Re: New or Tried and True?
gardenchat@hort.net
  • Subject: Re: New or Tried and True?
  • From: &* <d*@comcast.net>
  • Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:03:49 -0500
I used to be that way, Gene, but age and arthritis have me longing for things that I don't have to fuss over or replace. Digging in this sorry clay is no fun anymore. I tried to prolong my enthusiasm for a long time by planting on mounds of landscaper's mix (the yard looks like I've buried a dozen horses) but even that has lost its appeal. I've converted 100+ feet of perennial border into flowering trees and shrubs, and 100+ of Roses likewise.
That's not to say that I don't drool over a lot of things, but I don't lust after them like I used to. And when I'm selecting plants for my clients, I want them to be happy. That means tried and true. If they're beginning hort heads, I'll steer them in the direction of plants with a good provenance match and let 'em have at it, but I always give them a good backbone of strong, worthy plants. 

d
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gene Bush" <genebush@netsurfusa.net> 
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2010 5:51 AM
Subject: RE: [CHAT] New or Tried and True?



Daryl,
Running against the tide here, but I cannot resist a new, latest and
greatest" shade perennial. Love to experiment in my gardens. Part of the
excitement of gardening. Trial and error. I do try to read closely and watch 
the hardiness zones. But... but.... yes, I have killed a few perennials in
my time. Some was just me, some was plants that never had a chance, but I am 
having a good time playing.


Gene E. Bush
Munchkin Nursery & Gardens,LLC
www.munchkinnursery.com
Garden Writer - Photographer -  Lecturer



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-gardenchat@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf 
Of Daryl

Subject: [CHAT] New or Tried and True?
I was reading a trade article and the interviewee was asked what he thought 
of
some of the new perennials. He replied, " Coreopsis 'Crhme Brulee,' and
'Limerock Ruby': These were hot, hot plants five years ago. Everybody had to 
have them. Now, they're like the lepers of the perennial community."

I like that phrase, "the lepers of the perennial community." It fits. The
only
thing good about some plants, like 'Limerock Ruby', is that they make way
for
something else to kill.

I've seen so many plants come and go in my previous hort-head life that I
now
prefer to grow the tried and true. If they're newer plants, I want them
tested
in my climate. I don't care whether a plant does great in Chicago. I want it 
tested at UGA. Even though UGA is a bit warmer in winter than my area, and
the
soil is better, and there are plenty of garden slaves (hort students) to
take
care of the beds and to weed and water, at least it's humid - with hideously 
hot days and many hot nights. If a plant thrives there, it's likely to
survive
in my garden.

What do you think? Are you still wanting plants that are on the cutting
edge,
or do you prefer to save the money and the aggravation?

d


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