If you are new to hydrangeas and looking for the best varieties to grow here in the northern half of Wisconsin, or a lifetime expert searching for something new and exciting, the panicle hydrangeas are the ones that do the best here in the our area. They are built for Midwest gardens.
Panicle hydrangeas are those that form cone-shaped clusters of blooms, some quite exaggerated. Some of these conical flower clusters may be a foot in length on some of the larger varieties.
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The colors of August are now showing. Some of the most dynamic and dramatic blooms of the year show off their brilliant colors and elegant forms during the month of August. From native wildflowers and prairie grasses to voluptuous flowering shrubs, August is a spectacular time in the yard and garden.
One of just about everyone’s favorite summer blooms is the classic hydrangea. Among the easiest hydrangeas to grow here in northern Wisconsin are the many varieties of smooth hydrangeas.
Smooth hydrangeas are those in the same family as the classic Annabelle. Many of the smooth hydrangeas are of this type of “mop head” hydrangea. Many of the classic, old hydrangeas are in the smooth hydrangea family.
With hundreds of varieties of petunias to choose from as you visit different garden centers throughout the area, some of my favorites are still the old-fashioned, heirloom double-blooming petunias.
These are the types of petunias that my grandma used to grow, filling containers and hanging baskets with their beautiful, rose-like blossoms. She always loved these more than the single blooming petunias, as they provided a lusher look and more exotic appearance. They elevate petunia gardening to the next level.
June is Invasive Species Awareness/Action Month, a timeframe designated to help you become more aware of invasive species in your area, as well as measures to help control and/or eradicate them.
Native species are those that have been in our area, or any native landscape, before the time of white settlers arriving and staking claim to these lands. These are species that are indigenous here and have been here for, in some cases, millions of years.
Throughout our area, the dainty beauty of dwarf bearded irises now adorn garden beds and borders. Of shorter stature than the tall bearded iris that come later in May and June, the dwarf bearded iris are a joy unto themselves.
For those who may not have the space for the mass of tall bearded iris, or those who are looking for iris varieties for the front of garden beds and borders and walkways, dwarf bearded iris are ideal.
Indeed, these traditional, heirloom wildflowers are beginning to bloom throughout Wisconsin, including large numbers right here in our area.
I enjoyed trilliums at a number of locations recently. Large-flowered trilliums are now in bloom at locations along the Wolf River and rich woodlands throughout Shawano, Oconto, Waupaca, Marinette, Outagamie, Menominee and Brown counties, as well as other locations.
For many gardeners in our area, it’s all about the petunias. Colorful, splashy and long lasting, petunias are a favorite — and for good reason.
As happens every year, plant breeders and growers are introducing a variety of brand new petunias to whet the appetites of eager gardeners. There are new petunia varieties available in many colors and patterns, as well as improved varieties that are said to be stronger and longer lasting than their original namesakes.
With warm weather the past few weeks, the daffodils have begun their annual spring dance. Yards and gardens throughout the area are bursting with the sunshine colors of daffodils in full April bloom.
One of the earliest spring blooming bulbs to emerge, daffodils appear in many shapes, sizes and colors, much to the delight of winter weary gardeners. Their bright colors, often in shades of yellow and orange, bring to life the new spring and bring cheer and joy to those who watch them.
As I’ve mentioned several times over the past few months, gardening for pollinators has become more popular than ever with recent bad news surrounding bumblebees, monarch butterflies and other pollinators. We simply must do more to help these amazing and necessary creatures.
This week, here are some tips and projects you can take on at home to help pollinators locally, right in your own backyard.
I enjoyed trilliums at a number of locations recently. Large-flowered trilliums are now in bloom at locations along the Wolf River and rich woodlands throughout Shawano, Oconto, Waupaca, Marinette, Outagamie, Menominee and Brown counties, as well as other locations.
