Re: Portland Flower Show

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Lani, 

 

My crabapple's buds are swollen, awaiting the next warm spell to burst open.  I noticed that I have a dianthus just starting to bloom as well.  Daffodils and snowdrops still going strong, grasses have been cut back and new growth is showing.  Roses are leafing out, buddlieas never lost their growth.  I'm going to take cuttings from one of them B. 'Harlequin' before doing winter pruning.  Now is that crazy or what?

 

On a different note, went to a professional seminar a couple of weeks ago and one of the speakers was Tracy DiSabato-Aust, i.e. Tracy Scissorhands.  She has done a lot of research over the years regarding the pruning of perennials and spoke on the same subject.  Timber Press published her book, The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, in which she addresses the subject of caring for your plants.  I purchased a copy at the Flower Show in Philadelphia and feel that it will be an indispensable tool for beginner's as well as the more seasoned gardener.  It is difficult to locate, but can be special ordered.  Put some pressure on your local library, too.  I think you will be pleased with this one!

 

Ginny