What Makes The Leaves Turn Color?

"The two main groups of pigments that give autumn leaves their colors are: Carotenoids, which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors; and Anthocyanins, water-soluble substances which are produced when there are high levels of sugars in leaves or fruits under bright light conditions. Bright days and longer cooler nights, with adequate, but not excessive rainfall, are generally considered to be the catalysts for great fall leaf color.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a good, readable explanation of “Why Leaves Change Color” online, for all of us who have never tired of asking “why?” Whatever the color, do heed the good advice on this site and others to rake and compost fallen leaves. They also make an excellent mulch when left in place where they fall. Tiny micro-organisms will put them to good use replenishing the all-important organic content of the soil."

-Ann McCulloh

Golden Autumn Slide Show

Beautiful slide show from Margaret Roach on her blog A Way to Garden that features some really gorgeous plant pics, especially Lindera benzion (Native Spicebush).



Two slide shows that beautifully bookend the garden season:

Autumn:

http://awaytogarden.com/slideshow-golden-days-as-the-garden-slides-by

And spring:

http://awaytogarden.com/golden-days-is-yellow-springs-favorite-color

(We have unbelievable yellow Magnolias in stock, on sale now for 50% off!)


(Image above from Morton Arboretum feature on fabulous fall color:
http://www.mortonarb.org/tree-plant-advice/article/840/trees-a-shrubs-with-fabulous-fall-color.html)

Reminder: Start Paper Whites Inside Now For Thanksgiving

Start paper whites inside now to have blooms for Thanksgiving.

"A surefire way to chase away the winter blues is to fill your home with fragrant flowers. And nothing is easier to grow than the sweet smelling paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus), a bulb plant that can be coaxed into bloom with very little effort.

The correct term is actually "forcing" as you are forcing the spring-flowering bulbs to fast-forward their natural growth cycles and bloom in winter instead. Many bulbs can be forced--grape hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and crocuses, for example--but paperwhites are probably the easiest as they don't require a long cold storage period to root.

Paperwhites produce small, star-shaped flowers that will last for several weeks. Some varieties have pure white flowers, others have white perianths (outer petals) with pale yellow "cups" in the center. Paperwhites, which come from the Mediterranean, are tender bulbs and not suitable for outdoor growing in Vermont. However, most garden centers and seed catalogs sell bulbs for indoor forcing.

If purchasing locally, choose healthy bulbs with no soft spots or signs of discoloration. Store in a cool, dry place until time to plant.

Paperwhites will bloom about four to six weeks after planting, so plan accordingly if you want flowers for the holidays or other special occasions. For continuous bloom throughout the winter, plant bulbs every two weeks from late fall through February.

Use shallow containers, about three to four inches deep, without drainage holes. You can find these specially designed containers for forcing at many garden centers. Add about two inches of washed pebbles in the bottom of the container. Gently place the bulbs, pointed side up on the gravel. They should be close, but not touching. (Five bulbs will fit nicely in a six-inch pot.) Then add enough pebbles around the bulbs to hold them in place. You can also use decorative marbles or stones if you prefer.

The tricky part is watering the bulbs. You want to add just enough water so it reaches the base of the bulbs. You don't want the bulbs to sit in water as this will cause rot. Maintain this level of water throughout the growing period. You'll probably need to replenish the water every two or three days. Don't fertilize.

Place the container in a cool, dark place (about 50 degrees F) for a few weeks until green shoots appear. Then move to full, bright light (generally, a window with southern exposure). Too little light, and the plants will grow leggy as they stretch to reach the light. Initially, room temperature should be 60 to 65 degrees F.

To prolong bloom, after the plants begin to flower, remove them from direct sunlight and place in a cooler, less sunny part of your home. Since paperwhites require zone 8 to 11 conditions, they can't be planted successfully outdoors. Discard the bulbs after flowering.

Prepotted paperwhites can be purchased at many garden stores. All you do is add water! These potted bulbs also make a nice gift, or a fun activity for your kids."

-By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont

Bulb planning and planting: bulbs for the middle of your border

These taller bulbs can hold their own in the middle of your perennial border.

Daffodils 'Thalia'


Daffodils 'Thalia'
Height: 14"
Blooms very late spring.

When gardeners ask for a white daffodil, this is the one we recommend. The exquisite narcissus is the snowiest white of all the white daffodils. It produces 2-3 fragrant blossoms per stem.


Daffodils 'Fragrant Rose'


Daffodils 'Fragrant Rose'
Height: 16"
Blooms late spring.

Large-cupped Daffodils are the workhorses of the Daffodil world. The beauty of this flower is in its peachy pink, goblet-shaped cup and its exceptional fragrance, which reminds some folks of old garden Roses.


Daffodils 'Parisienne'


Daffodils 'Parisienne'
Height: 16"
Blooms mid-spring.

'Parisienne' is a delightful bi-color daffodil that has white petals and a deep orange cup.


Daffodils 'Delnashaugh'


Daffodils 'Delnashaugh'
Height: 18"
Blooms Late spring.

I don't know that the picture does these ruffley beauties justice. 'Delnashaugh' produces large and lovely double white flowers with a delicate salmon heart.


Daffodils 'Petit Four'


Daffodils 'Petit Four'
Height: 18"
Blooms early spring.

A unique daffodil voted the Number 2 Show Flower at the 1983 Narcissus Show at Keukenhof, Holland. Beautiful contrast between the white petals and the apricot-rose crown.


Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Shown here in a lovely combo with Hesperus.



Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Height: 30"
Blooms very late spring.

Big bang for your buck, and look how great they look in big numbers. The photo above shows a grouping of 25. The 'Purple Sensation' are so affordable, you can do that too!


Fritillaria 'Ivory Bells'




Fritillaria 'Ivory Bells'
Height: 32"
Blooms mid-spring.

Also known as Fritillaria of Persia, Ivory Bells is a rare and unusual variety. It bears white bell flowers on tall spikes that grow up to 3 feet high. The mid-Spring flowers are deliciously fragrant and exude a natural old-fashioned charm. Matte green foliage creates a base that showcases the flowers.

Bulb planning and planting: bulbs for the front of your border

Obviously our favorite shorty for the front of your perennial bed:

Allium 'Ivory Queen'


Allium 'Ivory Queen'
Height: 8"
Blooms very late Spring.

Why do we love them so much: the low, shapely leaves and the compact, long lasting white flowers.


Muscari armeniacum




Muscari armeniacum
Height: 6"
Blooms Mid-spring

Why do we love them: bright blue flowers edged with a very thin line of white. (They are inexpensive and they naturalize.)


Scilla siberica


Scilla siberica
Height: 6"
Blooms in early spring

Why we love them: naturalizing and delicate downward facing flowers wave in the early spring breeze.


Daffodils 'February Gold'


Daffodils 'February Gold'
Height: 10"
Blooms early-spring

Why we love them: they naturalize and spread effortlessly.


Daffodils 'Tete a Tete'


Daffodils 'Tete a Tete'
Height: 10"
Blooms early-spring

Why we love them: sooo fragrant!


Daffodils 'Jack Snipe'


Daffodils 'Jack Snipe'
Height: 10"
Blooms Mid-spring

Why we love them: they are rock garden rock stars.

Victoria Gardens' Gift Guide: Adorable Raccoon Ornament

Now that the road is open, we hope you all will stop by for birthday presents and holiday gifts (maybe even a gift or two for yourself)!

We have a wide selection of these adorable animal ornaments in stock now.

More gift ideas.

Bulb Planting: Top 3 Bulb Planting Tips!

#1 Bulb Planting tip: Mix Bulb-tone in with your soil when you plant your bulbs and sprinkle established bulbs with Bulb-tone in the fall! (See Bulb-tone note below*)

#2 Bulb Planting tip: It is easiest to plant bulbs after you cut your perennial garden back. Squeeze bulbs into the spaces in between all your perennials (remember that your bulbs are up and over before your perennials have filled in.)

#3 Bulb Planting tip: Plant in groupings of seven and nine for dramatic impact.



*Bulb-tone info:

Espoma Bulb-tone 3-5-3 fertilizer for flowering bulbs.
A Complete Plant Food with All 15 Essential Nutrients

Perfect for all bulbs including tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths
Complex blend of natural organics provide complete & balanced feeding of all 15 nutrients.

Environmentally safe. No sludges, hazardous or toxic ingredients.
Long lasting, slow release. Won’t burn or leach away.
Contains organic matter rich in vitamins and beneficial microbes to improve soil.

1 pound equals approx. 3 cupfuls

New Plantings

Row Plantings: Apply Bulb-tone at the rate of 1 lb (or 3 cupfuls). for each 25 ft. of row. Mix Bulb-tone well into the soil. Place bulbs at proper depth and cover with soil.

Individual Bulb Planting: Dig hole to proper depth. Mix 1 heaping teaspoonful of Bulb-tone in bottom of hole with soil. Cover this mixture with a small amount of soil. Insert bulb at correct depth and cover with soil.

Bed Plantings: Spade the soil deeply and mix 5 lbs. of Bulb-tone into 100 sq. ft. of soil (or 1 cup for every 7 sq. ft.) of soil. Plant bulbs at proper depth and spacing and cover with soil.

When spring or summer plantings reach a height of 6 inches, a side dressing of 1 lb. (or 3 cups) to each 25 feet of row or 5 lbs. to each 100 square feet of bed. Individual plants may be fed by applying a heaping teaspoonful around and 2 to 3 inches away from each plant. Dahlias and gladioli may be fed monthly.

Established Fall Plantings

Apply Bulb-tone at the rate of 5 lbs. to each 100 square feet (or 1 cup per 7 sq. ft.) after plants have bloomed. This will provide plant food for strengthening the bulbs for the following years growth.