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Friday, June 3, 2011

MY JUNE FAVORITES

‘Henry Garnet’ Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is one of those shrubs that keeps on giving. Besides the lovely white floral spires that bloom mid-June, it often sends out new shoots a few inches from the main stem. If you leave them, the plant just gets wider. If you remove the shoot by sharply jamming your shovel between the shoot and main stem, you can dig up the shoot with its roots and plant it in a new location. I like to make clusters of three or five among the other plants. They look especially beautiful in a shaded area, although they are fine in full sun. This is fun to do with other plants, too, like Winterberry, to increase your own plants or share with gardening buddies. Periodically check under the bush for stems sporting the same leaves as the main plant. It is best to do this in the fall, although if you are diligent about making sure it is not wilting, any season will work.


Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) adds a bright pop of color to any garden and is one of the plants preferred by hummingbirds. The vibrant and unusual flowers of this perennial never fail to bring a smile to my face.
Linked to "Pink Saturday."




6 comments:

  1. I don't know much about flowers and plants but I am hoping to have a nice colorful garden one day when I settle down somewhere. :)
    Mira

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  2. No wonder these are among your favorites. The colours of the Indian Pink are just like those of our native Columbine.

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  3. Your photography and your artwork are amazing. The picture below of the beach is so inviting and lovely. You definitely have the talent. Hope your sales online are going well for you. Your works are certainly very appealing to the eye. Genie

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  4. I very much like the Virginia sweetspire. I'll have to look into whether they grow here in Ontario.

    The Indian pinks are new to me. I love any flower that encourages hummingbirds into my gardens.

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  5. I've never seen that bottom plant before. It reminds me a bit of something we used to call 'spice bush' back in Ohio. Just lovely.

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  6. Oh my gosh, I have spent some time looking over your posts about gardening and I am so jealous. Everything is so beautiful! I want a garden so bad, but live in a duplex and don't really have a yard. I'm trying to grow a few things in pots--any suggestions on what can work in a contained area?

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