April Showers Bring May Flowers?

Hello again! In the past, I've only shown you the plants in the landscape. But I think that the plants in the containers are equally important. If not, email me at kmcgowen@midwestgroundcovers.com and let me know otherwise. Today I want to show you the American Beauties Native Plants(TM) that we carry. Like I said on a previous post, these plants are geared to the garden center. However, they offer great merit to the landscaper as well. Here are some of the fine examples we have growing in our greenhouses.

Iris virginica shrevei
This is a very nice wetland plant. It will be very successful in a moist area or a sunny rain garden. It will decline if given any shade or dry conditions. The foliage is a dark green, very sturdy sword like leaf. It is very attractive even when not in flower.

Baptisia australis
I'll be doing another piece on Baptisia once they are blooming in the landscape. We have so much to show you! Who wouldn't want this in their yard or garden center? Beautiful herbaceous shrub, with pea like foliage. One of the best characteristics of this plant is actually its winter appeal. Once frost appears, foliage and seed pods turn black making a great contrast with the snow.

Mertensia virginica
How can you not love the flowers of Virginia Bluebells? Some of my fondest spring memories involve sitting in a patch of Mertensia in full bloom. This is an ephemeral so it will lose its leaves in summer, but it's spring display is one for all ages.

In the Garden:

With all the rain and cool weather, it seems as though spring hasn't totally figured out whether it's time to awake or just sleep walk. Some things are happening, but others are curiously absent. For example, Hamamelis or Witchhazel, is blooming and almost spent. Yet Cornus mas or Cornelian Cherry, is struggling to break bud. My memories are that they are almost always simultaneous. So we'll see. It could be a goofy year for the plants in the landscape. Let's hope not, but who knows. So in the garden and looking great are the same plants from last week with one beautiful addition; Chiondoxa. Check it out!

In Production:

It occurred to me the other day how lucky I am to be able to see how we propagate plants. Our Quonsets get filled the brim with seed flats and itty bitty plants emerge. For your viewing pleasure, I will show you a couple pictures of our current production of native plants. Enjoy!

Look at those little guys and girls! Thanks for reading this week. I hope you have a safe weekend and a great day!