Plants of CARE, plant recognition program

Although plant programs such as: Brent & Becky Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com; David Austin Roses, www.davidaustinroses.com; PDSI, www.encoreazalea.com; Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com; Renee Seeds, www.reneesgarden.com; Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com ; and Weeks Roses, www.weeksroses.com distribute to local and/or national markets, their products do not necessarily have a regional plants of CARE perspective. So, recommended plants of CARE are so-to-speak proven to be ‘tried and true’ to a region – specifically, have an ability to inspire people to CARE – have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. Plants subjected to regional testing are: • Annuals are plants which are zone specific and recognized to not survive year-a-round. • Biennials are plants that produce leaves the first year, fruit/flower and seed the second year and then, die back. • Perennials are plants which continue more than two years but typically die back seasonally. • And, zone hardy deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are plants which survive year around and do not necessarily seasonally die back. The first selected ‘plant of CARE’ was the redbud tree/shrub. Why? The redbud tree/shrub has proven to be a plant that adapts to almost any landscape, through prolific self-seeding is renewable, contributes to both critter and people habitats, is a relatively disease free minimal consumer of support resources; but more importantly, profusely blooms in the Spring inspiring all to ‘dig in the dirt’. Since implementation in April of 2012, the ‘Plants of CARE’ program has identified and recommended plants for their eco sustainable characteristics; and specifically for the ability to connect people with the living green that surrounds them. For example, Sweetbay (Magnolia Virginiana) also known as white-bay laurel was recommended because it is credited for the naming of my local community – Laurel – located in central Virginia. For, it is the fragrance of blooming laurel trees which enables those who reside in this community to recall their heritage - legacy, a neighborhood that is more than the ghost of a whistle stop. Other Plants Selected for Recognition by Plants of CARE Program - American Beauties LLC, a partnership between Prides Corner Farms located Lebanon CT, and North Creek Nurseries located Landenberg PA, is a team of experts dedicated to identifying plants which guarantee landscapes that provide food and habitat for a variety of desirable critters. For details, visit the American Beauties web site, www.abnativeplants.com. Cucumber "Heirloom Armenian", known for its extra crispy crunch, is mild flavored skin, burpless, and always bitter free cucumber which is an eastern European heirloom that is extremely popular with home gardeners. Eastern Redcedar ‘Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana’ is a plant identified to flourish in multiple climate zones. Recognized as providing eco sustainable habitats, its vibrant characteristics have intrigued mankind for centuries. Viewed as a plant to establish a ‘holy place’, Quakers installed cedar trees to mark grave sites. Renee's Garden Specialty Eggplants Italian - Identified by gardener Renee Shepherd as a trio of delicious Italian eggplants, the combination of Nadia, Beatrice and Rosa Bianca is spotlighted as a combo that provides strong plants with velvety leaves, lavender blooms and abundant crops of glossy fruits. Why this Italian combo? The plants are identified to flourish nation-wide. It is recommended to start plants as seedlings and then, transplant. Successful plantings require both day and night temperature to remain above 55 degrees. What makes these plants different? They flourish in multiple climate zones, and through vibrant characteristics, have intrigued gardeners such as Renee Shepherd, nation-wide. Luffa/Loofah Aegyptiaca, used for centuries by Asian and African cultures as a food source, sponge-like seed pod is also used in various applications such as soaps, mats; and, more commonly, a bath sponge. Pumpkin “Hijinks Hybrid", bred by Sakata® Seed America Inc., is a 2011 All-America Selections vegetable winner. It produces fruit ranging in size from six to seven pounds with a uniform size and shape. Tested in gardens nation-wide, the Hijinks is observed to deliver high yields and have notable resistance to powdery mildew. American Persimmon is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as viable food sources for people and/or wildlife. Native fruit trees such as persimmon can be grown to produce food for people and/or wildlife while protecting soil, water and air quality. Annabelle Hydrangeas is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as awe inspiring blooms. Like most other hydrangeas, they prefer morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled shade all day, especially in the south. Crape/Crepe Myrtle, common name for Lagerstroemia Indica, usually developed as a small deciduous shrub or tree, typically peaks at 30 feet in height and in bloom, boasts spectacular masses of fluffy red, pink, purple and/or white flowers throughout the summer season. Perhaps one of the more beloved trees in the South, crape myrtle trees were initially imported from China. American Holly Ilex opaca, a small tree or large shrub, can grow up to 60 feet tall. It grows from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, and is adapted to a wide range of site conditions. While it grows best on well drained sandy soils, it will tolerate those which are somewhat poorly drained. Meeker Raspberry, common name for Rubus ‘Meeker’, is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as awe inspiring fruit. Developed by Washington State University and released as a new cultivar in 1967, Meeker is vigorous with long fruiting laterals. Viola sororia, a genus of over 500 species worldwide with 30 species native to North America and commonly known as violets, are small plants that come in a variety of flower colors, leaf shapes and forms. They provide nectar for bees and are host plants for several fritillary butterflies. Two common species (V. sororia and V. bicolor) may be used in low maintenance settings such as meadows and naturalized lawns. What makes the Viola sororia different? These plants flourish in multiple climate zones, are recognized to enable eco sustainable habitats; and through their vibrant characteristics, have intrigued mankind for centuries. Emerald Snow® Loropetalum is cover with pure white blooms in spring, and sporadically through summer and fall. This shrub-like plant has dense, green foliage with lime green new growth. In addition to its sustainability, what makes Emerald Snow® Loropetalum different? This plant flourishes in multiple climate zones, is recognized to enable eco sustainable habitats; and through its vibrant characteristics, intrigued gardeners nation-wide. As a result, it was selected by Plant Development Services Inc. (PDSI) as one of their Southern Living® Plant Collection. Obsession™ Nandina, new and distinctive nandina, is an upright, compact, dense grower with brilliant red new foliage, and richer color than ordinary nandinas. This shrub plant is evergreen and thrieves in USDA Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. It key feature is variegated foliage and can be used as accent, container, mass or slope plantings. ‘Butter & Eggs’ daffodil – Naturalized plants spread as if native to the environment. As a person who resides on family generational property, Wright is privileged to experience anew heirloom plants which naturalize on her property. One such plant of unique sustainability is the ‘Butter & Eggs’ daffodil. Peter Barr, the great British daffodil collector, hybridizer and nurseryman of the late 1800’s mentions the ‘Butter & Eggs’ daffodil. Barr states - "Of this there are at least two varieties differing in the colour of the flower, and the shade of green in the foliage. One appears to have come from a pure full yellow, the other from a Sulphur yellow, and for observation it is suggested that the yellow more generally gives the full rose-like flower, and the Sulphur the full cup of florets with the divisions of the perianth free as in the single. It is moreover suggested that from this latter the occasional single flowers come". 'Mock Orange' - For introducing a stunning citrus fragrance in the garden, you can’t go wrong with Mock Orange shrub (Philadelphus virginalis). This late spring-blooming deciduous bush looks great when placed in a border, used in groups as screening or simply as stand-alone specimen plants. Though it’s not a true orange, its name is derived from the fragrant white flowers which in some varieties are thought to resemble that of orange blossoms. Mock orange shrubs are hardy in Zones 4-8. They enjoy areas with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Adding compost to the soil will help improve most issues. Mock orange bushes come in many varieties, ranging in height from 4-8 feet or more. For its heirloom qualities and ability to naturalize an environment, plant ‘Mock Orange’ ‘is recognized as a ‘Plants of CARE’, July of 2016. For those who do not have the privilege of hosting such a plant, it is available through vendors such as Monrovia, www.monrovia.com . Snowdrop flower bulbs (Galanthus) are grown in cold and moderate winter regions; so, be aware they truly dislike warm winters. If you live in Southern California, Florida or other hot climates, you will need to pass on having snowdrop flowers in your garden. Snowdrops are a relatively pest-free plant. Rabbits and deer prefer to not eat them, and most chipmunks and mice also leave them alone. Snowdrops tend to naturalize in a garden; and in fact, after a couple of years, clump of bulbs can be quite dense. So, after blooming, simply dig up the clump, separate the bulbs and immediately replant them in the new spaces. Because Snowdrops flower early in the year, they should be plant in an area that can easily be seen. Dormant by late spring, they rest underground until next year. To avoid accidental disturbance plant ferns or hosta next to snowdrops. The summer growth of such plants will conceal bare spaces over the dormant snowdrop bulbs. What makes Snowdrops different? This plant flourishes in multiple climate zones, is recognized to enable eco sustainable habitats; and through its vibrant characteristics, has intrigued gardeners nation-wide. As a result, it is selected as a "Plants of Care." Ginkgo biloba is hailed as undoubtedly one of the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees. Its unique, fan-shaped leaves turn a stunning yellow color in the fall; and, can tolerate many urban conditions including heat, air pollution, salt and confined spaces. The tree also comes with a bit of history. The Ginkgo tree is a living fossil, with the earliest leaf fossils dating from 270 million years ago. It was rediscovered in 1691 in China and brought to America in the late 1700s. The seeds and leaves have been (and are still today) used in medicine throughout the world. What makes Ginkgo biloba different? This plant flourishes in multiple climate zones, is recognized to enable eco sustainable habitats; and through its vibrant characteristics, has intrigued gardeners such as Louise Odell Blanks Cochrane nation-wide. As a result, it is selected as a "Plants of Care." David Austin roses- In the early 1950s David Austin, www.davidaustinroses.com, set out to create a more beautiful rose. From a hobby breeder as a young teenager Austin has gone on to breed a collection of roses renowned across the world. All have beautiful blooms and in most cases wonderful fragrance held on graceful attractive shrubs. A garden of these outstanding roses is hard to beat for sheer exuberance of flower and fragrance. What makes these plants different? They flourish in multiple climate zones, and through vibrant characteristics, have intrigued gardeners such as Louise Odell Blanks Cochrane nation-wide. Nominations for Plants of CARE are solicited and accepted. To participate, provide a description that identifies the nominated plant - its origin, picture, landscape garden characteristics, and specifically why the plant should be included in the Plants of CARE program; if possible, also provide plant material that can be tested in my central Virginia garden. For details of such plants, view video Landscape Gardening with CARE - https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc or link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com . To recommend a plant, contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com