ANNUAL : NASTURTIUM

June 8, 2018 Karen Logan

An easy-to-grow annual whose leaves and flowers are edible.

These plants are good for containers or as ground cover. Their pretty fragrance also makes them a good choice for cut flowers. Nasturtiums are perfect to grow with children because they grow easily and rapidly.

CONTAINER GARDENS: Choose compact dwarf varieties like Alaska Variegated, Empress of India, Cherry Rose Jewel or Nasturtium Fiesta Blend

VERTICAL GARDENS / GROUND COVERS / WEED BARRIERS /LIVING MULCH: Choose climbing or trailing nasturtium varieties with longer vines like White Moonlight, Red Canary Creeper, Multi-Colour Trailing Mix and Yellow Canarybird Creeper.

PLANTING

You can start the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost.
Plant nasturtium seeds in early spring in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. They can grow in partial shade, but they will not bloom as well.
Nasturtiums prefer poorer soils and they do not need fertilizers. Fertile soil will produce fewer blooms and more foliage. Plant nasturtiums where other flowers and vegetables would be unsuccessful.
Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Plants should appear in 7 to 10 days.

CARE

Water regularly throughout the growing season, but be careful not to over-water your plants.
Cutting off the faded/dead flowers will prolong blooming.
If you’re growing nasturtiums in containers, they may need to be trimmed back occasionally over the growing season.

Dove Tree at Dr. Daniel Fisher House

June 6, 2018 Karen Logan

DOVE TREE

A gorgeous Dove Tree is blooming right now at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown. It is uncommon and extremely impressive. "Dove Trees are deciduous trees with broad leaves that take on fall color varying from warm pastels to warmer orange and red tones. On mature trees, large showy white bracts surrounding small, red-anthered flowers flutter like handkerchiefs in the slightest breeze, appearing from a distance like doves sitting among the branches. Truly intriguing and beautiful!" Monrovia

PLANT OF THE WEEK : DELPHINIUMS 20% OFF

May 31, 2018 Karen Logan

HELPFUL TIPS ON GROWING DELPHINIUMS

Delphiniums are perennials that 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.

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.