Joanne McKinnon Garden Photography

Archive for May, 2010

All the Junos are lifted and stored in the garage for the summer. They will be replanted in the fall along with the tulips. A few years ago, I read that the Bucharica bulbs can rot in rainy season. So after they finished blooming, I move them into pots and cover them with sand. So far, I’ve lost no bulbs to rot or pest.

Gardeners Iris Bk

I finally got the Rosa Mundi in the ground. I waited for the nighttime temperature to stay above 12C (53F). Late frost damaged the leaves of some of the other roses. Now I water daily to keep the soil from drying under the hot sun. A layer of shredded leaves will be added on the surface as mulch. The Roseraie de l’Hay next to it is already producing buds.

Yesterday, I’ve received my second order of the season from Richters Herbs. As you can see from the photo, great care goes into securing the plants for shipping. I opened the box immediately and placed the plants in water. All three are in good condition and the blooms assures me that I’ve received the right plants. The plants are Hardy Chicago Fig, Brilliant Geranium (pelargonium) and Scarlet Unique Geranium (pelargonium).

Last fall I placed this pelargonium upside down in a thick paper bag. When stored this way, I take them out once a month to let them soak in a bowl for about an hour. Then back it goes in the paper bag.
When the temperature stays above 12C, it will be planted directly in a flowerbed.

Planted the camassia 3 years ago. They are very though plants. I don’t have a collection page for them yet, but they are in the Exotic bulbs and irises Gallery I also have a white version in a different bed.

In catalogs, you might find them under Indian  hyacinth or Quamash. They grow well in heavy soils.