Sarah Bernhardt Peony: Will This Beauty Love its New Home in my Charleston Garden?

PEONIES. Lots of gorgeous peonies. Not what you would expect to see in a Southern garden. I said I would never try to grow one because it's just too difficult in a place like Charleston. Never say never. I found this herbaceous Sarah Bernhardt beauty at Lowe's for about $12. It calls for morning sun only, which I can handle. It thrives in zones 3-8. I think I can handle that too, except that my zone 8 is a micro-climate zone 8b....more subtropical, more heat, more humidity. All things that I guess a peony really doesn't like.

I've always told myself that there's a reason Southern gardeners are lucky to have camellias....because we can't really grow the coveted north-loving peony.

It has one beautiful nursery-forced fragrant bloom on it. I can't stop staring at it. I will savor this moment as I know it might be the only bloom I ever see on it. For now, and maybe for just a little while, I will pretend that I am a Northern gardener welcoming my peony into spring.

Hands holding peonies above are from Martha Stewart's page on Sarah Bernhard peonies. Check it out for all of the specifics: http://www.marthastewart.com/plant/paeonia-sarah-bernhardt

(Top photo is my new Sarah Bernhardt peony with its lone bloom. Keeping it company are variegated dianella, ligularia, and purple heart.)

Japanese Forest Grass: Fingers Crossed That It'll Grow!

The fact that I can't find Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' - Golden Japanese Forest Grass at any nurseries in Charleston makes me nervous. This is a gorgeous ornamental made for the SHADE for zones roughly 5-9. That's me! That's Charleston! But when I read about it....grows on a japanese island called Hakone, grows well in the Northwest, and then I find websites for it all over the place closer to zone 6. I begin to wonder....

I've been talking about this ornamental around the house for so many months now that Lee and Piper almost know the Latin name. I mean, I WANT this in my garden! So I start small. Experiment officially in progress. I keep repeating over and over again in my head, "A clumping variegated ornamental that thrives in the shade in zone 8b? Why do I feel like I am the only one in Charleston looking for this?"

So, I ordered it from a garden mail order company in the midwest. The mail carrier dropped it at my door in its poofy green plastic bag, and each of the three very small clumps of grass were cleverly package in cardboard, rubber banded, and really looked quite happy when I took them out (pictured above). My husband couldn't believe that anyone could actually order plants via mail, and that they come in mail-quality packing, and even look pretty good upon arrival. He made me laugh while pondering the possibilities of ordering garden plants by mail.

Middle photo is from the Heronswoods Nursery in Seattle.

Or check out Charleston Home Magazine editor Ellen McGauley's blog where she talks about my love for this fantastic grass.

http://www.charlestonmag.com/home/blog/all_star_ornamental_grass

Crazy About Coleus

Last weekend I took my wonderful husband, Lee, and garden-elf daughter to the nursery. I kept going on and on about the coleus. The colors! The textures! They look at me and simply smile. I think to myself, "Thank god they indulge me....this has the potential to be incredibly embarrassing!" They lovingly help me carry everything to the car, and then watch me "dig holes," as Lee says, and promptly put them into the ground. I love them for that.

Coleus are part of my upbringing. Part of my "fabric" when I really needed something predictable and reliable every year. When I was young, my mother used to plant coleus in a huge antique rusty kettle. They were usually maroon and dark purple. These days they're downright exotic! Wow! You almost wouldn't think they were coleus at all. The super frilly varieties are not in yet, but I look forward adding some of those in with the others soon.

THE COLEUS BONUS: Colorful, textured coleus with big personalities offer a great alternative to those of us who don't have sunny spots to grow brightly colored flowers. And for envious 8 hours of sun-per-day gardeners there is now a "sun coleus."

Above are the ones I bought that day with my husband and daughter. The names are intriguing...and I think that's probably half the sell.... Top center is "Red Dragon," bottom center is "Henna," and bottom right is "The Flame." I absolutely had to have a coleus called "The Flame!"

Lady Banks Rose: A Southern Garden Staple

My lady banks rose is in full bloom! I wait all year long for this. I took this photo of my daughter Piper underneath it today. The cascading double petal flowers almost feel like they spilled right out a romance novel. Sometimes I imagine that if it could talk it would softly say, "Hey, y'all." This rose begs to be stared at. The streets of downtown Charleston are gorgeous this time of year....lady banks spill over porches and gardens everywhere. I often see visitors to the city stop and gaze at these beauties until their eyes meet the top, all the way up the 3rd floor.

I've had this lady banks for four years now. It's a seriously vigorous climber. Give it a wide berth when you plant it. I've secured it to a post on the back porch of my house, but I bet it would also look wonderful laying over an arched trellis at a gated entrance to a garden. (Maybe that's what I'll do with the next one)

And how can you not love a rose that has no thorns!

Climate: Hardy to zone 7
Fragrance: Light rose
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining, with lots of organic matter added to the planting hole. Otherwise it is not picky about soil types.
Water: Water regularly until established, then it shouldn’t need a lot of extra irrigation except in severe heat or drought.
Blooms: Single or double, white or yellow miniature blossoms in spring. Blooms only once per year.
Size and Pruning: Lady Banks blooms on old wood, so be careful not to over-prune the older branches. You’ll be busy enough trying to contain the size of this rose – it’s not meant for small spaces and easily grows to 30 feet or more.

This Roof Top Xeriscaped Garden Grows in an Unlikely Space

Last night my husband, daughter, and I went to eat at a Charleston institution. Bowen's Island Restaurant near Folly Beach: fresh roasted oysters, seafood, and beer. It was an exciting outing mostly because this is where Lee and I were married 13 years ago, and now our daughter would see it for the first time. After a fire destroyed it nearly four years ago just months after winning the 2006 James Beard award for food preservation, it's now back open for business! If you've never been there it's likely that you won't get it at first. You hear everyone asking, "Where do we order our food?" "Where do we sit?" "Where is the restaurant?" It epitomizes "casual." I mean, where else can you eat and sit right next to a room full of old refrigerators (not the cool vintage kind, just the old junky kind) piled up on top of one another?

As we were climbing the stairs and getting our first look of the sun setting over the creek for the first time in 13 years, I noticed that the roof of one of the old outbuildings had a full-on rooftop garden. How spectacular. I couldn't help but wonder, seeing as there is junk everywhere, "How could someone have thought to add such a beautiful touch?" So instead of staring right down on to a hot gravel roof, patrons will have something interesting to look at as they meander up five zig zagging ramps to the 3rd floor bar and dining area that is nearing completion.

Amazing cacti that bask in the all-day sun, rosemary that trails over the edge, flowering dianthus, a few varieties of ornamental grasses expertly clumped together, and some other small "stepable" succulents. I thought the design, or the "layout" was so well done. Room to grow and fill in but still very interesting to look at right now. A small oyster sculpture that punctuates one side is the only indication of how the garden relates to the restaurant at all.

Dinner was delicious. I had the crab cake platter, Lee had the fried shrimp platter, and Piper had the chicken fingers. And as we left I had to look at the rooftop garden one more time....a brand new lasting memory of Bowen's Island for all three of us.

www.bowensislandrestaurant.com

Take a Class from a Charleston Garden Expert

Tommy Blizard, Charleston County Park's resident garden expert, will lead participants through six gardening workshops all aimed at helping you develop your 'green thumb.'

http://online.activecommunities.com/charleston/Activities/ActivitiesDetails.asp?ProcessWait=N&aid=1047

Even After 50 years, Charleston Plantation Garden Photos Still Look the Same...

I am amazed at the preservation of our local plantation gardens. The gardens in the background of these old photos (top) of my Mother with her brother Hugh (and his wife, seated) taken in May, 1959 at Middleton Gardens look exactly the same today. When so many things change in the world, this is what Charleston is good at. Preservation. When I took my daughter to Magnolia Gardens this morning (just 2 miles down the road from Middleton) I imagined that it's exactly as it was when my mother used to visit in the '50s and '60s. So here we are 50 years and two generations later. The gardens are unchanged, well preserved, and the photos look the same...just like as if it was May, 1959.

What amazed us at Magnolia:
• Gorgeous winter rye mixing in with fields of many varieties of daffodils.
• Peacocks everywhere. Some were busy bodies, trying everything they could to snatch sandwiches out of the hands of little ones.
• The ornamental trees in bloom were spectacular.
• So many alligators basking in the sun in the old rice ponds.
• Migratory birds, like the white faced coot. Coots are cute!
• The Peacock cafe, although pricey ($8 for a chicken salad and pecan sandwich) served pretty good food.
• The Nature train was a relaxing way to enjoy the breeze and get a birds eye view of wild turkey's, turtles, frogs, and many species of trees and plants.
• Tourist infra-structure. Everything you need is right here.
• The indoor Barbados Tropical Garden which my daughter thought was "AWESOME!"
http://www.magnoliaplantation.com

Teeny Tiny Landscapes....

When my daughter and I saw these displays at Hyams Garden Center on James Island, our mouths dropped. They had created miniature landscapes out of long hay racks. They're so fabulously teeny tiny that we figured it is sure to be a cozy place where fairies go in the evening to entertain all of their little friends from the glade. It's complete with walkways, birdbaths, seating areas, and "trees." So we decided to create our own(top photo). It was fun trying to find things from the yard that would work as a wall of "logs" for the little dwelling. We now have several small snails that have taken up residents among the smooth pebbles and "lawn" (aka: moss). Perhaps they're little friends that belong to our very own flock of fairies....

To Make Your Own Teeny Tiny Landscape:
1. Start by asking your local nursery how large some plants will get if you're not sure.
2. Choose a container. We chose a rectangular terracotta pot approx. 9" X 14" in size.
3. fill dirt halfway and begin placing your small plants in an arrangement that you're happy with.
4. Fill in the remaining gaps with potting soil.
5. For Structures: Use sticks, rocks, or small vines or grass tied together to create a dwelling. Sticks can also make wonderful "bridges" over a small river of rocks/pebbles.

Plant Suggestions:
• Small oxalis (clovers)
•Hen and Chicks (succulents work well because small ones are easy to find, and grow slowly, therefore don't take over the teeny "yard.")
• Blue fescue
• Creeping Jenny
• Low growing nettle
• Sprigs of dwarf mondo grass
• Petite ferns
• Moss clumps (easy to find somewhere in almost any yard)

Other Hard Scaping: Stones are easy to find. Many stores like Hyams now carry miniature porcelain figurines made for Bonsai gardens, but they work great here!

Crazy for Knock Out Roses!

I knew that when Charleston Home Magazine editor Ellen McGauley and writer Melissa Bigner said that we were going to do a page on knock out roses in the next issue, that it had to be a big deal. I mean...why hadn't I heard of them? Why aren't there any in MY garden? Where have I been? This rose is gorgeous and has everything going for it. Click on the image to read more, or you can check out Ellen McGauley's Blog at:
http://www.charlestonmag.com/home/feature/knock_out_roses

Charleston's Spring House & Garden Tours are Here!

The Spring house and garden season has arrived in Charleston, SC. Many of these formal gardens are synonymous with Charleston's horticultural beauty and history. I've also included some of the plantations...they are gorgeous to stroll this time of year.

Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens
Tour the private homes and gardens of Charleston’s storied past. Set in the midst of the city’s blooming season, this event offers the public a rare opportunity to get an up-close look at Charleston’s distinctive architecture, gardens, and culture while participating in tours that feature seven to 10 properties a day. Also take part in a variety of activities ranging from oyster roasts to wine tastings and luncheon lectures. Locations, times, & prices vary.
(843)722-3405
www.historiccharleston.org
When: Thursday (3/18/2010) - Saturday (4/17/2010)
Location: Downtown Charleston

The Garden Club of Charleston Annual House and Garden Tours
All proceeds from the House and Garden Tours benefit The Garden Club of Charleston's continuing projects - maintaining the gardens at the Historic Joseph Manigault House, the Heyward-Washington House, the Gateway Walk and the Healing Garden at MUSC.
www.thegardenclubofcharleston.org
When: April 9-10
Location: Downtown Charleston, SC

Kiawah Island Art and House Tour
The 10th annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour, sponsored by the volunteer group, Gibbes, etc., will take place on Friday, April 9, 2010, from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This year, six stunning Kiawah Island homes that showcase spectacular art collections and dramatic views of the salt marsh, creeks, ocean, and woodlands have been selected to allow touring guests a myriad of visual experiences.
http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/visit/calendar.php
Tickets: $55
When: Friday, April 9, 2pm - 6pm

Plantasia: A Green Market for Plant Lovers
Presented by the Charleston Horticultural Society.
www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org
When: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Location: On the grounds of the Gaillard Auditorium
FREE

Other Great Gardens and Plantations:
Magnolia Plantation: www.magnoliaplantation.com
SEE!: The camellia garden, stroll the swamp on a boardwalk, relax on the train ride, take the beautiful boat tour, and the kids will love the petting zoo.
Middleton Place:
www.middletonplace.org
SEE!: Butterfly ponds, overabundance of azaleas, formal rose garden, and giant pampered live oak tree by the river.

Drayton Hall:
www.draytonhall.org
SEE!: the historical and well preserved house, and the mirror image of the house by the pond

Cypress Gardens:
www.cypressgardens.com
SEE!: Take the canoe ride through the swamp, and see the butterfly house featuring a pet wood duck named "Woody."

Before and After: "After" doesn't always mean "better"...at first

What a mess...last year's herb garden was in a long overdue state. Leggy leftovers, live oak leaves on top of more live oak leaves. I started today with my "Chimney" Herb Garden which is conveniently located near the kitchen. It receives more than six hours of sun in my super shady yard....kind of a rare spot. And a a special bonus!: my zone 8b becomes a zone nine or 10 next to the chimney in the winter....it allows me to ooh and ahh over the passion flower vine that keeps the herbs company during the winter months. I'm looking forward to this summer's yield: basil, German thyme, cilantro, tarragon, and mint.

This recipe is one of the main reasons I grow basil every summer.

RECIPE:
MOZZARELLA CAPRESE
yield: Serves 4 to 6

2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes (about 4 large), sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced1/4 inch thick
1/4 cup packed fresh basil washed well and spun dry
3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
fine sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
On a large platter arrange tomato and mozzarella slices and basil leaves, alternating and overlapping them. Sprinkle salad with oregano and arugula and drizzle with oil. Season salad with salt and pepper.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Insalata-Caprese-13232#ixzz0jQTOlmMN

Having a "Camellia neighbor" has its benefits...

(top): One of my neighbor’s 15-foot + camellias at the property line.
(center): A wonderful feature I designed for Charleston magazine last year featuring many antique prints. Written by Melissa Bigner. http://www.charlestonmag.com/charleston_magazine/feature/charleston_s_botanical_treasures
(bottom): A chart on camellia flower form and style from Stirling Macoboy’s “The Illustrated Encyclopedia on Camellias”

The colder than normal winter here in the South was much more tolerable as soon as the camellias started blooming. I only have two in my garden right now, a double petal 'professor sargent' that I planted myself a few years ago, and an unknown dark pink variety volunteer that my friend Pete gave me. Both are pretty small at this point but I loved seeing them both bloom for the first time last year. The flowers were so big that they weighed down the thin young branches over almost touching the ground.

But my next door neighbor lives in camellia heaven. When she moved into her house more than 25 years ago she acquired a yard of more than 40 different varieties of camellias. I reap the benefits by having many of them literally hanging ("reaching!") over my fence. Each year on Christmas eve, and with my neighbor's permission, I clip enough to make two gorgeous bouquets. Family and friends marvel at how different each one is. Red, pink, candy cane variegation, single petals, double petals, etc.... Though they don't last long in bouquet form, I relish these 2-3 days every year.

I love it when my daughter sees a new camellia color starting to bloom... "Mom! you gotta come see this!"

First Day of Spring: Ligularia!

Today got out into the garden really for the first time this year. My daughter Piper helped me plant my favorite new foliage...Ligularia aka: Farfugium japonicum Aureomaculatum. We've said the word "Ligularia" around the house so many times now that my husband Lee says it just keeps repeating over and over again in his head. The large round shiny leaves make for great contrast in the garden. I've never grown it before but I'm pretty excited about it. I read somewhere that it's a garden geek's dream plant. It's pretty small right now and will grow slowly, but Piper and I can wait. It looks great next to the variegated dionella (tall spiky green/white leaves). I plan to add in some brightly colored heuchera, coleus, and white caladiums when it gets a little warmer.
Type: Perennial/clumping Hardiness: zones 7-8 Light: light shade/filtered sun (makes it perfect for my tree covered yard) Size: up to 2' x 2' Soil: moist Blooms: Yellow daisy like flowers on tall stalks. Fall, into early winter (up until first frost around new years) Foliage: when mature up to 1' x 1'