Annual Notes

Spring 2008- Vol. 21 No.1

The greenhouse is always our favorite place to pass through as we race from one end of the nursery to the other.  It is always warm and feels like summer.  The unusually temperate sunny weather has really pushed things along so much so that several batches of pesto have already been made from the tender leaves of the hundred or so basil plants that need pinching. 
  
We grow many of the old standard annuals that have been tried and always fulfill our expectations.  But over the years we have come to enjoy some less common varieties.  Many of these would have been found in old cottage gardens and the only way to grow them is from seed which is what we do here.  Seed germination is always a guessing game so we never know if we will have an abundant supply or just a few.  Still each year plant the seeds.
  
Some of our favorites are listed below.  Many of them will be just little seedlings when you buy them but we promise you will not be disappointed.  Be sure to read up on these annuals so you know how much space in your garden these plants will need when they mature.

   4’clocks
   Calendula varieties
   Celosia ‘Flamingo Feather’
   Bachelor Button
   Nicotiana - fragrant varieties
   Scabiosa in dark burgundy shades
   Zinnia, tall for cutting
   Amberboa - a new plant for us.  It looks like a bachelor button and is an excellent   cut flower.
   Himalayan Poppy ( the blue poppy)
   Poppies - many annual varieties that will freely self-sow.
   Nasturtium varieties
   Castor Beans
   Scarlet Runner Beans
   Morning Glory Vine
   Hyacinth Beans
   Chocolate Cosmos
   Ornamental Beets and Kale
   Cosmos (orange and yellow shades)

Filling planters, hanging baskets and window boxes is a favorite job in the greenhouse.  Coming up with new combinations is a challenge we all love and there is a serious competition to see who’s creation will be this year’s favorite.  To help you with your projects we carry many annuals in 3 inch pots.  They are already a good size with good root growth so they will quickly become established.  Stop in and look at our complete list of annuals grown this year.