Search

A long bloom time and compact growth habit combine to make this hardy shrub a winner for foundation plantings and mixed beds. FEATURES ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS A network of anonymous gardening professionals from various regions of the United States and Canada evaluate new, not-yet-sold cultivars in about 80 test gardens each growing season, judging them against comparable selections that are already on the market. Having already recommended so many garden-worthy native grasses, for 2022 the GreatPlants selection committee had to look beyond the usual cold-hardy perennial grasses and choose a tender plant, ruby grass. Flowering on Easy on the Eyes is heavy enough to obscure its foli-28 age, but behind the bloom the leaves remain clean and glossy throughout the growing season. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "EDITOR'S NOTE," discusses the author's inspiration for an article on conifers with flat or scale-like leaves. The author describes how they were inspired by the contrast between a dwarf Alberta spruce and a Jade Waves false cypress in their own garden. They then reached out to a knowledgeable plantsman for recommendations on conifers with flat leaves, which are featured in the article. The article also mentions that it includes advice from various other garden professionals on topics such as labyrinth building, hügelkultur, sedges, ecological gardening, and vegetable growing. The author believes that each professional's advice will spark ideas for readers' gardens. [Extracted from the article]

Habit: This deciduous tree slowly grows from 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, with a weeping branch habit. It's said that the weeping forms of this tree trace their heritage to a centuries-old tree at a monastery in Morioka, Japan. It is surprisingly adaptable to soil type, but this tree prefers rich, slightly acidic soil with good drainage and even moisture, which can be promoted with mulch. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the mast year phenomenon of trees that can happen up to five years apart. Topics include species of trees that are synchronously productive in a mast year including oak trees, nut genera and seed-bearing trees including sugar maples, white spruce and beech trees. Also discussed are hypotheses of scientists about mast years including trees withholding food during non-mast years, pollens carrying information to trees and environmental conditions leading to masting behavior.