Re: [SG] I'm Baaaack!

Hi Debby:

Wow! You must be far up in Zone 4 to still have frost.

Your ferns should look better in the second season of growth. I wouldn't
worry about the skinny stalks.

At this time I don't have many other shadelovers, so really can't claim
success. Much of my growing area is in full sun, so I'm limited as far as
growing shadelovers is concerned. Your public library should have books on
shade gardening. And, of course, there's a wealth of information available
from members of this list.

Regarding your interest in feeding the birds (I do too, with feeders and
plants), an excellent and not often seen plant you should try is
streptocarpella Concord Blue. Hummingbirds love their delicate small blue
flowers produced in abundance. Streptocarpella, a miniature relative of
streptocarpus, is best used in hanging baskets (I have two). There are a few
other varieties of streptocarpella; all have blooms in shades of purple and
blue. They make nice houseplants in winter; bring them in before frost.
Streptocarpella, a member of the gesneriad family, may be found at nurseries
or garden centers that offer unusual plants; in my neck of the woods, most
shops don't carry them so I order by mail.

John A.

-----Original Message-----
From: Deborah Howard <Cujotaz@AOL.COM>
To: shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU <shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 5:24 AM
Subject: Re: [SG] I'm Baaaack!


>what other kinds of plants do u have success with?  i live in zone 4 in the
>woods, have a large area i am trying to "spruce up"  so far the hostas are
>doing great, I've added a bird bath and several birdhouses and birdfeeders,
>thought of ferns, tried 3 varieties last year, they survived, but r all
>skinny stalks with 1 fern---need some ideas  {we had frost last night and
the
>first frost usually hits in Oct. to give u an idea of the growing season}
>
>thanks
>Debby
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