Amaryllis

By Ms Sherry

I love to have an amaryllis blooming indoors in the winter. The big box stores as well as the smaller nurseries sell bulbs in late fall; amaryllis then provide a burst of color during the winter months. Watching an amaryllis come to life in the house is an amazing experience as they can go from a bulb to full flower in just a few weeks. If you have never grown one, try one this winter. You will be hooked.

An amaryllis (hippeastrum) in the garden is just as much of a joy as one on the windowsill. The blooms (in red, pink, white, even striped) can measure eight to nine inches across and grow on nice fat stems (which can reach two feet tall); amaryllis have vibrant strap-like green leaves. Amaryllis really can liven up a perennial bed. 

The amaryllis in the photograph, sadly, are not mine but live in a neighbor’s yard in huge pots which he stores in his garage over the winter. He tells me all he does is water them. If you want to try your hand at growing amaryllis, plant them in part to full sun and keep them watered during the growing season. Be sure to check the label to see that the amaryllis you choose is winter hardy in your climate zone.

If a bed of amaryllis at the front of your house does not stop traffic, it can really slow it down. This majestic beauty is a splendid addition to any landscape. 

Weigelas, a Swan in the Garden

By Ms Sherry

Tri colored tubular flowers in shades of white, pink and, dark pink populate the same shrub.

The weigela shines during spring! When this deciduous shrub is not in bloom, it may almost be considered the ugly duckling in the garden. But once spring is here this plain Jane turns into a swan. Weigelas appear bullet proof; they bloom in hot sun to part sun, don’t seem very picky about the soil, are not prone to disease or insects, and can easily survive the drought. However, they can get very big, soon taking over the space around them. To me they are best in a supporting rather than a main role. But their wonderful springtime show earns the weigela a place in every landscape, if you give your weigela the right amount of room to flourish. Depending on the cultivar weigelas can reach 15 feet tall and almost that wide. However, there are also dwarf selections (for example ‘Minuet’)  on the market. I made the mistake early on in my gardening career of planting three together; eventually, they took over. I also discovered, when they were not blooming they were not especially attractive. I am not sure of the name for the weigela in the photograph but its claim to fame is three colors of flowers on the same bush. It is magnificent. (The label and my recall for the names of all my shrubs have disappeared). When the blooms diminish and the leaves come out, it will become a nice background plant. This weigela is about 8 feet tall and 6 around. I also have a weigela with wonderful variegated foliage which continues to be beautiful after the blooming show has passed.  Pruning is best done by cutting the oldest canes to the ground. THE SOUTHERN LIVING GARDEN BOOK also suggests that you can cut the whole plant back halfway every other year. I personally have not tried this method as mine still seems vigorous and healthy. I do prune out any dead canes when necessary.

A weigela is proof positive that you don’t have to be a star every minute of the year but, when it is your turn to shine, you will wow your audience.

(Please remember that I garden in East Central Alabama in an area that varies between hardiness zones 7B-8A; should you decide to plant any of the items mentioned in “The Inquisitve Gardener” in your own garden. please do check for plant hardiness in your area.)

A Froggy Visit

By Ms Sherry

One of the wonderful surprises in the garden is that you never know who might choose to make a home there. Just a day or so ago as I added water to my bird bath I discovered this charming little creature perched on the side. The bird bath has a pump so that I have moving water to attract the birds.  I had no idea the water would also attract frogs. What kind of frog this is and how it got into the bird bath, which is a full three feet off the ground, are mysteries to me. Perhaps there are some frog experts out there who might answer both of those questions.
I certainly did enjoy the visit and hope this little thing makes a habit of bathing in my front yard.