Where Gardening Dreams Take Root...
Current Happenings
What a time to come into the role of Perennial Manager! As with any new job, one tends to be a little scatterbrained in the beginning. I’m feeling either the scatter, or the brain, at any given moment, just trying to keep this ship tight. As for happenings, winter lingers as we order all the earliest varieties for April and May. This remains a constant reminder that spring is right around the corner. We have begun prepping the perennial department to accommodate the influx of color and greenery, and with the sun shining this afternoon as I write this, it seems right on my tail. I’m looking forward to brightening your yard with gorgeous solutions that will accommodate your individual needs.
Trendy New Perennials
Though Geranium ‘Rozanne’ isn’t a new perennial for this year, it has been honored with the “2008 Perennial of the Year” title and its characteristics make it an exciting addition to any garden. Allan Armitage, professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, is quoted as saying, “Violet-blue flowers in great abundance all summer! Foliage healthy all 
summer! The best geranium in our trial for bloom, vigor, foliage health and overall attractiveness.” With blooms that just won’t quit, a high heat tolerance, and incredible vigor, this makes a great choice for many locations. It has the stand-alone beauty perfect for pots. 
Meet the new Yarrow, ‘Pink Grapefruit’, which will bring you wonderful flower uniformity, vigorous growth, and a strong stature. This variety opens a deep rose-pink that fades pleasantly to pale creamy rose. Their flattened flower heads introduce a fresh shape into a perennial border. They bloom from June to September and work excellent as cut flowers, fresh or dried.
Bellflower ‘Blue Waterfall’ is a Bellflower variety that has a lovely cascading habit. Although some members of this genus have upright stems and flowers, 'Blue Waterfall' belongs to a group of Bellflowers or Campanulas that are low, mat-forming creepers. It has been known to reach a good spread the first year, and then double in size the second year. It makes an excellent choice for drier areas, an excellent plant for a rock garden walls, patio containers, win
dow boxes, hanging baskets, and large pots.
Echinacea 'Merlot' is a wonderful, easy to grow introduction. Like a fine wine, ‘Merlot’ has many attributes making it a delicious choice. It has sturdy wine red stems that give way to numerous, large rose pink flowers. The masses of fragrant, long-lasting flowers work great for cut flowers.
Services to Make Life Easier
We would be happy to plant specific perennials in pots, planters, or mixed containers to provide you with an instant burst of color for your deck or patio, or for someone else’s.
Contact the Perennial Manager
My name is Katie Schwarz and you can contact me by email at
perennials@reillyssummerseatfarm.com Or call me at 412-364-8662
