NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB

BY ALAN MCLAY

now was falling outdoors on April 11, but inside the Firehall, members of the Garden Club were treated to a visual feast of colourful flowers and foliage. Suzanne Patry, the owner of Whitehouse Perennials near Almonte, spoke to us on the topic Perennials for the Year 2000.

Gardening has become increasingly popular; it is now the number one hobby in North America. There is great interest in new plants, especially perennials, to grow in our gardens. New varieties are developed through hybrid crossbreeding in nurseries, through "sports" that occur naturally in ordinary gardens and more recently, through the process of tissue cloning in test-tubes in laboratories. New species are also imported in North America from countries around the world. In addition, interest has been revived in some old favourites that have fallen out of fashion.

Suzanne illustrated the incredible variety of perennials that are now available in our area with slides of gardens and nurseries in North America and Europe, including Whitehouse.

Most peonies need to be staked or supported by a cage, but some new varieties such as Red Charm can stand up after a rainstorm. Japanese iris is tall with huge flowers, while Arctic iris is a heavy bloomer with lovely foliage that grows only a foot high. Siberian irises are now grown in a wide variety of colours. The foliage remains green throughout the summer and gives a vertical look to your garden.

Astilbes also provide attractive foliage as well as blooms, which may be left over the winter or cut for dried flower arrangements. Astilbes need lots of water during the summer and do best in partial shade.

Many new cultivars of daylilies have been developed in a wide range of colours, such as Ruffled Apricot and Jungle Beauty. Some varieties in the Siloam series have double flowers like peonies. Yellow spider daylilies have an unusual flower with delicate petals that blends well in a mixed planting. Foxtail lilies are desert plants with tall spikes that grow well in dry conditions.

Ligularia is a tall plant with burgundy-coloured foliage and yellow flowers. It likes a dark, wet spot and doesn't need staking. On the other hand, Delphiniums do have to be staked. They should be cut back down after the blooms are finished in order to get a second blooming.

Monarda is a rampant grower with brilliant scarlet flowers. It is a tough plant, easy to grow, that combines well with other perennials. Members expressed their appreciation to Suzanne for a most interesting and enjoyable presentation.

Spring Perennial Exchange: May 13, 9.30 am, at Brewer Park.