NEW Plants for 2018

Some Junk - Mine

Do you ever wonder if other people get as much daily junk email as you do? When I refer to 'as much' that can be any number above one. I'd say on average I receive 30 junk emails a day. If they aren't deleted often, they seem to multiply. I have 667 unread junk emails right now. Last time I forced myself to delete them they were at 998, just shy of 1000 which is my enough is enough, make them stop number. 

The junk ranges in solicitation for down jackets, waterproof shoes, Tokyo Joe's and trips to Cancun. There are medical cure alls (thanks for the recent tmi article on bodily noises), my daily comic strip, the latest neighborhood coyote sighting and garden related tips usually disguised as "buy this." Sometimes the garden emails shed must read information on the latest plant and seed introductions. Below is what I have gleaned on some recent clicks. I can't vouch whether the plants will work in your garden, but they might.

Internet Photo ballfloraplant.com

Who doesn't like pink and yellow calibrachoa annuals? How about combining the two colors on one bloom?  Well here it is - the Can-Can® Bumble Bee Pink Calibrachoa. Mass planted in one container or hanging basket is a big wow, or combined with other complementary annuals is sure to be a conversation starter. It should be available in local garden centers this spring. From Ball Horticultural Company, click HERE. 

SNOWMASS® blue-eyed veronica

Evergreen groundcover plants rate as high in my book as self-cleaning roses. Technically introduced last year, SNOWMASS® blue-eyed veronica has it all. A lovely glossy mat forming perennial with cute blue-eyed white flowers from spring to early summer. Perfect for filling in dry areas between flagstones, patios and throughout the xeric garden where exposed mulch looks much less appealing than a year round evergreen groundcover. This plant will be available at independent garden centers, and mail order. A perfect new selection from the ever popular Plant Select® Program. To read more click HERE.

Internet Photo from Proven Winners

My respect for ninebark (Physocarpus) shrubs keeps increasing year after year. As of this writing I am growing five different varieties. They all share outstanding and beautiful leaf colors from spring to fall, from golden yellow to green to purple, orange and burgundy. 

Many have exfoliating bark which gets pleasantly noticed during the winter months. They bloom (attract pollinators), fruit and are little bothered (if at all) by pest insects, most of all Japanese beetle, my bane! The choices range in size from 3/4 feet to 9 feet tall, spread is 3/4 to 6'. Pruning is a cinch (when needed) and can be done during the winter or growing season. Winter pruning will net less flowers that spring. Use for hedging or as specimens - they are that nice. Proven Winners has introduced a new ninebark called Festivus Gold® a bright yellow to lime green leafed semi-dwarf shrub. I'm crossing my fingers it will be available this spring at independent garden centers. Click HERE to read more. 

Internet Photo from aas.org

The outdoor vegetable patch wouldn't be the same without several pepper plants. I'll admit that I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to hot peppers, but my husband always says to bring on the heat! The new All American Selections 'Mat Hatter' (technically new in '17, but that means it may not sell out as quickly in 2018) looks very tasty for both heat and sweet! The unique three-sided shape (think bishop's crown) is reason enough to give it a try. Add in vigor, high yields and sturdy, bushy plants and there's no saying no! Look for them locally and online.   

Wouldn't you know...the junk email has been piling up while writing this blog. It's delete time.