Re: Questions from a mild climate gardener
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Questions from a mild climate gardener
- From: l*@teamzeon.com
- Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 11:14:14 -0400
Valerie Lowery@ZEON
05/18/99 11:14 AM
Nan,
here in zone 6a, Louisville, KY, there are several tropical plants that I
could not do without that I must bring in for the winter. The most
noteworthy are my brugmansias which give the patio life in the evenings. I
also have a variety of exotics from Logee's Greenhouse which are meant to
be either greenhouse specimens or houseplants in my climate. For me, they
are outdoor container plants until winter. These are plants you just can't
buy at your local garden centers!
The beloved dahlias, cannas, and gladiolus that have been mentioned by
others become nearly indispensable in the garden. I cannot think of
suitable replacements from any other hardy perennial or annual. Even
though you know that these will not survive freezing temps, you grow them
anyway and lift in the fall. In fact, this is no more strenuous than
placing a new plant in the garden and can be rather enjoyable. It is then
that you can see the results of your hard work when the tuber/bulb has
multiplied or fattened appreciably.
Nan, I envy your mild climate and your ability to garden year around (I
lived in a tropical area for a few years and know how it can be!); however,
I would desperately miss the brilliant fall foliage, the smooth blankets of
snow, and the joyous spring that brings plants forth that require the
winter chill.
Val in KY
zone 6a
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
