Georgia Perimeter College Native Plant Botanical Garden

3251 Panthersville Rd, Decatur, GA 30034, visit their website for more details

www.gpc.edu/~decbt

Large Leaf Bamboo Fern

Last week along with two garden friends Rosemary and Anne, I visited the Georgia Perimeter College Botanical Garden and came away with a list of ferns I want to try in my own garden.  Under the guidance of George Sanko whose enthusiasm is contagious, they have amassed an impressive and diverse collection of ferns that includes both native and exotic types. And, the good news is that some of these will be available at their regular plants sales this fall on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They will also offer companion plants to grow with your ferns.  On this visit a number of ferns caught my attention including the Large Leaf Bamboo Fern, Coniogramme japonica ‘Variegata,’ Bamboo Fern, Coniogramme japonica, Dwarf Holly fern, Crytomium caryotideum, Thelypteris beddomei ‘Korean Traveler,’ which spreads by runners; Walking Maidenhair, Adiantum caudatum, Northern Maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum and Ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris. A striking combination of the Dixie Wood fern, Dryopteris x australis with the hardy Needle Palm, Rhaphidophyllum hystrix is perfect for adding drama in the shade garden.

Northern Maidenhair Fern

Needle Palm and Dixie Wood Fern

Narrow Glade Fern

Agave americana in full bloom

Today, July 16, 2010 I was visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden and had the thrill of seeing Agave americana in bloom.  This is not your average plant and to see it towering up next to a conifer was exciting.  It is worth the trip.  I also enjoyed seeing Leucophyllum frutescens var. compactum in full bloom.  If you decide to grow it make sure you give it excellent drainage.  Not easy to find at nurseries, you may have luck with mail order-places like Yucca-Du.

either link should work 

Pennisetum 'Fireworks,' Euphorbia 'Shorty,' and Coreopsis 'Route 66'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMInRh5e-QE

http://octoberskiespro.com/work/PPA/

Heuchera 'Caramel' and Penstemon 'Husker Red'

Just in time for Mother’s Day

May 8-Eagle Eye Bookstore, Decatur, GA 1-2:30pm Book Signing by Erica Glasener

Proven Plants Southern Gardens  

2076 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033

404-486-0307

www.eagleeyebooks.com

While they last I will have an assortment of plants to give away.  One plant for each copy of my new book that you purchase.  Free advice.  Come with your plant questions.

Here are a few of my favorites with photos

For Sun I like Kalimeris pinnatifida  Zone 4 to 8

Kalimeris pinnatifida

 Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’  Zone 5 to 8

Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' and peonies

For Shade

Heuchera ‘Citronelle’  Zone 4 to 8

Heuchera 'Citronelle'

Live music, cocktail buffet, silent auction with lots of great items plus a live auction.  This event is to raise money for the beautification and enhancement of the Historic Oakland Cemetery landscape, to purchase tickets ($50.00 each) and more info visit www.oaklandcemetery.com

Helleborus foetidus blooms in February

Join me on February 24, 2010 from 3-5pm EST to talk about my new book Proven Plants Southern Gardens, I’ll do my best to help you solve your garden problems.  Remember it’s all about the right plant for the right place and now is the best time to plan for spring.  To participate in this free event become a facebook fan of www.gardenbookstore.com and rsvp for the event at the following link: http://bit.ly/9NKv4K