Plant of the Week

In the segment The Plant of the Week, Jessica chooses a specific plant based on its easy nature and ability to be grown organically -- her selections usually involve long botanical names. Doug follows with his pick -- a more common plant, ideal for even the most novice gardeners.

December 3, 2006

Jess's Pick- Red twig dogwoods make terrific additions to the winter landscape. With deep red stems that contrast with the snow, this plant is really at it's peak when the garden needs the most help. The foliage and flowers aren't showy, though some of the variegated specimens have summer interest. The stems also look great in holiday flower arrangements or as a wreath base.

Doug's Pick- Helleborus, or Christmas rose, blooms during the winter months. They have either double or single flowers in shades of white, cream, green, pink or purple. The leaves are evergreen and hold up well in a vase. They are relatively deer resistant and prefer shady conditions in average garden soil.

November 19, 2006

Jess's Pick- This fall, visit your local farmer's market and taste some more unusual varieties of potatoes. 'Cranberry' is one of Jess's new favorites with it's bright pink skin, soft pink flesh and a mild, buttery taste.

Doug's Pick- Gardeners can enjoy herbs all winter long by growing them on a sunny windowsill. Chives, oregano, thyme, marjoram and others are perfectly suited to indoor growing. Harvest and water regularly and fertilize monthly with an organic water soluable fertilizer like kelp emulsion or compost tea.

November 5, 2006

Jess's Pick- Most people think of Forsythia as a garden plant with spring interest. But as you can see from this photo, it's also got terrific fall interest too. Jess isn't overly fond of the bright yellow spring flowers, but she loves the rusty red fall foliage.

Doug's Pick- Paperwhites are members of the daffodil family usually grown indoors. You can purchase and force the bulbs anytime from now through late winter. Place the bulbs in a bowl full of gravel with the bottom third of the bulb sitting in water. In three to four weeks you will be rewarded with fragrant white blossoms. Be sure to stake the plants to prevent them from collapsing.

October 29, 2006

Jess's Pick- Belamcanda, or blackberry lily, is a striking plant for the perennial border. With bladed foliage and orange or yellow lily-like flowers, the plant makes a nice summer show in full sun areas. But, it's the seed pods that really steal the show. Swollen green pods dry and crack open in late fall revealing clusters of plump black seeds resembling ripe blackberries.

Doug's Pick- Callicarpa, or beautyberry, makes quite a statement in the fall and winter garden. It's bright purple berry clusters cling to the arching stems and add interest to the garden when many other plants are beginning to fade. Though it's flowers are not showy, the plant is easily grown in average garden soil in full to partial sun.

October 22, 2006

Jess's Pick- Thyme is a terrific herb that can still be harvested this time of year. Cut sprigs and store in the fridge for several weeks in ziploc bags; you can even pick during the winter months when thyme's evergreen foliage pokes through the snow. Jess uses Thyme sprigs in a roasted root veggie casserole.

October 15, 2006

Jess's Pick- Boltonia blooms late in the season, putting on it's best show in early October. With varieties having white or pink flowers, Boltonia stands 2-3 feet tall and is covered in aster like flowers. It's easy to grow, preferring full sun, and seldom needs staked.

Doug's Pick- Glory of the Snow, or Chionodoxia, are a terrific little bulb for the woodland garden. Planted in the fall, then blooming in the spring, these little guys pack a powerful little punch. Blue or pink flowers with a white center thrive in shaded conditions, but will tolerate some sun.

October 8, 2006

Jess's Pick- Mazus reptans is a delightful little ground cover that carpets areas quickly. Covered with lavender or white blossoms in early summer, Mazus can handle dry or wet areas. It does not like areas where there will be salt run-off in the winter. Easy to grow, preferring full to partial sun, Mazus thrives even when it's frequently walked on.

September 24, 2006

Jess's Pick- If you are looking for a tulip that returns reliably each season, plant Gregii tulips. With their striped foliage and long lasting blooms, they are the perfect choice for the spring garden. Plant the bulbs now to enjoy the spring show.

Doug's Pick- Pansies are cool season flowers and if you plant them now, they will likely bloom well past frost. Some varieties will over winter and begin to bloom again in early spring.

September 17, 2006

Jess's Pick- Winter squash is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants for home gardeners. With a multitude of varieties and long storage life, winter squash is a great pick even for a beginner gardener. Favorite varieties include Butternut, Hubbard and Delicata.

Doug's Pick- Now is the time to plant ornamental kale. It will add a bit of color to the late season garden and will tolerate many frosts.

September 3, 2006

Jess's Pick- Hakonechloa macra or Hakone grass. This is a wonderful ornamental grass that will thrive in shade or sun. It's a slow grower and tough as nails.

Doug's Pick- Perennial hibiscus are easy to grow sunlovers that produce large blooms this time of the year. The flowers can be the size of a dinner plate.