in pastels.

Antirrhinum Potomac Deep Orange and Larkspur QIS Dark Blue

******************************

A Cut Flower Favorite

For cut flower lovers, larkspur is ideal. The blooms are long-lasting in the vase, and the more you cut, the more the plant gives. Harvest when just a few blossoms at the base of the stem have opened and the rest are still in bud—this way, you get the full bloom show indoors. Some growers swear by a quick dip in boiling water to extend vase life even further.

If you’re dreaming of armfuls of early summer blooms, larkspur might just be your next garden obsession.

They pair beautifully with peonies, sweet peas, bachelor’s buttons, and early roses.

******************************

Growing Tips

🌿 Cool-Season Lovers: Larkspur thrives in cool weather. Plant in early spring best results.

🌿 Support Matters: Provide stakes or netting to keep tall stems upright, especially in breezy spots.

🌿 Harvest at the Right Time: For the longest vase life, cut stems when only the lower third of the blooms have opened—they’ll continue to open from bottom to top.

🌿 Winter-Sown for Summer Beauty: At Vineyard Gardens, our December-sown larkspur are ready to plant now. Early winter sowing helps develop strong roots, setting the stage for full, vibrant summer blooms

******************************

Larkspur

Varieties Available

A member of the Delphinium family, larkspur offers tall, elegant spires of blooms that not only bring drama to any bouquet but will also readily reseed in a sunny garden.

Deep Blue

Fancy Blue Purple
Fancy Rose Striped
Fancy Smokey Eyes
Frosted Skies
Misty Lavender
QIS 'Lilac
QIS 'Pure White'
QIS 'White'

******************************

Learn About : HARDY ANNUALS

Learn About : OUR SPRING SALE

HARDY ANNUAL CUT FLOWERS

April 3, 2025 Karen Logan

Ammi visnaga 'Green Mist' a cousin to Queens Anne Lace

******************************

HARDY ANNUAL

CUT FLOWERS

The Delight of Late Spring Bouquets

Have you ever longed for a garden that bursts into bloom early in the season, filled with flowers ready to be cut and arranged, lifting your spirits from the greys of winter? Hardy annuals might just be your new best friend. These resilient flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, one of the first to awaken your landscape as winter fades.

Learn more about Hardy Annuals & Succesion Gardening

******************************

What are

Hardy Annuals?

Hardy annuals are flowers that complete their entire lifecycle—from seed to bloom to seed again—in one growing season. But unlike tender annuals, they can tolerate (and even prefer) the cooler temperatures of early spring and fall. Vineyard Gardens sows theirs in early winter to establish strong roots, rewarding you with a head start on blooms as soon as the temperatures rises.

Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy' - ready to plant!

******************************

Favorite Hardy

Annual Cut Flowers

Ready to Plant Today!

Want to get started? Here are some tried-and-true hardy annuals, sown in December at Vineyard Gardens, that are beautiful in your garden and on your table.

Agrostemma : Brings a delicate yet striking presence to garden borders and meadow plantings. Attracts pollinators. Adds ethereal quality to cut flower arrangements.
- Ocean Pearl
- Purple Queen
Ammi Majus ‘Select White’ : Delicate, lacy flowers that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace, adding a whimsical touch.
Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’ : Lacy, green-tinted white flower, that resembles Queen Anne’s lace, adding a soft, ethereal touch to garden borders and floral arrangements.
Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragons) Vibrant, long-lasting, and available in a variety of colors. Potomac Series is the best cut-flower snapdragons we will have this season. Hardened off outside and ready to go.
- Cherry Rose
- Dark Orange
- Potomac White
- Royal
Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor’s Buttons): Easy to grow. Frilled blooms atop slender, upright stems. Versatile addition to wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and floral arrangements..
- Blue Boy
- Select Ultraviolet
- Lady Mauve
Larkspur: In the Delphiniums family, gorgeous flowers that will reseed in your sunny garden. Tall, elegant spires that add drama to any bouquet.
- Deep Blue
- Fancy Blue Purple
- Fancy Rose Striped
- Fancy Smokey Eyes
- Frosted Skies
- Misty Lavender
- QIS 'Lilac
- QIS 'Pure White'
- QIS 'White'
Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Peas): Delicate tendrils, a sweet fragrance, and endless color options make these an old-fashioned favorite.
Orlaya 'White Lace' : Delicate, lacy white blooms resembling Queen Anne’s Lace. Soft airy appearance. Ready to be planted! A great cut flower.
Papaver commutatum (Lady Bird) : Bright red blooms with striking black spots, these poppies add a bold splash of color to bouquets. While their vase life is short, sealing the cut stem with a quick flame can help prolong their beauty.
Papaver:
- Bridal Silk
- Imperial Pink
- Papaver rhoeas
Salvia horminium : Vibrant, long blooming colorful, papery bracts in shades of pink, purple, and white. Bold color and unique texture add contrast in a cut flower arrangement.
- Pink Sunday
- Blue Monday
Scabiosa : Adds a bold contrast to garden borders and cut flower arrangements while attracting bees and butterflies.
- Black Knight
- Fata Morgana
- Merlot Red
- Oxford Blue

Cutting flowers encourages more blooms, so don’t be shy about filling your vases!

Want to dig deeper? Explore a couple of our favorite varieties below and tips for planting success!

Antirrhinum majus 'Snapdragons'

Lathyrus odoratus 'Sweet Peas'

******************************

A Garden

That Gives Back

There’s something magical about stepping into the garden in late spring early summer, scissors in hand, and gathering a bouquet of homegrown blooms. Hardy annuals make this possible, bridging the gap between winter’s dormancy and the abundance of summer.

So why not carve out a little space in your garden for these cold-tolerant beauties?

Ladybird Poppies, Cornflower, Larkspur [illustration by karen blackerby logan]

******************************

April Garden Tips

Learn more : Early Spring Color

APRIL GARDENING TIPS

April 1, 2025 Karen Logan

Dogwood illustration by karen blackerby logan

APRIL

GARDENING TIPS

Kickstart Your Garden for the Season!

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of a new gardening season! April is the perfect time to prep your yard, nourish your soil, and start planting for a lush and vibrant summer. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, here are some essential tips to get your garden in top shape!

Viburnum burkwoodii photo by keith kurman

Chiondoxa photo by karen blackerby logan

_______________________________________

Garden Clean-Up

Before diving into planting, clear away the remnants of fall and winter—dead leaves, broken branches, and debris that can harbor pests and diseases. We have a variety of gardening tools at the nursery to make clean-up easier!

_______________________________________

Soil Care

Healthy soil = healthy plants! Give your soil a boost by adding nutrient-rich compost and manure. We carry Coast of Maine compost and manure as well as Fafard products. Not sure what your soil needs? Use a soil testing kit (available at our nursery) to check its composition and adjust accordingly.

_______________________________________

Spring Annuals

Brighten up your garden beds and containers with spring annuals! Pansies are now available, and Sweet Alyssum will be ready soon. Plus, we’re excited to introduce a new selection of fall-sown Hardy Annuals, grown from seed by Andrew Wiley. Look for poppies, bachelor buttons (Centaurea cyanus), Queen Anne’s Lace (Ammi majus Select White), and more! Want to learn how to extend your blooms? Check out our blog post on Hardy Annuals.

_______________________________________

Edibles: Time to Plant!

April is the season to plant cool-weather vegetables, small fruits, and fruit trees. Whether you’re dreaming of homegrown lettuce, berries, or apples, we have everything you need to get started. Learn more about Cool Weather Veggies.

_______________________________________

Trees & Shrubs

Now is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs! Adding them to your landscape provides beauty, shade, and long-term benefits for the ecosystem.

_______________________________________

Pruning

Spring is the time to prune any diseased or dead wood from your trees and deciduous shrubs. This keeps them healthy and encourages strong new growth.

_______________________________________

Lawn Edging

A crisp lawn edge isn’t just for looks—it also keeps mulch, rocks, and soil neatly separated from your grass. We carry heavy-duty black plastic edging in 10-foot sections to help define your garden beds.

_______________________________________

Winter and early spring are great times to clean and sharpen tools.

Tool Maintenance: Sharpen & Clean

Before tackling your garden projects, take a moment to clean, sharpen, and oil your tools. This makes your work easier and extends the life of your equipment.

Tool Care Essentials:

A good pair of gloves, bypass pruner, lopper, disinfectant spray, and anti-bacterial wipes will make a big difference.
Need help sharpening your pruners, loppers, hedge shears, or pruning saws? Bring them to Vineyard Gardens, and Jeremiah Brown will sharpen them for you! (Fee applies.)
Don’t forget your spades and shovels—keeping them sharp ensures smoother digging.
Pro Tip: Store your tools in a 5-gallon bucket filled with sand and old motor oil to clean and prevent rust.

_______________________________________

Lawn Care: April is Prime Time!

April is the best month to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Grass thrives in cool weather, making spring the perfect time for new growth.

Fertilization Basics:

Grass needs a balance of macronutrients (N-P-K: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients.
We carry organic fertilizers that release nutrients slowly and inorganic options with higher N-P-K concentrations.
If you skipped liming your lawn in the fall, now is the time! Lime lowers soil acidity, but it takes months to take effect.

Weed Control & Seeding:

Apply pre-emergent weed control before Forsythia blooms.
Looking for an organic option? Try Corn Gluten, which prevents weed seeds from sprouting while adding nutrients.
For best results when seeding, add a layer of rich soil under the seed and keep it moist.

_______________________________________

Important Fertilization Law on Martha’s Vineyard

🚨 Reminder: Fertilizers cannot be applied until April 15. This law helps protect local water sources by ensuring nutrients go into the growing grass instead of leaching into the groundwater.

_______________________________________

April is a month full of gardening possibilities—clean up, plant, and prep for a beautiful season ahead. Stop by the nursery for all your gardening needs, and let’s grow something amazing together!

**************************

[Plant Profile] Hellebores

Learn About : Hardy Annual Cut Flowers

COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

April 25, 2024 Karen Logan

************************************

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY MORNING

_______________

GARDEN WORKSHOP

COOL WEATHER ANNUALS

SATURDAY APRIL 27TH // 11:00AM // VINEYARD GARDENS

Chris Wiley, owner and expert horticulturist, will be discussing cool weather annuals and their growing conditions.

******************************

COOL WEATHER

HARDY ANNUALS

CENTAUREA ‘CORN FLOWER’ & LADYBIRD POPPIES

We seeded an assortment of hardy annuals last fall, such as Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), Ladybird poppies (Papaver commutatum), Rose of Heaven (Silene ‘Blue Angel’), Larkspurs (Delphinium), Feverfew, Queen Anne’s Lace (Ammi Majus), Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) and some biennials like Lychnis coronaria, Digitalis purpurea (hybrids) and Verbascums that bloom early and will flower through June and some into July. In addition to blooming in June, these annuals knit together a beautiful planting scheme with the evolving summer perennials.

We have a lot of the red Ladybird Poppy that will be gorgeous in June & July! We also carry the beauty Imperial Pink from Select Seed!

************************************

MAGNOLIA MAY

30% OFF
MAGNOLIA STELLATA ‘Magnolia Royal Star’

Sale runs through May
*This specific magnolia only

TIMING IS KEY IN GARDENING! DON’T WAIT TO GET STARTED!

DELPHINIUMS

April 23, 2024 Karen Logan

Delphinium illustration by karen blackerby logan

DELPHINIUMS

There are about 300 species of annual and perennial Delphiniums. They have two blooming cycles, one in early summer and if cared for properly, again in late summer or early autumn. Blue is the most common Delphinium flower but there are numerous hybrids available in shades of pink, lavender, red, white and yellow. Blooms may be single or double. Our available colors this year are deep blue, light blue and white. We carry both short and tall delphiniums and are growing two varieties from seed.

***************************************

GROWING DELPHINIUMS

Delphinium planting is normally at the back of the bed, where flower spikes can reach 2 to 6 feet tall. Delphinium flowers are often planted in groups.
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade, with shelter from strong winds.
Soil should not dry out. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.
Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
Care should include regular fertilization in spring when the plant begins to grow, and during the flowering period.
Deadhead the first blooms in early summer. Remove flower stalks when blooms are spent.
Taller varieties may require staking.

**SUMMER SERIES**
**——————**

**(SHORT VARIETY)**
***Summer Nights***
***(deep purple and***
***light blue)***

***- Delphinium***
***Blue Butterfly***
***(we grow in 4 packs)***
***- Delphinium***
***Q and S Series***
***(deep Blue and in***
***4” pots)***

PERENNIAL HERBS

April 18, 2024 Karen Logan

Lavender illustration by karen blackerby logan

************************************

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY MORNING

_______________

GARDEN WORKSHOP

SMALL FRUITS

SATURDAY APRIL 20TH // 11:00AM // VINEYARD GARDENS

Chuck Wiley, owner and expert horticulturist, will be discussing planting, growing and harvesting small fruits.

******************************

HERBS

Now is the time to plant some herbs! Come check out our herb house & herb garden.

ANNUAL HERBS (6 packs / $5.95 & 2” herb pots / $3.95): Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Chervil

************************************

PERENNIAL HERBS

Sage, Thyme, Lavender, Chives & Tarragon

Perennial herbs tend to live longer that two years. They go dormant in the winter and return in the spring sending up new stems and leaves from the crown. Chives are usually the first to pop up in March. Most herbs in the mint family are perennial, such as rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, lemon balm, marjoram, anise hyssop, and mint

PERENNIAL HERBS (4" pots / $6.95): Thyme. Sage, Mint, Tarragon, Savory, Lemon Verbena, Rosemary and Lemon Balm

***************************

SAGE

Sages are known for both their ornamental and culinary qualities. On top of that, they are drought tolerant and deer resistant. Sage grows best in full sun, well draining soil and can withstand frost.

***************************

CHIVES

Chives are cool-season, cold-tolerant perennials best planted in early to mid-spring for an early summer harvest. They are a wonderful companion plant that deters pests. Plant alongside carrots, celery, lettuce, peas, and tomatoes.

***************************

THYME

A hardy low growing evergreen herb with small, fragrant leaves and thin, woody stems. Thyme has ornamental, culinary and medicinal qualities.

***************************

LAVENDER

'“Lavender, an herb with many culinary uses, also makes a stunning addition to borders and perennial gardens, providing sweeping drifts of color from early summer into fall. With its silvery-green foliage, upright flower spikes and compact shrub-like form, lavender is ideal for creating informal hedges. You can also harvest it for fragrant floral arrangements, sachets, and potpourri.” Garden Design

TIMING IS KEY IN GARDENING! DON’T WAIT TO GET STARTED!

[PLANT PROFILE] SERVICEBERRY

April 17, 2024 Karen Logan

SERVICEBERRY

(SHAD TREES)

Amelanchier ×grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’

Known as Shad Trees on Martha’s Vineyard because they bloom when the Shad (a type of small fish) swim up the creeks here on the island to breed.

A native multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, about 20 feet tall, has year round interest. Serviceberries are one of the first to burst into bloom in April with their showy white flowers. Once the flowers pass, tasty purple colored fruit, similar in flavor to blueberries, follow in mid June. The fall brings showstopping brilliant orange to red autumn color.

Attract more wildlife to your garden with native berry producing shrubs like Serviceberry!

***********************************

VALUABLE SHRUB FOR WILDLIFE

Native to eastern United States and Canada, Serviceberries support numerous butterfly and bird species These early bloomers support pollinators in spring and produce sweet berries in the summer that support birds like cedar waxwings, robins, and thrushes. Once the berries ripen, they provide a rich source of nutrition and are a crucial food source for early nesting birds and returning migratory species.

Serviceberries are a valuable shrub for wildlife. One of the earliest blooming shrubs in spring, Serviceberries burst into bloom typically in April, making it an essential early spring food source for pollinators.

native berry producing shrubs

attract wildlife to your garden

***********************************

GROWING & CARE

Serviceberries have an upright habit with grayish to silver, smooth bark.

Easy to grow
Tolerant of most site conditions but does not tolerate salt or poor drainage. Prefers acidic, well drained soils in partial shade to sun.
It is susceptible to heat and drought stress.
Use as a small tree in mixed borders or foundation plantings.
Excellent companion with Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus), flowering dogwood (CornusBenthamidia florida), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), pink-shell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata).

***********************************

ATTRIBUTES

Attracts Wildlife: Host Plant / Other Pollinators & Wildlife / Attracts Songbirds / Attracts Bees

Tolerance: Deer & Rabbit Resistant / Urban Environment / Drought Tolerant

Additional Attributes: Edible / Low Maintenance

Landscape Use: Rain Garden / Specimen

Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit: Red to Purple Fruit / Fall Foliage

Height: 15-25 ft

Spread: 12-20 ft

Exposure: Sun / Part Shade

Soil Moisture: Average / Dry

Ornamental Interest: Spring Bloom / Summer Fruit / Fall Foliage

EAT LOCAL, GROW IT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

April 12, 2024 Karen Logan

Blueberry Bush illustration by karen blackerby logan

************************************

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY MORNING

_______________

GARDEN WORKSHOP

SEED SOWING

SATURDAY APRIL 13TH // 11:00AM // VINEYARD GARDENS

Do you want to learn to sow your plants from seed? Chris Wiley, owner and expert horticulturist, shares her tricks of the trade.

************************************

GROWING EARLY

SPRING EDIBLES

SMALL FRUITS & FRUIT TREES

Spring is the best time to prune your fruit trees, grapes, raspberries and blackberries. It is also the best time to plant small fruits and fruit trees. We have a great selection of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. The early spring selection is best!

All these should be planted very soon!

************************************

STRAWBERRIES

TIPS FOR PLANTING STRAWBERRIES

There is a small window of time in the spring to plant strawberries. Strawberries can be grown in garden beds, containers or hanging baskets. Strawberry flowers attract honeybees and butterflies who pollinate the flowers and ensure fruiting success.

This year we are carrying 4 cultivars of strawberries
Strawberries in 3"black pots / $3.95
- Honeoye is our favorite, but all of them are good. Honeoye bears heavy yields of large fruit with a rich color.
- Fort Laramie
- All Star
- Quinalt
Growing potted Strawberries
- Provide well drained soil with medium moisture. Amend beds in spring and fall with quality Coast of Maine Lobster Compost or Fafard Premium Compost (we carry both!).
- Strawberries are heavy feeders- feed with organic fertilizer from spring to mid summer.
- Mulch beds to retain moisture, keep down the weeds and to create a nice clean place for the strawberry fruits to lay on.
- Thin beds every few years, favoring the strongest runners.

************************************

BLUEBERRIES

We have a wonderful selection of early, mid season and late variety blueberries. Now is the time to get them in the ground. We recommend planting early bearing variety, a mid season variety and a late season variety to extend your blueberry picking season.

Blueberries must be planted in early spring!!

************************************

GRAPES & FRUIT TREES

GRAPES: Grapes should be pruned as soon as possible on cool days. If pruned much later they will “bleed” sap, much like a maple tree when its tapped for making maple syrup. Pruning for grapes and most fruit trees involves limiting the number of fruits produced as the tree or vine will try to make many more fruits than the tree has the energy to fully mature. Often excess fruits will fall off and the ones remaining may be smaller than on a tree properly pruned. This is also the best time to plant grapes!
FRUIT TREES: We carry apple, pear, peaches, cherry and sour cherry. The sour cherries make the very best pies. Spring is the great time to plant them!
- Pruning apple trees: When you are done pruning an apple tree there is usually more on the ground then left on the tree.

******************************

ASPARAGUS & POTATOES

Now available bare root asparagus and potatoes! We have Asparagus Bareroot Millenium & Asparagus Purple Passion. The Potatoes we carry are Amarosa, French Fingerling, Russet Burbank, Russian Banana and Red Norland.

Asparagus Bundles of 5 / $12,95, Bundles of 10 / $19.95 & Bundles of 25 / $31.95

**Asparagus Purple Passion Bundles of 25**

******************************

GREENS & COOL

WEATHER VEGGIES

Grow your own Greens

Salad material, lettuce, spinach, endive, mignonette

The lettuces and the cilantro, in particular, can be done by direct seeding in Mid April.

Start the other herbs and cool weather veggies inside first and then plant out as seedlings.

WE GROW ALL THESE IN PACKS FROM SEED . WE HAVE A WONDERFUL SELECTION OF SEEDS & WILL HAVE A GREAT VARIETY OF PACK SELECTIONS!

COOL WEATHER VEGGIES

Brassicas (like broccoli), Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale, Swiss Chard, Mustards, Collards

TIMING IS KEY IN GARDENING! DON’T WAIT TO GET STARTED!

[PLANT PROFILE] POPPIES

April 10, 2024 Karen Logan

POPPIES:

SPRING FAVORITE!

We love our poppies at Vineyard Gardens! We grow a lot of different varieties. There are both annual and perennial poppies. Some are truly perennial, some are short lived perennial and some are annual poppies. The annual poppies love to colonize by reseeding and return year after year. We raise our annual poppies from seed and grow a fine selection for your garden. One perennial poppy we grow from seed is the Spanish poppy, Papaver rupifragum, Double tangerine Gem. It is the latest blooming of the poppies with pretty apricot blooms in late summer. It grows wild in the mountains of Spain along with Spanish lavender.

Poppies like a rich, well drained soil in full sun. Deer Resistant!!

PAPAVER ORIENTALIS/ORIENTAL POPPIES

The most famous of the perennial poppies are the Oriental Poppies. They are long lived perennials that bloom in early spring, go dormant in the heat of summer and then come back bigger and better the next year.

Oriental Poppies are known for their dinner plate sized blooms. The red with the black center is probably the best known. This year we have Crimson Red, Orange Red and Royal Wedding, a white one with a black center. We also have Turkenlouise, a red one with ruffled edges on the petals, and Princess Victoria Louise, a salmon colored one. Oriental Poppies are very dramatic flowers!

Make sure to mark the spot so that you don’t disturb the sleeping poppy!

PAPAVER NUDICAULE/ICELAND POPPIES

Icelandic poppies, Papaver nudicaule (meaning bare stems), are another type of poppy that is considered perennial, but seem to be shorter lived than the Oriental Poppies. Iceland poppies are just gorgeous! Their crepe paper like flowers are very delicate and bloom on tall, thin 1ft stems. Plant 2-3 in a pot and enjoy them all spring and into early summer.

We carry Iceland Poppies in the Champagne Series (individual colors) and the Wonderland Series (a mix of colors). We have the Champagne Series in scarlet, pink, yellow, orange, and red for the individual colors. These are hardy but short lived perennials. They are native to sub polar regions of Asia and North America.

Iceland Poppies are blooming now!

ANNUAL POPPIES

Papaver rhoeas, Papaver commutatum, Papaver paeoniflorus, Papaver somniferum

The great reseeding poppies are the annual poppies. We grow these from seed, seeded in early to mid February and sell them in packs and 2” pots.

Following the spring through early summer flowering, annual poppies have beautiful seed pods that extend the season from summer into fall. These seed pods ripen and spill out into the surrounding soil and baby seedlings emerge the following year. I know of many sunny gardens where annual poppies have colonized and make a fabulous easy to grow display year after year.

This year we are growing:

Shirley Poppies
Papaver rhoeas, including Double Choice Mix
Select Seed, White Bridal Veil
We are growing the peony flowered poppy in Lauren’s Grape, Hungarian Blue and White Cloud.
Ladybird Poppy, Papaver commutatum, a red flower with a black blotch at the base of each petal. It is a prolific bloomer.
Papaver somniferum, in Imperial Pink and The Giant with a red flower.
Ready to be planted now!
**************************************

GROWING & CARE

Plant your poppies in a full sun garden with well drained soil.
They have beautiful seed pods that extend the season beyond bloom.
The annual poppies can be dead headed to extend bloom but at some point let the beautiful seed pods develop and let them ripen on the plant.
Poppies will reseed and you may have lots of little poppy seedlings for years to come.
If they are happy, they will colonize in your garden. It is wonderful when plants colonize! Other plants do this too!

Come to Vineyard Gardens to find out what other plants reseed and colonize in your garden!

VINEYARD GARDENS WORKSHOPS & COOL WEATHER VEGGIES

April 5, 2024 Karen Logan

Lettuce, herbs and lavender illustration by karen blackerby logan

******************************

Join us Saturday Morning

_______________

GARDEN WORKSHOP

EARLY SPRING PRUNING

SATURDAY APRIL 6TH // 11:00AM // VINEYARD GARDENS

Andrew Wiley will be leading a talk about the ins and outs of early spring pruning.

******************************

GREENS & COOL

WEATHER VEGGIES

GROW YOUR OWN GREENS

Salad material, lettuce, spinach, endive, mignonette

The lettuces and the cilantro, in particular, can be done by direct seeding in Mid April.

Start the other herbs and cool weather veggies inside first and then plant out as seedlings.

WE GROW ALL THESE IN PACKS FROM SEED . WE HAVE A WONDERFUL SELECTION OF SEEDS & WILL HAVE A GREAT VARIETY OF PACK SELECTIONS!

COOL WEATHER VEGGIES

Brassicas (like broccoli), Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale, Swiss Chard, Mustards, Collards

EAT LOCAL, GROW IT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!

******************************

ORNAMENTAL CHERRIES, JAPANESE APRICOTS & SPRING FLOWERING TREES

Now is the time of year to plant Flowering Apricots and Ornamental Cherries. Japanese Apricot Trees erupt in pink fragrant flowers in mid to late winter. They are especially fragrant on warm days.

spring color

spring blooming trees & shrubs

[PLANT PROFILE] ENGLISH DAISIES

April 3, 2024 Karen Logan

English Daisies

(Bellis perennis)

ORIGIN

These little, long blooming English Daisies are native to western, central and northern Europe. Their Latin name is Bellis perennis. Bellis is Latin for pretty and perennis means everlasting. True to their name they are both pretty and long blooming. They thrive in full sun and in partial shade; and are hardy to zones 4-8.

FAMILY

They belong to the family Asteracea. Plants in this family are considered the most evolved in the plant kingdom. Every petal in a daisy flower is a complete flower. One flower can be made up of a hundred petals, thus 100 flowers! That is what makes them more evolved. More flowers, more seeds, more ability to propagate, which spells success in the world of plants.

AN EARLY SEASON PLANT

We sell them in the 5” black perennial pots and grow them in a mix of white, pink and red flowers.

Try our new Galaxy Mix or the Bellisima series in red and in rose bicolor.
We also carry the smaller flowered Pomponette mix.
The one variety we grow from seed is JL Hudson’s Bellis perennis White. This cultivar overwintered outside for us in little pots. These seed grown English Daisies spread and perennialize for us.
Many plants like the English Daisies, the Forget Me Nots and the Poppies are only available early in the season!

WHERE TO PLANT

Save the Bellis perennis white for the ground so it can spread.

Try the Galaxy, the Bellisima or Pomponette Mix in a pot.

They all will do well in front of your border or along a path. In a rock garden or in containers.

They will love a well drained spot.

Remember spring is the best time to plant English Daisies!

HAPPY GARDENING!

BROADLEAF EVERGREENS

April 28, 2023 Karen Logan

Rhododendron Maximum illustration by karen blackerby logan

Broadleaf evergreens have year round interest!

Often in spring we think we need flowers and color but evergreens are just as important to the landscape! Evergreens are often the bones of the garden. They are an integral part of winter, spring, summer and fall. Broadleaf evergreens are the trees and shrubs for all seasons because they have wonderful year round interest!

Rhdodendrons are wonderful for year round screening

The Benefits of Broadleaf Evergreens

They provide year round interest
Great for privacy screening
Drought resistant, once established
Provides habitats for birds and other small animals
Pollinator friendly!
Great for Martha’s Vineyards climate zone 7A (hardier than zone 7A).

Most broadleaf evergreens have a spectacular display of spring blooms!

Luckily they don't typically bloom all at the same time! Pieris japonica and Skimmia are the first to bloom, followed by the rhododendrons then azaleas.

***************************************

BROADLEAF EVERGREENS OF THE WEEK

__________________________________________________

SKIP CHERRY LAURELS

Skip Cherry Laurels are vibrant evergreen trees that can create dense privacy hedges for any yard. Skip laurels grow to be 10-18 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide, with a moderate growth rate of roughly 24 inches per year. While they thrive in full sunlight, Skip laurels also fare very well in the shade. Their dense foliage is glossy green year-round. In the springtime, you’ll be rewarded with fragrant white blossoms that attract all kinds of pollinators. In fall and winter, Skip laurel trees produce red berries that attract songbirds.

Make excellent privacy screens

Green year-round
Fragrant, white blossoms in spring
Drought-tolerant
Smaller leaves than other laurels give a neat, compact look
Deer-resistant

***************************************

MAHONIA

Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub capable of growing ten feet tall and five feet wide. It has a compact, upright growth habit with large, frond-like leaves that develop in whorls along its coarsely branched stems. Large spikes of fragrant, yellow flowers appear in late fall or early winter. The flowers develop into clusters of waxy blue berries eaten by many bird species. It is a dramatic focal point in the winter garden.

PLANTING TIP
Plant Winter Sun Mahonia in a sheltered, preferably eastern-facing site. It appreciates a moisture-retentive, but draining soil. Place where its blooms and fragrance can be readily appreciated in winter, such as near a path or seating area.

***************************************

AZALEAS

This year our spring flowering shrubs include the usual evergreen rhododendrons and azaleas. Azaleas are in the rhododendron family. Azaleas are a genus with many species. There are both evergreen and deciduous varieties available. ‘Most’ deciduous azaleas bloom after the evergreen azaleas. They will bloom on old wood before the plant has leafed out for the year.

Some deciduous, fragrant azaleas that we have available this year are:

Azalea viscosum, native swamp azalea: These bloom a little later and often bloom before the foliage emerges, making them extra showy. The fragrant blooms will perfume your entire property. They get 8-10ft tall and 6-8ft wide.
My Mary: A new yellow, fragrant, deciduous, spring blooming azalea that attracts pollinators and butterflies. It grows 4-5ft tall. (from Fern Brook)
Rhododendron prunifolium: Another azalea that we are carrying new this year. (from Fern Brook). Prunifolium is a species azalea (not a hybrid). It is a native wild azalea and is rare and hard to find. It is the first time we have ever had it!

There are some deciduous Weston hybrids with viscosum that stay smaller. If an 8ft shrub is too big for your spot try one of these :

Lemon Drop: A yellow blooming fragrant deciduous azalea
Innocence: A white blooming fragrant deciduous azalea

To see these deciduous azaleas in their full splendor they will be blooming in a few weeks at the Polly Hill Arboretum!

***************************************

BUXUS (BOXWOOD)

This year we will have a great selection of Buxus, an evergreen deer resistant shrub. We have Green Beauty, Green Mountain and Wintergreen Boxwood. We also carry a variegated boxwood, as well as a selection of dwarf boxwoods, including one we propagate from the Polly Hill Arboretum. They do best in some afternoon shade and are a great back drop for deciduous plantings. Buxus typically bloom in May. “Even though the flowers are insignificant, Boxwood is on the RHS 'Plants for Pollinators' list, highlighting plants that produce large amounts of nectar and/or pollen. It is a great choice for encouraging beneficial insect wildlife into your garden!” (Plants | Candide)

Buxus that we have available:

Buxus sempervirens: A new variety we are carrying this year is Buxus sempervirens Dee Runk. This variety has an elegant columnar habit with a soft and lush foliage of ovate, lustrous leaves. Its deep green foliage has shown good resistance to boxwood blight.
Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem' : “An excellent evergreen shrub for small hedges. Among the hardiest of the small-leaved boxwoods, the rich green foliage can acquire a golden bronze hue in cold winter zones, but is one of the first to become green again in spring. Makes a wonderful addition to formal gardens, providing year-round interest.” (monrovia)

***************************************

HOLLIES

We love hollies at Vineyard Gardens! Chuck Wiley, co-owner of Vineyard Gardens, grew up near a nursery in NJ, called Fernbrook, that grow beautiful American hollies, Ilex opaca. American hollies are more deer resistant than other hollies. They need a male and a female tree nearby for berry production.

American holly, Ilex opaca

“The stout, stiff branches of this pyramidal evergreen bear dark green, non-glossy, spine-tipped leaves. Bright red berries occur on the female plants. Many varieties are grown for ornament, shade, and hedges. You must have both a male and female plant to have berries, The male must be the same holly species as the female and bloom at the same time. This is a slow-growing tree (but slower growing is stronger). Berries are attractive and a good winter food source for birds.” (Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center) The height of American holly grows up to 25ft. They can be pruned to be kept smaller.

Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Knight’: A male cultivar that is considered to be a good pollinator. typically grows to 7-8’ tall and spreads to 3-4’ wide over the first 10 years.
Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Princess’
Ilex opaca ‘Portia Orton’
Ilex opaca ‘Satyr Hill’

Japanese holly, Ilex crenata

“A dense, multi-branched, evergreen shrub with a rounded form that typically matures to 5-10’ tall and as wide. It is native to forests, thickets and mountain slopes in Japan, Korea, China and eastern Russia.. It has glossy, spineless, evergreen, deep green leaves which are attractive all year, white flowers which bloom in late spring (May-June), and black rounded berries which mature in fall on pollinated female plants.” (missouri botanical garden)

Ilex crenata ‘Steeds’

Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’
Ilex Crenata ‘Soft touch’
Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’
Ilex crenata ‘Green Lustre’

Japanese holly, Ilex crenata ‘Green Lustre’

Blue holly, Ilex x meserveae

“Bushy evergreen hybrids are (a) average height to 6-7’ tall, (b) glossy blue green leaves with prominent spiny margins, (c) purple stems, (d) greenish-white flowers in small clusters in May, (e) showy bright red berries on female plants in fall, often persisting until spring, and (f) excellent winter hardiness to USDA Zone 5.” (missouri botanical garden)

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Maid’
Ilex x meserveae Castle Spire’

other hybrids

Ilex x aquipernyi ‘Dragon Slayer’
Ilex x Oak leaf
Ilex x Koehneana
Ilex x Nellie R Stevens
Ilex x Winter Bounty

Inkberry, Ilex glabra

“A mound-shaped, colony-forming shrub 6-12 ft. tall and wide. Lance-shaped, sparingly-toothed, glossy, leathery foliage varies in color from dark- to light-green both in summer and fall. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by black berries which persist well into winter. This species differs from all other evergreen hollies by lacking spines on the leaves, only having teeth toward the tip of the leaves.” (Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center)

Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’

Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’

Winterberry, Ilex verticillata

“The leaves of Common winterberry are not shaped with sharp teeth like other hollies and are not evergreen. The purplish green foliage turns black, in fact, with the first frost. The inconspicuous flowers, however, are followed by dense clusters of bright red berries that remain on the branches throughout winter. Winterberry is a globular, upright, medium-sized shrub, typically 6-10 ft. tall. Extremely showy in late fall and early winter when covered with their bright red fruit, these shrubs are either male or female--a trait typical of the holly family. Birds are readily attracted to them.” (Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center)

Ilex verticillata Southern Gentleman
Ilex verticillata Winter Gold
Ilex verticillata Winter Red
Ilex verticillata Little Goblin Guy
Ilex verticillata Little Goblin Red

[PLANT PROFILE] CREEPING PHLOX

April 26, 2023 Karen Logan

Creeping Phlox

(Phlox subulata)

A low growing, sun-loving herbaceous perennial that has an exceptional spring bloom. It creates a magnificent carpet of color ranging from red-purple to violet-purple to pink and white in April and May. The flowers are backed by dense green foliage that stays green throughout the summer and fall. It grows 6 in. tall, forming a thick mat up to 3 ft. wide and is known for ‘creeping’.

PHLOX SPECIES

There are many phlox species

Phlox subulata: Creeping phlox, Phlox subulata, is only one species with many cultivars.
Phlox divaricata and Phlox stolonifera: These are woodland phlox that spread and can take partial shade.
Phlox paniculata: This is the most common phlox, the tall English phlox. It does best in full sun.
Phlox drummondii: This is the annual phlox. Annuals, unlike perennials, bloom all summer.

CREEPING PHLOX VARIETIES NOW AVAILABLE

We have a wonderful selection of blooming creeping phlox available at Vineyard Gardens

Emerald Blue
Candy Stripes
Purple Beauty
Red Wings

CARE

Protect from Deer! They do eat Creeping Phlox.
It tolerates dry conditions once established
Good soil drainage is important
Cut back stems after flowering by 1/2 to maintain form and promote denser growth plus to stimulate a possible light rebloom.

WHERE TO PLANT

Perfect accent in a rock garden
Beautiful mixed with annuals.
Spreads easily on slopes & banks
Great along pathways
Attractive groundcover & border plant
Loves to cascade over walls!
GREAT FOR BUTTERFLIES & INSECT POLLINATORS!

HAPPY GARDENING!

SPRING FLOWERING SHRUBS

April 21, 2023 Karen Logan

Lilac illustration by karen blackerby logan

SPRING FLOWERING SHRUBS

Fragrant shrubs are a great reason to landscape your property. Plant them on your patio,deck or walkways. Plant them where the fragrance will fill your relaxing spaces, your outdoor spaces, where you socialize or simply beneath a window where the fragrance can filter into your home.

************************************

VIBURNUM

The early spring blooming viburnum flowers are extremely fragrant. Viburnums will do well in full sun to part shade. They are used as specimens in shrub borders, foundation plantings, as hedges or screens. They are attractive to butterflies and birds and tolerate a broad range of soil conditions, including poor or compacted soils. Prune right after flowering.

Viburnum carlessi ‘Korean Spice Viburnum’ : Now available at our nursery. It can grow up to 7ft tall and wide.
Viburnum carlcephalum ‘Fragrant Snowball Viburnum’: A multi stemmed, deciduous shrub that gets 6-10ft tall and wide. It is a cross between Viburnum carlessi and Viburnum microcephalum. These Viburnums bloom better in more sun.
Viburnum burkwoodi: A multi stemmed shrub that is a little more compact, reaching 3-5ft tall and up to 7ft wide. It received the Pennsylvania Society Gold Medal award.

************************************

LILACS

Lilacs are known for their fragrance and will soon be blooming. Only plant lilacs in sunny spots. The vulgaris species, with its large leaves, can get powdery mildew if in a shaded area.

I have heard horticulturists say the straight species Syringa vulgaris is the most fragrant but actually they are all fragrant.
Pocahontas has a deep purple color
Charles Joly is a cranberry colored award winner
Try the white blooming Vulgaris lilac
Miss Kim is a smaller lilac. Miss Kim gets around 5ft tall with light lavender fragrant flowers. Great for your foundation planting as long as it is sunny.
The Syringa meyeri is another smaller species of lilac whose smaller leaves are resistant to powdery mildew.
The cultivar Palibin has won both the Royal horticultural award and the Gold medal award.

************************************

ROSES

Roses will arrive at the end of April and many are known for their intoxicating fragrance. We carry many cultivars of the David Austin Shrub roses which are known for their fragrance. The pink New Dawn climber has been a fragrant best seller for years.

******************************

HONEYSUCKLE

The fragrant honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, blooms in early spring and will fill your entire property with a lemony scent. Originally native to China it has been introduced through out the world. In some places it can be invasive if conditions are perfect. Let us know if you want one and we will propagate it for you.

Honeysuckle vines are also fragrant. Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major wheeler’ is a non-stop bloomer, coloring the garden from late spring through the summer with showy clusters of orange-red flowers. It is considered to be the longest blooming variety of honeysuckle and a superior flower for the hummingbirds.

******************************

CLEMATIS

This Clematis Vine by Proven Winners and Sweet Summer Love are fragrant clematis. Sweet Summer Love is also a profuse bloomer and can get up to 10 ft.

******************************

AZALEAS

Many azaleas are fragrant, particularly the deciduous ones. We have a native yellow azalea called My Mary, that is very fragrant when it blooms and has a 5 star rating.

Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family. These plants like a rich acidic humus rich soil and afternoon shade. They are shallow rooted and need to be moist. Water often.

******************************

CLETHRA

Clethra is another fragrant later blooming shrub that can be planted now. We carry the straight species, Ruby spice (the award winning pink blooming), the dwarf Hummingbird and Sixteen candles. The newer Proven Winner varieties are known for their fragrance, like Vanilla spice. Clethra are native to the island.

******************************

OTHER FRAGRANT SHRUBS

There are many other fragrant plants available.

The Daphnes are very fragrant and many are hardy. We usually carry Carol Mackie, as well as others including Daphne odora, which is marginally hardy.

Many non hardy plants are fragrant and bloom all summer long but will not overwinter unless protected. Try them in containers and give them some winter protection. We recommend one of the Gardenias we bring in from Monrovia.

[PLANT PROFILE] FORGET ME NOTS

April 13, 2023 Karen Logan

FORGET ME NOTS

(MYOSOTIS)

ORIGIN

Myosotis is a Greek word meaning mouse’s ear which it’s foliage is thought to resemble. It is native to Europe and is in the family Boraginacea.

AN EARLY SEASON PLANT

We sell them early in the season in 5” black perennial pots.

This year our Forget Me Nots (Myosotis) are available in blue and pink. We do not carry pink every year.
The Myosotis we carry is Myosotis sylvatica or woodland Myosotis.
Forget Me Nots readily reseed themselves and will make their home throughout your garden. This is a good thing but it can also be a problem that is easily solved with a little weeding. Pull them out where you do not want them. Yet with their pretty blue flowers in early summer you may have trouble pulling them out! Another way to control their spread is to deadhead them right after flowering before they have time to set seed and spread.
They are beautiful flowers to have in a woodland border.

Forget Me Nots are only available in Spring!

GREENS & COOL WEATHER CROPS

March 31, 2023 Karen Logan

St. Patrick's Day is traditionally when you plant your peas out in the garden. If you missed it we've got you covered. Peas like to do most of their growth in cool temperatures

GREENS & COOL WEATHER CROPS

“It's nearly springtime when a person’s thoughts should hopefully turn to ....... vegetables! That's right it's time to start our vegetable gardens. Even though our frost free date is technically May 1st, this is a great time of year to start our cool loving vegetables. There are many vegetables that can handle the light frosts we get this time of year. If a colder night were to be predicted, in the high 20s, you can cover your freshly planted vegetables with Reemay, plastic or an old sheet to protect them from the frost. At this point, most greens can be planted and some, like spinach, do much better in cooler weather than in the summer. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are known as cole crops, which sounds like cold crops, all do very well planted at this time a year too. While kids don't always like the spicy taste of radishes, they are a great vegetable for them to plant as they come up in a matter of days and are ready to pick in a few short weeks. “ - Chuck Wiley , owner & founder of Vineyard Gardens Landscaping

We always start a bountiful selection of leafy salad greens

Leafy greens like cooler temperatures to produce quick, tender leaves for your salads and cooking. the earlier you get them in the ground the better!

COMING SOON!

VEGGIE SIX PACKS ARE GROWING IN OUR GREENHOUSES NOW!

Our spring supply of vegetables in packs will be ready soon!

PEAS: Don’t forget to plant your peas. Soak before seeding, it speeds up germination. They imbibe and more easily split the seed coat so the radicle can anchor itself down to become the root system. The two cotyledons then emerge, sometimes the seed coat stays attached to one of the cotyledons. It’s so beautiful watching the birth of a plant. We have hundreds of plants being born every day at Vineyard Gardens.

BROCCOLIS: We will have a variety of broccolis in packs, such as Calabrese, Romanesco, Waltham and Cauliflower Snowball.

WE WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL SELECTION OF IN-HOUSE GREENS!

Lettuces, Kales, Mustards, Collards and Asian vegetables like Pac Choi and Tatsoi can go in the soil very soon!

do this before

planting out your beans & peas!

PALM SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE

March 24, 2023 Karen Logan

*******************************

PALM SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2023

The nip of spring is upon us, the geese are flying north, our garden center on State Road is open and the landscape crews are hard at work on spring clean-up’s. Our greenhouse teams have been busy for weeks sowing seeds and waking up the bulbs we prepared in the fall. Once the season starts there’s no time for resting. As welcome as spring is, the best is yet to come!

Vineyard Gardens Nursery is stocked with vegetable seedlings, from early season greens to peas. We offer a nice range of plants from the mustard family that need to be started early in order to get established before the warm weather hits. We have a gorgeous assortment of Pansies and Iceland Poppies to add spring color to your window boxes. We also carry a wide array of spring bulbs in pots that can be transplanted into mixed planters. We have an amazing stock of spring blooms, beautiful shrubs, in-house grown veggies and all the gardening supplies you will need to to create a beautiful oasis!

Mark it on your calendars, Sunday April 2nd, a day to celebrate the beauty of spring!

CELEBRATIONS INCLUDE:

A FREE PLANT GIVE AWAY

Customers will get to pick between two surprise plants

A RAFFLE

This Palm Sunday anyone who makes a purchase at the nursery will get their name thrown into a hat to win a $25 dollar gift card. The name will be drawn Monday, April 3rd.

*******************************

FEDCO SEEDS

We have a great selection of FEDCO SEEDS! Fedco is the source for cold-hardy selections, especially adapted to our demanding Northeast climate. They have been in business since 1978. Fedco Seeds provides information for the grower about past trials and photos of the final product.

*******************************

BOTANICAL INTEREST SEEDS

We love the high quality seeds from BOTANICAL INTEREST! Botanical Interests promises to inspire and assist the inner gardener in everyone! They have been around since 1995. Botanical interests seed packets provide specific directions and ample information to get you comfortable with seeding. They also are a valuable online resource for plant information!

*******************************

NETHERLAND BULB COMPANY

The NETHERLAND BULB COMPANY’S large and healthy bulbs never disappoint! They are our go to supplier of Dutch bulbs and bare root perennials grown and shipped directly from their farms and facilities in Holland. We have alot of thier summer blooming bulbs available right now, including Dahlias, Gladiolas and Lillies. We also have onion sets and potatoes from Netherland bulbs.

*******************************

COAST OF MAINE

We would like to highlight our COAST OF MAINE SEED STARTING SOIL! This is an organic product used for seed germination and root cuttings. Coast of Maine has a great reputation for quality and consistency in their compost-based soils.

*******************************

We carry these trusted companies because they go above and beyond for their customers. They provide us with a resource to get you comfortable with trying something new!