presentation Sep 13th

Hostas?  Are they your favorite?  Come and see our presentation on Hostas and Companions in the Greenwood SC library at 7pm on Thursdy September 13th.  This is organized by the Master Gardeners but it will be open to the public also.  There will be fall bulbs and hosta plants for sale afterwards.

Hope you can make it.  If you have any questions you would like answering -just let us know, or if you would like us to bring any particular bulbs we will be happy to do that if we have them in stock.

You can call us on 1-800-999-0567 or email info@marlborobulb.com

Well- those caladiums keep getting better! They are an unbelieveable plant especially in the south where we get 5 months of awesome colour with no work.  Of course this summer has been a little wetter around here than usual and we don't have irrigation so that has helped- but even so.  They really are amgnificent and en masse they make really good ground cover helping to keep the soil cooler, moist and fairly weed free.
It is a joy though to have some days in the low 80s now with lower humidity.  Surprised to see the nights go down to 58/60F so early though.  I wonder if that means we are going to get an early winter this year?
The Bishop series dahlias are doing well again this year.  They don't sell as well as the  large dinnerplate varieties, but my goodness, they keep on blooming and with their bronze foliage make a very attractive perennial plant.  Something to look at.  Let me know if oyu want more information -either through the blog or email me at info@marlborobulb.com

Hostas????

Caladiums Freida hemple and Miss Muffett

Caladiums Red Flash and Florida Cardinal

 

Well I suppose I did go  a little crazy with the caladiums!  At least they shade the hostas in the hot summer sun and the hostas had a great time earlier in the season. And you can still see some of the hostas. Anyway, gardening is partly about the changing scenes. No two days are the same -there's always something new to discover, something that was missed or something new appearing.  Life is a little like that too isn't it?  If we take the time to 'stop and smell the roses' that is.

Hosta Paul's Glory is a really good hosta for the south -doesn't burn like some of them.

Hosta Paul's Glory

Caladiums caladiums and more caladiums!

OK so I have neglected my blog but now I am back -I promise !

CaladiumWhite Queen

CaladiumGarden White and Colocasia Jack's Giant

 

I just have to share my love of caladiums as ground cover at this time of year -they just give such wonderful trouble free color -and what color -they can be striking or retiring, brash and bold or show a delicate blush in the background.  Some work really well in the sun -you cannot beat the tried and tested Red Flash for that but try the new Garden White (the second picture)-it needs a fancier name than that though! Also White Queen (see picture above)and Aaron are both standing up well to this summer  in South Carolina. And goodness has it been hot.  This was a good year for me to visit Europe.  I went back to my native UK and to France, where I have also lived and enjoyed so much.   Anyway back to Caladiums, they give 5 months of color in the south and are great at helping keep down the weeds. They also grow well in pots and can be over wintered in pots kept in temps. above 50 degrees.  They also make good cut leaves for indoors and last well as a leaf arrangement or in contrast with a few blooms. Wow wha a marvellous plant.
Another fairly new variety is Caladium Tapestry -see below.  Here it is grown with the elephant ear Colocasia Diamond Head -a gorgeous shiny purple leaved variety that will also take some sun.
Let  me know if you would like more Caladium pictures

April

April showers bring forth May flowers -and endless weeds!!!  What a year so far -unbelieeable weather so many hot days already -the daffodils were great but it has definitely not been a good year for tulips.  Many were stunted in the warm weather -they need more cold than most places could provide this spring.  They didn't last so well either -but that is gardening.  You cannot control the weather! But there are real pluses too -
My gorgeous rambling rose Cecile Brunner is already in full bloom (oops never got it pruned this year either!!)and the blueberries are swellin . I have been picking asparagus for days now -mmmm -delicious! And of course lettuce leaves, sorrel, spinach and swiss chard.
Must find some time to get on top of those pesky weeds though -I hate using chemicals, but the paths are impossible unless I keep them controlled I try to weed by hand in the flower beds and definitely in veggie patch but goodness they have shot up so fast and so flourishingly this year -i despair of gaining the upper hand!! Help!!!! Anyone want to come and help me weed???

Feb flowers

Daffodils dancing!

Tulips twirling!

paperwhites parading

Iris idling

What an array of color for late February.  Such a joy

February

Well we have had a roller coaster ride of Temperatures  and the poor plants must be wondering what on earth is going on.  It is wonderful to see so many spring blooms bringing their joy and beautiful bright colors to cheer us.  Daffodils are still doing well despite the nasty cold snap except the Grand Soleil D'Or that had been blooming for a while -they haven't resurrected, but the ones still in bud or only just opening are fine.  More varieties of daffodil are opening daily it seems and the Muscari aremeniacum, (grape hyacinths) are popping up everwhere with their delightful blue contrast to all the whites and yellows.  They are still in small groups, but nevertheless a delightful sight in the morning.