This site is updated monthly providing you with the best links for gardening information.

(Bloom) Life after Labor Day
by Margaret Sobel, Newsletter Editor


On September 2, 2008, Michael and I stuffed the GCGB Newsletter into envelopes, attached the address labels and stamps and prepared to mail them.  I then went out into his garden to retrieve Carlita, my wire-haired fox terrier.  There, Michael pointed out three outstanding plants that were still blooming after labor day.  For those interested in unusual plants that are easy to grow and bloom at the end of summer and before the Asters and Mums begin, please scroll down.


Clematis heracleifolia  

Beyond vines, the shrub clematis can provide wonderful free-standing pleasure.  The stems are encircled with balls of blue reflexed blossoms every 8" in a fashion similar to Callicarpa (Beautyberry)

Alstroemeria

Two hardy cultivars are available from the Wayside Catalog.  'Freedom' has pink blossoms and 'Sweet Laura' has yellow.  These perennials spread slowly and bloom continuously for five months.  Commonly seen as cut flowers in restaurants and supermarkets, you can easily grow these Peruvian Lilies.





 

Rudbekia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

This Black Eyed Susan blooms in late July, but the blossoms last 6 - 8 weeks.  When was the last time that you saw such finely quilled petals?



Contact us.  We would like to feature your garden!