At my last garden (in Toronto), I dug a large flower bed in a full-sun location with the express intention of preserving it as an area for growing cut flowers destined exclusively for the vase. The first year I planted varieties that can be difficult to blend successfully in static herbaceous borders, such as bells of Ireland, gladioli, sunflowers and tuberoses. But due to … [Read more...] about Cut flowers, harvested fresh from your garden
Phlox paniculata
‘Blue Paradise’ summer phlox
I’ve always got something to say about blue plants, and there’s happy satisfaction when I acquire another blue beauty for my small and growing collection. There was particular joy when I found a pot of ‘Blue Paradise’ summer phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’, Zone 5) this spring, now lavishly blooming in the sunny front bed. ‘Blue Paradise’ is one of the modern phlox … [Read more...] about ‘Blue Paradise’ summer phlox
Dealing with mildew on phlox
I've had an early onset of mildew on summer phlox (Phlox paniculata) this year. These scented, long-blooming perennials are one of the backbones of summer gardens, providing a broad range of colours from midsummer through to first fall frost. Mildew pathogens infect the stems, flowers and foliage, growing quickly to make phlox clumps seriously unsightly. When phlox is severely … [Read more...] about Dealing with mildew on phlox
