2015 Perennial Plant of the Year: Biokovo Geranium

BIOKOVA GERANIUM flowers closeup.jpg beechwoodlandscapecom   The Perennial Plant Association (PPA), annually names an outstanding plant its “Perennial of the Year.”  The 2015 selection is an easy-to-grow hardy geranium groundcover (spreading) perennial, Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’, which is a cultivar that is native to the Biokovo Mountains in Croatia.  It is said to be hardy in zones 4-8.  It begins blooming in late spring, lasting through summer, with tiny white-petaled flowers, tinged ...

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Driveway Garden Creation

Driveway Garden AfterThe typical suburban landscape sports a double driveway up from the street, with a strip of space between the top of the driveway and the front door that needs to provide interest throughout the year.

This area is a space that the homeowners see whenever they leave from or return to the house.  It is the first area the visitor sees, and often is a very open ...

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2014 Perennial Plant of the Year: Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (Switchgrass)

Panicum Northwind summer foliage

Each year, the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) names an outstanding plant its “Perennial of the Year.”  The selection for 2014 is Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’,  an ornamental grass that was a runner-up in 2012.  This is one of the first PPA winners in recent history that I have not personally grown and used in landscapes, so ...

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2013 Perennial Plant of the Year: Solomon’s Seal

Once again, I am delighted to learn of the latest – 2013 – selection of  “Perennial Plant of the Year” by the Perennial Plant Association:  Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Variegated Solomon’s Seal).  This outstanding plant has been one of my all-time favorite perennials mainly because of its stunning foliage, habit, and vitality that add color and spark to the shady woodland garden.

Solomon’s Seal stands 2 ½ to 3 feet ...

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