Wisteria sinensis

Wisteria is rampant; it can grow in full sun or heavy shade, in which case it will grow until it reaches a satisfactory level of light. It is not fussy about soil type or moisture, although its preference is a reasonably a moist, well drained, rich to average mix.Light: Sun preferred.Moisture: Average.Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-9.Propagation: Cuttings, layers, grafts, seed. Easy to root by pulling the vine to the ground and placing a pile of earth over it.

All wisterias are stunning bloomers, bearing large, drooping clusters of fragrant bluish-purple, lavender, mauve or white flowers in late spring to early summer

Clematis paniculata (C. terniflora)

Blooms:
Late Summer to Fall
Flower Color:
White
Sun-Shade:
Full Sun to Mostly Shady
Accent Color:
Silver
Soil Condition:
Normal
Plant Height:
Tall
Zones:
z5,z6,z7,z8
This plant can be found in the following list(s):
Fragrant Winter Interest Rabbit Resistant

Plants that attract Hummingbirds OK in containers -

Plants that attract Butterflies

Iris sibirica

A bulb is a specialized underground organ consisting of a short, fleshy, usually vertical stem axis (basal plate) bearing at the top a growing point or a flower bud enclosed by thick, fleshy scales. There are two types of bulbs: the tunicate or laminate type represented by the daffodil and tulip, and the non-tunicate or scaly type represented by the lily. Small bulbs called bulblets form at the base of the mother bulb and, with some lilies, along the underground stem. Some plants also produce aerial bulbs called bulbils.
A corm is the swollen base of a stem axis enclosed by dry, scale-like leaves. Examples include crocus and gladiolus. In contrast to a true bulb, a corm is a solid stem structure with distinct nodes and internodes. Small corms produced around the base of the old corm are called cormels.
A tuber is a modified stem structure that develops on underground stems. Examples include Irish potato and caladium. A few plants produce small aerial tubers known as tubercles.
Some sources make a further distinction among tubers, referring to structures that arise primarily from enlarged stem tissue as tuberous stems. These structures, in tuberous begonia and gloxinia for example, develop at the soil surface.
Certain species of herbaceous, perennials such as sweet potato and dahlia produce thickened underground roots. These structures are called tuberous roots (fat roots or fleshy roots) and have the same external and internal structure as normal roots.
A rhizome is a specialized stem structure in which the main stem of the plant grows horizontally at or just below the soil surface. Examples include iris, canna, and lily-of-the-valley. Rhizomes bear the same internal and external structure as true stems.

Dreams of Sunflowers

A garden of Sunflowers

A garden of Sunflower beckoned to me -Come join us, my lady,

and joyous you'll be!
We're large ones and small ones, some dainty and fair,

And even some delicate to wear in your hair.
We follow the sun, swaying slowly without a care,

We have a new dance that with you we will share.
Gently hold onto our leaves, allow us to lead the way,

To our Sunflower two-step, dancing throughout the day.
I couldn't resist them, so dandy a sight!

So off I did go in my Sunflower flight.
What a glorious time, right up til twilight,

And then I had to bid my Sunflowers good-night.
So happy were we, a long day filled with fun,

Upon leaving I kissed them, each and every one.
So tender the moment, as I turned to leave.

With eyes brimmed with tears, could I truly believe?
OH! It was so true!! I then knew it to be!!!

I had to smile, 'cause they were all winking at me!!!!
~Author Unknown~

Wonderful Hydrangeas

Hydrangea macrophylla - the Big Leaf Hydrangea

Pruning:
Big Leaf Hydrangeas typically do not require much pruning - but if you wish to build a tighter plant or maintain a shorter size follow these instructions:
The flower buds form in later summer and then flower the next year in early to mid summer. The best time to prune is it after it blooms, from mid-July to mid-August. Selectively prune out any dead stems, or old non-flower producing stems. Cease pruning in mid-august to allow time for the flower buds to form prior to winter.
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5
Bloom Time: Summer
Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, White, Purple, Each cultivar is a different - The color can also change depending upon the soil pH.
Foliage Color: Glossy Green
Fall Color: Green or yellow
Size: 1 – 5 feet, depending upon cultivar and climate
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil
Watering: High moisture. Moisture is a necessity of this plant.
Wildlife: None
Type: Deciduous
Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees & shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application. Flower color is affected by pH. For blue flowers, the soil must be more acidic and for pink flowers, the soil must be more alkaline. An easy way to induce blue flowers is to add one tablespoon of Aluminum sulfate to a gallon of water and soak the roots in early spring.Treat two times.

ROOTING CUTTINGS Take a cutting from a branch of the hydrangea shrub about 5-6" long.The cutting will work best if taken from a branch that did not flower this year.
Remove the lower leaves of the bottom two leaf nodes.(see pictures #3 and #4)
Cut largest leaves down to about half their size
Dip cuttings in rooting hormone (this is entirely optional) and insert into damp vermiculite,coarse sand or other sterile medium.
Water pot well and allow to drain. Make sure soil is moist but not soggy.Cover cuttings and pot with plastic. Try to keep plastic from touching leaves by adding stakes (see picture)
O.K., I admit I stuck three steps in number 5, but this really is simple.
TIPS: Place cuttings in bright light. NEVER PLACE NEW CUTTINGS IN THE SUN. They will cook in the plastic. And even if they are not in plastic, they should be placed in a bright shady area.
Do not water again until top of soil begins to feel slightly dry. Overwatering will cause cuttings to rot.
Expect cuttings to begin to form roots in 2-3 weeks depending on temperature (faster in warm weather)and humidity. Some cuttings root in as little as one week. If a tug on the cutting resists the pull, it is rooting.
NOTE on overwintering cuttings: Getting cuttings through the first winter without a greenhouse is the hardestpart of starting new hydrangeas from cuttings. Start new cuttings early in the summer to give them the best chance for surviving the winter.
While some people manage to take cuttings through the winter indoors, in general, this does not work well. Hydrangeas do best if grown outdoors. Here are two suggestions for getting cuttings through the winter: (1) sink pots of cuttings into the ground and cover well with lightweight mulch, and (2) put smaller pots of cuttings next to a foundation and cover them with large clay pots for the winter.

Dreaming of foxgloves

foxglove is Digitalis.
Plant Category: Most foxglove species are biennial
Hardiness Zones: zones 4-9.

Foliage: Foxglove leaves grow in large rosette clump close to the ground above which the flower stalks are held.
Growth Habit: vertical
Dimensions: 5’ tall and 1’ shade and